Delta Prep is proud to celebrate Ms. Marquish Applewhite, Director of College and Career, who was recognized as a 2026 Rising Star by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). Ms. Applewhite was selected by the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC) and honored at the national conference alongside fellow Rising Stars from across the country and around the world.
About the Award
The NACAC Rising Star Award honors individuals and programs that show excellence and dedication in helping students move from high school to college. Each year, NACAC’s regional affiliates choose emerging professionals whose work is making a real difference for students. For 2026, Ms. Applewhite was SACAC’s choice.
Four and a Half Years of Heart Work
Ms. Applewhite has spent the past four and a half years in Delta Prep’s College and Career Department, growing from college and career advisor to manager and now director. Whether she’s advising students, teaching advisory, planning college visits, or building new opportunities, her focus stays the same: showing our students what’s possible and challenging them to reach for it.
Her path to this work started close to home. She earned her associate degree at East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City before completing a bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Psychology. Before joining Delta Prep, she worked with young people in nonprofits, mental health agencies, and school districts.
In Her Own Words
After returning from the conference, Ms. Applewhite shared what the recognition meant to her:
“As I sat and listened to the incredible stories, accomplishments, and impact being shared, I was reminded that the work we do matters. Sometimes, we may not immediately see or fully understand the impact we have on the lives of our students and their families. It may be years down the road before we see the fruits of our labor, but the seeds we plant today can make a difference for a lifetime.”
She was clear about who she does this work for:
“My passion is serving our students, and not just any students, but OUR students right here in the Delta. While opportunities may be limited and resources may be few, I will always strive to expose our students to new possibilities, create opportunities for them to grow, and push them to reach their fullest potential. I want them to know that they are capable, there is a life to be created after high school, and there is a pathway for them if they are willing to put in the work. They deserve to see what is possible!”
And when people ask why she does it, her answer is simple:
“I am on an assignment, and somebody has to help these kids!”
She was also honest that the work isn’t easy. Some days are challenging and exhausting. But, as she put it, “THIS IS HEART WORK” — and that’s why she keeps showing up.
More Than an Award
The conference wasn’t all ceremonies and sessions. Ms. Applewhite and Ms. Washington even went ice skating at the University of Minnesota (and, we’re told, nobody fell). Ms. Applewhite came home with new ideas, renewed energy, and a reminder that the work happening in the Delta matters on a national stage.
She was quick to share the credit with her colleagues: “HUGE shout out to the amazing team I get to work with each day! Yall are gems!”
Congratulations, Ms. Applewhite!
On behalf of our students, families, and staff, thank you for pouring into our scholars every day. Your recognition is well deserved, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Read more about all of the 2026 Rising Stars on NACAC’s website: https://www.nacacnet.org/who-we-are/nacac-history/awards/2026-rising-star-award-winners/
Pictured (from left) in Thumbnail: SACAC Past President Arlene Outerbridge, SACAC President-Elect Pamela Bowie, Ms. Marquish Applewhite, and SACAC President Anita Hua.