Rankin418-web

volume 5 number 2 

April 2018 

Addy Gone Farming 

____________________ 

Welcome to Waterton 

____________________ 

THE BURGER BOOM 

5 

CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS 

HOMETOWN MAGAZINES

2 • April 2018

Hometown Rankin • 3

6 • April 2018

is Music 

to my 

EYES! 

CATARACT 

Awareness Month 

Your healthy vision is important to us. Whether you 

need a regular eye exam, glasses, sunglasses, or 

a procedure like cataract surgery, JEA will take 

care of you, because nothing sounds sweeter than 

healthy eyes! 

Schedule an appointment or visit 

our optical boutique. 

JACKSON 

601.353.2020 

MADISON 

601.853.2020 

JACKSONEYE.COM | 

CLINTON 

601.924.9750 

©2018 JEA 

8 • April 2018

PUBLISHER & EDITOR 

Tahya A. Dobbs 

CFO 

Kevin W. Dobbs 

CONSULTING EDITOR 

Mary Ann Kirby 

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES 

Karla Johnson 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Camille Anding 

Elizabeth Bennett 

Kyle Brown 

Donna Campbell 

Sheri Carter 

Olivia Halverson 

Dre’ Helms 

Mary Ann Kirby 

Susan Marquez 

Melanie McMillan 

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER 

Othel Anding 

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 

Alisha Floyd 

SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER 

Brenda McCall 

PROJECT ASSISTANT 

Elise Sears 

The groundhog has nothing to do with the arrival of spring! Shadows and groundhogs 

hiding from the sun are totally off my radar. 

My husband, Kevin, announces spring each year when he brings me the first bouquet of 

flowers that he picks in our backyard. The fragrance of those bright yellow faces instantly 

takes me back to my childhood. 

Their appearance, regardless of the frosty ground they might have had to battle, meant 

spring was cleaning up after winter’s harsh visit. An occasional late snow or one more hard 

freeze was always a possibility but the spring flowers told me not to worry. Spring was coming. 

Easter has been and will always be the bonus that arrives with spring. The harshness 

of the cross and the suffering and sorrow that is ascribed to our Savior was immeasurable. 

But morning came! Death was defeated for all who would 

trust in Jesus. New life was available, and spring arrived 

to celebrate that amazing truth. It rolls in every year and 

the groundhog can’t take any of the credit. 

Just watch for the flowers–and remember the cross. 

LAYOUT DESIGN 

Daniel Thomas - 3dt 

• • • 

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/hometownrankinmagazine 

For subscription information 

visit www.htmags.com 

Contact us at info@HTMags.com 

601.706.4059 

26 Eastgate Drive, Suite F 

Brandon MS 39042 

• • • 

All rights reserved. No portion of Hometown Rankin 

may be reproduced without written permission from 

the publisher. The management of Hometown Rankin 

is not responsible for opinions expressed by its 

writers or editors. Hometown Rankin maintains the 

unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted 

material. All advertisements are subject to approval by 

the publisher. The production of Hometown Rankin 

is funded by advertising. 

In this issue Business Administrators . . . . . . . 14 

Born to Dance . . . . . . . . . . 20 

Addy Gone Farming 30 

Brandon Amphitheater . . . . . . 44 

Welcome to Waterton . . 62 

18 Summers . . . . . . . . . . . 78 

A Corner of Hope . . . . . . . . . 82 

The PEARSON Foundation . . . . . 86 

The Burger Boom . . . . . . . . . 92 

Daring to be Different 98 

Unbridled Ability . . . . . . . . . 108 


Project Rezway 2018 

Fashion Show & Rezzy Awards 

March 1 • MS Craft Center 

Hosted by Keep the Rez Beautiful 

10 • April 2018


12 • April 2018

HOMETOWN SALUTE 

Business 

Administrators 

The business world is synonymous 

with pressurized schedules, critical time 

management, and juggling multiple 

relationships. The load can become 

overwhelming, and would, if not 

for the incalculable aid of the 

administrative assistant. 

They’re usually equipped with 

an extra set of senses to see problems 

before they occur, hear good and bad 

news before it affects the administration, 

and blankets possible problems 

with kindness and attention. 

Hometown Madison is featuring 

six of these talented administrative 

assistants–all nominated by our readers. 

Take note of how their gifts benefit 

and enhance the business world 

and diffuse so much of the stress. 

Administrative 

Professionals Day 

is April 25th 

Constance Lyles 

Lyles Signature Homes 

How long have you been at your current position? 

Four years. 

What is your favorite thing about your job? 

Taking final pictures of our homes, especially the customs. 

All homes start with the same concept, the end in mind. 

There is a lot that goes on from start to finish on every project. 

After each phase is complete the house looks more like a home. 

Customs are always fun to see complete as they reflect 

so much personality and style of the homeowner. 

Is there something that stands out as a special memory? 

My first meeting with Wayne and the Goodwin Group as they 

showed us around our website that I would be administrating. 

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given? 

Wayne Lyles once told me “you are as good 

as the tools you have.” What he meant by that was 

as long as you have the right tools for the job being done 

there is no reason to achieve anything but success. 

Your Hometown? 

Brandon, MS 

14 • April 2018


Merit Health Rankin 

How long have you been in your current position? 

Two years. 


I love that no two days are alike and each day presents 

a new challenge or opportunity. I am also blessed to work 

with an incredible group of people who are like family. 


For the past two years at Christmas, our employees have 

donated needed items to the Christmas House at Mississippi 

State Hospital. Everyone coming together to give back 

to the community was very special. 


One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever heard is from a quote 

that’s been around for as long as I can remember: “Be kind, for 

everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” It’s a wonderful 

reminder to extend grace to others even when it’s not easy. 


I grew up in Dallas, but Brandon 

has been home for the last 15 years. 

Susan Hampton 

Brandon Middle School 


Ten years – five years in 7th and 8th grade front office and five 

years in 6th grade office. 


I love the children. I hope they see a friendly face when they 

come to the office for help. I have also made many life long 

friends over the years who are like my family. 


Once we were surprising a principal with a birthday cake. 

We loaded it with so many candles that it literally melted 

half the cake and it kind of caught on fire. Dog Jam has 

brought lots of fond memories as well. 


My English grandmother “Nannie” always told me to treat others 

as you want to be treated. I try to treat the children as I would want 

someone to treat my children with understanding and compassion. 


Brandon, MS 


Sue Malone 

Express Employment 


I’ve been with Express Employment for 2 years. 


I currently work in a harmonious, productive environment where 

team-work emphasizes accountability and reliability with clear 

directions and expectations, and is integral to daily operations. 

I have the ability to exhibit values and behaviors congruent 

with the organizational cultural. 


I retired from corporate America in July 2014 after thirty years in 

human resources management. Soon realizing that I was not ready 

to retire, I decided to continue working, but, in a temporary 

employment capacity. I signed up with Express Employment where 

experienced employment professionals worked to balance my 

strengths and experience, and placed me in a progressive 

organization, where I remain today. 


Live life to the fullest because you may not have it tomorrow. 

Traci Malone 

Express Employment 


I started with Express Employment in July of 2017. 

After 18 years in the legal field, I was looking for 

a position completely different! 


My goal was to find a position less stressful than attorneys and 

court deadlines, Express Employment has helped me find that. 


I signed up with Express Employment where I met 

Angi Jones, who worked pursuantly and very quickly 

to showcase my background and placed me in a progressive; 

employee oriented organization. 


Treat yesterday as the past, tomorrow as the future, 

and today as a gift. That’s why it’s called the present. 


Brandon, MS 


Brandon, MS 

16 • April 2018

Nicole Johnson 

Baptist Medical Clinic 

Hometown 

Magazines 

salutes 

all of our 

administrative 

assistants 

across 

the county! 


Five years. 


My favorite thing about my job is the people I work with. 

Everyone is like a second family and different in their own way 

—which makes coming to work enjoyable. 

Thank you ! 


The time the clinic took time out of their busy schedules 

to throw me and my son a surprise baby shower. 


A smile goes a long way in a person and also while on the phone. 


Brandon, MS 


18 • April 2018

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hometownrankinmagazine 


Born to 

DANCE 


20 • April 2018

When Gerry Corso’s mom enrolled her 

four-year-old daughter in dance, Gerry 

never imagined it would be a lifetime 

commitment. But it was–and is. 

The Biloxi native learned to shuffle in tap shoes, earned her pointe shoes in ballet, 

and turned cart wheels in acrobatics (as it was called in those days). Lessons were three 

times a week – a lesson for each area of dance. 

Gerry’s older sister, Georgia, was her dance partner through high school, and the 

two were regular performers for special occasions in the Biloxi area. 

By the age of fifteen and a sophomore at Biloxi High School, Gerry was serious and 

talented enough to begin teaching her own students. After graduating high school, she 

enrolled in the University of Southern Mississippi and joined the Dixie Darlings Dancers. As 

a college student, she would travel to and from Biloxi to continue to teach her dance 

classes. With no obvious regrets, Gerry admits not finishing college. “All I wanted to do 

was dance,” she said with unwavering commitment to her lifelong pursuit. 


In the years that followed, Gerry 

would pack her station wagon with 

everything she needed for teaching 

dance – her dance shoes, mats, 

record player, and batons. Then she 

would travel to her dance classes five 

days a week in a total of seventeen 

different locations over the next 

years, teaching literally thousands 

of students. One of those students 

was former Lieutenant Governor 

Amy Tuck. 

Ages three to “whatever” enrolled 

in her classes. She charged monthly 

and only went up one dollar during 

all the years of dance instructions. 

When student enrollment 

grew in the Starkville location, she 

bought a building one block from 

the Mississippi State campus for 

her first dance studio. Students 

from the college would drop in 

and introduce themselves as her 

former students and enroll for 

more dance lessons. 

Gerry’s work ethic is outstanding. 

In her 62 years of teaching, she 

missed classes once with flu but 

had an assistant fill in for her. Even 

though she always had assistants, 

she taught every class. “I would 

intend to take a break and let my 

assistants teach while I took care 

of the music, but I couldn’t keep 

my mouth shut! I would see 

something that needed adjusting, 

and I would jump back into my 

teaching mode,” she said. 

She once held five recitals in 

one week, a feat seldom attempted. 

Emergency hernia surgery was the 

reason for her missing one recital 

in her 62 years of teaching. 

Gerry’s only other employment 

was as a Rankin County school 

employee for thirteen years. Even 

then she would leave the school 

at 3pm, rush home to change, and 

teach dance lessons from 3:30 to 

9pm, three afternoons a week. The 

only day of the week she never 

taught was Sunday. 

Today at age 79, Gerry and her 

husband, August, still enjoy active 

lifestyles. She laughed when she 

gave “Gutter Queen” as the title she 

earned when she first enrolled in a 

bowling league. The rodeo has also 

been an add-on all her life. Her 

love for horses was passed down 

to her four children, and now the 

grands are horse riders, too. 

Gerry’s husband, August, is an 

avid sports fan and has enlisted 

Gerry in learning to play golf. 

He’s been the announcer for the 

Richland High School football 

games for 15 years, and Gerry sits 

next to him with her binoculars as 

his spotter. She’s learned the 

elements of football and basketball, 

proving she can “balance” in more 

than just ballet. In turn, she taught 

August ballroom dance and the 

“jitter bug.” 

Richland citizens have noted 

her hard work and contributions 

to her hometown. The city of 

Richland recognized her 60th 

year of dance instruction with a 

proclamation in her honor. She also 

served as the grand marshal of the 

2016 Christmas Parade. The Ms. 

Richland Pageant, as well as Career 

Day at Richland High School, 

were initiated by Gerry and run 

under her direction for five years. 

Her official retirement came 

in 2015, but eight months later she 

came out of retirement at the 

request of dance lovers to teach a 

tap class. The “Sassy Steppers” were 

off and tapping! She and August 

will also teach a six-week course in 

ballroom dancing this spring. 

When thinking through her 

lifetime of teaching dance, she 

defined her love of her occupation 

when she said, “I’ve never dreaded 

a day of going to teach, and I can’t 

think of anything I would have 

changed.” Even during those winter 

lessons when she would have to 

arrive two hours early to get the 

dance location warm for the 

students, she still found joy and 

delight in teaching the art of dance. 

She probably believes her 

lifetime accreditation membership 

that she earned at the National 

Association of Dance Masters 

qualified her to be a dance 

instructor for 62 years. Her living 

legend says not so. Her love and 

dedication to the art form are the 

real qualifiers. Ms. Gerry was 

simply born to dance. l 

22 • April 2018


ST. DOMINIC’S FAMILY MEDICINE–BRANDON IS PLEASED TO WELCOME 

Heather Kuriger, NP 

THE NEWEST MEMBER OF OUR FAMILY MEDICINE TEAM 

Heather Kuriger is a native of Madison and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1993. She studied at 

Hinds Community College and received her Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Southern Mississippi 

in 1997. She worked as a registered nurse in the fields of oncology and obstetrics before attending the University 

of Mississippi Medical Center. She received her Master of Nursing degree as a family nurse practitioner in 2010. 

She has worked as a family nurse practitioner in Tupelo, Raleigh and Brandon, specializing in obstetrics and family 

medicine. Heather attends Cross Roads Baptist Church in Pelahatchie where she teaches adult Sunday School and 

sings in the choir. Her home is in Brandon, and she enjoys her dogs, reading and traveling. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Heather call 

St. Dominic’s Family Medicine- Brandon at 601-200-4790. 

Convenient Location with Same Day Appointments Available. 

Heather Kuriger, NP 

Monday–Friday • Walk-Ins Always Welcome 

ST. DOMINIC’S FAMILY MEDICINE–BRANDON 

1297 W GOVERNMENT STREET • BRANDON, MS 39042 

24 • April 2018 

FMBrandon HR8x5.indd 1 

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Dont miss 

our next issue, 

June 2018 

26 • April 2018

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28 • April 2018 

Annual Banquet 

FEBRUARY 15 • CLYDE MUSE CENTER


Addy 

Elizabeth Bennett 

Gone 

Farming 

Addison Yates is no ordinary seventeen-year-old. While she excels in academics 

and extracurricular activities at Discovery Christian School in Florence, what really 

sets her apart is her ownership and management of her own farm. While most 

other teenagers are still sleeping before getting up for school, Addison is outside 

taking care of her farm. She feeds her pigs and goats before school and the rest 

of the animals after school. 

Ever since Addison was a little girl, she has always loved animals and had 

aspirations to be a veterinarian one day. “I’ve always loved animals. My dad was 

raising animals when I was growing up. I have bottle-fed skunks and deer,” said Addison. 

A trip to the flea market when Addison was sixteen sparked her interest for raising 

farm animals. She bought three chickens: Elvis, Peep Peep, and Priscilla. “That’s what 

started it all,” said Addison. 

Addison’s dad, along with her boyfriend, built the farm on which she now keeps 

around forty animals. She raises chickens, goats, a pig, rabbits, turkeys, dogs, cats and 

has a pet snake named Reuben in her bedroom. 

30 • April 2018


Dixie the goat was Addison’s second animal 

to get on her farm. They drove to Tennessee to 

get the goat and paid $350. She gets the goats 

from Fallen for Ewe Ranch. 

At one time she had a blue tongued skink 

that she ordered from California. She feeds 

the goats oat pellets and the pigs pig pellets 

and salad. When she is not around, her sister 

bottle-feeds the goats. Addison wants to raise 

and sell goats, too. 

She purchased each animal with her own 

money and buys all the feed and supplies 

needed to take care of them. She earns money 

by babysitting, pet sitting, selling eggs and 

hatching her own chicks to sell. 

Despite having all these animals, she 

really wants to have ducks, cows, horses and 

donkeys. “Cows are my favorite animal,” says 

Addison. “I love cows because they’re like 

gentle giants. I think cows are looked at as a 

source of food and for money making purposes, 

but I think they just make wonderful pets. 

They form bonds easily,” she said. 

Although cows are her favorite farm animal, 

her favorite animal she owns is a four-year-old 

boxer named Major. “Major is my favorite 

because he was our first inside family pet. 

He acts like a human or friend rather than a 

dog and helps me with my farm animals,” 

said Addison. 

She is also a beekeeper. Larry Glass, who 

owns Heartwood in Star, Mississippi, helped her 

get started with her bee business. Heartwood 

is a company that makes birdhouses and sells 

bee equipment, too. He gave Addison her first 

beehive and bees. “I am just so thankful that 

he gave me that opportunity,” said Addison. 

She has one hive of 60,000 bees and has plans 

of harvesting honey this spring. “I think bees 

are so fascinating. It’s amazing to watch them! 

They are much more gentle than people think,” 

said Addison. 

Addison enjoys being involved with fishing 

tournaments with her boyfriend, Garrett 

McWilliams, who is also on her school’s fishing 

team. Last summer, they traveled to Pickwick 

Lake in North Alabama for the Fishing League 

Worldwide High School National Fishing 

Tournament and placed 17th out of 600 students. 

“I enjoyed learning to ledge fish. It was exciting 

fishing with 600 other high school students 

not knowing what each team would be bringing 

in at weigh-in. I was also very excited to 

bring the fish on stage to have them weighed,” 

said Addison. Addison and her fishing team at 

Discovery Christian School plan on going back 

to Nationals again this summer. 

Addison’s dad was the one who first got her 

interested in hunting. She killed her first deer 

with her dad when she was only seven years 

old. Her dad had the deer mounted and it is 

hanging on a wall in her bedroom. “We use 

deer meat for anything that you would use 

ground beef for,” says Addison’s mom. They 

have deer sausage, deer hamburger, deer tacos. 

In 2015, she was in the Big Bounty Hunter 

contest. She was featured in the Mississippi 

Outdoors Magazine for the girls youth division. 

In addition to her farm duties and being a 

senior at Discovery Christian School, Addison 

is also taking a few college classes, early, 

through Hinds Community College. She also 

plays the keyboard in her church’s worship 

team at Restoration Church, sings on the 

praise team, and works in children’s church. 

On January 20, Addison put her love of 

animals to the test by delivering baby goats at 

2 am. “I wasn’t scared at all. I was very excited. 

I did not have any help that night. However, my 

whole family came out to watch. The delivery 

process was not long at all. After each goat was 

born, I dried them off and the mama goat 

began to take care of them. They were very 

playful the next day and so much fun to 

watch,” said Addison. 

Whether Addison needs advice about 

delivering baby goats or any other farm 

question, she has the advice of some more 

experienced farmers in her life. Scott and 

Leslie Palmer, owners of Fallen for Ewe Ranch, 

32 • April 2018

and her friend Mrs. Rosa, are her mentors. 

They are willing to help and answer any 

questions that she has. 

In November 2017, she and her family had 

a special event on her farm which raised over 

$1,000 for her senior class trip. They called it 

“A Day on Addy’s Farm”. They made flyers to 

advertise and had a fun day on the farm which 

included face painting, seeing the animals, 

a hayride, petting the turtles, a photo booth, 

bake sale, a bouncy house, bee presentations, 

and they sold hotdog plates. Addison and her 

parents, along with her small senior class, 

enjoyed a trip to Hawaii in March for her 

senior trip. 

Addison has an Instagram page called 

“Addy Gone Farming”. There she documents 

her adventures in farming. People from all 

over the country comment on her page and 

enjoy seeing the animals. 

Upon graduation in May, Addison will 

go to Hinds Community College. After that, 

she plans on transferring to Mississippi State 

University and becoming a large animal 

veterinarian. She hopes her younger sister 

will take care of all her animals when she 

goes off to college. “I’d like to move to Florida 

after college,” says Addison. “I’d love to move 

there because I love the ocean. It would be 

perfect to move my farm down to a tropical 

place. I could enjoy both things that I love 

together in the same place,” she said. 

Addison’s mom, Renee Yates, is very proud 

of her. “The thing that makes me most proud 

of Addison is that she honors and serves 

God and is faithful to Him. She loves the Lord 

and serves Him with her talents,” she said. 

“Sometimes she is out there on the farm until 

after dark with a headlamp on, cleaning 

everything,” she added. 

Addison is thankful for her opportunities. 

“I’m very thankful that the Lord has allowed 

me to have so many wonderful opportunities 

and experiences at such a young age. I’ve 

always loved animals and by owning my own 

farm I can love on and play with them anytime 

I want,” said Addison. 

Addison’s farming adventures have only 

just begun and she is off to a great start! 

She already has a bounty of experience that 

will help her towards her goal of becoming a 

veterinarian one day. l

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34 • April 2018

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SPONSORED BY 

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Magazine 

36 • April 2018


A Closer Look 


Dr. Beverly Fulcher, MD 

I really enjoy my job, 

and every day I go to 

work looking forward to 

helping my patients. 

Beverly Fulcher, MD, has been with Mississippi Ear Nose and Throat 

Surgical Associates since December 2017. She is the only female 

general otolaryngologist in private practice in the state of Mississippi. 

Dr. Fulcher grew up in Hattiesburg with her parents, who were both 

educators, and her older brother and sister. As a student at Oak Grove 

High School, Dr. Fulcher gravitated to science and math, and it was then 

that she knew she wanted to pursue a career in medicine. 

She went on to the University of Southern Mississippi, where she was 

graduated summa cum laude with a degree in chemistry. She completed 

medical school at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in 1998 

and her residency training in otolaryngology in 1998. Her older sister was 

in medical school at the same time as is now a practicing anesthesiologist. 

“There was a lot of studying in medical school but I loved it,” says 

Dr. Fulcher. “I chose to specialize in otolaryngology because of the wide 

variety of patients that we treat, from adults with sinus issues, to children 

who need to have their tonsils out.” 

While in medical school, Dr. Fulcher was a member of the American 

Medical Association, Christian Medical Students, and Alpha Omega 

Alpha Medical Honor Society. During residency, she published research 

papers on vestibular physiology and paranasal sinus disease. Dr. Fulcher 

completed her board certification with the American Board of 

Otolaryngology in 2004, and has updated her certification every year 

to meet the board’s professional standards of training and knowledge 

in otolaryngology—head and neck surgery. 

Giving back to the community is important to Dr. Fulcher. She recently 

helped start a mentoring group and Bible study at her church for women 

at various stages in their medical careers and is a sustainer in the Junior 

League of Jackson. While an active member of the Junior League, she 

helped with the ACT Prep workshop for area high school students, 

teaching the science section for several years. She also volunteered at 

the Ronald McDonald House at UMMC and is active in neighborhood 

organizations. 

Dr. Fulcher and her husband have three children, ages 11, 10, and 7. 

She enjoys cooking and sewing, and she and her family are avid 

fishermen. 

Interacting with patients and seeing their health improve after surgery 

is very rewarding to Dr. Fulcher. “I enjoy getting to know patients 

and their families. I know how it feels to have a child who is having 

surgery, so I have experienced both sides, as a parent and a surgeon. 

I really enjoy my job, and every day I go to work looking forward to 

helping my patients.” n 


Hometown 

GOODNESS 

Cadbury Egg Brownies 

• 1 box dark chocolate brownie mix 

• 1/2 cup corn syrup 

• 1/4 cup softened butter 

• 3 cups powdered sugar 

• 1 tsp. vanilla 

• Yellow food coloring 

• 1 can creamy home-style 

chocolate frosting 

Make brownies according to box 

directions. Allow to cool. Cream 

the corn syrup, butter and vanilla. 

Slowly add in powdered sugar 

beating until incorporated. Transfer 

1/2 of the filling to another bowl 

and add yellow food coloring. 

Spread yellow mixture on top of 

brownies and refrigerate for 15 

minutes. Spread white mixture on 

top of yellow layer and refrigerate 

for 15 minutes. Open frosting 

container and microwave for 30 

seconds. Stir and pour about 

2/3 of frosting over brownies. 

You can then set in freezer or 

refrigerator for a few minutes to set 

the frosting. 

hello spring Lemon Cake 

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened 

• 1-1/2 cups of white granulated 

sugar 

• 1 small package of Jell-O lemon 

pie filling or instant lemon 

pudding mix 

• 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon zest 

• 4 eggs 

• 1-1/4 cup whole milk 

• 1/3 cup canola oil 

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract 

• 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 

• 3 Tbsp. cornstarch 

• 4 teaspoons baking powder 

• 1 teaspoon salt 

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. 

Grease and flour a standard 12-cup 

Bundt pan. In a medium bowl, whisk 

together the flour, cornstarch, baking 

powder and salt then set aside. For 

icing, using an electric mixer on 

medium speed with a paddle 

attachment, cream together the 

butter and granulated sugar until 

light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. 

Add the lemon pie filling mix 

powder (you do not cook it) and 

combine thoroughly. Beat in the 

eggs, one at a time, making sure each 

is thoroughly incorporated. Mix in 

the lemon zest. Combine the milk, 

oil, and vanilla extract in a large 

measuring cup or bowl. 

Starting with the dry ingredients, 

alternate pouring a third of the wet 

and dry ingredients into the mixer 

bowl, incorporating thoroughly after 

each addition. You will end on the 

wet ingredients. Mix on medium 

speed for 2 minutes after the last 

addition. 

Pour the cake batter into the 

prepared Bundt pan and bake for 

50 to 60 minutes, or until a tester 

inserted into the center of the cake 

comes out clean. Invert the cake 

onto a baking rack to cool. Frost 

with lemon buttercream icing 

when the cake has completely 

cooled and sprinkle lemon zest 

over the icing if wanted. 

Garlic Butter 

Roasted Carrots 

• 2 pounds carrots , diagonally cut 

into 2 to 3-inch pieces 

• 5 tablespoons butter 

• 4 garlic cloves , minced 

• 1/4 teaspoon salt 

• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper 

chopped fresh parsley , for garnish 

Preheat oven to 425F. Grease a 

baking sheet with cooking spray and 

set aside. Cut up the carrots and set 

aside. Melt butter over medium heat 

in a large nonstick skillet or pan. 

Add garlic and cook for 3 minutes, 

or until lightly browned, stirring very 

frequently. DO NOT burn the garlic. 

Toss the carrots with the garlic butter 

either in the pan or pour the butter 

over them in a mixing bowl until 

well combined. Transfer carrots to 

previously prepared baking sheet. 

Arrange in one layer and bake 22-30 

minutes, or until carrots are tender. 

Remove from oven and transfer to 

a serving plate. Taste for seasoning 

and adjust accordingly. Garnish with 

fresh chopped parsley and serve. 

40 • April 2018

Creamy Twice-Baked 

Potato Casserole 

• 8 medium sized baked potatoes 

• 2 c. cheddar cheese 

• 16. oz. sour cream 

• 1/2 c. milk 

• 1/4 c. melted butter 

• 2 garlic cloves 

• 1 T fresh chives chopped 

• 1-1/2 t. salt 

• 1/2 t. pepper 

• 6 slices of bacon cooked 

and chopped 

Boil or bake peeled potatoes until 

tender. Mash potatoes. Add 1 cup 

cheese and next ingredients. Beat well 

with a mixer. Pour into baking dish 

(sprayed with cooking spray) 

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. 

Sprinkle remaining cheese 

Slow-Cooker 

Honey-Glazed Ham 

• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 

• 1/2 cup honey 

• 1/2 cup water 

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 

• 10 whole cloves 

• 1 (8- to 10-pound) spiral cut ham 

Make the glaze: Combine the brown 

sugar, honey, water, mustard, and 

cloves in a small saucepan and bring 

to a simmer over medium-high heat. 

Cook until the glaze is homogeneous 

and fragrant from the cloves, about 

5 minutes. Remove the cloves with 

a spoon. 

Prepare the ham: Place the ham in a 

6-quart or larger slow cooker, making 

sure you can put the lid on. You may 

have to turn the ham on its side, or 

trim a bit off the top if your ham is too 

large. Gently pull apart the ham’s 

slices and separate them. 

Add the glaze: Pour the glaze over the 

ham, trying to cover as much of the 

ham as possible, but not worrying too 

much, as the glaze will fall back into 

the slow cooker. 

Cook the ham: Cover and cook on 

LOW for 4 to 5 hours. Every hour 

(or as you remember), baste the ham 

with the glaze. You can also flip the 

ham halfway through cooking, if 

desired. 

Serve: The ham is ready when it 

reaches an internal temperature of 

140°F. Serve with the thickened glaze. 

Bacon Asparagus 

Crescents 

• 8 slices bacon 

• Flour, for rolling out dough 

• 1 sheet crescent dough 

• 1 small bunch (about 1/2 lb.) 

asparagus, woody ends removed 

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 

• Kosher salt 

• Freshly ground black pepper 

• Egg wash 

• 1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan 

Preheat oven to 400º. On a large 

baking sheet with a wire rack placed 

on top, lay bacon. Bake until bacon 

is cooked but still pliable, about 20 

minutes. 

Increase oven heat to 425°. Line a 

large sheet pan with parchment paper. 

On a lightly floured surface, roll the 

puff pastry out to a large rectangle. 

Square off edges and cut the rectangle 

into 8 even squares. 

Toss asparagus in olive oil and season 

with salt and pepper. 

Brush each square of puff pastry with 

egg wash. Place a slice of cooked bacon 

on top, followed by 3 to 4 stalks of 

asparagus and a sprinkle of Parmesan. 

Wrap bacon around asparagus and 

cheese, then wrap puff pastry around 

the bacon-asparagus bundle, 

overlapping the puff pastry ends to seal. 

Brush each puff pastry with more egg 

wash. Bake until puff pastry is golden 

and puffed, about 12 minutes. 

Beef Tenderloin 

with Vegetables & 

Hollandaise Sauce 

• 1 beef tenderloin (5lbs.), trimmed 

• 2 teaspoons salt 

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper 

VEGETABLES 

• 1/4 cup butter, cubed 

• 8 medium carrots, julienned 

• 6 celery ribs, julienned 

• 1/4 teaspoon salt 

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper 

• 3 cans (14 ounces each) 

water-packed artichoke hearts, 

drained and quartered 

HOLLANDAISE SAUCE 

• 3 large egg yolks 

• 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream 

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 

• 1 cup butter, melted 

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 

Preheat oven to 425°. Tuck thin tail 

end of tenderloin under; tie at 2” 

intervals with kitchen string. Sprinkle 

with salt and pepper. Place on a rack 

in a shallow roasting pan. Roast 50-60 

minutes or until meat reaches desired 

doneness Remove from oven; tent 

with foil. Let stand 15 minutes before 

slicing. 

In a large skillet, heat butter over 

medium-high heat. Add carrots; cook 

and stir 5 minutes. Add celery, salt 

and pepper; cook and stir 5-7 minutes 

until vegetables are crisp- tender. 

Stir in artichokes. 

In top of a double boiler or a metal 

bowl over simmering water, whisk egg 

yolks, cream, mustard and cayenne 

until blended; cook until mixture is 

thick enough to coat a metal spoon 

and temperature reaches 160°, 

whisking constantly. Remove from 

heat. Very slowly drizzle in warm 

melted butter, whisking constantly. 

Whisk in lemon juice. Transfer sauce 

to a small bowl and place in a larger 

bowl of warm water. Keep warm, 

stirring occasionally, until ready to 

serve, up to 30 minutes. 


42 • April 2018


THE STARS 

ARE COMING OUT TO PLAY! 

Brandon Set to Open Amphitheater Kyle Brown 

Hank, Alan, Dave! 

Those are just a few of the names that 

Brandon City officials, along with Red 

Mountain Entertainment, unveiled as 

the first acts slated to perform at the 

Brandon Amphitheater. 

In early January, the City of Brandon and 

C Spire announced their partnership for the 

C Spire Concert Series. A few weeks later, 

snow could not cool the excitement as the 

first wave of shows was announced in the 

Community Bank Club at the Brandon 

Amphitheater. 

• Wednesday, April 18 

Chris Young with special guests Kane 

Brown, Morgan Evans & Dee Jay Silver 

• Thursday, May 3 

Brantley Gilbert with special guests 

Aaron Lewis & Josh Phillips 

• Saturday, May 12 

Hank Williams Jr. 

• Tuesday, May 29 

Dave Matthews Band 

• Friday, June 8 

I Love The 90’s featuring Salt-N-Pepa, 

Rob Base, Kid N Play, Coolio + more 

• Saturday, June 16 

Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road 

Show with Marty Stuart and Brent Cobb 

• Friday, June 22 

Alan Jackson with special guest 

Randy Houser 

• Sunday July 8 

Imagine Dragons and Grace VanderWaal 

• Friday, July 27 

Jason Aldean 

• Saturday, September 8 

Alabama featuring Charlie Daniels Band 

“We are extremely excited this day has 

finally come after all the effort that has gone 

into this project. We look forward to making 

this a success for both the City of Brandon 

and the state of Mississippi,” stated Brandon 

Mayor Butch Lee. With the opening of the 

44 • April 2018


Brandon Amphitheater, the city welcomes a 

distinguished group of sponsors, including 

C Spire, Miller Lite/Capital City Beverages, 

Community Bank, Brown Bottling Group, 

Bob Boyte Honda, Merit Health, Entergy, 

Ergon, and Cathead. 

As Brandon has developed all the 

amenities at The Quarry, the 250-acre park 

that houses the Brandon Amphitheater, 

community has been at the forefront – 

and sponsors took notice. 

“At Bob Boyte Honda, we’re all about 

community,” said Bob Boyte of Bob Boyte 

Honda. “We first opened our doors in 

Brandon in 2005, and we’ve been proud 

to call Brandon home ever since. Naturally, 

we’re all excited about the new Brandon 

Amphitheater. It’s going to be a fantastic 

venue for generations to come, not only for 

our citizens of Brandon, but through events 

like the concert series, it will draw people 

from miles around to come experience all 

that Brandon has to offer. What a big DEAL!” 

“Community Bank is honored to sponsor 

the VIP room area at the Brandon Amphitheater 

at The Quarry,” said Chuck Nicholson, 

President and CEO for Community Bank. 

“As the only bank with its headquarters in 

Rankin County, we are very excited to 

support the Amphitheater. We felt this was a 

great opportunity to give back to the City of 

Brandon.” Community Bank has 47 offices in 

four states (Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama 

and Florida) across the Southeast. 

City officials began laying out their vision in 

2014 to bring about more tourism, recreation, 

and lifestyle improvements to Brandon. “The 

Board of Aldermen and I began brainstorming 

this idea years ago, and it took a lot of people 

to bring this to fruition,” said Brandon Mayor 

Butch Lee. “From the beginning, the city’s 

goal for the Brandon Amphitheater and The 

Quarry was to create a quality, family-centric 

atmosphere that will bring more economic 

growth and increase tourism to our city, as well 

as the state.” The Quarry will also include 

walking and biking trails, a dog park, and 

tournament-equipped baseball fields. 

The Amphitheater will offer a flexible 

capacity of 7,000 - 8,300, and is comprised 

of lower- and upper-level seating, box seats, 

as well as a state-of-the-art audio and video 

infrastructure, complete with LED video 

walls. There will be ample concession windows 

and beverage kiosks throughout the venue. 

The Community Bank Club is a private 

VIP club for Amphitheater sponsors and 

box seat holders. 

Visit www.brandonamphitheater.com for up-to-date 

announcements on all the latest concerts or call 

the box office at 601.724.2726. 

46 • April 2018


48 • April 2018


50 • April 2018 

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58 • April 2018


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60 • April 2018


62 • April 2018

Welcome to 

Susan Marquez 


Imagine an idyllic setting with friendly 

neighbors, swimming pools, walking 

trails, bike trails, parks and a waterfront 

event area with evening concerts and other 

events. While it may sound like a dreamy 

southern lifestyle, the reality is that just 

such a development will be breaking 

ground soon in Flowood. As a matter 

of fact, Lafayette, Louisiana-based 

Southern Lifestyle Development is 

the company that is making the dream 

come true. 

“We are not selling a neighborhood,” 

states Blair Green, director of marketing 

for Southern Lifestyle Development. 

“We are truly selling a lifestyle.” 

Green says the Waterton development 

will be built around a pedestrian lifestyle, 

with lots of events to bring people out 

of their homes. “We’ve seen this concept 

work over and over again,” she says. The 

company has been in operation for twenty 

years, and has developed close to 40 such 

developments across the country. “Right 

here in Lafayette we have seen continued 

growth at River Ranch. It usually takes 

about ten years before seeing the kind of 

64 • April 2018

growth where a neighborhood takes on a 

life of its own. Another development here 

is Sugar Mill Pond. People go into Lafayette 

for work, then return to their haven which 

has become a hub of activity.” 

According to Green, Waterton will 

have 230 acres of total build with 560 

single- family homes. There will be 

800,000 square feet of commercial space. 

“We are casting a wide net when it 

comes to retailers for the development. 

We are looking at a specialty grocery 

chain as well as smaller retailers such as 

boutiques and coffee shops.” 

One of the most exciting features of 

the development will be the two wharfstyle 

restaurants over the water on the 

20-acre lake. “We are looking at two 

diverse concepts,” Green says. “One will 

be a white-tablecloth restaurant while 

the other will be more casual. We want 

to create a unique atmosphere at each 

restaurant to appeal to as many people 

as possible.” 

The anchor of the development will 

be a town square where events will be 

held. Community Bank will build its new 

headquarters in the town center. The bank 

sold 240 acres to Southern Lifestyle. “We 

are proud to be a part of Rankin County, 

having been a member of this community 


for over twenty years,” says Charles W. 

Nicholson, Jr., president and CEO of 

Community Bank. “We are honored to 

continue to be the only bank headquartered 

in Rankin County. In addition to 

the full-service banking services, our 

customers at the headquarters facility 

will also provide tenant spaces within 

the larger mixed-use ‘live, work and 

play community’ being developed 

at Waterton.” 

The development will be a sort 

of city-within-a-city, situated at the 

intersection of East Metro Parkway 

and Lakeland Drive in Flowood. 

“We are so excited to have Waterton 

being developed with over 230 acres of 

commercial and residential construction 

in the middle of the City of Flowood,” 

said Flowood Mayor Gary Rhoads. 

“A development of this magnitude will 

bring a tremendous amount of positive 

energy and growth to our city, county, and 

state. A special thanks to Community Bank 

for working with the City of Flowood, 

along with Southern Lifestyle Development 

to see a vision, develop a plan, and strive 

to enhance the quality of life for decades 

to come. The City of Flowood has been 

blessed with numerous ventures, both 

commercial and residential, but this one 

will have the town-center styled 

atmosphere, which is needed.” 

Groundbreaking for the development 

will take place in May, with work 

commencing on the 50-acre first phase 

in the summer. Completion of phase one 

will take about a year, and will include the 

first 150 homes as well as some commercial 

structures. Homes will range from 

cottage-sized to estate homes. l 

66 • April 2018


68 • April 2018


The chamber of Flowood 

Chocolate 

Festival 

February 8 

Market Street 

70 • April 2018


72 • April 2018

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76 • April 2018

HOMETOWN 

Sponsored by 

For ten weeks, Renasant Bank and Hometown 

Rankin Magazine honors school personnel 

throughout Rankin County for outstanding 

work in their fields. Nominations were accepted 

through Facebook each week and those receiving 

the most nominations were awarded gift baskets 

from our sponsor. We are pleased to have been 

able to celebrate with these amazing school 

employees that were voted on by their peers. 

Thank you to all who participated and 

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78 • April 2018 

18 Summers 

Mary Ann Kirby

“Let me love you a little more before you’re not little anymore . . .” 

Anonymous 

We have a new driver in the house. Well, sort of. 

My fifteen-year-old got his learner’s permit over spring 

break. And while I could write an entire book on the 

insanity of actually navigating the agonizing process, 

the greatest takeaway, for me, was that he and I did it 

together. 

We’re approaching number fifteen . . . of our 

eighteen summers. 

On this particular day, my son and I left the house 

at the crack of dawn thinking we’d be getting ahead of 

the crowds that were known for gathering quickly at 

the area DMV offices. When we pulled up, there were 

already forty people ahead of us—thirty minutes prior 

to opening—which grew to sixty by the time we’d 

decided to bail. Spring break may not have been the 

best time to try to get a permit. 

On the off chance that we may have better luck 

somewhere else, we drove to another DMV office 

where we found nearly a hundred in line ahead of us. 

Yep, spring break was definitely a bad idea. 

At this point, both of us were frustrated—not to 

mention disappointed. So much emphasis is put on 

this whole “rite of passage” thing. Actually enduring 

the process makes it a real pain, too. 

On a whim, we decided to go to Vicksburg. I mean, 

what’s another 35 minutes, right? We got to the testing 

office and there were five people in line—and I’m pretty 

sure that three of those people were there for support. 

Twenty-two minutes later we were done. And in an 

instant, the mood lifted. My son had passed his test, 

and I was so thankful to be there to be a part of it. 

He’ll be driving on his own by his sixteenth summer. 

It’s so ironic how the things in which we want our 

children to succeed are the very things that lead them 

away from us. I mean, what parent doesn’t dream of 

their kid making a 36 on the ACT? And yet the better 

they do, the farther they go. Life is bittersweet that way. 

No one tells you that the hardest part of motherhood 

is when your kids grow up. 

* * * 

My husband has been absolutely amazing about 

planning summer trips for our family for as long as 

we’ve been able to easily travel. Facebook memories 

take me back to past vacations and serve as a wonderful 

reminder of how we’ve invested our time together. 

Last summer we spent several nights out of state 

playing in a select-team baseball tournament. We found 

a local spot for dinner about a half-mile from our condo 

—all the while, my son busy texting his buddies from 

the team. Apparently they were all gathered up and 

headed to the pool. 

He announced at the restaurant that he was going 

to head back to catch up with his friends—which 

meant he was planning to walk since his dad and 

I had not yet finished eating. 

So he left. “I’ll see ya’ll,” he said. 

He just walked out of the restaurant and down 

the road a full half-mile, by himself. And as absolutely 

ridiculous as it sounds, I teared up. It seemed like mere 

moments had passed since he and I had last crossed a 

busy street together making a huge production out of 

looking both ways—he holding my index finger, me as 

his protector. 

Being mentally prepared and emotionally prepared 

are two entirely different things when it comes to our 

kids leaving. And the changes that come, at least at our 

particular stage in life, seem to be coming at warp speed. 

* * * 

So after my son passed his permit exam we started our 

journey home. There was a confidence about him that 

had not been quite as evident on the trip over. He was 

proud of himself. I was proud of him, too. It was one of 

those moments that he and I will never forget. We had 

won—together. 

And then, as if the anxiety of it had drained him 

completely dry, he slept all the way home. It felt like he 

was four again. My baby. 

Learning to let go is hard, but we do it. A driver’s 

license here, a later curfew there, more freedom, more 

choices—we let go and they grow. 

So here we are at the boundary between childhood 

and everything that comes after. Now comes the time 

for pure faith and endless prayer as the fifteenth summer 

is spent getting ready for the sixteenth. Sooner than 

later my son will roll out of our driveway on to bigger 

and greater things. 

And eighteen summers doesn’t seem nearly long 

enough for this mama to prepare . . . 


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80 • April 2018


“The greatest need 

in our world today 

is the need for hope.” 

Billy Graham 

82 • April 2018

A Corner of HOPE... 

in the fight against Parkinson’s Disease Sherri Carter 

“Good job!” he said, as I advanced across 

the gym floor, striking his focus mitts with my 

pink boxing gloves. I smiled, pleased at the 

progress I was making. 

Determined to push forward in my fight 

against Parkinson’s disease (PD), I work with 

a personal trainer to increase my strength and 

stamina. 

PD attacks me with muscle pain and 

weakness, slow movements, and an occasional 

tremor. If I focus on my symptoms, they can 

easily back me into a corner of fear and doubt. 

I choose, instead, to look to the resources in 

my corner—the corner I call Hope—where 

I find support, renewal and strength. 

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, 

designated to promote public awareness, 

increase understanding, and enlist others 

in the fight. 

Parkinson’s Disease is a disorder of the 

central nervous system that affects the 

body’s ability to produce dopamine, a chemical 

needed to coordinate movement. A lack of 

dopamine may cause muscle pain and stiffness, 

slow movements, gait and balance problems, 

sleep disorders, fatigue, and anxiety. No two 

people have the same symptoms or rate of 

progression. 

Many associate PD with Michael J. Fox, 

Muhammad Ali, and Billy Graham; however, 

this neurological disorder is estimated to affect 

over one million people in the United States. 

Although it can strike at any age, the average 

age of diagnosis is 60. One in 100 adults over 

60 has the disease. 

The cause is unknown; however, the 

following risk factors have been minimally 

associated with PD: exposure to environmental 

toxins, head/neck trauma, genetics, and aging. 

Currently there is no cure. While it is 

progressive, PD is not considered fatal. 

A strong support system is a valuable asset 

for the person with Parkinson’s. I have listed 

the resources that I have placed in my corner: 

Medical team My neurologist, family 

practitioner, physical therapist, and other 

specialists diagnose, prescribe treatment, 

and monitor my overall health. 

Family and friends Family members and 

friends accompany me to appointments, 

recognize my needs and limitations, offer 

encouragement, provide social interaction, 

and pray for me. 

Exercise Daily exercise is essential. Research 

shows that exercise can improve balance, gait, 

strength, and flexibility. Studies also indicate 

that exercise helps the body use dopamine 

more efficiently and slows the rate of 

progression. (Get a doctor’s approval before 

beginning any exercise activity.) In addition 

to individual exercise activities, I am involved 

in the following programs and therapies: 

Dance for Parkinson’s 

A community enrichment program of 

Millsaps College in Jackson, this class meets 

weekly. Through a combination of music and 

activity, instructors help participants improve 

motor coordination. No dance experience is 

necessary. (Contact Phoebe Pearigen, 

Instructor, at 601-960-0334 or 

Pearigen@millsaps.edu) 

Boxers Against Parkinson’s (BAP) 

First Baptist Church Jackson, is offering a 

new, intensive exercise class for PD that 

incorporates non-contact boxing. 

(Contact Bruce Warf, Family Pastor, 

at 601-949-1968 or bwarf@fbcj.org) 

Physical therapy 

Prescribed by my doctor, my physical therapist 

identified and helped me strengthen specific 

areas of weakness. 

Personal training 

Available through my local gym, my personal 

trainer teaches me strengthening exercises 

and provides feedback. 

LSVT BIG and LOUD 

This prescribed physical therapy program, 

available through local medical providers, 

taught me specific exercise techniques to 

improve my speech and mobility. 

(https://www.lsvtglobal.com) 

Support group The Jackson Metro Support 

Group of the American Parkinson Disease 

Association meets quarterly at the C. Chastaine 

Flynt Memorial Library in Flowood. 

(Contact Sheila @ 601-214-3665 

or shelia@apdaparkinson.org) 

Faith My most powerful resource is the 

One who created me. Evangelist Billy Graham, 

who lived with PD for over twenty years said, 

“Faith points us beyond our problems to the 

hope we have in Christ.” 

Living with PD can be challenging— 

however, I do not fight alone. My life is 

enriched with the help of others. 

My participation in group classes fosters 

a sense of community and motivates me to 

continue exercising. In addition to developing 

new friendships, I have gained opportunities 

to participate in special community events. 

Whether I go to the gym alone or workout 

with others, I benefit. I am inspired by those 

around me who are also working to improve 

their health. 

Recently, as my husband and I were exiting 

a restaurant, we were greeted by a young lady 

who smiled and said, “I know you! I see you 

at the gym all the time. Keep it up!” Moments 

like this show me that there are more people 

in my corner than I realize. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares 

the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm 

you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

–Jeremiah 29:11 


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84 • April 2018


THE 

PEARSON 

Foundation 


A few minutes of the nightly news or a quick perusal of social 

media can easily put one in a negative state of mind. With no shortage 

of bad news, it’s easy to become discouraged by what seems like 

insurmountable problems. In this climate, it’s especially refreshing to 

hear about those who seek to change the status quo. And it should 

come as no surprise to learn about such efforts in Rankin County. 

Case in point is The PEARSON Foundation (People Employing 

Available Resources to Strengthen Our Neighborhoods), founded in 

2000 by a group of like-minded individuals burdened by the problems 

they saw plaguing their community. Rather than standing by wringing 

their hands over the state of affairs, they came together with a vision 

to provide services designed to positively impact people’s lives and 

transform the community. Eighteen years later, the PEARSON 

Foundation in Pearl is still changing the neighborhoods it serves, 

one family at a time. 

From its inception, The PEARSON Foundation’s focus has been 

to strengthen families and confront the issues of substance abuse, 

teen pregnancies, school dropouts, unemployment, and other related 

problems. Although the Foundation serves the entire community, 

its work is concentrated in the Pearson, Carver, Oak Grove, and 

Greenfield communities of Pearl, where the percentage of socioeconomically 

disadvantaged families is particularly high. PEARSON 

offers, free of charge, a wide variety of services, including tutoring, 

mentoring, leadership, parenting, and marriage classes. 

Through the Vanessa Jenkins-Stewart Learning Institute, the 

Foundation provides after-school tutoring and mentoring for 

students in elementary through high school. According to PEARSON 

Foundation president and CEO, Jarvis Ward, the goal of this program 

is that “each participating student will improve his or her reading 

ability and comprehension, learn and improve on life-skills, grow in 

confidence as a more active academic and leisure reader, experience 

improved learning in and preparation for success in the STEM 

subjects, and gain wisdom to help navigate the many negative social 

traps that can prevent a student from succeeding in life.” 

86 • April 2018

There are three sites for the after-school tutoring and mentoring 

program: The Grand at Pearl Apartments, Payton Garden Apartments, 

and the PEARSON Foundation office. In addition to the afterschool 

program, weekly in-school mentoring sessions are conducted 

with students at Pearl High, Pearl Jr. High and Pearl Upper 

Elementary Schools. The Foundation also offers a Summer Reading 

Institute to help those students who are reading below grade level 

and have failed a grade. 

Tangynikia Wiggins’ son Kameron has participated in the afterschool 

program for three years, and she is grateful for the positive 

impact PEARSON has made on him. “The tutoring has helped 

him to excel in school and he is now an honor roll student! The 

Foundation helps the kids by teaching them leadership, discipline 

and about God. The volunteer tutors are great and very attentive 

to helping each child, and they have a lot of patience with them.” 

Carol Mack’s son Tony is a senior at Pearl High and has participated 

in the mentoring/leadership program for several years. “Being a part 

of the mentoring/leadership program, my son has learned valuable 

life lessons,” Carol says. “It was where he learned how to tie a tie, 

look into the eyes of others with a firm handshake, understand the 

importance of respecting everyone, be a true servant and give back 

to the community, and learn that to become a leader you must follow 

and be a disciple of Jesus Christ. As a single parent to Tony, who is 

now a few weeks shy of his 18th birthday, I credit Mr. Ward and the 

PEARSON Foundation with him being able to stay on the right 

path and be successful as a student, athlete, and citizen.” 

Besides the ongoing programs provided year-round, The 

PEARSON Foundation also offers special events and programs 

throughout the year. This April, some of the male high school and 

college students involved in The PEARSON Foundation programs 

will participate in “March to Memphis,” commemorating of the 

50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

and the Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike. The march will use 

historical events to build on positive cultural values and lifestyle 

principles, with a specific focus on racial justice, economic justice, 

reconciliation and peace, and to help craft and cast a vision for what 

it means to be a man from a Christian perspective. 

The success of The PEARSON Foundation is, in large part, due 

to the volunteers who give their time to tutor, mentor, and teach in 

the programs that are offered. Currently, there are 22 volunteers 

who serve each week in the after-school and in-school programs. 

Last year a total of 105 volunteers served, including students from 

Jackson State University, Belhaven University, Pearl High School, 

and St. Augustine School. Volunteers also came from Sweet Rest 

Church, The Carver Pearson Neighborhood Association, First 

Presbyterian Church in Jackson, and Pearl Presbyterian.The Hilton 

“’Each One Reach One’, I once heard a 

pastor say, and it has been my philosophy 

since I started volunteering with The 

PEARSON Foundation after-school 

tutoring program. 

Working with the children has made me 

look at life differently. You may see the 

children and think that they are just 

mischievous little individuals waiting to 

get into trouble. But when you work with 

them and get to know them you realize 

they are some of the sweetest, smartest, 

kindhearted, and loving individuals that 

you will meet. 

They only want and need to be loved on, 

as we all do. I look forward to going to 

work with the children because they are 

our future. The PEARSON Foundation 

is a place where we help to enrich the lives 

of our young people.” 

Helen Jackson 

Community Volunteer in the After-School 

Tutoring and Mentoring Program 


“I’ve been volunteering at PEARSON 

for about a year. Volunteering has been a 

learning experience for me as I’ve been 

hands-on in mentoring and tutoring the 

students that come in. 

I feel like the kids actively interacting with 

a college student may inspire them to do 

well in their studies. Mr. Ward is an excellent 

leader and you can see the impact he 

makes in the children’s lives daily.” 

Erica Jackson 

Jackson State University Student Volunteer 

Garden Inn/King Edward Hotel in Jackson, Home Depot in 

Brandon, Lowe’s in Madison, Maulding Properties in Pearl, and 

Revell Ace Hardware in Pearl graciously allowed employees time 

off to serve as tutors and mentors and to work on special work 

projects last year. Pearl alderman James Thompson pitched in to 

help on the Foundation’s recreation and fitness site workday. 

In addition to the multitude of volunteers, The PEARSON 

Foundation leaders seek to involve the greater community, 

partnering with organizations that share their desire to positively 

impact students and their parents. In so doing, they have cultivated 

relationships with what they call “Community Impact Partners”, 

including the Pearl Public School District, Mississippi Regional 

Housing Authority #6, Carver-Pearson Neighborhood Association, 

Camp Pioneer, Sweet Rest Church of Christ (Holiness) USA, 

Jackson State University Honors College, The Pearl Ministerial 

Alliance, the Hilton Garden Inn/King Edward Hotel, and 

Belhaven University. 

Paulette McCants, director of sales and marketing at the Hilton 

Garden Inn/King Edward Hotel, says, “My staff and I wanted to 

do something for the community that involved the youth. Once we 

began volunteering, it became abundantly clear that the team and 

I were hooked. I truly believe that we get more out of volunteering 

than the kids. It has been the most fulfilling time we’ve all experienced. 

The kids are willing, cooperative, competitive and excited 

about learning!” Still a volunteer, Paulette now also serves as the 

secretary of The Pearson Foundation board of directors. 

Associate Pastor at Sweet Rest Church in Pearl and president 

and CEO of The PEARSON Foundation since 2014, Jarvis Ward’s 

resume is impressive, having served in multiple leadership roles both 

locally and nationally. However, for Jarvis, his most important role is 

as “A servant of Jesus Christ set apart unto the gospel of God.” 

“Since coming to the PEARSON Foundation,” Jarvis says, “I have 

regularly made the statement, ‘Never underestimate the power or 

potential of a life laid down in sacrificial service for others. Never!’ 

The Lord Jesus Christ set the example for those who, by faith in 

Him alone, have come to experience the wonder of a relationship 

with Him.” 

Although speaking for himself personally, Jarvis perfectly sums 

up the heart of The PEARSON Foundation and its volunteers: “ 

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I have been moved by passion and 

compassion to give the balance of my life in Rankin County and 

beyond to invest in mentoring and discipling young people who 

would grow up to know, love, worship, and serve Jesus Christ, and 

serve others.” l 

88 • April 2018

“The PEARSON Foundation is an 

amazing organization that provides the 

best foundation for children. 

It’s been a blessing to be involved with 

this organization. They have taught and 

prepared me greatly for my first year of 

teaching as an elementary education major. 

Just seeing the impact we all have made 

has been amazing. I will always cherish 

the experiences, memories, and the 

people I’ve met here.” 

“I enjoy every second of the tutoring/ 

mentoring program at the PEARSON 

Foundation. 

The relationships that I have built with the 

students are ones that I will never forget. 

My 3rd grade babies keep me on my toes 

every week with their endless stories and 

jokes. Being able to give back and lending 

a helping hand to the students and 

witnessing how much they are learning 

daily is so rewarding.” 

Kaiya Bell 


and Summer Reading Institute Site Facilitator 

Nykiyah Johnson 



90 • April 2018


The 

BOOM 

Nothing says 

summertime 

like a big, juicy 

hamburger. 

Hamburgers and cheeseburgers 

have been a staple of the American 

diet for decades. Americans eat 

almost 50 billion burgers a year 

– that’s the equivalent of three 

burgers a week for every 

person in the United States! 

National Hamburger Day is 

May 28th. Celebrating can be 

done in a variety of different ways. 

You can throw a hamburger-themed 

party, eat hamburgers for every 

meal, or go out to your favorite 

hamburger restaurant— 

some of which we’ve listed for 

you here—and enjoy a burger, 

Rankin County style! 

Alumni House 

Sports Bar & Grill 

Our classic burger with cheddar, swiss or pepper jack cheese 

Mugshots 

Our McDonald Burger is a half pound seasoned patty racked with 

smoked applewood bacon, cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce and creamy 

house-made ranch dressing on our signature sweet sourdough bun. 

92 • April 2018

Cross Roads 

Store & Grill 

Our signature Cross Roads Burger features two 

half pound fresh hand-pattied pieces of meat 

seasoned with our special seasonings and topped 

with bacon, three cheese blend, and as our popular 

customers say, “everything but the kitchen sink”. 

Cross Roads Store and Grill is a family owned 

and operated small country business on the 

outskirts of Pelahatchie. Thanks to our loyal 

customers and employees, we have steadily 

grown our business for over six years now. 

Our family atmosphere and great country food 

is worth the drive to Cross Roads! 

Tommy & Diana Key 

1186 Hwy 43 South • Pelahatchie, MS 39145 • 601-546-2255 

Mississippi 

Legends Grill 

The Legends Burger is a half pound 

of premium beef cooked over an 

open flame, served open-faced with 

cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo 

on a toasted sourdough bun. 


Steak ’n Shake 

The Prime Steakburger features a 

six-ounce all-natural USDA Choice beef 

patty made from a blend of brisket and 

chuck, served with American cheese, 

lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle 

on a toasted brioche bun. 

Route 471 

It’s hard to pass up the Comeback Burger 

topped with our famous comeback sauce, 

grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, American 

cheese and dressed with lettuce, tomato and 

pickles. It will leaving you wanting to 

come back for more. 

94 • April 2018

Taste of Detroit 

The Renaissance Burger is named after 

the tallest building in Detroit, Michigan. 

A single patty hamburger stacked 

high with golden fried shrimp, hickory 

smoked bacon on a bed of crisp 

lettuce, tomato, and red onion. 

The Feathered Cow 

The Triple Cheese Burger is three patties 

layered with melted Monterey Jack, Cheddar 

and American Cheese and dressed with 

lettuce, tomato, red onions and our special 

sauce! This triple cheeseburger is what 

you need to get through the week. 

You never leave The Cow hungry! 


96 • April 2018 

Jackie Thompson's 

80TH BIRTHDAY PARTY 

MARCH 19 / THE VAULT VENUE 

SPONSORED BY 

Ron Morgan/AcuTax • Dunaway Rooks/Revell Hardware 

Noel Daniels • Windham & Lacey • Rivertrust 

Spring Lake Garden Club • That Special Touch 

Hometown Rankin Magazine


Daring 

to be 

Different 

Susan Marquez

Growing up in Pearl, Mississippi, Amy Different 

knew there had to be a way to alleviate her 

chronic back pain. “I played the clarinet in the 

school band, and standing and marching for 

long periods of time caused my lower back 

to start hurting.” She knew that wasn’t normal, 

because the other students in the band 

weren’t complaining. “My mom took me to 

a chiropractor in Pearl because it had gotten 

to where I couldn’t stand more than five 

minutes without chronic pain. After a few 

adjustments by the chiropractor, my lower 

back pain was gone!” 

Knowing that she was interested in 

chiropractic as a career, Different went to 

Mississippi State University where she 

majored in biological sciences and pre-med. 

“I did band there, and had no problems,” 

she recalls. “I usually got an adjustment from 

Dr. Chris Fowler when I went home. I learned 

that chiropractic care could help people 

without popping pills or having surgery.” 

Different went on to Parker University in 

Dallas for the Doctor of Chiropractic program. 

It was 2010, and she had just gotten married 

to her husband, Matt. “I was going to be 

away at school, and he was going to be 

deployed for a year with the Mississippi 

Army National Guard.” 

While the couple was living in Dallas, 

they had their first child, Dean, in 2012. 

They moved back to Pearl in December 

2013, after she graduated. “Dean hit every 

milestone except speaking by age two,” 

Different says. “We put him in speech and 

occupational therapy.” All the while, Different 

was working in a clinical setting as a doctor 

of chiropractic medicine. In June 2015, their 

daughter, Anna, was born. Different stopped 

working for a while to stay with her children 

and to begin studying chiropractic for animals. 

She became a member of the American 

Veterinary Chiropractic Association, something 

she did as side job while she was a 

stay-home mom. She also worked to seek 

answers for her son, Dean, and in July 2016, 

Dean was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum 

Disorder. 

“I knew chiropractic care could help 

him, but I wasn’t sure how,” said Different. 

“I found a chiropractor in Idaho who works 

with kids that have Autism and learned all I 

could.” She started seeing a difference in 

her son, and continued to research ways 

chiropractic could help other children. “It was 

an overwhelming feeling when Dean was 

diagnosed. I knew I could help more than I 

was. The more I studied, the more it became 

a mission for me to want to mentor other 

chiropractors and to help children. No one 

else was doing anything like that here, so 

I thought ‘why not me?’ I wanted to be a 

local resource.” 

The more work she did on Dean, the 

more he responded. “After not talking much 

at all–ever–one day I was doing some extra 

neurological work with him, and he looked 

me straight in the eye and said ‘this is red.’ 

He went on to point to other colors and tell 

me what they were, all while looking straight 

at me, which is not typical for children with 

Autism.” 

Different admits that her own children 

are like her guinea pigs when it comes to 

trying new treatments. “I don’t try something 

on someone else unless I know it works. 

I knew I was on the right track, and that 

what I do can help other children.” 

Different says that chiropractic care is 

beneficial to those who have a neurodevelopmental 

and/or neurosensory disorders, 

including Autism, sensory processing 

disorder, ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, and other 

learning disabilities. 

In addition to neurodevelopmental 

chiropractic care, Different provides general 

chiropractic care for adults. She also works 

with patients on improving overall wellness 

by helping improve digestion, sleep, and 

managing stress levels. She focuses on 

the whole patient, not just the point of pain. 

She continues to work with animals, as 

well. “So far, I’ve worked with dogs and cats, 

from newborn to geriatric, as well as large 

animals like horses and cows. “I was called 

to work on a cow at the Dixie National 

Rodeo, and afterwards, it was fine! I’ve also 

worked on a sheep and a rooster.” Different 

works under veterinary care when she treats 

animals. “I got into this because of my love 

of animals. I hold a national certification, 

and keep up with continuing education 

hours to maintain that certification.” 

When she’s not working to make others 

feel better, Different homeschools her two 

children. “Dean is now in kindergarten and 

he is doing great. I spend a lot of time with 

my children, which is a great joy to me.” 

She also enjoys reading. “I read just about 

anything, but I especially love to study more 

about biochemistry and neurology. I find it 

fascinating, and I love to learn new things. 

Most people think chiropractic is about 

relieving pain, and it is certainly good for that. 

My soul and passion is working to make 

others’ lives better.” 

Dr. Amy Different runs the Southern Life 

Chiropractic clinic in Flowood. 

For more information, visit 

www.southernlifechiropractic.net. 


100 • April 2018


May 3rd is National Day of Prayer. 

What is a prayer you’ve had answered? 

Stephanie Cunningham 

I felt like I had prayed for a husband 

for my entire twenties, and then it went on 

into my thirties. I even got more creative 

in my prayers to convince God that I knew 

what was best for me. I tried every single way 

to make it work in my own power and failed 

every single time. I finally came to a breaking point 

and realized that I was doing things wrong. 

I knew that I needed to stop trying to be in control 

and truly surrender my singleness to God. So, I did. 

I got on my face before God and told Him 

that He alone satisfied me and finally surrendered 

my white flag of singleness. A few months later, 

he brought my husband into my life, 

and boy was he worth the wait! 

Joyce Pace 

Almost a year ago I received a call from my son 

that my grandson was on his way, which was six and 

a half weeks early from his original due date. 

I remember falling to my knees asking God to please 

take care of our baby, to let him be healthy, and 

to be with his mother and that she would be safe. 

I asked God that whatever His plans were for 

our family to give us the strength, understanding, 

and acceptance. Our prayers were answered, God 

blessed us with a perfect, beautiful, healthy little man. 

I cannot begin to express the joy that little Brody has 

brought into all of our lives. On March 11 we will 

celebrate his first birthday and I will continue 

to give thanks for this answered prayer. 

102 • April 2018

Holly Reeves 

Heath Williamson 

I have felt like I could never find my place in the 

world or work world. It went on for years and none 

of the jobs stuck. One night in our life group at church 

about seven months ago I couldn’t take it anymore. 

The Lord prompted me to be vulnerable and to share 

with the people in my life group my situation, so I did. 

The next morning, I had a call about a job and an 

interview lined up for the Mustard Seed. 

God opened that door immediately! 

It’s above what we needed to live on and not 

just as a job, but as a ministry as well. 

For the first time in my marriage with my wife Kim, 

I feel like I know the plan God has for my life. 

He has given me stability and an overwhelming peace! 

In 2016, I was going through a dark valley and I really 

needed someone to pour into me because I was pouring 

into girls in my churches youth group and at Brandon High 

School. I prayed about it for months because I needed 

a mentor and didn’t want to just pick one. I knew it had 

to be from God. Someone older and wiser who would 

encourage me, pour into me, and push me closer to Christ. 

God showed out, and I mean really showed out. 

He blessed me with Kim Martin. She’s one of the godliest, 

loving, supportive, encouraging ladies I’ve ever known and 

she pours into me every day. We’re coming up on two years 

of our mentor/mentee relationship. She has become my 

best friend, accountability partner, and my favorite person. 

She loves me like Jesus loves me and that’s something that 

goes beyond my wildest dreams for a mentor. She is the 

greatest mom, role model, mentor, and friend I could 

ever have. I’m so thankful that the Lord put us together. 


May 3rd is National Day of Prayer. 

What is a prayer you’ve had answered? 

Nathan Goss 

When I was in college, there was a moment when I was 

on a beach trip and one morning while doing my quiet time 

I asked The Lord “Will you use me?” That same instance 

The Lord asked me to get up and go into the ocean. 

As I stood there He said “Pray that the waves will stop 

breaking and become calm.” I began to pray, and in the 

middle of my prayer, as my eyes were closed, everything 

went quiet. I opened my eyes and right where I stood the 

water was stagnant, calm, and around me the waves were 

breaking onto the shore. I know that the Lord heard me 

that morning and in that moment I knew He wanted to 

use me. What stuck with me the most that day is that the 

Lord does hear our prayers and supplication! Amen! 

Evan Walley 

Just a few months ago, I was in a tough spot feeling as 

though I wasn’t growing or thriving spiritually or physically 

in my day-to-day work life or in my relationships. Deep in 

my heart I knew that the Lord had more he wanted to do 

in and through me. After I began praying over those things 

and seeking the Lord’s will in those thoughts and desires it 

wasn’t long before I was presented with an incredible 

opportunity to step into a position with the worship 

ministry at Pinelake Church. Music has always been a huge 

part of my life, but through this process I have actually 

sensed the Lord calling to ministry on my life. I’ve embraced 

new, encouraging relationships along the way and seen the 

Lord strengthen my current ones through this. Looking 

back today, I can clearly see the Lord’s hand over all of it. 

104 • April 2018

Mckenzi Bynum 

Shannon Love 

As a cancer patient currently in treatment, I’m amazed 

at the outpouring of love that I have received from family 

and friends. Even total strangers reach out to me with 

prayers as I’m out shopping or eating in a restaurant. 

When I feel alone, God always shows me His love through 

people. God answers my prayers on a daily basis. 

He validates the desires of my heart and even when 

Ihaven’t made them into a prayer yet, He knows my needs 

before I do. When the doctors found a tumor on my 

pancreas in September, I was so sick I really didn’t even 

have the strength and want to pray for my own healing. 

I relied on my brothers and sisters in Christ! As time 

went by, I had to pray to have the strength to walk across my 

own house, I had to pray to be able to get out of the tub. 

Daily He answers my prayers through confirmation by 

the Holy Spirit.So the answer to your simple question 

is a very long and detailed answer! Aren’t we blessed 

to have a God who hasn’t left us alone? 

Ever since I can remember, I always wanted to go to 

school to clean people’s teeth. Once I got to high school, 

it was my dream and my goal to go to dental hygiene school 

at University Mississippi Medical Center. UMMC is the 

only school in Mississippi with a dental hygiene program 

that is a bachelor of health sciences program, which gives the 

opportunity to not only practice as a registered dental 

hygienist when you graduate, but also gives you the option 

to go back and teach within the same program. All throughout 

my high school and pre-requisite years at Holmes 

I kept praying for the Lord to guide me in my choices for a 

career. When I finished up all my classes at Holmes and 

started applying to dental hygiene school, I only applied at 

UMMC. Everyone thought I was crazy for “putting all 

of my eggs into one basket”. That was my way of saying, 

“Okay, I know this is for me, I have confidence that if this 

is really the Lord’s will and where He wants me, it will 

happen.” A few months later I opened a letter stating 

that I was one of the twenty accepted into the dental 

hygiene program at the University of Mississippi 

Medical Center. As I read that with happy tears 

all I could do was thank God! 


106 • April 2018

Providing Christ-centered 

professional counseling 

that guides people 

toward healthy living. 

• Marriage & Family Issues 

• Children & Adolescents 

• Anxiety & Depression 

• Play Therapy 

• Addictions 

• Eating Disorders 

Life Solutions 

That Actually Work 

5611 Highway 80E Pearl, MS • 601-939-6634 • crossroadscounselingms.com 


Written & Photographed 

by Olivia Halverson 

Unbridled 

Ability 

108 • April 2018

Anyone who has made a long two-lane trek 

down Highway 18 has seen the countless pastures, 

farm animals, and inconspicuous gravel roads that 

border both sides of the pavement. In the absence of 

traffic or the occasional slow-moving vehicle, it’s a 

tranquil drive–so tranquil, that many have likely 

driven past RideABILITY Lane without the slightest 

idea of the transformative experiences that take 

place there. 

RideABILITY is a nonprofit therapeutic horseback 

riding center. Husband and wife Harold and Christy 

Henderson founded the center in 2007 with a mission 

to improve and enable the bodies, minds, and spirits 

of those with special life challenges through the 

benefits of therapeutic riding. 

The Professional Association of Therapeutic 

Horsemanship International (PATH) defines therapeutic 

riding as an equine-assisted activity for the purpose 

of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, 

emotional and social well-being of individuals with 

special needs. PATH is a global authority and resource 

for equine-assisted activities and therapies. The 

RideABILITY center is a member of PATH, and Christy 

Henderson is the center’s official PATH-certified 

instructor. 

There are 30 riders currently enrolled at 

RideABILITY, ranging from a minimum age of four 

with no upper age limit. The riders represent a wide 

array of mental, physical, and emotional needs. 

Approximately 40% of RideABILITY riders are on the 

autism spectrum. 

During a typical lesson, riders will participate in 

a series of equine-assisted games and activities with 

support from volunteers. The therapeutic benefits of 

these activities generally include improved self-esteem, 

socialization, improved anxiety, communication 

development, and balance. 

Therapeutic horseback riding is especially helpful 

for people who struggle with balance. Christy explained 

that the way a horse moves is very similar to the way 

a human pelvis moves. After students ride for a while, 

they can experience strengthening in muscles that 

are used for walking. They can also have stimulation 

of nerves that have not been stimulated in a long 

time. 

Therapeutic riding horses are typically middle-aged 

or older, and they have a very mild temperament. 

There are five horses that take residence at RideABILITY: 

Rowdy, Lily, Toby, Peach, and Cherokee. Trust-building 

is an important takeaway for those who participate in 

therapeutic horsemanship. Most riders develop a 

bond with one or more of the horses. Bonds also 

develop between riders and the volunteers. 

As with any nonprofit, money has been a 

constant challenge for RideABILITY. The Hendersons 

personally invested in the center for many years, but 

volunteers and monetary donations have been pillars 

for sustaining RideABILITY. Despite the physical and 

financial demands of operating a therapeutic horseback 

riding center, every penny and bead of sweat is worth 

it to see a smile on the face of a rider. 

Over the years, Christy and the RideABILITY 

volunteers have witnessed several moments of 

breakthrough. During lessons, Christy has heard a 

non-verbal rider say their very first word. She has 

watched a mother burst into tears after seeing her 

child mount a horse with calm concentration. The 

mother had never seen her child so quiet and 

focused. 

“Therapeutic horseback riding may not cure the 

underlying diagnoses of our riders,” says Christy. 

“But it truly makes them stronger.” 

RideABILITY Lane is a path trodden by hoof 

prints, wheel chair tracks and anxious footsteps all 

leaving behind the troubles of everyday life. It is a 

path that leads many to transformation of the mind, 

body and spirit, and ultimately toward a life of 

unbridled ability. 


“We cannot put into words how much 

RideABILITY has meant to us. Holden 

has cerebral palsy, which was the main 

reason that we had even looked into 

therapeutic horseback riding. This has 

been huge because it’s helped with his 

balance, core strength, and making sure 

that he uses both arms and hands. Evie 

was diagnosed as being extremely 

hyperactive. Watching her with a horse, 

whether she is riding or grooming, we 

see a completely different side of her. 

Evie is calm, gentle, and slow moving. 

She adores animals and wants to be a 

vet when she grows up.” 

– Megan Bell 

Kreig and Megan Bell are the parents of Evie Caroline 

and Holden Bell. Evie Caroline and Holden have been 

taking lessons at RideABILITY for nearly a year. 

110 • April 2018

“Our family recognizes and appreciates 

how Mrs. Christy puts forth so much 

effort to maintain a farm, to care for 

horses, to fundraise to keep RideABILITY 

affordable, and to relentlessly call and 

train volunteers for Davis and others 

with special needs to have this experience. 

It is a great experience learning how to 

appreciate horses, how much care 

horses require, how temperamental 

horses can be, and how to respect them 

while enjoying them; it is like receiving 

therapeutic care for joints and balance 

while having fun and not realizing it is 

beneficial.” 

–Rebecca Spicer 

Rebecca is the mother of Davis Spicer. 

Davis has been taking lessons at RideABILITY 

for almost two years. 


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112 • April 2018


Molly 

May 

announced as 

19TH ANNUAL 

Metro Jackson 

RACE 

FOR THE 

CURE 

Honorary Chair 

114 • April 2018

The Memphis-Midsouth Mississippi Affiliate of Susan G. 

Komen® recently announced that Molly May will serve as the 

2018 Race for the Cure Honorary Chair. At age 19, Molly May 

became the youngest person to undergo at double mastectomy 

in the state of Mississippi. Being a BRCA1 positive gene carrier 

as well, Molly has dedicated the last 3.5 years of her life to 

promoting early detection and being an advocate for the 

younger generations within the breast cancer community. 

As the honorary race chair, Molly will be a spokesperson in 

the fight to end breast cancer and encourage participation in 

the 19th annual Race for the Cure event scheduled for April 14 

at the Renaissance at Colony Park. 

“We are thrilled to have Molly serve as this year’s Race 

for the Cure honorary chair,” said Catherine Young, Senior 

Vice President of the Memphis-Midsouth Affiliate. “Molly is an 

inspiration to others, and her story with her focus on younger 

generations, creates awareness that this disease can strike at 

any age. Recent studies show that breast cancer is affecting 

younger and younger women and the statistic that 1 in 8 women 

will have breast cancer remains unchanged. Molly brings a new 

voice to the fight against breast cancer.” 

With the help and guidance of her mother Debra, also a 

15-year stage III breast cancer survivor, Molly has started her 

own non-profit organization “Bald is Beautiful” raising funds and 

donating hats to patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments. 

She will be publishing her first memoir entitled “My Crowning 

Achievement: Beating Cancer” in August 2018 in publication 

with the Dogwood Press of Jackson. 

Molly is a 23-year old cum laude honors graduate from 

Mississippi State University where she majored in communication 

and public relations. She was also a member of Zeta Tau Alpha 

Sorority, the Transfer Student Association, the MSU Relay for Life, 

and 6 honor societies. 

Molly represented her university as Miss Maroon and White 

2016 and Miss Mississippi State University 2017. 

Race for the Cure is scheduled for Saturday, April 14, 2018, 

at a new location, Renaissance at Colony Park, Ridgeland. The 

morning’s activities will begin at 6:30 a.m. with a special survivor 

breakfast. Race for the Cure will include the Kids One Mile Fun 

Run/Walk, an optional timed 5K and timed 10K. The event will 

feature the Kids for the Cure activities tent, the ever-popular Team 

Tailgate area and sponsor tents. The “Pink It Up” contest will 

recognize the best “Pinked Up” person. Other contests include 

best-decorated team tailgate and best t-shirt design. Put on your 

pink tutu, form a team, and race to help end breast cancer. 

The Central Mississippi Steel Magnolias Affiliate of Susan G. 

Komen® recently joined forces with the Memphis Komen affiliate 

to create Susan G. Komen Memphis-Midsouth Mississippi. This 

formation allows the affiliate to expand the fight to end breast 

cancer by serving the State of Mississippi and 14 counties in 

Tennessee. Since 1999, Metro Jackson Race for the Cure has 

provided over $3.25 million in direct grants to local health 

providers in the 59-county service area in Mississippi and over 

$800,000 to breast cancer research. 

The grants from Komen Jackson Race for the Cure provide 

the funds for life-important screenings, mammograms, diagnostics 

and treatment. One hundred percent of Metro Jackson Race for 

the Cure net event proceeds goes toward breast health 

services with 75 percent staying here in our community for local 

breast health care programs. The remaining 25 percent goes 

toward breast cancer research. No one else does what we do 

for women and men here at home. 

For more information about Metro Jackson Race for the Cure, to become a sponsor or register for the event, 

call 601.932.3999 or visit komenmemphisms.org. 


116 • April 2018

Hometown Rankin 

READER 

SPOTLIGHT 

Alana 

MILES 

How long have you worked in 

Rankin County? 

I’ve had the privilege and joy of working at 

Rivertrust Federal Credit Union in Pearl for 

eight years as the marketing director. It’s a 

great company to work for, in a great location, 

providing great products and services to our 

members and community. 

Tell us about your family. 

Three years ago, I married the love of my life, 

Robert Miles. We met at Hinds Community 

College (Rankin Campus) while we were both 

students there and dated all the way through 

college. We have a tiny toy poodle named Prissy, 

several bonus pets that visit us from time to time, 

and a bunch of cows. 

What is your favorite memory of 

living in Rankin County? 

My favorite memory of living in Rankin County 

would have to be the tremendous honor of being 

crowned Miss Rankin County 2004 and then 

going on to represent my home at the Miss 

Mississippi Pageant. 

Where are your three favorite places 

to eat in Rankin County? 

There are so many wonderful places to eat in 

Rankin County. But if I had to just choose three, 

I’d say (in no particular order) Yoko Japanese 

Steak House, Fernando’s Mexican Grill, and 

Jerry’s Fish House. 

What are some fun things to do in 

Rankin County on the weekends? 

From going to see one of the productions at 

Black Rose Theatre or listening to a concert at 

City Hall Live, to running one of the many 5K 

road races or enjoying a cup of coffee with a 

friend at Cups Espresso Cafe, there’s always 

something fun going on in Rankin County! 

Share some things you enjoy doing 

in your spare time. 

I love to travel – I always say I wish I had 

unlimited vacation time and money so that 

I could travel all the time. I also love to paint and 

run – both are great therapy. And I very much 

enjoy spending time with my husband – he 

makes everything fun! 

Who is someone you admire and why? 

My mentor and a Rankin County resident, Mary 

Libby Payne, has been such an inspiration to me. 

She was assigned to me as my mentor while I was 

in school at Mississippi University for Women. 

She’s a judge, author, speaker, and her strong 

Christian faith is evident in all that she does. It is 

an honor to know her and call her my friend. 

What is your favorite childhood 

memory? 

When I was a senior in high school in Denver, 

Colorado, my dad and I had a daddy/daughter 

date. First, we pigged out at Tony Roma’s and 

then we went to see “Ever After”. It was such a 

special and fun night and I’ll always cherish that 

time with my precious father. 

If you could give us one encouraging 

quote, what would it be? 

My favorite quote is also my favorite scripture 

because it serves as a reminder that it’s important 

to keep everything in perspective – 

“I consider that our present sufferings are not 

worth comparing with the glory that will be 

revealed in us.” Romans 8:18 

What is your favorite thing about 

Hometown Magazines? 

The magazines are the perfect complement to the 

areas that they feature. They do an awesome job 

of showcasing the fun events and the interesting 

people in the communities. They’re top notch in 

quality and content and they’re fun to read! n 


City of Brandon 

2018 

Princess 

Ball 

118 • April 2018


Serving 

OUR 

Why did you decide to be a police officer? 

In the West Jackson neighborhood where 

I grew up, there were several Jackson police 

officers. One lived next door that would 

allow me to ride along with him on his 

shift at times. The other officers became 

mentors to me as well. I decided that this is 

what I would do also. Serve and protect. 

How long have you been a police officer in 


I’ve been a Pearl police officer for 42 years 

(1976-2018). 

Tell us about your family. 

I married Debbie Hankins on May 26, 1973, 

in Jackson, Mississippi. We both attended 

Hinds Jr. College and the University of 

Southern Mississippi. She is a former 

elementary deaf educator. I graduated 

with a degree in criminal justice. We have 

a daughter, Adriann, and a son, Aaron. 

Adriann is currently in college seeking a 

new chapter. She received veterinary 

technician certification from Mississippi 

State University. Aaron was an MP in the 

Marine Corps and is now a firefighter for 

the City of Pearl. 

Share some things you enjoy doing in your 

spare time. 

I love to work with wood. I enjoy making 

spoons, bowls, birdhouses, and other crafts. 

I have made a banjo and a mandolin. 

I enjoy playing the guitar nowadays. 

I also enjoy camping and gardening. 

What are three things on your bucket list? 

Finish the “honey do list,” travel more in 

our RV, and visit Jerusalem. 

CHIEF 

Ronnie Conerly 

BRANDON POLICE 

DEPARTMENT 

What is the toughest thing you have 

experienced in your job? 

The toughest thing I experienced was the 

tragic loss of a fellow officer killed in the 

line of duty. On May 1, 2012, Detective 

Mike Walter, was shot and killed by an 

assailant hiding in a bathroom in a local 

apartment complex in Pearl. Mike and 

several other detectives were attempting 

to serve an arrest warrant on the suspect. 

When the suspect was found hiding in the 

bathroom, he opened fire on the officers. 

An exchange of gunfire took place resulting 

in the suspect, and two detectives being shot. 

Mike was fatally wounded. The suspect 

was eventually shot and killed by another 

detective. Though I was not present, this 

was an overwhelming and heartbreaking 

dose of reality—especially for his wife, 

child, and family. 

Who is someone you admire and why? 

I admire my wife, Debbie. We will have 

been married for forty-five years this May. 

Forty-two of those years she has stood by 

my side as I worked in law enforcement. 

Her faith in God, and her endurance when 

faced with challenges in life, some of which 

I created, have enabled us to go through 

some tough times. Her unconditional love 

for me and our family, and the belief that 

God’s goodness will prevail and restore is 

a blessing. 

Where do you see yourself ten years from now? 

I hope to still be active and still traveling 

around with Debbie. But God’s got my 

timetable in His hands. 

If you could give one piece of advice to 

a young person, what would it be? 

To help others, be thoughtful of others 

in this journey of life, and to not have a 

“me” attitude. 

What is a favorite childhood memory? 

Going swimming with my family in an old 

swimming hole. There was a long rope tied 

to an old gum tree that we would swing out 

from and jump into the water. I can still 

smell the gum tree and feel the chilly water 

in the creek. 

What is your favorite thing about 


For the most part, the people are supportive 

of law enforcement and willing to assist in 

many ways. They will also let you know 

when you could do better. 

120 • April 2018

Chief Conerly Retirement Party • February 28 


100 Reasons to Choose 

Affordable tuition, 

financial aid and 

payment plans 

Flexible schedules 

to fit your life: day, 

evening, four-day 

week, Friday only, 

and online classes 

Scholarly 

Organizations like 

Honors Institute, 

Phi Theta Kappa 

Small class sizes 

where teachers 

know your name 

Register Now | www.hindscc.edu | 1.800.HINDSCC 

In compliance with the following: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable Federal and State Acts, Hinds Community College offers equal education and 

employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability or veteran status in its educational programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Dr. Tyrone Jackson, Vice President for Utica 

Campus and Administrative Services and District Dean of Student Services & Title IX Coordinator Box 1003, Utica, MS 39175 . Phone: 601.885.7002 or Email: titleIX@hindscc.edu 

122 • April 2018


Flowood YMCA 

Mardi Gras 

MADNESS 

8K RUN / 5K WALK / 1 MILE FUN RUN 

February 10 

124 • April 2018


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DESIGN 

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247 Industrial Drive N Madison, Mississippi 39110 

601-853-7300 1-800-844-7301 

www.hederman.com 

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2018

What’s Your 

Promposal? 

Dre’ Helms & Donna Campbell 

Florence High School English teacher Amy McAllister 

is the unofficial fundraising consultant for the school. “She 

always has the best, most unique ideas for fundraising,” 

says Abby Nelson, FHS DECA co-sponsor. “When she 

approached me with the idea of a Promposal fundraiser 

for DECA, we were thrilled because we are always 

looking for fundraising opportunities this time of year.” 

DECA is the business club and, late in the spring 

semester, the club raises money to send members to 

international competition, this year in Atlanta. 

As a fundraiser, Promposal 2018 really didn’t take off 

but it has provided some entertainment and conversation 

starters around the southwest Rankin County school. 

Promposals have become a sign of the times, a way 

for the youth of today to add some personality to the 

pubescent ritual of asking someone to prom. All one has 

to do is search online for “promposals” or just look at 

your favorite social media site, and you can see many 

different examples – from simple to very elaborate – of 

how to ask one’s current love interest to the most sacred 

of high school milestones, the prom. 

Depending on whom you ask, teen couples will 

spend an average of anywhere from $600 to $900 on 

prom. This is no surprise to you if you are a parent of a 

teen. Current research shows that the current promposal 

craze has caused hopeful teens to spend an average of 

$324 on just promposals. This wasn’t the case with the 

three couples we will highlight from Florence High 

School. In our small hometown, our students went for 

heart-felt instead of high-dollar. 

128 • April 2018

Blake &Laura 

Blake Cleveland has come a long way to 

the point of asking his sweetheart to prom. He 

is a relative newcomer to FHS. Family situations 

placed Blake into circumstances that would 

make an interesting, action-packed movie 

drama. He and his family are private about 

matters and, without transitioning this column 

into a story of extensive custody battles, 

international intrigue, and a laundry list of 

other implausible situations, you can summarize 

it by saying his past sounds more like the plot 

of a John Grisham novel than real life events in 

the past of an 18-year-old Rankin County boy. 

It is an understatement to say that a lot has 

changed for Blake in the last two years. Two 

years ago, he was living in Egypt. Today, he is 

home and attending school at FHS. He has a 

new career interest in personal training, an 

interest that has caused him to intensify his own 

fitness activities and goals. 

His girlfriend Laura Duncan is outgoing and 

social, but also very focused on school and 

academic achievement. He will tell you that 

Laura has been very good for him. She is an 

encourager and a stickler for doing the hard 

work now to prepare for life after high school. 

Friends think that maybe some of her work 

ethic and confidence has rubbed off on him. 

Apparently, Blake is quite the romantic. 

His promposal involved meeting Laura at his 

uncle Chuck Kinabrew’s house. As she drove 

up the driveway, he held a sign asking, “Laura 

Duncan, will you take my hand for prom?” He 

retrieved flowers from the trunk of his car and 

knelt to take her hand, all while “Perfect” by 

Ed Sheeran played from a Bluetooth speaker. 

Ah, to be young and in love… 

Austin&Morgan&Caleb&Madison – oh my! 

The Class of 2018 has an extraordinary group of seniors that have 

been an integral part of the special needs class at FHS. These seniors 

spend time with the students daily, during P.E., at lunch, at church, or 

helping in the classroom. All students involved benefit from the social 

interactions and genuine friendships. The teachers in this classroom 

like to call the females in the group their “gal pals.” The gal pals have 

attended the special needs prom as friend dates for the last two years 

and go on community trips as helpers. FHS has other underclassmen 

that are now becoming more involved as a result of what this first 

group of students has started. What a legacy to lead by example! 

Some of these students have even expressed a possible career 

interest in fields related to work with special needs individuals. 

The FHS Promposal contest gave these students a chance to be 

more creative in asking their pals to prom. It also provided an 


opportunity to win prizes and just have fun. Each male student was encouraged to creatively 

think of a way to ask a gal pal to prom. Austin Sanders submitted his promposal to pal Morgan 

Burney, this year’s homecoming queen. His promposal simply involved writing, “Out of all the 

fish in the sea, will you go to prom with me?” on teacher Donna Campbell’s whiteboard. 

“These two have such a sweet friendship,” said Campbell. 

“All of our pals have made a big difference in my students’ lives, but they also tell me how 

my students have made a big difference in their lives, too.” Pals attending the special needs 

prom in Flowood this year are Morgan Burney and Austin Sanders, Madison Porter and 

Caleb Byrd, Presleigh Mitchell and Logan Mangold, and Brooke Stogner and Eli Jennings. 

This year, each of these couples will receive two complimentary tickets to the FHS Prom. 

Each couple will also receive a boutonniere and corsage, courtesy of Willow Blu florist in 

Richland. “Willow Blu is very happy to provide event flowers for these special couples,” said 

Amber Raymond, owner. “It’s nice to know that we have so many outstanding teens in our 

Rankin County community.” 

FHS plans to make the Promposal contest an annual event. To view the Promposal 

videos for these three couples, search for the Florence HS Promposal channel on YouTube. 

Many exciting things are happening on the FHS campus and in FHS classrooms. 

To find out more, find them on social media. 

Visit @allthings_FHS on Twitter or Instagram and 

All Things FHS on Facebook for announcements 

and highlights throughout the year. 

Holland &Emilee 

Holland Johnson is the go-getter type. He first enrolled at Florence 

High School in the fall of 2016 as a sophomore. He hit the ground running 

and hasn’t stopped since. Holland’s first order of business was to start a 

Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Club at school, which is one of the 

busiest organizations at FHS. The club is currently involved in a project 

they have titled “17 Acts of Kindness” which seeks to honor the 17 students 

killed in the school shooting in Florida in February. 

As outgoing as the RAK Club president is, his prom date is just as 

soft-spoken and low key. Emilee Fowlkes is witty and intelligent but 

prefers not to be the center of attention. Those qualities make it 

interesting when planning a promposal. 

Holland decided to surprise Emilee on her afternoon jog but ran into 

some technical difficulties. Sporting a sign with a URL written on it, Holland 

expected Emilee to grab her phone and enter the URL to access the 

video he had made to ask her to prom. Problems arose when she didn’t 

have her phone with her, he had no wi-fi access to show her the video on 

his computer himself, and things went downhill from there. She did say 

“yes,” we think. He didn’t capture that moment in the video. 

130 • April 2018

St. Dominic’s Family Medicine 

Jackson is pleased to welcome 

Jordan Morris, NP 

THE NEWEST MEMBER OF OUR FAMILY MEDICINE TEAM 

Jordan Morris, NP, has been a resident of the Metro Jackson area for over 15 years. She graduated from Jackson 

Academy and then studied at the University of Mississippi where she earned her Bachelor of Psychology degree. She 

received her Bachelor of Nursing degree followed by her Master of Nursing in Family Medicine from the University of 

South Alabama. While earning her MSN, Jordan gained valuable experience working as a registered nurse in 

St. Dominic’s Emergency Room for three years. She has continued her career at St. Dominic’s as a nurse practitioner 

in the field of Infectious disease. She currently practices at St. Dominic’s Family Medicine clinic on Lakeland drive, 

where she specializes in acute care. Jordan is a member of Colonial Heights Baptist Church and the Junior League of 

Jackson. She resides in Madison and enjoys cooking, running and traveling. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Jordan call 

St. Dominic’s Family Medicine-Jackson 

890 Lakeland Dr. • Jackson, MS 39216 

601-200-3131 

Convenient Location with Same Day Appointments Available. 

Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Walk-ins Always Welcome 

8x5RankinHometown.indd 1 

3/26/18 10:29 AM 


132 • April 2018 

Rankin County Chamber 

GOLF TOURNAMENT 

MARCH 23 • CASTLEWOODS COUNTRY CLUB


The Love Boat 

February 14 • Richland Community Center 

Sponsored by Richland Senior Services 

134 • April 2018


136 • April 2018

Pure Air Consultants wanted to find a way to give back 

to the community that has so graciously supported them as 

they recognize and appreciate the fact that they would not be 

who or where they are without the continued patronage and 

support of our citizens. So they set out to find a family that’s 

truly in need of a new heating and cooling system with the 

only requirement being that the recipient’s home must be in 

Rankin County. 

After dozens of nominations were accepted from online 

applications and nominations, the winner is Jamie Watson. 

Jamie’s husband is a veteran Rankin County law enforcement 

officer that works two jobs in order to provide for his family. 

He and Jamie have also recently become a licensed foster 

family and are hoping to adopt through the foster system. 

The Watson's will receive one new 14 SEER (efficiency 

rating- current standard) Rheem heating and cooling system, 

installed. This is a complete system, providing new equipment 

both inside and outside for a home that has existing central 

heating and cooling. Pure Air Consultants will also provide a 

new pad for the outdoor unit and a new digital thermostat. 

Please join us in congratulating the Watsons and thank 

them for their continued service to our community! 


The CHALKBOARD 

RANKIN COUNTY SCHOOLS 

Northwest 

House Wars at NWRE 

Remember that feeling of walking into your school the first 

day back from summer vacation? The anticipation and excitement 

at wondering what teacher you will have, who will be in 

your class, have they changed the school any? This year, our 6th 

grade students returned to a transformation of their wing and 

classrooms. 

Over the summer, 6th grade teachers Melissa Vaughn, 

Jennifer Sanders, Nikki King, and Tiffany Glover brainstormed 

ideas on how to breathe new life into the PAWS expectations of 

the school and give it new meaning to their specific students. 

After visiting the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, they 

devised a housing system in which the four classrooms are given a 

unique name based on social characteristics that their teachers 

wanted the students to be known for: House of Civilis (the lion) 

stands for courage, bravery, chivalry, and daring; House of 

Molimentum (the alligator) stands for cunning, ambition, 

determination, and leadership; House of Respicio (the raven) 

stands for intelligence, wisdom, creativity, and originality; House 

of Pratus (the honey badger) stands for loyalty, kindness, honesty, 

and friendship. 

The 6th grade teachers then developed a detailed housepoints 

system. When following their expectations, any faculty 

member can give a house daily points; by the end of the week, 

total points are calculated and the house with the most points 

wins the House Cup. The Heads of House (student helpers) for 

the winning house spin a giant wheel (found in their main lobby) 

to receive extra points to a house. The house with the most points 

by the end of the year are recognized at their 6th grade graduation 

for “Leaving a Legacy.” 

According to their teachers, the 6th graders are now holding 

each other accountable both behaviorally and academically 

through constructive feedback. This has been such a wonderful 

experience to see the students take ownership of their education! 

138 • April 2018

Melissa Magee’s Art and Community classes at Northwest 

Rankin took part in the Flowood Chamber’s Chocolate Festival 

on February 8. These art students designed seven outfits out of 

candy wrappers for the Project Yumway Fashion Show. 

1st place winners were Taylin Winfrey and Amaya Robinson 

2nd place Lainey Hill and 3rd place Alyssa Lee. Proceeds from the 

night’s events are going to the participating art classes from 

Northwest Rankin High and Hartfield Academy. 

Art and Community Class Members are: Alyssa Lee, Taylin 

Winfrey, Amaya Robinson, Shelby Vinson, Skylar Phipps, Lainey 

Hill, Julia Conner, Kayla Berry, Avery Mitchell, Brady McGarvey, 

Michael Case, Ashlyn Townsend, Mallory Bennett, Alyssa Davenport, 

Aaliyah Morton, Shruti Gunapati, and Drew Winter. 

Pelahatchie 

High School Excels in JROTC JPA Inspection 

On February 9, the JROTC programs at Pelahatchie and 

Puckett stood in a district inspection that allows them to continue 

their programs. The inspection was headed by the JROTC 

instructors Ret. Lieutenant Colonel Greg Hargett and Ret. 

Sergeant First Class John Gough. 

To prepare for this event, the students in the JROTC program 

worked hard to sharpen their understanding and knowledge of 

army values and ideas. The students were split into two groups 

for the inspection. Those who were in staff or headquarters 

prepared a PowerPoint slide to brief the inspector. Between the 

several positions in the staff, the students successfully explained 

the plans for continuous improvement throughout the year and 

for the upcoming year. 

Those who were not a part of the briefing stood in formation. 

The inspector went to each student and asked them questions 

about the JROTC program. Some of the questions asked included 

“What does the blue in the flag mean,” “Who is the chief of staff 

of the United States,” and “Who is the district army instructor for 

Rankin County?” 

At the end, the inspectors collected notes about where the 

program needs to improve and where the program was wellsuited. 

They then observed scores and gave the program an 

overall grade on the inspection. Cadet Company 1st Sergeant 

Warren Brady Davis stated, “All personnel attached to the 

inspection formation performed to the best of their abilities 

and showed the best of what Pelahatchie had to offer.” 

Submissions provided by local officials from each individual district and not to be considered editorial opinion. 




Florence 

We Can’t Hide Our Eagle PRIDE 

Florence High School is a place where students, teachers, 

administrators and staff strive to take pride in what they do. Our 

Eagle Pride centers on the values of Preparation, Respect, Integrity, 

Determination, and Excellence. Excelling in academics, sports, 

and extracurricular activities, our students stand with their heads 

held high. Our athletic and academic teams are not only thriving, 

but also excelling! 

Many exciting things are happening on our campus and in our 

classrooms. To find out more, you can find us on social media. 

Visit @allthings_FHS on Twitter or Instagram and All Things 

FHS on Facebook for important announcements and highlights 

throughout the year! 

Eagle students know the importance of excellence in academics. 

FHS offers Dual Enrollment classes through partnerships with 

Hinds CC and Delta State meaning that graduates can leave FHS 

with 45+ college credit hours. 

Perhaps no other FHS student this year has exemplified this 

more than senior Joshua Barnes who earned an appointment to 

West Point for Fall 2018. 

FHS clubs and organizations continue to thrive. More than 

20 DECA members have qualified for international competition 

in Atlanta. FBLA will soon send students to state competition. 

The National Art Honor Society recently explored MS Gulf 

Coast art museums and volunteer at Mustard Seed. 

FHS students in grades 9-12 have accumulated 10,000+ 

community service hours this year. 

FHS JROTC Drill Team is the four-time consecutive Army 

State Champions. Rifle team is the RCSD champions and earned 

a trip to compete in the National Championship. The Physical 

Training Team has been very successful and is currently seeking an 

opportunity to compete in the PT State Championship. 

Senior Alex Booth was named the winner of the Legion of Valor 

Award. This award is given to 25 JROTC students nationwide. 

FHS boasts post-season playoffs for every sport. The 4A Girls 

Soccer State Championship was won by our Lady Eagles. Our 

Eagle Basketball team earned a playoff bid to the “Big House” in 

Jackson. Our senior football players can boast as the only class to 

claim 36 wins – all winning seasons in their four years at FHS. 

Numerous FHS athletes have had offers to continue showcasing 

their talents at the next level. This year, ten students have or will 

commit to be student athletes in college. 

140 • April 2018

Pisgah 

The Pisgah Dragon students and faculty are breathing fire and 

igniting success in Rankin County and the greater Metro area. This 

year, three of our students were selected to participate in the Rankin 

County Youth Leadership Program. Through this program, Zane 

Cothern, Trevor Hallett, and Cooper Patterson are working to form 

partnerships with community leaders and cultivate leadership and 

management skills such as goal setting, effective communication, and 

work ethic development. 

Other students are showcasing their vocal performance talents 

in our award-winning Innergy and Prodigy show choirs led by Mrs. 

Linsey Smith. Innergy set a record winning streak with four firstplace 

finishes this year, totaling eight first-place finishes in a row. 

Mrs. Smith’s effort and enthusiasm in leading these groups earned 

her the title of Pisgah High School Teacher of the Year. In addition, 

Mrs. Smith was selected by the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership 

as a finalist for their Metro Teacher Recognition Program. The award 

showcases Mrs. Smith’s dedication to quality and excellence in 

education. 

In addition to these noteworthy accomplishments, Pisgah High 

School created a program called Parent University this fall. We have 

hosted two Parent University events this year: the first session was 

held in September to give parents information about the 2017-18 

school year. The second session was held in December specifically 

for the parents of junior and senior students to discuss upcoming test 

dates, college programs, and scholarship information. 

In partnership with Pisgah Elementary, the school also implemented 

a new reading program in which faculty members and students read 

books to kindergarten and first grade classes. Furthermore, Mrs. Meagan 

Archer’s creative writing class wrote and illustrated their own children’s 

books to share with the elementary students. 

Overall, the Dragons continue to blaze new trails through these 

notable achievements and innovative additions to school programs. 





Puckett 

Once Upon a Prom Dress Drive -Mackenzie Ricks 

From promposals to posed pictures, who doesn’t dream of 

having the perfect prom? Dressing up to dance the night away 

and creating magical memories is something high school students 

anticipate for years. Sadly, for some students, this dream is 

hindered by financial woes, making it difficult to afford prom attire. 

Recognizing this problem, Puckett High School’s FCCLA 

chapter conducted a service project to collect new or gently used 

prom attire for all area high school students in need. Instead of 

letting the ghosts of prom’s past collect dust in closets, donations 

poured in constantly! Puckett FCCLA received prom attire 

from students and the community alike. Over 150 formal outfits 

lined the walls of the FCCLA’s donation room where PHS 

students and staff all worked together to organize and display 

the fruits of their labors. 

Following the prom drive, Puckett’s FCCLA chapter hosted 

a Prom Boutique on March 17, at the Family Resource Center 

on the RCSD Learning Center campus in Brandon. At the 

boutique, students were able to choose their perfect prom 

ensemble, shopping the rows and rows of formal wear collected 

by the community and the chapter. These items were available 

free of charge—and full of joy. 

The club’s advisor, Xorica Patrick said that the project was an 

overwhelming success, and it not only surpassed the chapter’s 

goals, but also grew into a larger donation project than they had 

ever imagined. The service project and the boutique allowed 

staff, students, and the area community to come together for an 

endearing cause—to continue a strong bond between the school 

and the community—a community where people feel cared for 

by their neighbors and milestones like prom bring a smile to 

everyone’s faces. Of course, a little sparkle and a dapper tie for 

prom never hurt, either. 

Discovery Christian 

Students at Discovery Christian School had an exciting and 

educational day celebrating being 100 days smarter on the 100th day 

of school. From counting parties, to costume parades, our wonderful 

teachers made learning fun all day long! 

142 • April 2018

Richland 

Richland Rangers’ Research in Action 

The first grade classes at Richland Elementary School 

learned about penguins during the month of January. Each 

classroom studied a different penguin and created a bulletin 

board to display information about their penguin. The 

penguins studied were the Rockhopper, Fairy, Chinstrap, 

Emperor, King, Macaroni, and the Royal penguin. 

Students walked around to each bulletin board with their 

clipboards writing facts about the penguins. They learned 

information about their physical appearance, where the 

penguins lived, what they ate, how they build their nests, and 

other interesting facts about that penguin. After the students 

collected their information, they went into the classroom and 

extended their knowledge. Some classes made posters about 

the different penguins. Other classes used the information to 

teach informative and interactive writing. Students also made 

class books about the penguins. Art was integrated by allowing 

the students to draw pictures of the penguins. They utilized 

technology to further research the penguins and type information 

about them. 

The teachers at RES took learning outside of the classroom 

and created a memorable learning experience for their 

students. Our students at Richland Elementary are being 

stretched to reach new heights in learning and they are 

meeting the mark. 





StoneBridge 

StoneBridge Elementary celebrated Read Across America Day 

with several special guests! Guest readers included, PTO parents, 

the Mustard Seed Seedsters, MAE President Joyce Helmick, 

Brandon High School Diamond Girls, Quarterback Will Rogers, 

and Rankin County Sheriff’s Deputies! 

144 • April 2018

McLaurin 

It is Read Across America Day. 

WE ARE MES! 

What looks like a lot of weird, 

What looks like a lot of mess... 

Is actually a yearning for learning, 

Is actually a celebration! 

We are part of the big picture 

Of reading across the nation! 

With visitors from all walks of life 

And dressed in costumes to boot- 

Miss Mississippi in her tiara 

And the Mayor of Florence, too! 

Mr. Dyess is from the School Board. 

Dr. Billingsley teaches college. 

All of our visitors are reading to classes 

And filling our heads with knowledge. 

You can walk into a world of Dr. Seuss 

Right through the library doors. 

We are decked out in Seuss-tacular things 

From the ceilings to the floors! 

Our Book Fairs have won national awards, 

And it is a sight to see! 

Walking the halls are all of the characters 

From Seuss books, A – Z! 

Leading by example 

Are Mrs. Langerman and Dr. McCray. 

Thing 2 and Thing 1 have taken the place 

Of our assistant and head principal today. 

Mrs. Reddoch, our librarian, 

Is walking around with a parrot! 

McLaurin Elementary School 

Is unquestionably one of merit. 

So, how many books have you read? 

And how many to a child? 

Take a page from our book- 

Let your love of reading grow wild. 

Teachers are walking the halls in get-ups, 

And holding their heads in elevation. 

Because our staff and students both 

Live by the following quotation: 

Unless someone like you 

cares a whole awful lot, 

nothing is going to 

get better, it’s not. – The Lorax 

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss, from McLaurin Elementary School! 



The 

Time 

COIN 


Words! Who can count them? 

They’re everywhere – on signs, 

billboards, assembled in books, letters, and 

reports. They spill from our lips – often 

without forethought and merge with an 

endless flow from tongues of every nation 

and tribe. 

Some words are put to music to tell 

stories or reveal happy or broken hearts. 

Other words are written in love letters, 

intimate and saturated in romance. 

It’s striking to me to realize the power 

in words. A collection of the alphabet of 

innocent letters can form words that build 

up and edify or they can mutilate and destroy. 

Words also have the power to lodge in 

our minds – like a branding in our brain. 

Children learn quickly to use words to 

communicate, but their words are less likely 

to stick. Their memories are short, and their 

hearts more forgiving. 

It’s the teenage years when words 

become weapons of survival. Sarcastic words 

grow in popularity as individuals seek a rank 

in the “pecking” order. Group laughter 

elevates the speaker while singling out that 

individual to be the butt of the joke. 

I find it interesting that my memory 

has “fogged” over a lot of my childhood’s 

details, but one memory is as fresh as the 

day it was made. A friend, I thought, singled 

me out in a group and formed a series of 

words that cut sharper than a dagger. There 

was no outward sign of blood, but I learned 

that day that hearts can bleed. 

After the laughter died, life went back 

to the usual. All was history, but I had 

learned the searing pain of words and their 

ability to leave scars. 

The most painful lessons are usually 

the best learned. That brief experience has 

remained a witness to me and a permanent 

reminder of the power of words. I wish 

I could say that my own tongue was tamed 

from that moment until now, but I can’t. 

I still let it say things that are not edifying 

or kind. 

A wise Proverb says, “Kind words are 

like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy 

for the body.” Another says, “Gentle words 

bring life and health; a deceitful tongue 

crushes the spirit.” 

Gentle, kind words are what we need. 

There are enough scars. n 

146 • April 2018


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