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Back To School 2022

2 • AUGUST 2022

Hometown RANKIN • 3

4 • AUGUST 2022

Hometown RANKIN • 5

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PREPARING FOR Y OUR
lower school
registration
begins this
fall!
FUTURE
Contact Amanda Slack, Head of the Lower School,
at 601.939.8611 or aslack@jacksonprep.net, for
details on the application process.
8 • AUGUST 2022

FROM OUR PUBLISHER
It’s hard to believe it’s that time of
year for another back to school
magazine to be on our stands.
Our team always looks forward to putting this issue together as
we get to include so many stories about our schools, students,
and educators. We’re proud of the young people on the cover
who represent our schools well.
Rankin County has fourteen amazing schools plus a large
homeschool group. Each high school chose their own story to
“educate” our readers a bit more about the exciting things
happening. You will also enjoy our feature of four alumni per high
school who are succeeding as former Rankin County students.
PriorityOne recently partnered with us at Hometown Magazines to
recognize Rankin’s Best of the Best Top 40 Under 40. The winners,
forty young professionals, were hosted at a luncheon on July 19th
and given their well-deserved recognition. Again, congratulations
to these exceptional leaders who are making a difference in Rankin
County. Check out the event pictures in the pages ahead.
When the school buses return to their routes, it’s a farewell sign
to summer. Schedules, packed lunches, carpools, and life will begin
a new year in another education chapter. The first graders will spot
their nametags on their classroom door, and the seniors will face
the significance of just a few more months until graduation. Time
may rush us through the years, but a valuable education never
leaves us. We at Hometown Magazines are behind you - faculties,
staff, and students. May you have the best year yet!
ON THE COVER Meet these 2022-‘23 seniors on page 176
HOMETOWN STAFF
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Tahya Dobbs
CFO
Kevin Dobbs
CONSULTING EDITOR
Mary Ann Kirby
IN THIS ISSUE
The Way We Were 12
Reader Spotlight 17
Top 40 Under 40 Luncheon 24
Salute to First Responders 26
For the Love of the Game 30
Project Search 36
Superfan Families 40
Rankin County Schools 50
Student Q&A 176
The Time Coin 190
SPECIAL PROJECTS
MANAGER
Brenda McCall
SPECIAL PROJECTS
ASSISTANT
Caroline Hodges
ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT
Alisha Floyd
...see you around town.
LAYOUT DESIGN
Daniel Thomas
3dt
STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHER
Othel Anding
ADVERTISING
ASSISTANT
Lexie Ownby
www.facebook.com/hometownrankinmagazine. For subscription information visit www.htmags.com or contact us at info@HTMags.com / 601.706.4059 / 200 Felicity Street / 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.
Hometown RANKIN • 9

a community
UNITED in
SPIRIT
LILA
OSMAN
Drawn to the energy of campus life and
the opportunities to explore her interests
in politics and government, Lila Osman
immediately began building relationships
upon her arrival. She ran for a seat in the
Associated Student Body Senate, received
it, and even landed a summer internship in
Senator Roger Wicker’s office.
Come see
for yourself.
Scan the QR code to schedule your visit.
From a warm smile on the morning walk to
class, to a jubilant “Hotty Toddy!” during a
football game, students at Ole Miss will find
a welcoming, safe community constantly in
motion. We invite you to visit our campus and
experience our community that is united in
spirit, passion, and purpose.
10 • AUGUST 2022

Hometown RANKIN • 11

Sherrye & Dan Thompson
Kyle Thompson
When future Mr. Union High
Sherrye said, “In government
On the first date, Sherrye took
Dan added, “When it’s right,
School and All-State basketball
class junior year, we started passing
too long to get ready causing them
you just know it. That’s why, on
player Dan Thompson met future
notes to each other. Then he
to get caught by the train. The
the third date, we talked about
Salutatorian Sherrye Chaney in
finally asked me out. We’ve been
team was already on the floor
when we were going to get
the first grade, it was the beginning
together ever since.”
warming up when they got to the
married.”
of the classic American story of
Their first date was to Dan’s
gym, so Dan rushed in, forgetting
They married July 14, 1972,
high school sweethearts who stay
basketball game. “She was working
to pay Sherrye’s way in. “It was
after four years of dating. July 14
together.
in the office at school, and I went
thirty-five cents, but I didn’t have
this year was their 50th anniversary.
“She and her friend used to
and asked her for a date,” he said.
it. I’d left my purse,” Sherrye said.
Dan grew up farming—
chase me and my best friend
“And I said, ‘Yes, I’d be glad to,’”
“Luckily, a favorite teacher was
“Row crops, cattle, broiler house
around the playground,” said Dan.
she added. “And then I called my
working the door.”
chickens, picking cotton, hauling
Sherrye moved away in the third
mom. I was supposed to babysit
Sherrye said, “What attracted
pulpwood.” Sherrye’s father was
grade but returned around
my two sisters the night of his
me to him in the first place was
a traveling salesman, so she moved
Thanksgiving of ninth grade.
game and I told her, ‘I don’t know
his blue eyes and his character,
a lot and grew up poor.
“And I didn’t like her because
what you’re going to do, but I’m
because I knew he wasn’t into
Dan said, “She was down to
her hair was short,” Dan added
going out with him!’ She said
drinking and running around
earth, no put-on, no pretend. She
with a laugh.
she’d figure it out because she
and smoking and showing out—
grew up hard like I did, grew up
knew I was smitten.”
he was a good guy.”
12 • AUGUST 2022

“God has
blessed us,
taken care
of us...”
poor like I did. We were just kind
After college, Dan and Sherrye
Rankin County School District.
first, then his wife and his family.
of meant for each other like that.”
moved to Robinhood for a short
She was the director for the last
He’s a hard worker. I’ve never
After a stint at Fort Polk with
time and then bought a house in
30 of the 31 years she worked
known anyone who that can work
the Army National Guard, Dan
Pearl in 1975. They lived there
there.
harder than him. He’s 70 years old
graduated from Mississippi State
until 1979 when they built a house
After they both retired, they
and can still outwork most people
University in December 1974
in south Rankin down Oak Ridge
built a home on 51 acres in east
younger than him. He’s always
with a degree in accounting.
Road and lived there for 39 years.
Rankin.
taken care of me and the kids.”
Sherrye graduated from East
Dan worked at the Central
Dan said, “I always was
Sherrye was voted Most Likely to
Central Community College with
Mississippi Planning and
impressed with Sherrye’s mind.
Succeed at Union High School
a one-year business certificate,
Development District as finance
She is highly intelligent. I was
and added, “Which I was because
then worked at Mississippi State
director for 34 years. Sherrye
always attracted to a smart
I married him!”
in the business management
worked as an administrative
woman—one smart woman in
Dan said, “God has blessed us,
department. When Dan
assistant until their children Kyle
particular! And her eyes—Lord,
taken care of us, and given us two
graduated, her bosses gave
and Brooke came along, and then
her eyes. And her long straight
wonderful kids—”
her a PhT degree—“Putting
stayed at home for ten years until
hair, and her being petite.”
“—and Eli, the best grandkid
Hubbie Through.”
she began work at Frontiers, the
Sherrye said of Dan, “He’s a
there ever was!” added Sherrye.
after-school program of the
godly man. He always puts God
Hometown RANKIN • 13

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14 • AUGUST 2022

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Hometown RANKIN • 15

16 • AUGUST 2022

READER
SPOTLIGHT
Brina
MILLER-HAYES
Why did you decide to make Rankin County
your home?
I am originally from Jackson and my husband
is from Yazoo City. When we were planning
to purchase a new home, we explored all the
surrounding cities and counties. Rankin County
was growing and had so many amenities as well
as an excellent school district—so those factors
made it an easy decision.
How long have you lived in Rankin County?
We have lived in Rankin County for 15 years.
Tell us about your family.
I am married to Lee Hayes, and he is a market
manager for Fresh Market in Ridgeland. I have
two children. My son is Zachary Hayes is a
10th grader at Northwest Rankin High School.
My daughter is Zoey Hayes is a 4th grader at
Oakdale Elementary.
What is your favorite memory of living in
Rankin County?
When I was named the Rankin County
School District Elementary Parent of the Year
in 2018. I have been involved with the PTO
for several years at many of the schools in the
Northwest zone. It was a great honor and I
really appreciated being acknowledge for my
volunteer work with the school district.
Where are your three favorite places to eat
in Rankin County?
Ichiban Hibachi (Flowood), Half Shell
(Flowood), and Table 100.
What are some fun things to do in Rankin
County on the weekends?
The weekends are for fun, and we have lots of
it! Most of weekends are spent shopping and
eating. My son loves to skate, so we like to
spend time at Spinners. My daughter loves arts
and crafts, so Fat Cat Café is always a great
place to be creative.
Share some things you enjoy doing in your
spare time.
I am a business owner and realtor, so I don’t
have much spare time. But when I do get a
chance to relax, I always enjoy a good massage
and mani/pedi. Family is also a priority for me
so spending quality time with them is always
important and fun.
What are three things on your bucket list?
The top three things on my bucket list are to
travel out of the county, learn how to fly an
airplane, take a RV trip across the county.
Who is someone you admire and why?
I have always admired my uncle Nolan Tate Jr.
who is raised me as his own child. He was a
man that was loved by many and adored by
anyone who ever met him. He taught me how
to be confident in myself and has always
encouraged me to follow my dreams. I am the
person I am today because of him.
Where do you see yourself ten years
from now?
In 10 years, I plan be the owner of my own
real estate brokerage and traveling the world
with my family and enjoying my life.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Seeing my favorite singer, Keith Sweat, in
concert at the Mississippi Coliseum when
I was 10 years old.
If you could give us one encouraging quote,
what would it be?
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
Maya Angelou
What is your favorite thing about
Hometown Magazine?
I really love how it highlights people in the
community.
Hometown RANKIN • 17

18 • AUGUST 2022

Hometown RANKIN • 19

20 • AUGUST 2022
CITY OF RICHLAND
Mayor’s
Prayer
Breakfast
JUNE 17
RICHLAND COMMUNITY CENTER

Hometown RANKIN • 21

22 • AUGUST 2022

Hometown RANKIN • 23

BEST OF THE BEST
top
UNDER
July 19 - Brandon Municipal Complex
24 • AUGUST 2022
top 40 under 40

Hometown RANKIN • 25

SALUTE
to First Responders
What made you decide to work in law enforcement?
I started out at the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department as a 911
dispatcher in 2008. The job was great, but I never knew the results of
the call after I hung up the phone. An opening in court services came
available in 2013 and I applied. I then found out that I was required
to go through the Police Academy. At age 46, it was a challenge, to
say the least. I graduated from MLEOTA in 2013. I worked in court
services and filled in for school resource officers when needed. I
eventually was needed more and more at the schools. Sheriff Bailey
came to me and asked if I wanted to teach the D.A.R.E. program and
I accepted the challenge. I love my job. Working with children is my
passion. I want the students to succeed at life.
How long have you been with the Northwest Rankin School District?
I have been with the Northwest Rankin Schools since 2015 when
I first started teaching the D.A.R.E. program. I love the principals,
teachers, staff, and most of all, the students. I get to do this job every
day! I am so incredibly blessed.
Tell us about your family.
I have been married to my husband Scott for 39 years. We have three
adult children and four grandchildren. My husband was in the United
States Air Force for the first nine years of our marriage. He was in
Desert Storm, and he is my hero. We have moved a lot in our life
together and this is our second time living in Mississippi. We are
very fortunate to have so many churches to choose from to serve
God. We have attended Crossgates Baptist Church for 20 years and
love being a part of their fellowship.
What is the toughest thing you have experienced in your job?
Seeing people struggling with addictions is hard for me. It has an
effect on spouses, children, parents, and our communities.
Sergeant
Nancy
WATTS
NORTHWEST RANKIN
Share some things you enjoy doing in your spare time.
I enjoy reading and studying my Bible. My grandchildren also keep
me busy, and they keep me young. I am learning a little bit about
sewing. My oldest granddaughter loves to make costumes, she and
I are learning together. Drawing is another thing I am learning
because my grandson loves to draw Batman.
What are three things on your bucket list?
I do not have a bucket list. I would feel guilty if I took an extravagant
trip or bought something expensive. I would rather live every day to
its fullest. Life is going by so quickly that I do not have time to add
extra activities to my life.
26 • AUGUST 2022

Who is someone you admire?
I have two people I admire. Sheriff Bryan Bailey has truly made a
difference in Rankin County. The program for the inmates is truly
helping people get their lives back on the right track. We have needed
this for a long time. Every person has value and deserves a second
chance. The other person is Michelle Rhodes. She has such a big
heart for the children and teens of Rankin County. She is starting
Shannon’s Home of Hope for children that have had their lives
interrupted for a moment and need a place to stay.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young person,
what would it be?
Every choice you make has a consequence. Consequences are the
results of choices you make. They can follow you into your future.
Your choices make up who you are, and every choice you make has
the potential to change the direction of your life. You are of great
worth and there is no one like you.
What is your favorite thing about Puckett?
The people from Puckett are so friendly. When I first started going
to Puckett, everyone was trying to figure out who I was related to in
town. When they realized I am not from here, they treated me like
family. I love it.
What is your favorite thing about Rankin County?
It is a great place to have a family. It is safe and the people of Rankin
County are the nicest people you will ever meet.
Hometown RANKIN • 27

28 • AUGUST 2022

CALL NOW: 601-401-3299
Hometown RANKIN • 29

30 • AUGUST 2022

For the Love of the Game
Camille Anding
The room was crowded – not just with all the immediate family,
cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends but an excitement that felt like
electric currents filling the place. Floyd “Porkchop” Womack, the
central figure in the group, was glued to the TV. It wasn’t a fictional
movie or documentary. This was the NFL Draft, live and in color,
in 2001.
The phone rang with the offer to play for the Seattle Seahawks.
Five minutes of celebrations passed, and then all eyes watched
as the NFL commissioner announced, “The Seattle Seahawks
select Floyd Womack!” The crowded room in Cleveland,
Mississippi, broke out in sheer bedlam. Womack’s lifelong dream
had come true. He was an official professional football player
with a salary to reimburse him for all the years he had dedicated
to becoming the best athlete he could be.
The professional league had recognized his abilities when he
played for Mississippi State University and when his team won
the Western Division for the first time in the program’s history.
Losing to Tennessee in the championship game didn’t blemish
the outstanding performance of Womack. He was also named to
First Team All-SEC in 2000, and Second-Team AP All-American
the same year—all six feet, four inches and 340 pounds of him!
However, it was Womack’s mother who knew this middle
child, born on November 15, 1978, was going to stand above his
peers. To validate her prediction, she nicknamed him Porkchop
while he was still a toddler. Porkchop grinned about his early
nickname, “I was BIG then!”
As a child, Womack preferred baseball over flag football,
and he began playing in the T-ball leagues. At age twelve,
he was 6-feet tall and weighed 200 pounds. He still holds the
record for the most homeruns in Cleveland—and the longest
homerun that he hit in Clarksdale while playing in a tournament.
But football was patiently waiting.
After an outstanding high school football career, multiple
colleges recruited him. “When I visited Mississippi State, I felt
like I was home,” Womack said about his alma mater. Womack
earned a starting position his sophomore year, and due to his
dedication to continued improvement, never relinquished that
position during his college career.
When Womack stepped into the
next level of football, he realized
quickly that he must decide if he
was playing for money or the
love of the game. You are no
longer “tutored” by a coach,
but you are responsible for
yourself – keeping the rules of
being on time, always dressing
the role that a professional
embodies, being accessible to
the media in a positive manner
and response, and always
mindful that you are your
own business.
Hometown RANKIN • 31

32 • AUGUST 2022

“You know what you have to do
and do it-for the love of the game.”
Womack said that the coaches at this level take no excuses.
If you have flu or are throwing up constantly with the stomach
bug, you follow the schedule – whether that’s boarding a plane
to the next game or showing up for practice. The team doctors
will administer IVs and meds on the sidelines if necessary.
Practice and games are mandatory!
The practices are just a small part of the professional athlete’s
world. Womack disciplined himself as a weight room regular. He
also practiced yoga and Pilates for mobility, had massages and
chiropractor appointments, and followed healthy eating habits.
In summary of his daily 24/7 lifestyle, Womack said, “You know
what you have to do and do it – for the love of the game.” He
added, “Sufficient motivation came with each year’s draft picks
– there was always someone wanting to take your position.”
With his playing position as guard, Womack’s lineman coach
added extra motivation when he explained to the group of
linemen, “This position is your last stop before the bus stop.”
In laymen terms: You can’t play any other position than this one,
so if you can’t make it here, you will be catching the bus home.
Pressure and stress are always a part of being a professional
footballer. There were tests before every game about play calls
and necessary elements about their opposition. State of mind
was key to staying positive and demanding your best in every
play. It was an unspoken fact hovering over every workout,
grueling practice, and game – “To whom much is given; much
is expected!”
Yes, even 340-pound football players suffer with nerves.
Womack remembers that he and his coach were nervous when
Womack had to play against Michael Strahan of the New York
Giants.
On his first engagement against Strahan, Womack played
with a broken hand in a cast. He survived, but over his career had
typical injuries in that brutal arena, including a caved-in chest,
bruised sternum, eight surgeries and several traumas that left
him lying semi-conscious on the field. For every on-his-back
injury, he was always able to walk off the field for which he
remains grateful – “It’s a tough game!”
Football was a key part of Womack’s life from age five to
thirty-three when he retired. His career carried him through eight
years with the Seattle Seahawks, two years with the Cleveland
Browns and his final NFL season with the Arizona Cardinals. It
was in the Cardinals weight room when he was bench pressing
315 pounds that he heard his rotator cuff snap. It was the last
snap that he would hear as a professional player.
His biggest relief with retirement – the end of schedules and
football rules. “I can sleep late and go to my workouts whenever
I want.”
His biggest regrets – that he didn’t get to play professionally
any longer than he did. Even though the average NFL playing
time is three and a half years, Womack regrets that he didn’t
continue keeping his weight, eating habits and workouts as
regimented during his summers off as he did during the regular
season. “I could have done better,” he admits.
Womack recalls with his room-lighting smile the call that
changed his lifestyle and income. “The first thing I bought after
being drafted was a Lincoln Navigator – I thought I was somebody!”
After eleven years of football “combat,” Womack learned
that there’s more to Porkchop than a pigskin, and there’s more
to life than football.
He and wife Sherika own and operate three businesses while
they continue to be involved with their blended family of five
kids. Womack is dedicated to giving back to his community
and youth through their recently formed Porkchop Womack
Foundation. This past June they held a free, two-day football
camp in Cleveland, Mississippi, that over 200 young football
lovers attended. Porkchop has dedicated his retirement years
to not only helping his son excel in football but to also invest
in other youth who have dreams like he had at their ages.
“I want to help other aspiring athletes—like the coaches in
my community helped me.”
Womack’s son is a tenth grader at Desoto Central and is 6’5”
and weighs 300 pounds. Womack smiles as he comments on
the skills of his own athlete, “He has the talent and the genes;
time will tell if he has the love of the game.”
Hometown RANKIN • 33

34 • AUGUST 2022

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Hometown RANKIN • 35

SEARCH-ING
for the Perfect Job–
and Landing It.
UMMC Communications
Having perfect attendance during your
school years is one thing, but perfect attendance
on the job is just as good or better.
That’s what Donna Bonnin-Behan did as an
intern for Project SEARCH, a nine-month
program that gives teens and young adults with
disabilities the chance to learn job and life skills
that will lead to self-sufficiency.
During the 2021-22 school year, Bonnin-
Behan worked in a number of departments at
the University of Mississippi Medical Center,
one of a handful of sites in the state that host
Project SEARCH, a national initiative
designed to help students with disabilities
obtain competitive, community-based
employment. The Medical Center partners
with the Rankin County School District, the
Pearl School District, and the Mississippi
Department of Rehabilitation Services to give
metro-area students hands-on training.
On May 20, Bonnin-Behan and two other
teens marked the end of their final year in high
school by graduating from Project SEARCH.
Bonnin-Behan, who completed the Rankin
County District’s vocational training program, is
headed to a full-time position in the cafeteria
at the District’s Oakdale Elementary.
She recorded perfect attendance as she
completed her Project SEARCH rotations, with
Volunteer Services being one of her favorites.
“I got to learn my way around the hospital,”
said Bonnin-Behan, who created an Excel
spreadsheet to track Volunteer Services’
distribution of clothing and hygiene products
to patients in need. “They treated me like one
of their own – like one of the team.”
Begun at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in
1996, Project SEARCH operates in more than
600 sites across the country and internationally.
It’s designed primarily for students who have
either just finished high school, or just entering
their final year.
“What made this class so special was the
variety of personalities,” said Christina Guarino,
the Rankin County School District teacher
assigned to Project SEARCH. “It was a
dynamic group where each intern brought
something unique to the table.
“They grew professionally together. They
kept each other in check and accountable.”
UMMC has been a Project SEARCH
program host since the 2018-19 school year and
has graduated 26 interns. Eight more interns,
all residents of Rankin County, in August will
begin the next Project SEARCH program.
36 • AUGUST 2022

Candidates for internships must have a
strong desire to work, be eligible for special
education and vocational rehabilitation
services, and have completed high school
requirements. Applications are due by February
of each year; for details, contact Guarino at
chr517@rcsd.ms or go to www.rcsd.ms and
search for “Special Education.”
Interns rotate through corners of UMMC
that include Ambassador Services, Patient
Equipment, Supply Chain, Shipping and
Receiving, Food Services, Environmental
Services, and Volunteer Services in the Office
of Patient Experience. This year’s program
brought a partial return to the ability to
circulate in patient care areas, something put
on hold during the past two school years due
to COVID-19.
“We had some challenges, but as COVID
wound down, we were able to offer up some
more service areas,” said Ryan McMillan,
UMMC support services administrator and
liaison for Project SEARCH.
“These three have been amazing so far as
their work ethic and attitude,” he said of the
interns. “It’s been an honor to be a part of this.”
But also key to interns’ job prospects is time
spent in a UMMC classroom with Guarino,
learning employability and independent living
skills, teamwork, financial literacy, health and
wellness, technology, self-advocacy, and how to
prepare for and maintain equipment.
Although the goal of Project SEARCH is for
interns to gain employment upon graduation,
that didn’t happen for Pearl High’s Niel
McMillan. UMMC’s Ambassador Services
snapped him up in December 2021, just
halfway through his internship, although he
very much continued in the program.
“You all put in a lot of hard work,” Brenden
Ireland, an Ambassador Services supervisor,
told the interns at their graduation. “Interns
bring a light to the department that is much
needed. It can be tough from time to time
working here, and they’ve made my job better
and the environment here better.
“It’s been nice to see them flourish, both as
employees and individuals.”
Also taking part in Project SEARCH was
Coleman Canard, a Ridgeland High student
who will parlay his newfound job skills into a
position with Holmes Community College,
working in housekeeping and maintenance.
Canard spent a lot of time on his feet in
Shipping and Receiving and in Patient
Equipment, helping to make sure UMMC
departments had the materials and supplies
needed to make their work area hum.
“Basically, I was UPS,” he said.
Look in UMMC’s employee directory, and
you’ll see Niel McMillan’s name right under
that of Ryan McMillan. Their relationship is
not by blood or marriage, but as coworkers.
“All the people there are kind,” Niel said of
why he likes working in Ambassador Services.
“They take the time to make sure that I learn.”
Niel’s grandmother, Angelita Figueroa, was
among the family members cheering him on at
graduation. His abuela speaks little English and
Niel is her interpreter, but her emotions and
big smile don’t need deciphering.
“I’m so happy for the progress he’s made.
I’m so proud he was able to graduate today,”
she said.
Hometown RANKIN • 37

38 • AUGUST 2022

EAST RANKIN ACADEMY CONGRATULATES
STUDENTS AND STAFF FOR 2021-2022!
• MAIS 5A Girls Cross Country State Championship
• 2022 MAIS Overall Academic Quiz Bowl Champions
• Old Capitol Government Quiz Bowl Champions
• 5 Seniors Named MAIS 33+ ACT Distinguished Scholars
• Superior Rated Upper School Band
• All-Metro Area Baseball Coach of the Year
• MAIS 4th-8th Overall State Spelling Bee Winner
• MAIS JV Girls District Track/Field Champions
• 7th & 8th Grade MAIS Overall State Spelling Bee Winners
• MAIS 5A Cross Country Coach of the Year
• Mississippi Regional Science Quiz Bowl Runner-up
• MAIS Overall Junior Varsity Chess Team Champions
• MS History Bee Varsity State Champion
• “Best in Show” MAIS 5th Grade Art Competition
• Hinds Community College Literary Essay Winners
• ACT Average of 30.29 for Top Third of Class of 2022
• 2 STAR Students - ACT Scores of 35
• College Tennis Signee
• MAIS JV Individual Chess Champion
• 18 MAIS Overall Elementary Art Winners
• MAIS 5A Boys Discus State Champion
• MS Scholastic Shooting Sports State Champions
• Girls Basketball College Signee
• Capital Sports MAIS Top Ten Final Baseball Ranking
• College Cheer Signee
• Raytheon Rube Goldberg Physics Competition Champions
• Highest Scorer in MS Scholastic Shooting Sports Program
• 4 College Baseball Signees
• Raytheon Innovate Award FTC Robotics State Competition
• Outstanding Theatre Production - Disney’s Beauty & the Beast
A Tradition of Excellence…to GOD be the Glory!
POOLS
CHILDCARE
601-591-CLUB
FITNESS
gROUP
Hometown RANKIN • 39

40 • AUGUST 2022

McGairtys
the
Tell us about your family.
We are the McGairty family - Brian, Emily, Jon Davis, Tatum & Tucker.
Brian works for the Mississippi Department of Education and serves
as the director of the office of Safe and Orderly Schools and the
office of Educator Misconduct. He also serves the Rankin County
area as well as other surrounding areas as a realtor with Havard Real
Estate Group.
How did you meet and how long have you been
married?
Brian and I were set up by mutual friends. Brian and I both graduated
from Mississippi State in 2002.
What brings you the greatest joy as a parent?
Children give you a sense of fulfillment and enjoyment in a world,
knowing that you had the chance to raise up and teach your own
physical embodiment what it is to be a good human being. It’s seeing
their eyes light up in excitement over the smallest things. It’s the
sweet kisses they give you when tucking them in at bedtime. But the
greatest joy our children bring us is watching them grow in Christ.
What are some fun things to do in Rankin
County on the weekends?
Naturally, since I am a boutique owner, I am going to say shopping!
Rankin County has the some of the best retail shopping in the state.
The reservoir is fun for those that enjoy the water, and the Mississippi
Braves baseball games are extra fun on the weekends when they
have the huge fireworks shows. The amphitheater is perfect for
concerts and the movie theatres in Pearl and Flowood are always fun.
What accomplishments make you proud
during your time living in Rankin County?
Our marriage, the birth of our children, serving in law enforcement
for 13 years, serving as an educator for 8 years, helping families with
the sale and purchase of their homes, opening a boutique in Pearl
and Flowood.
What drives you to have the job that you have?
We both love serving others!
What do you love about your team/school?
The atmosphere at Mississippi State is top notch, and its hospitality
can’t be beat. The campus is beautiful, and the people are down to
earth. They offer outstanding academics and amazing traditions.
The fan atmosphere at any game you attend is unbeatable.
We bleed maroon and white.
FAVORITE TAILGATE RECIPE
Smoked Brisket
• 1 15 lb. brisket
• 1 cup beer
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup beef stock
• 5 Tbsp. butter, melted
• 2 Tbsp. of each: garlic powder, onion powder,
paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, and coarse
ground black pepper
• 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
Start the grill on smoke setting, with the lid open
until the fire is established. Set the temperature to
225 and preheat, lid closed, for 10 minutes. Mix
garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili pepper,
salt and pepper in a small bowl. Season brisket on
all sides. Place fat side down on grill grate. Cook
until internal temperature reaches 160 (3-4 hours).
Remove from grill. Double wrap in aluminum foil
and add beef broth to the foil packet. Return to the
grill and cook until it reaches 204 (about 3 hours
more). Once finished, remove from grill, unwrap
from foil and let rest for 15 minutes. Cut against
the grain and serve. Enjoy!
Hometown RANKIN • 41

42 • AUGUST 2022

Gillespies
the
Tell us about your family.
Van Gillespie, 56 - Enjoys time with family, working out, and cooking
for family and friends.
Angie, 51 - Enjoys reading, cooking, and entertaining friends.
Mary Beth, 23 - Spends most of her time studying as she just completed
her first year of dental school at UMMC. Enjoys reading, swimming, and
spending time with her friends and family.
Emma Cate, 14 - Enjoys cooking, swimming, and hanging out with friends.
How did you meet and how long have you been
married?
We met at First Baptist Jackson in the singles department. We dated
for nine months, were engaged nine months, and were married for
nine months when we found out we were pregnant with Mary Beth.
However, she arrived in eight months and broke our trend! We are
excited to be celebrating our 25th anniversary this December.
​
What brings you the greatest joy as a parent?
Watching our girls grow and develop into loving, kind, Christian young
ladies. We are so proud of our girls and all that they have accomplished,
and we can’t wait to see what God has in store for them in the future!
What are some of your favorite things about
Rankin County?
The hometown feel greatly appeals to us. We love our neighborhood,
Fox Bay, and love our neighbors. Between coworkers, neighbors,
fellow church members, etc., we have been fortunate to be surrounded
by great people and have made many wonderful memories. We’ve had
the opportunity to be involved in our church and our community here.
What accomplishments make you proud during
your time living in Rankin County?
We have made a wonderful home and have enjoyed our careers as
an attorney and nurse. We have both had great opportunities and
successes throughout our careers, but our sweet girls are our biggest
accomplishments. We have loved watching them grow and develop
their own personalities and seeing the people they are becoming!
What do you love about your team/school?
Van grew up in Oxford and graduated from Ole Miss undergrad and
law school. Mary Beth also recently graduated there for undergrad.
Ole Miss has been the epicenter for so many memories for generations
of our family. We love the beautiful campus and going to the Grove for
tailgating! We love how Ole Miss brings so many of our friends and
family together to celebrate a team that we all cherish!
FAVORITE TAILGATE RECIPE
Cheesy Meatball Sliders
• 2 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 3 Tbsp. prepared pesto
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 jar (24 oz.) pasta sauce
• 1 package (18 oz.) Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 12 slices mozzarella cheese
• ½ tsp. dried oregano
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or shredded
Italian cheese blend
• Fresh basil
Preheat oven to 350. Combine ground beef,
breadcrumbs, pesto and egg and mix lightly.
Shape into 12 meatballs; place on a greased rack
in a 15x10x1 inch baking pan. Bake until browned
and a thermometer reads 160, about 35 minutes.
Toss meatballs with sauce; set aside. Meanwhile,
without separating rolls, cut horizontally in half;
arrange bottom halves in a greased 13x9 inch
baking dish. Place half the cheese slices over roll
bottoms; sprinkle with oregano. Add meatballs
and sauce. Top with remaining cheese slices and
bun tops. Combine butter, olive oil, garlic, Italian
seasoning and red pepper flakes; brush over buns.
Bake, covered, for 20 minutes. Uncover and
sprinkle with Parmesan and shredded mozzarella.
Bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted, 10-15
minutes longer. Sprinkle with basil before serving.
Hometown RANKIN • 43

44 • AUGUST 2022

Smithharts
the
Tell us about your family.
Richard Smithhart, 61 - Athletic Director of Pearl Public Schools
Lori Smithhart, 60 - Retired elementary teacher
Alicia Vanderford, 36 - Teacher at Northside Elementary
Karli Ragan, 34 - NICU nurse at Baptist Hospital
Lauren Coley, 32 - Owner at Flawless Boutique
Morgan Fontaine, 24 - Registered Nurse at Flowood Surgery Center
Jake Smithhart, 22 - Student at University of Southern Mississippi
How did you meet and how long have you been
married?
We met in 1981 while Lori was attending Hinds Community College
and I was attending USM. It was love at first sight in the parking lot on
campus when I walked up with a broken nose. We married in May 1983
right after graduation at USM and have been married 39 years.
What are some of your favorite things about
Rankin County?
Our favorite things about Rankin County are southern hospitality,
high quality education systems, faith-based communities and strong
hometown values.
What accomplishments make you proud during
your time living in Rankin County?
We are proud to have been a part of all the success of Pearl Public
School District during our 30+ years as educators and parents. During
that time, our children participated in multiple activities winning multiple
state championships and receiving top honors. I continue to impact
athletes as athletic director for Pearl and have been named the
Mississippi Athletic Director of the Year twice.
What drives you to have the job that you have?
I have always enjoyed and been involved in sports and activities my
whole life. I believe that they are important in building character and
strong qualities in our youth. I enjoy competition and watching athletes
compete at intense levels to build confidence. Being an athletic director
also allows me to be involved in the growth of coaches and challenging
them to be the best leaders they can be.
What do you love about your team/school?
The University of Southern Mississippi has fans that bleed black
and gold. We love that it is a close-knit community that believes in
pride and traditions. All five of our children attended USM and we
were able to share our love of the Golden Eagles with them over
the years. SMTTT!
FAVORITE TAILGATE RECIPE
Salsa
• 2 large cans diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 cans Rotel, 1 drained, 1 not drained
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• ½ -¾ cup chopped cilantro –
about half a bundle
• ½ Tbsp. lime juice
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• ¼ tsp. salt
• Pinch of sugar
• ½ -1 jalapeño, chopped
Put everything together in food processor
or blender. Best if made a day in advance.
For chunkier salsa, do not blend the vegetables.
Hometown RANKIN • 45

46 • AUGUST 2022

Johnsons
the
Tell us about your family.
Silvanus, 71 – I am a retired teacher, bus driver, and colonel medical
service officer in the Mississippi Army National Guard.
Helen 71 – I am a retired teacher, bus driver, and poll manager in
Puckett for over ten years.
Shulawnda, 48 – I work for the Mississippi Department of Education.
Chawetta, 44 – I work at the Mississippi House of Representatives.
How did you meet and how long have you been
married?
We met at the JSU library where Helen worked as a student assistant.
She tried to avoid me, but I never gave up on her because she was
my “dream lady”. On December 23, 2022, we will celebrate our
golden wedding anniversary as we will have been married for 50
blissful years.
What are some of your favorite things about
Rankin County?
Residents of Rankin County know that it is safe to live here and raise
their families. We are a multifaceted community/county with a positive
focus and objective.
What accomplishments make you proud during
your time living in Rankin County?
• Growing up in a safe environment
• Graduating from McLaurin High School
• Our daughters graduating from Brandon High School
• Our godson graduating from Puckett High School
• My wife retiring from the Rankin County School District
• Residing here all my life except for my time in college and the military
• Receiving our bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees from JSU
• Being thankful to the Lord for his continued blessings and success
What do you love about your team/school?
We love JSU because it has an open policy that allows so many
deserving students to be able to pursue various degrees and become
successful productive citizens. The University’s administration has insight
into the fact that we all are different and truly strive to meet our needs.
We, JSU, are a superb “family” with an unbreakable bond. The campus
is spectacular and advancing daily in its academic, technology, and
architectural design. The atmosphere at JSU, as well as other historically
black colleges and universities (HBCU) since Coach Prime’s induction, in
my opinion, has been overwhelming. His selfless spirit is an extension to
the goals of JSU and its supporters, and he has been successful because
he cares about the advancement of all students.
“THEE I LOVE”.
FAVORITE TAILGATE RECIPE
Mississippi Sin Dip
• 16 oz. sour cream
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup ham, chopped
• 1 Tbsp. hot sauce
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 loaf French bread
Preheat oven to 350. Cut a hole out of the top of the
bread and remove the soft inside. You can save the
top of the bread to serve with the dip later. Mix the
sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ham,
hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce together in a
mixing bowl. Add mixture to French bread. Wrap
stuffed bread in aluminum foil and bake for
45 minutes or until warmed through.
Serve with bread and/or crackers!
Hometown RANKIN • 47

SANDRA CAGLE
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
138 Lakeland Heights Blvd.
Flowood, MS 39232
601.988.6602
NMLS# 70244
KEVIN LANGFORD
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
138 Lakeland Heights Blvd.
Flowood, MS 39232
601.988.6604
NMLS# 70252
JANET SYLVESTER
MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR
1255 West Government Street
Brandon, MS 39042
601.706.0323
NMLS# 85845
YOU’VE WORKED HARD
FOR YOUR HOME
SO WILL WE.
MELISSA USRY
MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR
2441 Old Brandon Road
Pearl, MS 39208
601.203.2222
NMLS# 730127
48 • AUGUST 2022

LUXURY SUITES • PICNICS • BIRTHDAY PARTIES
PARTY DECKS • GROUP TICKETS & MUCH MORE!
FRIDAY,
AUG 5TH
SNITKER
CHAMPIONSHIP
BOBBLEHEAD
SATURDAY,
AUG 6TH
WORLD SERIES
REPLICA
RING
SATURDAY,
AUG 19TH
M-BRAVES
BEACH
TOTE
TICKETS START AT $5
FREE PARKING
UPCOMING FIREWORKS NIGHTS
SAT, AUG 6TH
SAT, AUG 20TH
Hometown RANKIN • 49

50 • AUGUST 2022

elite physical therapy
proudly supports the
brandon bulldogs!
Bulldog football
DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT
August 26 7:00 pm Home Oxford
September 2 7:00 pm Home Madison Central
September 9 7:00 pm Away Clinton
September 23 7:00 pm Home Terry
September 30 7:00 pm Away Warren Central
October 7 7:00 pm Home Petal
October 14 7:00 pm Away Meridian
October 21 7:00 pm Away Oak Grove
October 28 7:00 pm Home Northwest Rankin
November 4 7:00 pm Away Pearl
Hometown RANKIN • 51

52 • AUGUST 2022

Grand National
Champions
Chelsea Thomas
For the second time in program history, the Brandon High School
cheerleading squad brought home the National Cheerleaders
Association (NCA) Grand National Championship this year. The
team traveled to Dallas, Texas, to compete in January with 27
members.
On day one in Dallas, the team delivered a near perfect routine
scoring for themselves 98 points. Day two, the cheerleaders
delivered another great performance to win the Large Performance
Game division. The accolades did not stop there, though. NCA
offers many national championships by division, but only one team
in the nation can be named Grand National Champion. This award
goes to the highest scoring team of the entire competition.
With a total score of 97.4375, the Brandon cheerleaders walked
away with the NCA Grand National Championship
for the second time. The squad also earned themselves the
Mississippi High School Activities Association 6A Large Performance
Game Day State Championship this season. That makes state
championship number eight for the Brandon High School varsity
cheerleaders.
The Brandon cheerleaders were the first team in the state
of Mississippi to win an NCA grand national championship
in 2020 and are still the only squad in the state to hold the title.
The work for Grand National Championship number three
has already begun. We couldn’t be more proud of the hard
work and perseverance these athletes put in every day.
Members of the 2021-2022 Brandon High School cheerleading
squad include: Laura Lane Nichols, Hanna Reedy, Paige Sanders,
Ainsley Carr, Destiny Collier, Morgan Patrick, Ellen Robinson,
Madelyn Sanders, Sara Scott Stanford, Alaina Harrist, Meri Morgan
Marshall, Sydney McAlpin, Madison Nelson, Mikaela Perry, Jaylin
Bailey, Allie Curro, Kynsie Densford, Kate Gibson, Aliza Hensley,
Claire Huston, Addyson Grace Moss, Avery Power, Jolie Register,
Sophie Sharp, Georgia Weems, Reese Wilson, and Lexy York.
Managers are Ryleigh Cook and Maddye Stegall. Coaches are
Amber King, Sherra Shearer, Will Emmons, and Storm Chaffin.
Hometown RANKIN • 53

Now & Then
Bulldogs Alumni
Jarrad craine
Jarrad is a 2007 graduate of Brandon High School.
While in school, Jarrad was a three-sport athlete and
was awarded an athletic scholarship to attend Hinds
Community College. Since May 2021, Jarrad has been
operating as Jackson Municipal Airport Authority’s
custodial services manager. Jarrad is also serving as
alderman of Ward 1 for the City of Brandon. He counts
it a true blessing to serve his community and Ward 1 in
this capacity. Being born and raised in the community,
his support for the Brandon Bulldogs comes naturally.
He knows the feeling of Friday night lights, crowds
cheering as you take your shots, and being in the public
eye. As he has grown, his #BOE spirit has only grown
with him. Jarrad served as a B Club board member for
2020-2021 and is an avid
supporter of Brandon sporting
events, and a proud advocate
for the educational system
in which he is raising his
daughter, Kyra. She will be
entering the third grade
this fall at StoneBridge
Elementary.
Caroline Gilbert
Caroline Gilbert graduated from Brandon High School
in 1999. She is married to Scott Gilbert, and they have
two children, Garrett (13) and Anna Claire (11). Caroline
is currently serving her first term as Rankin County tax
collector. Her favorite memory from high school is Pearl
Spirit Week. Brandon and Pearl are huge rivals, and it
was always made to be such a big deal to boost the
football team and really rally as a school/community.
“It didn’t matter who your friends were, what group you
ran around with, or what your interests were, everyone,
seemed to participate in this spirit week. The pep rally
at the end of the week was always the icing on the
cake too, especially for seniors,” she says. “From the
silly dress-up days, the teachers dancing at the pep rally,
and the spirit flags flown from
trucks all throughout town,
you just don’t forget the
hype that this brought to
our school and community.”
54 • AUGUST 2022

Shanna Spann
Shanna graduated from Brandon High School in 1997.
She is currently a court administrator for Judge Haydn
J. Roberts in Rankin County Chancery Court. Shanna
also has an online clothing boutique called Poized
Lotus Boutique. She is married to Jeremy Spann and
together they have five children. They currently live
and work in Brandon. Her favorite memories from high
school are numerous! Shanna says that hanging out in
the courtyard between classes was so much fun, but
the football games had to be the BEST OF TIMES! All
their friends and family were there, and it was the most
carefree of times that she can remember. She said that
she had a great senior class who really stuck together,
and still does.
Jason Hall
Jason Hall graduated from Brandon High School in
1995. He has been married to his awesome wife, Brandi,
for 20 years and they have three amazing sons, Caiden,
Brayson and Logan. Jason’s primary job is a franchise
owner for Buffalo Wild Wings, but his second and most
fulfilling job is coaching all three of his boys in baseball.
His favorite memory from high school is the 1994
baseball season. “We went 32-0 in the regular season
and was ranked number one in the state and ranked
number 18 nationally. That year was something special.
It was a blessing to be a part of a great group of players
and coaches!!”
Hometown RANKIN • 55

We proudly
support
Brandon
High School
56 • AUGUST 2022

Go
Dawgs!
Hometown RANKIN • 57

East Rankin
58 • AUGUST 2022

Patriot Football
DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT
August 19 7:00 pm Home Oak Hill Academy
August 26 7:00 pm Away Columbia Academy
September 2 7:00 pm Home St. Joseph Catholic
September 9 7:00 pm Home Park Place Christian
September 16 7:00 pm Away Ethel High School
September 23 7:00 pm Home West Lincoln High
September 30 7:00 pm Away Lamar School
October 7 7:00 pm Home Leake Academy
October 14 7:00 pm Away Sacred Heart Catholic
October 21 7:00 pm Away Simpson Academy
Hometown RANKIN • 59

60 • AUGUST 2022

A New Look for
A New Decade
Robyn Winstead & Dee Gates
In spring of 2020, East Rankin Academy was making plans to
celebrate the 50th anniversary of the school. In addition to the
celebration of God’s blessings at East Rankin Academy during the
past fifty years, an important part of the celebration included a kickoff
of a new building program. As the school was looking forward to
commemorating our past, we were also excitedly anticipating future
plans for our school. Unfortunately, due to the COVID pandemic, our
building program had to be postponed while the school focused on
protecting the health and wellbeing of our students, staff, and school
family, as we strived to maintain excellent academics, competitive
athletics, and outstanding extracurricular opportunities throughout
the challenges brought about by the pandemic.
Even while navigating through the challenges of the pandemic,
the ERA board of trustees and administration continued to develop
strategic plans for our future building program. After faithful prayer
for God’s guidance and direction, the board and administration are
excited to announce the kickoff of our new building program!
Construction beginning in summer of 2022 will continue in the
months and years ahead as the school executes both immediate
and future phases of the building program. As we begin construction
on our new facilities, we are also kicking off a new capital campaign
to assist with funding for our building program.
The school is blessed with an outstanding team to lead our
capital campaign as they seek support from our school family, alumni,
and local communities. East Rankin Academy has been graciously
supported by so many over the last 52 years, and we humbly ask
for our supporters to continue to offer their prayers, encouragement,
and financial contributions as we work together to ensure a promising
future for the school.
Due to increased enrollment, the first phase of the building
program will be an expansion of our academic buildings. To provide
for our growing K3 program, we are beginning construction with an
enlargement of our preschool center. This preschool expansion will
include four new classrooms, an indoor play center, and a new
preschool playground. This summer has also seen updates and
renovations to our fine arts center in our quest to provide a quality
learning environment for our music and art classes.
During the 2022-2023 school year, we will also begin extensive
renovations to the facade of our existing academic buildings and
gymnasiums. This phase of the renovation will also include an addition
of an outdoor courtyard, new lighted walkways, and a large canopy
for student drop-off and pick-up.
In our drive for continued excellence in athletics, our building plans
include a new baseball and tennis complex. Along with locker rooms
for baseball and tennis, this new complex will also provide additional
space to support our track and field program, varsity soccer programs,
as well as public restrooms for sporting events hosted on the east
side of campus. Our baseball, tennis, cross country, and track and
field teams enjoyed so much success during the 2021-2022 school
year, and we feel that this new complex will help support the growth
and development of these sports programs in the years to come.
Future phases of East Rankin’s building program include plans for
a new band hall to support the expansion of our school’s superiorrated
band and a new robotics center to support our award-winning
robotics team. Due to an increase in enrollment, our future plans
also include a new extended school care center to enhance our
elementary after-school care and summer camp programs.
Prior to the pandemic, our original time goal for “A New Look for
a New Decade” was 2020-2025. Now that time goal has been
changed to begin 2022 and continue on God’s timetable, realizing
that “Except the Lord build the house, the builders labor in vain . . .”
Psalm 127:1.
God has certainly blessed East Rankin Academy over the last 52
years, and even as our school grows and continues into the future,
our mission remains the same—to train each child spiritually, academically,
physically, and socially with the help of a college-preparatory
curriculum, extracurricular activities, and the united efforts of parents
and teachers under the leadership of God as found in His Holy Word.
As we commemorate our past, we extend heartfelt gratitude to
all who have had a part in helping our school experience such great
success, and we look forward to welcoming the many new students
and families joining us as we press on to the future.
Hometown RANKIN • 61

Now & Then
Patriots Alumni
Brooke Rhodes
Brooke graduated from East Rankin Academy in 2010.
She now is the head girls’ basketball coach at East
Rankin Academy, where the gym is named after her
Paw-Paw, Coach Billy Rhodes. One of her favorite
memories in high school was winning the 2010 MAIS
Overall State Championship, the first and only one in
East Rankin Academy history. Something that made
this super special to Brooke is that her Paw-Paw was
the assistant coach at the time.
Knox Ross
Knox graduated from East Rankin Academy in 1984.
He is married to Jamie Ross, who is a dentist in Morton.
Knox and all three of his kids, Rebecca, Jean, and Knox III,
finished at East Rankin Academy. Knox currently works
as a CPA with Ross & Betts. His partner there also went
to ERA, as well as both her children. Ross says he has
been very intertwined with ERA most of his life. He’s
very grateful that ERA gave his children a wonderful
education and work ethic that has served them well.
He recalls his favorite memory from high school
being, at that time, East Rankin was very small and very
close-knit. The teachers were so good to him, and the
parents sacrificed a lot for their children to go to school.
Knox appreciates knowing that they had people looking
out for them. “It was a much
simpler time, and I appreciate
the close-knit community.”
62 • AUGUST 2022

Chance Carter
Chance graduated from East Rankin Academy in 1991.
He has been married to his wife, Chrysler, for 26 years
and they have a son, Campbell, who will be a
sophomore at MSU, and two daughters, Bradley (12th
grade) and Bennett (10th grade). Chance has worked
with Community Bank for the past 17 years and is
currently serving as CEO of the Central Mississippi
Region. He has many favorite memories from high
school - playing football, basketball, baseball, track and
tennis and being encouraged daily by godly teachers,
coaches and administrators. However, his senior trip
with his best friend, Eddie Harrison, stands out as
a favorite, as they left graduation in an Isuzu pickup
truck with no air conditioning heading for Miami, Florida.
Allie Walters
Allie graduated from East Rankin Academy in 2007.
She has been married to Tyler Walters for 10 years,
and they have two kids. They have a sassy little
girl named Stella Grace who is six and a handsome
handful of a little boy named Charlie who is four. Allie
teaches graphic design and entrepreneurship academy
at Brandon High School, where she also is a sponsor
of prom, Dog Pack, and BulldogTHON! Some of her
favorite memories from high school are the senior class
parties they had. From the back-to-school pool party
and the 50s sock hop at an actual diner to the end-ofschool
luau at her house, they filled their senior year
with lots of fun!
Hometown RANKIN • 63

We proudly
support
East Rankin
Academy
64 • AUGUST 2022

Go Patriots!
Hometown RANKIN • 65

66 • AUGUST 2022
W. RALPH EUBANKS

Hometown RANKIN • 67

68 • AUGUST 2022

Hawks Football
DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT
August 26 7:00 pm Home Magnolia Heights
September 2 7:00 pm Away Pillow Academy
September 9 7:00 pm Home Presbyterian Christian
September 16 7:00 pm Away Bayou Academy
September 23 7:00 pm Home Lamar Academy
September 30 7:00 pm Away Parklane Academy
October 7 7:00 pm Away Jackson Academy
October 14 7:00 pm Home Greenville Christian
October 21 7:00 pm Home Jackson Prep
October 28 7:00 pm Home MRA
Hometown RANKIN • 69

Kaylee Collins (Class of 2020), Lee Catherine Collins Hodges (Class of 2015),
Blakeney Hatcliff (Director of Fine Arts)
Kyndal White (Class of 2021)
70 • AUGUST 2022

Clear Vision:
Every Student Fulfilling Their
God-Given Purpose
Caroline Lucas
At Hartfield, we believe that every student’s God-given purpose is
to know God, discover who He created them to be, and serve Him
with their life, giftings, and passions. We believe that when students
do these things, they are fulfilling Jesus’ great commandment of
loving God and neighbor.
Clear Vision, our 22-23 school theme, emphasizes that our
students’ God-given purpose is defined by God’s standards - not our
own. “The most important thing I’ve learned from Hartfield is that
everyone has a purpose that God has specifically given to us. We
can all use our unique gifts to glorify God in different ways,” shared
Garrett Jackson, a rising Hartfield senior. He is a perfect example of
a student discovering who God has created him to be during his time
in school. When asked about how the Lord used Hartfield to shape
who he is today, he shared about his forever life-change in a
third-grade classroom and how Hartfield faculty members have
continued to pour in and teach him Godly wisdom each day.
“Hartfield has provided me with role models and mentors to help
guide my walk with Jesus,” shared Garrett.
As educators and leaders at Hartfield, we have every opportunity
to prepare our students for life. We value preparing students to be
Christian leaders who will leave our campus and go impact the world.
That means we focus on not just the academic experiences but also
the spiritual, emotional, and physical development of each student.
It was once said, “We are preparing our students for a race we will
not get to watch them run,” and we wanted to connect with those
students who are running their race.
Hartfield’s Class of 2015 Salutatorian and Hartfield Woman Lee
Catherine Collins is currently a public relations specialist at Methodist
Rehabilitation Center in Jackson, Miss. Lee Catherine has a passion
for storytelling and shared with me how the Lord used Hartfield to
ignite her passion to write, design, and take photos—all the skills
she uses daily! “Blakeney Hatcliff (Hartfield’s director of fine arts),
encouraged me. And when she said, ‘Go for it—you can do this!’
I believed her.”
Lee Catherine went on to share, “Hartfield laid the foundation for
my career, and then they pumped me full of confidence for the next
chapter.” Her journey to Hartfield required complete faith in the Lord
and an ability to step out in that faith. “Every day leaving school, I
would look at Joshua 1:9 on the back of that sign and think about all
God had done for me—all because I decided not to be afraid.
Hartfield was the place for me. I would encourage anyone interested
to put fear aside because finding your place is worth it.”
Kyndal White, a 2021 Hartfield graduate, will begin her sophomore
year at the University of Mississippi this fall. Kyndal loves working
with children as she is currently an elementary education major and
works at Hartfield’s summer care program, Summer’s Nest. She
shared two specific ways the Lord worked in her life during her time
at Hartfield—through a Hartfield teacher and an open door to work
at Hartfield’s after-school care program. Kyndal shared, “Mrs. Ingram
(Hartfield’s art instructor), always listened and encouraged me through
a tough season of my life. She truly modeled Christ’s gentleness,
kindness, and love to me in her classroom. Secondly, the Lord
opened the door for me to be a Hawk’s Nest teacher during my
senior year. Little did I know, the Lord was giving me a taste of what
He created me to do—teach.”
As Kyndal pursues her career to one day become an elementary
teacher, she shared ways in which Hartfield prepared her for academic
excellence at Ole Miss. “The academic material at Hartfield did not
just make me more intelligent, but the challenging coursework taught
me to set aside time for my studies by managing my time more
efficiently, which is essential for success in every area of my life.”
She went on to share, as well as her academic success, that the
Lord used her years at Hartfield to teach her about trusting His plan.
“In every season of attending Hartfield, Jesus has made it abundantly
clear to me that He is trustworthy. Trusting in Him hasn’t always been
easy, but the Lord has used my years at Hartfield to prove that He is
worthy of my full trust.”
As we emphasize Clear Vision this year, we want students, families,
and our community to have a clear vision of God’s purpose for their
lives. As Hartfield continues to send out graduates, we have
unwavering hope for what God has in store for the future.
Hometown RANKIN • 71

Now & Then
Hawks Alumni
Leighton Whitehead
Leighton Whitehead graduated from Hartfield in 2015.
After graduating from Mississippi State in 2019, he
moved back to Brandon. Since then, he’s been working
in financial services and progressed to financial advisor
with Whitehead Financial Group. Many of Leighton’s
favorite memories from high school come from
athletics - playing basketball and baseball at Hartfield.
But his favorite memory was his class mission trip to
Guatemala. During spring break of his senior year, the
leadership at Hartfield organized a mission trip and
gave them the opportunity to go serve at a children’s
home in Guatemala.
Jasmine Johnson
Jasmine graduated from Hartfield Christian Academy
in 2016. She furthered her education at the University
of Mississippi and completed a bachelor’s degree in
exercise science. Jasmine returned to Flowood and
began her career. She is now currently working as the
event and catering sales coordinator at Table 100. Her
favorite memory from high school was graduating
valedictorian of her class. “This accomplishment was
a testament that I can achieve anything that I set my
mind to, even through adversity. This is a value that
I have upheld throughout my early adult career.”
72 • AUGUST 2022

Clarence Junior Atkinson
Junior graduated from Hartfield in 2015. He currently
serves as a police officer with the Flowood Police
Department. He is married to Trisha Moreno and the
two are expecting a sweet baby boy, Santiago Atkinson,
that will be due in mid-October. Clarence says that it
was difficult choosing only one of his favorite memories.
But one was taking a mission trip to Guatemala and
experiencing a very beautiful, different, and unique
culture. He is grateful for simply being able to attend
an amazing school like Hartfield Academy. “I have
many memories with some amazing people and lifelong
friends that I met at Hartfield. I will always be forever
grateful for Hartfield.”
Sarah Ellison
Sarah graduated from Hartfield Academy in 2014.
She is now currently working as a middle school English
language arts teacher at Hartfield Academy. Sarah is
married to Caleb Ellison, and they have a son, Donovan.
Looking back at her high school days, Sarah would have
to say that her favorite memory would be performing
in musicals, specifically “Annie” and “Beauty and the
Beast”.
Hometown RANKIN • 73

We proudly
support
Hartfield
Academy
74 • AUGUST 2022

Welcome Back
601.651.3111
Tripp Spruill
Go Hawks!
Hometown RANKIN • 75

76 • AUGUST 2022
JACKSON
PREP

Lakeside Moulding
proudly supports the
Jackson Prep Patriots!
5300 Hwy 25 • Flowood, MS • 601-992-5546
Patriot Football
DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT
August 19 7:00 pm Home Greenville Christian
August 26 7:00 pm Home Heritage Academy
September 2 7:00 pm Home St. Joseph
September 9 7:00 pm Away Lamar Academy
September 16 7:00 pm Home Parklane Academy
September 23 7:00 pm Home Copiah Academy
September 30 7:00 pm Away MRA
October 7 7:00 pm Home Yazoo City
October 14 7:00 pm Home Jackson Academy
October 21 7:00 pm Away Hartfield
October 28 7:00 pm Away Presbyterian Christian
Hometown RANKIN • 77

78 • AUGUST 2022

Jackson Prep
Lower School…
Here We Go!
Amanda Slack
These are busy days on the campus of Jackson Preparatory
School! In December, the school’s board of trustees announced
that Jackson Prep would be adding a lower school, and construction
is already underway on the new facility. The lower school will be
home to Pre-K3 to 4th grade students in the fall of 2023. Prep is
also expanding its current student body to 5th graders in the fall
of 2022. The school is excited about welcoming these young
learners into the Prep family.
The question has been raised as to why Prep is expanding its
reach during a time when there are so many local educational
options for families. School leaders believe now is the time to expand
the Jackson Prep footprint and to create the complete educational
experience from preschool to graduation. The addition of a lower
school will give students earlier access to Prep’s outstanding
curricular and co-curricular programs, better preparing them to
succeed academically and take full advantage of the opportunities
awaiting them in middle and upper school. Additionally, our middle
and upper school students will benefit from having lower school
students on campus, as it will provide direct opportunities to mentor
and impact younger students. Having a lower, middle, and upper
school on campus is an exciting venture that will strengthen the
entire Prep family.
Prep is energized about creating an innovative approach to early
childhood education while continuing to pursue Prep’s tradition of
excellence. The lower school will help children develop intellectually,
emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The opportunities for growth
are endless, and the Prep lower school staff is committed to meeting
children where they are to become all God has designed them to be.
The lower school will be a 26,000-square-foot, multi-level
building that will house bright, colorful classrooms and common
areas that promote collaboration and discovery. Spaces are being
created for a STEM lab, an art studio, a multi-purpose room for
gatherings such as weekly chapel, and areas for outdoor learning
experiences. The building will incorporate design elements that
reflect the Jackson Prep middle and upper schools while being
developmentally appropriate for young learners.
The preschool at Jackson Prep will be exploratory, play-based
and designed with the best practices of early childhood education
in mind. Preschoolers will be provided opportunities to discover the
world around them while realizing their roles in the greater community.
The preschool will be a half-day program, but an all-day option will
be offered as well. During the preschool morning, children will
participate in large and small group activities that foster creativity
and promote socio-emotional learning while providing a springboard
for academic success.
Students in grades 1-4 will benefit from having received the solid
Prep preschool foundation and will be engaged in multi-sensory
learning that develops the whole child. Not only will the core
curriculum be solid, but learning will also be enhanced by a focus
on STEM education that promotes engineering, robotics, and
design; foreign language; fine arts that includes dramatic arts;
and an emphasis on service learning. Children will be nurtured
and guided towards becoming problem-solvers, active learners,
and compassionate members of the global community.
Jackson Prep is actively engaged in the school-wide expansion
of its academic support programs. As a part of this focus, the lower
school will have a dyslexia program designed and run by dyslexia
specialists. The director of this program is in place and is beginning
to develop a comprehensive program to meet the needs of all
students.
The year ahead will certainly be a busy one on the Jackson Prep
campus as 5th grade students are added and the lower school
facility takes shape. The lower school will be ready for students in
the fall of 2023, but an interest list is already being generated.
To be added to this list, or if you have any questions, please contact
Amanda Slack, head of the lower school, at aslack@jacksonprep.net
or 601-939-8611 x259.
Hometown RANKIN • 79

Now & Then
Patriot Alumni
Kaleb Lovertich
Kaleb graduated from Jackson Prep in 2016. He
continued his education at Mississippi State University
and graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Accountancy.
He now works at Stephens, Inc. as a financial consultant
with two partners in their Ridgeland office. Caleb
transferred to Jackson Prep before his sophomore year
in high school. Everyone from his coaches to his teachers
to the other students welcomed him with open arms.
One of the people from the Prep family that made a
lasting impact on Kaleb was Walker Wilbanks, who
became one of his closest friends. In August of 2014,
Walker passed away unexpectedly. “Walker lived his life
to the fullest and touched the lives of so many people
around him. Walker’s family wanted to celebrate
Walker’s legacy and established a scholarship through
Jackson Prep,” Kaleb said. The scholarship is awarded
annually to an upcoming senior
who exemplifies Walker’s spirit
through leadership, character,
and integrity. One of his
favorite memories from his
time at Jackson Prep was
being the first recipient of
the Walker Wilbanks
Scholarship Award.
Julia Putt
Julia graduated from Jackson Prep in 2014 and
currently works for her family’s business, Fresh Cut
Catering and Floral. They specialize in special events
and weddings and Julia primarily does event styling
and floral design. Julia truly feels like she is living out
her calling and gives many thanks to Jackson Prep for
preparing her for the real world. “One of my favorite
things about my job is the people I get to meet along the
way and the creative challenge of making each wedding
special and unique to the bride and their style.” One of
her favorite memories from high school was the Friday
night football games where she watched her brother
play football. “I loved all my teachers and how they truly
cared for their students and were there for them not
only academically but also personally. I am changed by
the impact they made on my life and love running into
them around town!”
80 • AUGUST 2022

Amy Lampton Walker
Amy graduated from Jackson Prep in 1998. She is
married to DeFord Walker and together they have three
kids, Mari, Ann Elise, and Hank. She currently is working
for Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions where she is an area
sales manager. Amy was also named a board member
for Ergon, Inc. in November of 2021. On top of that, Amy
serves as chair of the Mississippi Skills Foundation and
the Flowood Chamber of Commerce and is a member of
the board of the Mississippi Road Builders and on
advisory boards for Regions Bank Mississippi and the
Mississippi State University Business School Marketing
Department. Her favorite memory of high school was
not only the friendships that she made but also the
atmosphere of Friday night events at the Patriot Field.
Michael McAnally
Michael McAnally graduated from Jackson Prep in 1996.
He is now beginning his 9th year at Jackson Prep as the
head girls’ basketball coach. He has an 11-year-old son
named Walker and they reside in Brandon. Michael’s
basketball team winning the overall state championship
during his senior year was certainly a special memory
he has from high school. He thinks it is fair to say that
they were not a super talented team, but they did have
great leadership and really played well together.
Michael says that his team played with a bit of a chip on
their shoulder because not many outside of their inner
circle believed that they could capture the overall title
based on how their rival, Jackson Academy, was
considered the overwhelming favorite. Their team beat
JA 60-47 in the overall finals on March 2, 1996.
Ironically, Michael’s Prep girls
won the overall title this past
season on the same date—
March 2, 2022.
Hometown RANKIN • 81

We proudly
support
Jackson Prep
82 • AUGUST 2022

Hometown RANKIN • 83

84 • AUGUST 2022

Get ready for school!
Open a student checking
account with Bank of Yazoo
YAZOO CITY | FLORA | FLOWOOD | CROSSGATES
BANKOFYAZOO.COM
©2022 JEA
Hometown RANKIN • 85

Northwest Rankin
86 • AUGUST 2022

Clear View
Property Inspections
proudly supports
the NWR cougars!
Cougars Football
DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT
August 26 7:00 pm Away Ridgeland
September 2 7:00 pm Home Clinton
September 9 7:00 pm Away Madison Central
September 22 7:00 pm Home Meridian
September 30 7:00 pm Away Terry
October 7 7:00 pm Home Warren Central
October 14 7:00 pm Away Petal
October 21 7:00 pm Home Pearl
October 28 7:00 pm Away Brandon
November 3 7:00 pm Home Oak Grove
Hometown RANKIN • 87

88 • AUGUST 2022

Involved, Inclusive,
and Cool
Kalea White
If you walk into any high school across the country, you will
feel a natural gravitation toward the popular crowd. The students
whose names everyone knows. The ones always surrounded by
a circle of friends. The cool kids. In some schools, this group is
the athletes, in others, the theatre crowd. But at Northwest Rankin
High School, the title of most popular students belongs to those in
Mrs. Katherine Eldridge’s SCD (significant cognitive disabilities) class.
Mrs. Eldridge’s students are, without a doubt, some of the
coolest kids you’ll meet. And they know it. In fact, Nicholas
Thompson’s favorite part about school is “being cool.” Laterrius
Reed can often be found in the middle of the dance floor, and
Lawson Tucker aspires to one day be a celebrity. We happen to
think they all are celebrities already. They’re never too cool,
however, to open doors and greet classmates between classes,
banter with the administration, or give a hug to their favorite
teachers.
Much like any other high school course, Mrs. Eldridge’s class is
set up to prepare her students for life after high school. Katherine
refers to her class as a “transition” for these students to work on
life skills necessary for their futures. Alongside her assistant,
Ashley Watkins, Eldridge teaches the fundamentals—telling time,
counting money, communicating with others—in addition to daily
lessons in math, English, social studies, and science. However,
each of Mrs. Eldridge’s students express just how vital their life skill
lessons are. Lawson Tucker emphasizes that “the most important
thing about school is that it prepares you for the future.”
While much of the NWR student body is taking tests and
performing labs, Mrs. Eldridge’s students are on the move out in
the community. Katherine feels this type of experience works
well to “learn more hands-on” while “practicing shopping, social,
budgeting, and many more skills.” The group visits places like
Walmart and Chick-fil-A to learn about money management.
They visit local banks to learn about savings and checking
accounts. They even spent some time this past fall at the Agriculture
and Forestry Museum volunteering with the annual Harvest
Fest. All of this is strategically planned by Eldridge and Watkins to
best ensure the success of their students.
During class change, at lunch, on the field, and in the stands,
Mrs. Eldridge’s students are the life of the party. This group of high
school students are exceptional learners, but they by no means
lack involvement. The students span the gamut of extracurricular
activities. Laterrius Reed, a percussionist, loves to spend time with
his band family and march in parades. Hannah Overall spends
every Tuesday afternoon riding with the equestrian club. Elizabeth
loves art, and Lawson enjoys theatre. Other students are involved
in football, book club, FCA, work as teacher’s assistants, and many
other activities around Northwest Rankin. They can also be found
delivering coffee for the on-campus Cougar Coffee Shop and at
The Spot Downtown serving as baristas. No matter where they
go, they are sure to have a smile and a kind word for everyone
they meet.
This group of individuals knows they’re cool, but they may not
know just how much of an impact they make on the Northwest
family. Lewis Bradford, NWRHS head principal, beams that “the
positivity that Mrs. Eldridge’s students bring every single morning
is uplifting. Each student does a great job making Northwest a
great place due to the impact they have on people around them.”
It’s true. They teach us how to smile, even when a day is tough.
They teach us how to take our time and be patient with those
around us. They teach us what it means to be a true friend. They
teach us how important it is to laugh in the midst of chaos. Most
importantly, they inspire us, each and every day.
In the words of Elizabeth Mann, “this school rocks,” and it rocks
largely in part due to Mrs. Eldridge’s students.
Hometown RANKIN • 89

Now & Then
Cougar Alumni
Amelia Perryman
Amelia graduated from Northwest Rankin High School
in 2000. She’s a lifelong resident of Rankin County and
attended the Northwest zone her whole life. Amelia
currently is a teacher at Northwest Rankin High School.
On top of that, she teaches college and career readiness
and sponsors the student government organization. She
is also a part of the Chick-fil-A leadership organization.
Amelia has been recognized as Teacher of the Year by
the school, and her co-workers say she is one of the
kindest, most generous, hardworking people they have
ever known. Amelia is the mother of two elementary
children and stepmother to three college-aged children.
She loves spending time with her large family. Amelia’s
favorite memory from high school was when she was
crowned prom queen at their senior prom.
Hayden Tharpe
Hayden graduated from Northwest Rankin High School
in 2014. After graduating, he furthered his education at
the University of Southern Mississippi and now works
as a realtor at EXIT Southern Realty assisting people
in purchasing and selling real estate. He also owns a
construction business specializing in remodeling and
home improvements. Hayden’s favorite memory of his
days in high school would be making friendships that
would last a lifetime. “Looking back, I would say that
high school is an important building block in the key to
overall success. I firmly believe that it can play a factor
in shaping and molding you into the person you grow up
to be,” he says. Hayden also really enjoyed Friday nights
and playing sports.
90 • AUGUST 2022

Stacie Ownby
As a lifelong resident of Rankin County, Stacie first
entered the doors of NWR back in 1981 as a fourth
grader when it was brand new and was still an
attendance center. Stacie graduated in 1990 from
NWRHS and ironically “graduated” again this past May
when she retired. She has spent the last 28 years there
as an English teacher. Her actual high school days were
filled with band practice, pep rallies, and typical classes.
English was her favorite, of course. Her favorite high
school memories come from her days in the band: the
grueling days of band camp, late-night trips home, and
the exhilaration of state competitions. “However, if I am
truly honest, I have to say that my favorite high school
memories come from my days as a teacher,” Stacie
says. “There was never a day without some form of
laughter. I was blessed to be able
to share my days with teenagers
who came not only into my
classroom but also into my
heart.” She will join the
Hartfield Academy staff for
the 2022 school year and
continue to spend time with
her family and grandchildren.
Wealton Beverly
Wealton graduated from NWR in 1985 and is married
to Shirley Beverly. Wealton works as a police officer
for the Flowood Police Department. One of his favorite
memories from high school was from his senior year.
He took the ACT late that year and didn’t score high
enough to qualify to enroll at The University of
Mississippi and join the Ole Miss football team. His high
school counselor, Mrs. Dell Ewing, explained to him that
he had one more chance to take the test. After he took
the ACT and several months had passed, he continued
to ask Mrs. Ewing if his test score had come in. She would
always say, “Wealton, when your score comes in, I will
be the first to know.” One day he went down to the field
house to watch some football films, thinking how he
shouldn’t have waited until his senior year to take the
ACT so that he could have had more time to study.
In the distance, he heard
Mrs. Ewing yelling his name.
He opened the door, and
she ran in screaming,
“You did it! You did it!
You made the score! I am
so very proud of you!”
That memory has stayed
with him.
Hometown RANKIN • 91

We proudly
support
Northwest
Rankin High
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92 • AUGUST 2022

Congratulations
6A Champs
Brandy Gordon
Tyler Brown
601.651.3111
Hometown RANKIN • 93

94 • AUGUST 2022

Chiefs Football
DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT
August 26 7:00 pm Away Florence
September 2 7:00 pm Away Copiah Academy
September 9 7:00 pm Home Lake
September 16 7:00 pm Home Charleston
September 23 7:00 pm Away Morton
September 30 7:00 pm Away Velma Jackson
October 7 7:00 pm Home Scott Central
October 14 7:00 pm Home Nanih Waiya
October 21 7:00 pm Away Pisgah
October 27 7:00 pm Home Puckett
Hometown RANKIN • 95

96 • AUGUST 2022

Living to Serve
Bob Robinson
FFA was created in 1928 as the Future Farmers of America with the
goal of educating young men to be more productive agriculturists
(farmers). Through the years, young ladies were added, and the
emphasis has shifted more towards developing every young
persons’ potential for leadership, and skills for future careers.
One of the first things students learn is the FFA Motto.
• LEARNING TO DO
• DOING TO LEARN
• EARNING TO LIVE
• LIVING TO SERVE
They recite it daily and learn to implement the motto in everything
they do.
FFA began at Pelahatchie High in 1963 under the leadership of
Mr. Johnny Carter, and we still have those same goals. Many success
stories have begun here with our FFA program. Our current students
have taken these skills to a new modernized level.
If there is a single word that comes to mind when FFA is mentioned,
that word is opportunity! Our students have many opportunities that
the average high school student may never have as they study in
the classroom, practice in the shop, train in the greenhouse, and
serve in the community.
Our school year begins with learning and reciting the FFA creed;
this is most students’ first opportunity to speak in front of a group.
Lessons on the history and importance of FFA follow.
Next, students perfect their skills on public speaking and learn
more about leadership, specifically the basics of parliamentary
procedure, a skill sorely lacking in our society! They also learn the
importance of the FFA blue corduroy jacket: the most recognizable
symbol of the FFA. The privilege of the jacket is earned and
understood to represent the values of FFA.
We will then have the opportunity to study hunter’s education and
safety. This gives students a chance to earn their hunter education
card, but more importantly they learn lessons on responsibility and
environmental stewardship.
We then move into plant science and finally get to work in the
greenhouse when the weather cools off in October! We always
enjoy our time growing and developing plants in preparation for our
annual plant sale to be held in the spring. This is a major fundraising
opportunity to support FFA activities in the classroom, shop, and
community.
This past year, students had the opportunity to help at the
Mississippi State Fair with the children’s barnyard as well as the
Cattlemen’s Beef Barn where students served the MS Cattlemen’s
Association. This opportunity led them to be invited to also serve
at Dixie National.
Several students represent FFA in various livestock shows.
We had several champions in the beef shows and participated in
the hog and dairy shows as well. They are making friends and
contacts that will benefit them for many years to come.
Our students also represent our school in a variety of FFA
contests; our senior and junior officer teams compete at the state
level. Individually, our students have earned distinction in FFA
creed speaking and arc welding competitions. These events
provide an incredible opportunity for developing leadership and
important life skills!
One of the best events of the school year is the Rankin County
FFA banquet, held each year in early April. This is an opportunity for
our students to be recognized for their achievements, and for their
families to show their support. Our tribe always shows up and
represents our school on this special night.
One of our greatest opportunities is when we’re asked to serve
our community with benefits and fundraisers. Our students are
always ready to assist in any way when they are asked. These lessons
might be just as important as anything else they learn during their
time at Pelahatchie High. They have so much fun when they pull
together toward a goal; they are learning skills that will enable them
to be more productive citizens when they leave our school. This is
a worthy goal for all schools and one we take very seriously at
Pelahatchie High!
Hometown RANKIN • 97

Now &Then
Chiefs Alumni
Angel Jennings
Angel Jennings graduated from Pelahatchie High
School in 1991. She has been married for 28 years to her
husband, Larry. She is a mother of two boys, Mason and
Mattix Jennings. She works as an account manager for
Gallagher Benefit Services. One of Angel’s favorite and
funniest memories of high school is catching her hair on
fire in the chemistry lab, despite her teacher warning her
ten seconds before she did it, to not lean over the
Bunsen burner.
Freddie Rowell
Freddie Rowell is a graduate of Pelahatchie High
School. He graduated in 1989 and is now married to
Melissa Rowell. The two reside on their farm in
Pelahatchie. They farm soybeans, corn, and cattle, and
have an excavation company. Freddie has been in the
mortgage banking business for over 27 years and is
currently the chief mortgage banking officer at First
Commercial Bank. His favorite memories of high school
would be the time spent and the technical skills he
learned in Mr. Carter’s agriculture classes.
98 • AUGUST 2022

Whitney Adams
Whitney Adams graduated from Pelahatchie
Attendance Center in 1995. It is now referred to as
Pelahatchie High School. She is now a Rankin County
Justice Court Judge, the Brandon Municipal Court Judge,
the Morton Municipal Court Judge, the Pelahatchie
Municipal Court Judge Pro Tem, and a lawyer at Whitney
Adams Law Firm in Brandon, Mississippi. Some of her
most fond memories were playing basketball with
Coach Billy Guy Gray, running track with Coach Bill Ward,
and serving on the annual staff with Mrs. Earline Breland.
What Whitney remembers most is riding the school bus
to track meets and the overwhelming smell of IcyHot.
She says that creating the annual every year with Mrs.
Breland was so fun and Mrs. Breland had a knack for
finding students’ creativity. “Before I went to law school,
I used those skills as a magazine
editor at Mississippi Woods
& Waters. I would not trade
my PHS memories for
anything.”
Lavonda White
Lavonda White graduated from Pelahatchie High School
in 1991. She is married to Christopher White, and they
have one daughter, Christen White. Lavonda is starting
her 25th year in education at the Rankin County School
District. She currently works in the Accountability,
Accreditation, and Assessment department. Her favorite
memories from high school would be participating in
yearbook staff and preparing for all the fundraising
activities, especially pageants, with Ms. Earline Breland
and the staff. She says that it was always a lot of work,
but they had loads of fun and laughter.
Hometown RANKIN • 99

We proudly
support
Pelahatchie
High
100 • AUGUST 2022

Go Chiefs!
Hometown RANKIN • 101

WISHING STUDENTS A
HAPPY & HEALTHY RETURN
BACK TO SCHOOL
Proudly Serving Rankin County
at the Following Locations:
Brandon
P (601) 724-7310
Brandon - Reservoir
P (601) 829-0505
Richland
P (769) 233-8844
To schedule an appointment, visit MyElitePT.com
102 • AUGUST 2022

Hometown RANKIN • 103

104 • AUGUST 2022

The Pearl Chamber of
Commerce proudly supports
the Pearl Pirates!
Pirate Football
DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT
August 26 7:00 pm Home South Pike
September 2 7:00 pm Away Ridgeland
September 9 7:00 pm Home Morton
September 16 7:00 pm Away Biloxi
September 23 7:00 pm Home Petal
September 30 7:00 pm Away Meridian
October 7 7:00 pm Home Terry
October 14 7:00 pm Home Warren Central
October 21 7:00 pm Away Northwest Rankin
October 28 7:00 pm Away Oak Grove
November 4 7:00 pm Home Brandon
PHOTOS: Mattison Darby
Hometown RANKIN • 105

106 • AUGUST 2022

Breaking Down
Barriers Through Art
Amanda Brewer
When one walks through the halls of a school, the world can
oftentimes feel small. The art students at Pearl Junior High School
and Pearl High School found a way to tear down barriers through
their art to connect with children in Africa.
Pearl Junior High School students were given the unique
opportunity to have an art pen pal from Nigeria through the Global
Art Exchange, a program created by the Memory Project. Through
the art exchange, the company matches American students with
children from another country about the same age, and they both
create artwork themed on friendship and kindness to send to one
another. Nora Feldman from the Memory Project says that they
hope the program will “show how there are real, loving, wonderful
children living in countries all over the world and that although we
live in very different situations, we’re all more alike than not.”
Through this project the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade art
classes learned that their art has the ability to make an impact on
the other side of the world. PJHS art students received a picture
of each student along with a brief descriptive statement of them.
The art students created individual, customized pieces of art for
each Nigerian student based on the information received.
Sixth-grade art teacher Ms. Vashti Graham said, “This project has
been an awesome artistic experience for our middle school art
students. Not only can art have a message, but it has the ability
to encourage and inspire!”
The PHS art department has been creating portraits for the
Memory Project since 2018. The Memory Project is a youth arts
organization that promotes intercultural understanding and
kindness between children around the world. When PHS art
teacher Mrs. Felicia Lee first learned of the Memory Project,
she knew she had to find a way to involve the students of Pearl.
Mrs. Lee and her students discussed and chose the group of
children they wanted to connect with. After describing the plight
of the Rohingyas, the students told Mrs. Lee, “to stop right there
because that was the group they wanted to reach out to.”
The Memory Project offers opportunities for students to make
a positive global impact by creating portraits of children who are
victims of extreme poverty, violence, and various other atrocities.
Photos of each child displaying their name, age, favorite color, and
interests are sent to the participating school, which then offers
their students the opportunity to create portraits or inspirational
artwork for the children. On the backside of the portraits, the
students trace their handprints and include handwritten messages
and a photograph of themselves.
For over a month, students in Mrs. Lee’s AP and advanced
Art II classes, along with students from Mrs. Lauren Lewis’ painting
class, poured themselves into the portraits and inspirational
artworks, which would eventually be sent to children in Sierra
Leone, Africa. Lee said her “favorite part of the Memory Project is
when I see my students connecting with someone through their
passion for art. Our students put so much of themselves into
these portraits through hard work, perseverance, and passion.
Knowing their portrait will be a part of these children’s lives makes
me extremely proud of every one of them, not only as artists but
also as awesome human beings.”
Making a global connection like this is an incredible experience
for the PHS art teachers and students. Freshman Lucy Channell
said, “To be able to make this portrait to make someone’s day
encouraged me to do more good things. The student and I have
a lot in common. She can put her hand where my hand is so we
can connect through art across the world.”
The Memory Project is funded in a cooperative method that
splits costs among everyone who creates the artwork. Accompanying
each portrait is a $15 fee that covers delivery and supplies,
in addition to donations to the children. Thanks to the generous
donations of teachers, administrators, staff, community members,
and businesses, 55 portraits and inspirational works of art created
by 52 PHS students and teachers traveled to Sierra Leone, Africa.
These projects allowed students in Pearl to expand their
worldview. Freshman Savannah Rimes came to realize that
“there is so much more that goes on outside of my school and
my house.” No matter their differences, the art created by the
students of Pearl Junior High School and Pearl High School has
allowed them to break down barriers and truly connect with
children in Africa. Everyone has a different story but learning to
see themselves in one another is a lesson they can carry
throughout their lives.
To find out more, visit memoryproject.org.
Hometown RANKIN • 107

Now & Then
Pirate Alumni
Formeka Ball
Formeka graduated from Pearl High School in 1996.
She has an eight-year-old daughter who attends
Discovery Christian School in Florence. Formeka
currently resides in Florence with her family. She is
the owner of Ball Tax and Accounting in Pearl.
Formeka’s favorite memory from high school was
being able to attend her last year of high school with
her two younger sisters by her side.
Angie Thornton
Angie graduated from Pearl High School in 1993. She
then attended the University of Southern Mississippi in
1997 and went to graduate school at JSU in 2001. She is
entering her 23rd year of working for the Rankin County
School District as a speech-language pathologist. She is
married to Brad Thornton, who is currently the fire chief
for the City of Pearl. They have a son, Nick, who recently
graduated from Brandon High, and a daughter, Katie,
who is a freshman at Brandon High. Angie has enjoyed
living in Rankin County her entire life. Rankin has always
been a preferred place to live, work, and raise a family.
So much so that her family, along with another Rankin
County family, the Boykins, chose to bring D-BAT, a
national franchise to our area. “We have been truly
blessed by the amount of support we have received,”
she says. She had a wonderful
experience in high school and
made so many memories
through academics, sports,
and lifelong friendships.
108 • AUGUST 2022

Marlys Brower Myers
Marlys graduated from Pearl High School in 1982. She
currently resides in Pelahatchie and is a realtor with
Southern Homes Real Estate, an administrative assistant
to the executive director of MDHS, and is thrilled to have
established Rankin Career Women in 2020. She is
married to Mike Myers and they have two adult children
who also are Pearl graduates, Britnee Barnett and
Brower Myers. Britnee is married to Chris Barnett, and
they have three children Hutson, Harper Hastings, and
Maylee. Marlys’s favorite memory from high school is
Friday night football games. She also says that maybe
not the most favorite, but definitely the most memorable
was having to wear to school the outfit made in Mrs.
Scoggin’s home economics sewing class.
Eric Redd
Eric graduated from Pearl High School in 1983. He is
married to Alisha Redd and they have three daughters,
Xavier, Erika and Arei. Eric has been in law enforcement
for the past 33½ years. His favorite memory of high
school is playing high school sports and being molded
by great coaches and administrators who helped
prepare him for college and life.
Hometown RANKIN • 109

We proudly
support
Pearl High
110 • AUGUST 2022

Go
Pirates!
Hometown RANKIN • 111

112 • AUGUST 2022

Sound & Communications
proudly supports the
Pisgah Dragons!
Dragons Football
DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT
August 26 7:00 pm Home Bogue Chitto
September 2 7:00 pm Home Richton
September 9 7:00 pm Away Sebastopol
September 16 7:00 pm Home Cathedral
September 23 7:00 pm Away Richland
September 30 7:00 pm Away Puckett
October 7 7:00 pm Home Velma Jackson
October 14 7:00 pm Away Scott Central
October 21 7:00 pm Home Pelahatchie
October 28 7:00 pm Away St. Andrew’s Episcopal
Hometown RANKIN • 113

114 • AUGUST 2022

Breathe Fire
Jessica Hill
Pisgah High School celebrated another successful school year
in 2021-2022! The community continues to grow, and the school
is experiencing record enrollment. Teachers and staff consistently
reach for excellence in an environment where academic and
extracurricular activities help enhance students’ lives beyond high
school.
During the 2021-22 school year, Pisgah High School employed
37 teachers and graduated 65 students. A 2A school, PHS sports
teams include volleyball, basketball, baseball, football, track &
field, cross-country, archery, golf, bowling, tennis, powerlifting,
cheer, dance, soccer, and softball. PHS boasts an award-winning
show choir, a bass fishing team, and an active agriculture program.
This year, Pisgah High School hosted their first-ever Agricultural
and Health Science Expo. Created and organized by Scott Wells
(PHS Ag teacher) in collaboration with health science teacher
Lauren White, the event exposed students in career and technical
programs to job opportunities in their fields of interest.
At the expo, students visited staffed booths where presenters
offered valuable information about working in their unique fields.
BBQ plate lunches for both students and presenters were
provided by Cory Rawson and Shane Dubois of Community Bank.
Pisgah students served as volunteer hosts and helped set up
booths. State Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Gipson, who
served as keynote speaker, stressed the importance of agriculture
within the state of Mississippi and encouraged students to work to
keep Mississippi one of the leading agricultural states in the nation.
Participating organizations included:
• Mississippi Forestry Commission
• Farmer Mental Health division of the Mississippi State
University Extension Service
• Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency
• Southern Pine Electric
• American Medical Response (AMR)
• Federal Land Bank Association
• Mississippi Ag John Deere
• Mississippi Department of Agriculture
• Rankin County Extension Service
Two Pisgah students were recognized by the National Merit
Scholarship Program. Students may take the Preliminary SAT/
National Merit Qualifying Test as juniors. Of the over 1.5 million
students who take the test, around 3% receive recognition.
Representing less than 1% of test-takers, Pisgah Senior Tray
Holeman was selected as a National Merit Program Scholar,
becoming the second student from Pisgah High School to receive
this award. Senior Haley Havard was recognized as a Commended
Scholar.
Several years ago, Pisgah’s faculty and administration made
a decision to accelerate ACT preparation across the campus.
Accordingly, an ACT preparatory class was added for all students
in their junior year of high school. In the prep class, students
review ACT material, learn tips and tricks of the test, and take
practice tests to get them comfortable with ACT-style test-taking.
In addition to the class, teachers continue to do ACT prep work
in their individual classes.
As a result of this ongoing effort, the 2022 graduating class
celebrated five students with a score of 30 or higher on the ACT.
Pisgah teachers in state-tested classes continue to work hard,
hold high standards of excellence, and meet students where they
are to help them succeed. This year, five Pisgah High School
teachers were recognized for student growth on statewide
standardized tests by the Program of Research and Evaluation
for Public Schools. They are Samuel Starnes, 7th grade math;
Lauren Starnes, 8th grade math; Dottie Pettit, 8th grade English;
Lee Robinson, biology; and Meagan Archer, English II. These teachers
worked hard with their students to improve test scores on their
respective state tests. Many students improved a level or more.
Pisgah High School also enjoyed athletic success this year.
The Pisgah Lady Dragons softball team finished fourth in the
state in 2A softball, making it the first time the softball program
competed for a South State title. In addition, twelve students
signed with community colleges and universities to play sports
at the next level. These students represented nearly 20% of the
graduating class.
Pisgah High School faculty and staff continue to set standards
of excellence and celebrate achievements as our students
continue to breathe fire!
Hometown RANKIN • 115

Now &Then
Dragon Alumni
Charles Clyde Grant
Clyde graduated from Pisgah High School in 1980. He
has two associate degrees in computer programming
and electronic engineering. Clyde also has a B.S. in
Computer Science and a Master of Information
Technology. Clyde has been married to Bernice Grant
for almost 32 years and they have five children, Kristen,
Charles II, ONika, Darius, and Destin. He recently retired
from the Army in May of 2020 after 34 years of service.
His favorite memories from high school are playing
sports with his brother and hanging out with his friends.
Tiffany Best
Tiffany Best graduated from Pisgah in 2001 and now
works as the administrator at The Children’s Clinic in
Flowood. She is married to her high school sweetheart,
Taylor Best. They have three children Audrey (15),
Adelyn (12), and Carter (8) who also go to Pisgah. One
of her favorite high school memories is Friday night
football games. She was a cheerleader all through junior
high and high school, and pep rallies were at the end of
the school day and always got everyone excited for the
game. Everyone would meet up at Carter’s Store after
school, it was the big hangout. Decorating lockers,
hallways, and the field with signs is something she will
always remember. “We were always so close and most
of us all grew up together. The atmosphere was always
fun simply because we all supported each other; it was
just that small-town family vibe.”
116 • AUGUST 2022

Warren McKay
Warren McKay graduated in 2002 from Pisgah High
School. He came back to Pisgah after graduating from
college. He serves as the math department chair at
Pisgah High School where he has been teaching math
for 15 years. Warren was recently named Pisgah High
Teacher of The Year for the third time. He is an assistant
football and track coach and the head tennis coach for
the district champion Pisgah tennis team. Warren is
married to his high school sweetheart, Beth White
McKay, and they have three boys. One of his favorite
memories was his last football pep rally. He was a
football captain and had devoted so much of his life
to the game during high school. Warren was asked to
speak at the pep rally, and he was able to reflect on the
great teammates and coaches he had along the way.
It was so special, and he will
never forget it.
Jasmine Jennings
Jasmine Jennings graduated from Pisgah High School
in 2011. She currently works in Rankin County as a
retail pharmacist at Walgreens Pharmacy. Jasmine
also assists her sister with her online boutique, SHEISS.
Her favorite memory from high school is her senior year.
Jasmine said that senior year was amazing from the
prep rallies, early dismissals, and field trips. The best
part of her senior year was being named valedictorian.
It was a goal she had set for herself since walking into
Pisgah. Jasmine was so elated when Dr. Sessions
informed her of the news. All her hard work had paid
off by studying for tests, working hard in classes, and
getting good grades. “Being on that stage reciting my
speech brought so much joy to my life. I felt that day
was the start of a new journey for me achieving new
goals and providing for my family.”
Hometown RANKIN • 117

We proudly
support
Pisgah High
118 • AUGUST 2022

Go
Dragons!
601.651.3111
Welcome Back
Hometown RANKIN • 119

Peace of mind is knowing
your loved one is safe
Is your loved
one ready for
assisted living?
Call today for a
free assessment!
Call Now - 601-664-1966
www.hickoryseniorliving.com
120 • AUGUST 2022

Hometown RANKIN • 121

122 • AUGUST 2022

Back
Pack
We Back the Pack
O’Bryan Dental Clinic
proudly supports
the Puckett Wolves!
TANYA O’BRYAN, D.M.D. 601.825.0559
6181 HIGHWAY 18, PUCKETT
Wolves Football
DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT
August 26 7:00 pm Home McLaurin
September 2 7:00 pm Away Leake County
September 9 7:00 pm Home West Lincoln
September 16 7:00 pm Home Richton
September 23 7:00 pm Away Bogue Chitto
September 30 7:00 pm Home Pisgah
October 7 7:00 pm Away North Forrest
October 14 7:00 pm Away Velma Jackson
October 21 7:00 pm Home Scott Central
October 27 7:00 pm Away Pelahatchie
Hometown RANKIN • 123

Bruckner’s School Photography
Katherine Gibson
Nikki Hammock
PHOTOS Bruckner’s School Photography
124 • AUGUST 2022

The Simple Secret
to a Successful Teaching Tenure
Raquel Hollingsworth
In the last 25 years, the difficulties of the education system have
become increasingly visible to the public. Technology has changed
curriculum and the learner, school-safety is increasingly essential,
and high-stakes testing data has never been more important. Not
surprisingly, teacher retention is at an all-time low, but the secret to
a long-lived and successful tenure in the field may be the result of
a few very simple ideas.
Puckett High School currently retains two such veteran
teachers, both with an applaudable twenty-five years of service in
education, and both beloved members of the Wolfpack. Katherine
Gibson and Nikki Hammock have both seen plenty of changes
over the past quarter century in the industry that have decorated
their careers.
Katherine Gibson has been teaching art classes in varying
capacities for the last 25 years. An expressive and happy person
herself, Gibson’s time teaching art focuses on positivity for her
students. She even created an after-school art program called
River Kids at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center which is still
introducing children to art every year. After moving to Smith County
with her husband Hubert and two sons, Conner and Matthew, she
made the move to Puckett High School in 2019 where she serves
as the art teacher for 7-12th grades and even recently became the
archery coach for the Wolfpack.
Gibson’s ability to grow the artistic expression of each of her
students shows her deep-rooted belief that every child has
something important to express. The trick may not be a secret
management strategy or even her extensive years of artistic
knowledge, though they certainly don’t hurt. Gibson says her
secret to the last twenty-five years is to “treat each year as a
new adventure. New kids, new ideas.”
Gibson’s philosophy makes her “someone all the kids want
to have as a teacher,” says her principal, Mr. Bryan Collins. She
plans to continue teaching well into the future. “I still have more
years to go as far as teaching but when I do retire, I would love
to open an art studio and continue to teach art,” says Gibson.
Nikki Hammock was born and raised in Puckett and that sense
of home is what she loves most about Puckett High School. Her
husband Trey and three daughters, Mattie, Ali, and Maci Rae, all
live in Puckett where they all love “the small town feel,” she says.
“My family graduated from Puckett High School. It is definitely
home for me. I went to school at Puckett for 12 years and have
taught there for 25 years. I could not imagine sending my children
anywhere else. For most of my students, I either went to school
with, or taught, their parents. The relationships that you build from
that dynamic make this a place I’m happy to choose year after
year,” Hammock says.
For Hammock, building relationships with co-workers and
students makes all the difference in the classroom and the school
building. “Students may not remember the history you teach them,
but they will remember how you treat them, and I think that’s more
important,” she has said in the past. In fact, her most beloved
memory over the years has been getting to care for so many
students. “I loved seeing their faces when they truly realized that
someone cared for them, when often they did not get that love at
home,” Hammock notes.
In her time at PHS, Hammock has taught nearly every history
course offered, in addition to teacher academy, and even math.
She currently serves as the librarian and assistant test coordinator.
Aside from her extensive knowledge of the curriculum, Hammock
has sponsored numerous extracurricular activities, including Beta
Club, SADD, student council, and cheer. Being so involved during
her career has taught Hammock that the secret to success is to
not “stress the small stuff. Do what is morally responsible and love
your students.”
Stephanie Hughes, assistant principal at PHS says, “One of
the things I most admire about Nikki is her positive, benevolent
demeanor. Her library doors are always open to students and
faculty. Nikki is a team player; she doesn’t hesitate to help anyone!
She’s a real asset to our team.”
When we invest in people like Gibson and Hammock, and they
invest in our students, we all invest in a brighter future.
Hometown RANKIN • 125

Now&Then
Wolves Alumni
Daniel G. Stevens, D.O.
Greg graduated from Puckett in 1991. He currently lives
in Puckett with his wife, Mindy. Greg and Mindy have
two children who also attend Puckett High School. Their
son Gavin will be an 11th grader in the fall at Puckett
High School and their daughter Presleigh graduated
from Puckett High School last May and plans to attend
Ole Miss in the fall. For the past nine years, Greg has
worked as an emergency room physician for Keystone
Healthcare where he is the ER director of Jefferson
Davis Community Hospital and Walthall General
Hospital. He has many great memories from Puckett
High School. His favorite memories are playing football
and baseball with his teammates whom he is still
friends with today.
Esquanickia Fletcher
Esquanickia graduated from Puckett in 2001. She says
that she is a small-town girl, and currently works as a
family nurse practitioner here in Rankin County. One
of Esquanickia’s favorite memories from high school
would be the class play they did in eleventh grade.
She comments that it was funny, and they got to showcase
their acting and directing skills. “It was also the last
time that our whole class was together before we lost
one of our classmates,” she said.
126 • AUGUST 2022

Hayes Patrick
Hayes Patrick graduated valedictorian in 1997.
He is currently the executive director of the Mississippi
Agriculture and Forestry Museum in Jackson. He has
been married for over 18 years to Lyndsey. Together,
they have 5 sons (3 biological/2 adopted from foster
care). They recently moved from Puckett to Brandon,
but still have all their land and cattle in Puckett. Hayes’
favorite memory (besides eating like a king in the
lunchroom on the day the cafeteria had homemade
vegetable soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, and the best
homemade cinnamon rolls) was getting called out of
class more times than he can remember to get his
granddad’s cows back in. They would come through the
woods and get on the practice football field. Hayes
would have to run them through the woods and back to
the pasture, then return to class.
Ashley Murphy Shivers
Ashley Murphy Shivers graduated from Puckett High
School in 1999. She is currently serving her community
as a family nurse practitioner providing primary care for
all ages at Puckett Medical Clinic (an outreach of
Simpson General Hospital). She has so many great
memories from high school, but if she had to narrow it
down to two, they would be Project Graduation Night
and being selected as a Wendy’s High School Heisman
Finalist. Project Graduation was a night filled with so
much fun, laughter, and memories made on their last
hoorah that she will carry with her forever. Being a
Wendy’s Heisman Finalist was such a privilege for
Ashley. She says that the ceremony was unforgettable,
and representing her school was truly an honor. “I love
my school and town more than words can express!”
Hometown RANKIN • 127

We proudly
support
Puckett
High
128 • AUGUST 2022

Hometown RANKIN • 129

130 • AUGUST 2022

Rangers Football
DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT
August 26 7:00 pm Home Wingfield
September 2 7:00 pm Home Florence
September 9 7:00 pm Away McLaurin
September 16 7:00 pm Away Franklin County
September 23 7:00 pm Home Pisgah
September 30 7:00 pm Away Newton County
October 7 7:00 pm Home Northeast Jones
October 14 7:00 pm Away Collins
October 21 7:00 pm Away Mendenhall
October 28 7:00 pm Home Quitman
Hometown RANKIN • 131

132 • AUGUST 2022

Many Firsts for
Richland High
Marcus Stewart, Ed.D.
In the city of Richland, 2021-22 was a year of many firsts for
Richland High School. RHS was fortunate to implement initiatives in
various sectors of performance, sports, and community to enhance
the Richland experience for staff, students, citizens, and other
stakeholders. These initiatives provided an additional platform for
expression and another bride from the school to the community.
Special Olympics Unified Club
This year, Richland High started the first Special Olympics Unified
Club in the Rankin County School District. As an RCSD pioneering
school, RHS aims to empower the youth and educators to be
leaders of change through the Unified Club. We will create a more
inclusive world by playing and learning in this regard. About 1.4
million people worldwide participate in Unified Sports, helping
break down stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities in
an enjoyable way. We are grateful for the leadership, hard work, and
dedication of Melanie Rollings and Cheryl Allen. As a culminating
event, RHS students competed as a Unified School in the Special
Olympics at Keesler Airforce Base in Biloxi. Our Rangers won two
silver and two bronze medals during the Special Olympics event.
Richland High School Choir Department
Richland High School Choir Department hosted a first-of-its-kind
a cappella competition in the state. The school hosted six contemporary
a cappella groups from five high schools. Additionally, two
university and college groups performed for the exhibition. Our
students received coaching sessions and experiences working with
professional sound engineering in addition to opportunities for solo
and group competitions. As hosts, our RHS students got to observe
the visiting choirs’ workshop sessions to watch, listen, and learn.
They also got to work with the clinicians to prepare for their evening
performance. Our students got to meet and form friendships with
students from other schools. It has been a delight to watch them
engage with the community of young musicians in our state as they
have seen each other again later in the year at other events.
Richland High Career Fair
In connection with the City of Richland and the Richland
Economic Development Association, Richland High School was
able to host a career fair. We had over 50 businesses and career
technical programs represented in four locations on our campus.
Students in grades 9 through 12 were able to participate, and they
were allowed to hear presentations from 12 different businesses
and programs of their choosing. Presenters were allowed 10 minutes
to speak with the students for questions and activities if provided.
Students, teachers, and businesses agreed that the career fair was
a success, and plans are already being made for this next year’s
event. We are so thankful for the participation from the local
businesses and community colleges, and we look forward to
having them again.
Richland Ranger Legacy Club
On Tuesday, November 16th, Richland High had its official
ribbon-cutting day to signify the completion of the projects
associated with the RCSD bond. Part of the day’s activities included
an induction ceremony for the first members of the Richland High
School Legacy Club. The RHS Legacy Club is the first and only of
its kind that honors former staff, students, and community members
that have been influential to Richland High.
This exclusive recognition was created to honor those who
have been integral to the mission, vision, and goals of Richland
High School throughout the years. Induction into this esteemed
collective signifies and acknowledges honorees’ unwavering
dedication to the betterment of the staff and students of the
Richland Community. As part of the inaugural group, honorees
began a tradition that aims to tell the “Richland High School Story”
for many years. Each year, a new class will be inducted into the
Richland Ranger Legacy Club, thus ensuring the history of this
great school and community is never forgotten.
The club was created to tell the stories associated with Richland
High School while preserving its rich history. The first honorees
included Deanna Abernathy, Stacy Covey, Shirley Hall, Ricky
Hawthorne, Robert Luckett, Chris Monroe, Johnny Pearson, Jean
Russell, Richard Wilkinson, and Stacy Windham. As part of the
inaugural ceremony, Richland High students participated in multiple
regards, including written expression, a choral selection, and a
presentation of our nation’s colors. Stakeholders were provided a
State of the School overview by Dr. Stewart. Richland High School
is excited about this tradition and look forward to its growth in the
coming years. The plans for the ’22-’23 induction are currently in
development.
Hometown RANKIN • 133

Now&Then
Ranger Alumni
Rebecca Bates
Rebecca graduated from Richland in 1995. She has
been married to Brian Bates for almost 19 years.
They live in Florence and have two kids. Ben is 17 and
is about to start his senior year and Sarah Beth is 14
and will be a freshman at Richland. Rebecca teaches
7th grade at Richland. She loves that she gets to work
where she went to school and that her kids can attend
Richland just like she did. One of her favorite memories
from high school was how small the school was at the
time. She said, “Because it was so small, everyone
knew everyone, and it felt like a community within
the community.”
Katie Allen
Katie graduated from Richland in 2005. She is married
to Chris Allen with two daughters Kennedy and Jacksyn.
Katie works at Richland High School where she teaches
9th grade world history. Katie also is the head softball
coach and assistant athletic director. She has been
teaching and coaching for 13 years with 11 years being
at Richland. Katie and her family are members of
Pinelake Church Reservoir. Katie has a ton of sports
memories from school since she played softball,
basketball, and cheered, but one of her favorite
memories is a combination from homecoming week.
“I loved the excitement of the week from making the
floats and the rivalries between the classes that ended
with lots of shaving cream, eggs, rolling of yards, etc.
It was somewhat of a rite of passage that everyone
enjoyed,” she said.
134 • AUGUST 2022

Bruckner’s School Photography
Nicole Wood
Nicole Wood is currently the librarian at Richland Upper
Elementary School. She has been in education for 24
years and taught 2nd grade for 6 years and 3rd grade
for 11 years before moving into the library. She loves
being in the library because she gets to see every
student in the school, and she gets to share her love of
reading. Nicole has been married to Chris Wood for 22
years. They have a beautiful daughter, Anna Marie, who
is 20 years old and a junior at Mississippi College, and a
handsome son, Grant Wood, who is a senior at Florence
High School. She also has two awesome stepsons,
Cameron (Casey) Wood, and Chandler (Regan) Wood,
and their families have provided her with six amazing
grandchildren. Nicole has so many memories from high
school, but one that stands out the most is Mrs. Wimbish’s
business class. “She was a
difficult teacher, that I loved
dearly, but she provided us
with so many real-world
experiences. One example
was a mock trial and
many typing adventures.”
Kari Jordan
Kari graduated from Richland High School in 2015.
This year will be her fourth year of teaching at Pearl
Junior High School. Kari teaches 7th-grade history,
and she also coaches the Pearl Junior High School
cheerleading squad. Kari says that she has many fond
memories at Richland High School, but she has to say
that her favorite is spending her Friday nights cheering
on the Rangers from the sidelines.
Hometown RANKIN • 135

ABSOLUTE PERFORMANCE
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136 • AUGUST 2022

Go
Rangers!
Hometown RANKIN • 137

138 • AUGUST 2022

Hometown RANKIN • 139

140 • AUGUST 2022

Linda Lou’s
proudly supports
the Florence
Eagles
Eagles Football
DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT
August 26 7:00 pm Home Pelahatchie
September 2 7:00 pm Away Richland
September 9 7:00 pm Away Magee
September 15 7:00 pm Home Jim Hill
September 23 7:00 pm Home Laurel
September 30 7:00 pm Away Wayne County
October 7 7:00 pm Home Hattiesburg
October 14 7:00 pm Away West Jones
October 21 7:00 pm Home Brookhaven
October 28 7:00 pm Away South Jones
November 4 7:00 pm Home Natchez
Hometown RANKIN • 141

142 • AUGUST 2022

Florence Eagles
Go Gold
Amy McAllister
Preparation. Respect. Integrity. Determination. Excellence.
PRIDE. That is the motto of the Eagles from Florence. The past few
years have offered new difficulties and challenges, but the Eagles
have worked relentlessly to overcome those obstacles and achieve
excellence in academics, athletics, and community outreach.
As the 2022-23 school year approaches, the Eagles have a
special goal in mind. The Eagles are teaming up to support The
Campbell Bulldog Fund and raise awareness for pediatric cancer.
Junior Class President, Brelyn Muse, said, “Our homecoming will
fall on September 15th this year. We were looking for a way to
make it special and we realized that September is Pediatric
Cancer Awareness Month. So, we decided to GO GOLD for
Mississippi Kids!”
Large projects like this take lots of planning and research to
begin. So, the students got right to work. In May, they met with
Mrs. Jill Dale of the Campbell Bulldog Fund to learn more about
the organization and its goals. Sydney Higdon, sophomore class
representative, said, “We learned so much about pediatric cancer
that we didn’t know before. For instance, we had no idea that our
own Blair E. Batson Hospital in Jackson was such a huge part of
research and development. In fact, some of the most up-to-date
treatment protocols for pediatric leukemia were developed there
and are used all around the world. That is amazing!”
Junior Class Representative Avery Meredith added, “We also
learned that pediatric cancer research is extremely underfunded.
The National Cancer Institute only designates 4% of the yearly
research budget to pediatric cancer. Because of this, drugs and
treatments for children are not being developed as quickly as
those for adults. In the past 20 years, only three new drugs have
been approved by the FDA to fight pediatric cancer.”
Junior Class Representative Lanie Smith said, “We set a goal in
May to raise $5,000 for Mississippi Kids. We think we can raise
more, but that is our initial goal.”
The next step in the planning phase was to create a team.
“We have a LOT of great groups at FHS,” said Junior Vice-President
Ava Weathersby. “We have a very active JROTC, HOSA (Future
Health Professionals), DECA (Future Business and Marketing
Professionals), Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Interact Club, and
Random Act of Kindness Club. We felt that bringing these groups
together would make for a powerful team.”
Lacy Burns, junior class treasurer, added, “We also have very
valuable team members at Florence Middle School, Florence
Elementary School, and Steen’s Creek Elementary. Those Eagles
are always willing to join in to make a difference in the community.
It’s a really great thing.”
The teams have been brainstorming all summer to make this
project a success. The dance team and cheerleaders have been
selling t-shirts to support the GO GOLD Project. The JROTC has
created a “Friday Night VIP” raffle. The winner will receive two
all-sports passes for ’22-’23, VIP parking near the gates for home
games, and dinner from the concession stands at home games.
“We have been working really hard to come up with ideas that
we think the students and community would support,” said Katie
Beth Kennedy, sophomore secretary. Savannah French, sophomore
representative added, “We have so many ideas like a ‘Dads
with Pads and Moms with Poms’ football game, a talent show,
penny wars, you name it. We really hope that the community will
come together and support this project!”
Eagle football will kick off August 19th in a Jamboree vs. Forest
Hill. The home opening will be August 26th vs. Pelahatchie.
GO EAGLES!
Hometown RANKIN • 143

Now & Then
Eagles Alumni
Bo Wigley
Bo is a graduate of Florence High School. He graduated
in 1998 and is married to Morgan Wigley. They have
three children, Sarah Spencer 13, Harper 9, and Harrison
who is 7. Bo works as the VP of Fortis Construction
located in Pearl. They specialize in multi-family housing,
mostly on the East Coast. They also have an environmental
and railroad division. Bo said, “One of my favorite
memories from high school is riding the power lines
with Shane Trammell, Rick Walker, and Stephen Usry.
A simple jeep ride ended with three tractors and one
jeep getting stuck.”
Kim Grantham
Kim graduated from FHS in 2002. She then attended
Hinds CC for nursing, received her Associate of Applied
Science and Dental Assisting Technology, and then
attended UMMC for her bachelor’s in health sciences.
Kim recently became a 7th grade science and 9th-12th
contemporary health teacher at Richland High School.
This school year, she will continue teaching at Richland.
She has a 13-year-old, Addison, who attends Florence
Middle, and recently found out that she is expecting a
baby boy in November! She is married to Brian Grantham,
of 18 years, who is also a Florence Graduate of 1999.
Brian works as the administrator of school safety for the
Rankin County School District. Kim’s favorite memories
are from her senior year. She was voted student body
president, Mrs. FHS, and FHS homecoming queen.
“I was honored and humbled
to be chosen to represent
FHS by my amazing peers.
I cherish the continued
friendships that were
developed through
high school.”
144 • AUGUST 2022

Jzsamika Buckley
Jzsamika graduated from Florence High School in 2013.
She now works as a teacher at Florence Middle School.
Each day, after she gets done teaching, she spends the
rest of her afternoon tutoring elementary-age students.
During the summer, she directs a summer camp for
elementary-age students. Academic growth is the top
priority for the children that attend the camp. Jzsamika
was a cheerleader, so her favorite memory is cheering
on Friday nights and playing basketball with her friends.
Sporting events were and still are her favorite!
Laura Wallace Clark
For the past 15 years, Laura has been a math teacher
(2 years) and assistant principal (13 years) at Florence
High School. This school year, she is transitioning into a
new role as the district assessment coordinator for the
Rankin County School District. She is married to Jimmy
Clark. They have three children, Avery, Belle, and Calvin.
She remembers how amazing the teachers and staff
were, and how helpful they were while she was a
student. “They each pushed me to be my very best.
Things haven’t changed in 22 years! The culture now
at FHS is still family-like where the faculty and staff truly
care about each other, the students, and our community,”
Laura says. Whether it was taking pictures for the
yearbook, performing during halftime on Friday nights
with the band, nightly study groups, service projects
done with student clubs, overnight trips to attend
conferences or band clinics,
or activities with her church
youth group, it was all
amazing and she wouldn’t
trade any of those
memories for the world!
Hometown RANKIN • 145

We proudly
support
Florence
High
146 • AUGUST 2022

Hometown RANKIN • 147

McLaurin
148 • AUGUST 2022

Palmer & Slay
proudly supports the
McLaurin Tigers!
Tigers Football
DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT
August 26 7:00 pm Away Puckett
September 2 7:00 pm Away Loyd Star
September 9 7:00 pm Home Richland
September 16 7:00 pm Away West Lincoln
September 23 7:00 pm Home St. Andrews
September 30 7:00 pm Home Magee
October 7 7:00 pm Away Crystal Springs
October 14 7:00 pm Home Hazlehurst
October 21 7:00 pm Away Raleigh
October 28 7:00 pm Home Wesson
Hometown RANKIN • 149

150 • AUGUST 2022

Tiger Pioneers
Haley Craft
A family of tigers is called an ambush. And that is a fitting name
for the family that has grown inside the walls of McLaurin High
School. The roots run deep in our community and our school
thanks to the legacies and traditions that have been established.
Over the last several years, MHS has been on the rise, including
new facilities, growing sports teams, and a rising accountability
rating from MDE. Covid brought its own set of challenges, but the
Tigers could not be stopped. We have teachers being recognized
on the national level, an all-time record for 2022 senior scholarship
awards, and a brand new $100,000 fitness room on campus
provided through the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness
Councils.
And we’re not done yet.
As the Tigers kick off the new 2022-2023 school year, we have
just as much in store. From a new PE building to house the archery
team and other sports to our second annual in-house career fair,
a lot is happening in Tiger territory.
One of the most exciting new changes for this school year is
the new 8th grade technology infusion program. For the past few
years, 7th grade students have benefited from having a wide
range of technology skills woven into their core classes, allowing
them to discover how technology can be used in relation to math,
science, English, and history.
This year, McLaurin will be the first school to pioneer an extension
of that program into the 8th grade, giving students two back-toback
years of experience using some of the most commonly used
tools in today’s workplace. With this program, students are not
just being trained on tools like Google docs and sheets, Canvas
(a learning platform used by many colleges and universities as
well as high schools), and design platforms like Canva, but are
actually completing assignments with them, much like they will in
their future careers.
The team of teachers responsible for implementing this program
met at the beginning of June to begin the process of planning.
They spent two days at the RCSD district office developing common
expectations and procedures and coordinating plans for the first
quarter of the new school year with technology teacher and head
soccer coach, Abigail Taylor.
Jeremy Dyess is new to the 8th grade team, moving to junior
high from teaching 9th grade history. When asked about the
training and his expectations for the new year, he replied, “The
training allowed me to create a plan for teaching the new course
when I had no idea where to start. It gave me peace of mind for
the start of the new year. The tech infusion activities that Coach
Taylor and I came up with are going to be fun, interactive, and
like nothing the students have done before.”
And it certainly will be nothing like what students have done
before. While this year’s 8th graders will already have a year of
tech infusion under their belts, the program this year is going to
focus on more creative and professional-quality uses of those
technology skills. Where they learned the basics last year, they
will learn to refine those skills, deepening their understanding of
what those tools can do, and polishing their digital projects to
practice developing a professional appearance in their work.
This new program is not without its challenges as teachers
must navigate more complexity in planning and scheduling. But
MHS Head Principal Russell Granberry is optimistic: “I’m excited
that no one has to meet the challenges alone. Tech infusion could
be the vehicle that helps this new team build the culture our
students need to achieve their best.”
That’s our goal at McLaurin–to make sure no one has to meet
their challenges alone, whether they be the challenges of learning
a new sport, seeking academic excellence, or being part of a
pioneer technology program. We are a family, and as long as we
continue to meet our challenges together, there’s no telling what
the next surprise from the mighty Tigers of McLaurin will be.
Hometown RANKIN • 151

Now & Then
Tiger Alumni
Sharon Patrick
Sharon has been married to Alex for 27 years. They live
in the Cato community and have two daughters and a
son-in-law. Sharon graduated from MSU and is the
public relations manager for the Rankin County School
District. In high school, Sharon loved pep rallies and
Friday night lights. She enjoyed the band playing the
fight song as the football team walked in, the dance
team performing, and the cheers and stunts she and
her fellow cheer squad members had worked on all
week to perfect. Her all-time favorite memory was when
her cheer squad won a bid to National Competition
during camp. They worked so hard on their routine,
and it paid off. The squad traveled to Dallas, Texas,
to compete during Christmas break. “That was such a
wonderful adventure. I can still remember the feeling
just before they called our
name to perform,” Sharon
said. “I was so honored
just to be there. I will
never forget it!”
Bracey Wilkinson
Bracey graduated from McLaurin High in 2017. He
attended Mississippi State University after high school
and graduated with two undergraduate degrees in the
fall of 2020. At the end of 2020, he married KaLeigh
Wilkinson who also graduated from McLaurin. Bracey
has been enrolled at Southeastern Baptist Theological
Seminary studying preaching and pastoral ministry
since 2021 and has been employed full-time as the
youth pastor at Star Baptist Church in Star, Mississippi.
His favorite memory from high school was when he
qualified for the state tournament for tennis. It was his
senior year and was important to him because he had
been working for this opportunity since the beginning
of his 8th-grade year.
152 • AUGUST 2022

Jeff Walker
Jeff graduated in 1985 and returned to McLaurin in
1996 to coach football. He is now coaching baseball
and is the athletic director. He has been married to
Christy (Watkins) Walker (Class of ‘87) for 31 years.
She works as the school counselor and has been
employed at McLaurin since 1996 as well. They have
three children, Taylor (27), KaLeigh (22) and Anderson
(16), all McLaurin graduates and students. “It’s hard to
name just one favorite memory from high school
because there were so many. But one that stands out
is when our baseball team went from 0-10 our first year
to winning the district championship the next year.
Remembering how hard we had to work to accomplish
that – it was a great feeling. McLaurin has always been
a family. It is a wonderful place to attend school and to
work!”
Rebekah Whatley
Rebekah graduated from McLaurin High in 2015.
She is now married to her high school sweetheart,
Josh Whatley, has two fur babies, and their first baby
boy is due in November. Rebekah returned to McLaurin
High School to further her career in teaching and is
currently teaching Algebra I and coaching softball. One
of her favorite memories from high school is when she
took a selfie from the stage at graduation during her
graduation speech.
Hometown RANKIN • 153

154 • AUGUST 2022

We proudly support
McLaurin High
Go Tigers!
Hometown RANKIN • 155

156 • AUGUST 2022

Hometown RANKIN • 157

158 • AUGUST 2022
PARK PLACE

The Pearl Chamber
of Commerce
proudly supports
the Park Place
Crusaders
Crusaders
Football
DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT
August 19 7:00 pm Away St. Aloysius
August 26 7:00 pm Home Central Hinds Academy
September 2 7:00 pm Away Cathedral
September 9 7:00 pm Away East Rankin Academy
September 16 7:00 pm Home Wayne Academy
September 23 7:00 pm Home Leake Academy
September 30 7:00 pm Away Simpson Academy
October 7 7:00 pm Home Lamar School
October 14 7:00 pm Home Adams County Christian
October 21 7:00 pm Away St. Joseph
Hometown RANKIN • 159

160 • AUGUST 2022

Giving God the Glory
Lori Clendinning
Soli Deo Gloria is more than just the school motto for Park Place
Christian Academy.
The Latin phrase, which means To God Alone the Glory, was
repeated often this past year by school officials, parents, and other
supporters of the private Christian school, just as it was when the
school was organized 22 years ago.
“We say ‘Soli Deo Gloria’ knowing that PPCA exists because
God wanted it to exist, and He alone gets the credit for that,” said
Jan Miller, a founding member of the school and former school
board president in an address to faculty and staff at the beginning
of the 2021-2022 school year.
“Our first graduating class in 2012 had seven seniors,” continued
Miller. “We had six boys and one girl in that first graduating class,
twelve years after the school began in 2000.”
Located in Pearl, on 20+ acres between I-20 and Highway 80,
PPCA spent much of its first 20 years, explaining its existence to
anyone who asked about it.
Created from a vision to provide affordable Christian education,
the school is part of the educational and evangelical ministry of
Park Place Baptist Church and was fully accredited early on by both
SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) and MAIS
(Mid-South Association of Independent Schools).
Beginning with four grades, K3 through 1st grade and adding a
grade each year after that, the K3-12th grade school held its tenth
commencement ceremony this past May, graduating forty seniors,
23 young men, and 17 young women.
PPCA Head of School Jason Cook affirmed Miller’s statement
saying, “We’ve seen some wonderful things happen, because God
has caused it to happen. Great things are ahead for PPCA, and for
that, we give Him the glory.”
“I would say, among the wonderful things, PPCA having had a
‘normal’ school year this past year is chief among those,” Cook
continued. “When we began last year, having had the COVID
protocols in place from the year before, and 2020’s long-distance
learning, quarantining, etc., we didn’t know what we were going to
have in 2021-2022.”
“When other schools had to cancel or delay their athletic program
plans, we were fortunate to hold one of the first regular varsity
football games in the country last August,” he said. “Giving our
students, especially our seniors, a ‘normal’ year was high priority.”
PPCA’s “new normal” this school year includes some changes
with infrastructure.
Mr. Stacey Sykes will continue as high school principal, but just for
9th-12th grades since a middle school principal position was created,
now filled by Mrs. Cindy Goodwin who served as PPCA’s elementary
principal for seven years. Sixth grade teacher Doc Harbison stepped
into the elementary principal position.
“I want our 7th and 8th grade students to have their own
experiences,” said Goodwin. “We’re planning on them having their
own chapel service and mid-day break, separate from the high
school students.”
As another new experience, PPCA will also initiate “LAUNCH”
days for 7th-12th grade students August 9th-11th. Students will meet
from 9am until 2pm on three different grade-specific days for a
unique opportunity to meet their teachers, receive their schedules,
enjoy team-building games, hear about academic expectations, and
do some basic tasks related to what is typically done on the first day
of school.
“We think it will be great for our secondary teachers to be able to
have the first day of school for pure teaching,” said Cook. “Their first
full day, August 15th, will focus on academics, not going over the
student handbook, since that’s covered during LAUNCH.”
Another change is the use of the new athletic fields, affording the
Crusaders the opportunity to play softball and baseball games on
the PPCA campus for the first time in school history. “We’ve always
had to rent fields,” said Cook. “It’s exciting to know that our softball
and baseball teams will be able to hold their home games at PPCA.”
The thrill of hosting home JV and varsity soccer and football
games on PPCA property is not yet slated for this year, but peewee
soccer and football teams may be the first athletes to enjoy that
new field.
“We’ve got everything in place and work steadily continues,”
noted Cook who is also PPCA’s varsity football coach. “The fields
are sown and watered, grass is growing. Time, funding, equipment,
supplies, and labor are all factors.”
“The future of Park Place Christian Academy looks great,” he
continued. “Everything that’s been done and will be done is a result
of good people praying and responding to God’s plans.”
“Without Him, we can do nothing,” Cook said. “To that we can
only say, ‘Soli Deo Gloria’ and to God alone goes all the glory.”
Hometown RANKIN • 161

Now&Then
Crusader Alumni
Carolyn Kate Bradshaw
Carolyn Kate graduated from Park Place Christian
Academy in 2017. She furthered her education at
Mississippi State University and graduated in 2021.
Carolyn Kate is currently working in marketing for the
state insurance commissioner. She is getting married to
Brent Lowell in October of this year and is very excited
to start a new life journey. Carolyn Kate played sports
in high school and is grateful for that. Her favorite
memories from high school would have to be when she
got to play in the state championship for the Park Place
girls’ soccer team.
Zach Mason
Zach graduated from Park Place in 2013. He just
moved back to Rankin County in October after living
in Hattiesburg for nearly five years. He is married to
Lauren Mason, and they just celebrated their five-year
wedding anniversary. The two have a 15-month-old
baby boy named Levi. He is the youth pastor at The
Church at Shiloh in Pelahatchie. His favorite memory
from high school is being a part of the start of the
student-led worship band for their chapel service
at Park Place. Every Thursday morning, they would
have a worship service at the school led by the Park
Place Baptist Church staff and the students. Zach says
that it was truly a special time getting to worship with
his fellow classmates and teachers. He is very grateful
for the opportunity to be a part of that worship service.
162 • AUGUST 2022

Carleigh Achee
Carleigh Achee graduated from Park Place Christian
Academy in 2016. She currently is a kindergarten
teacher at Rouse Elementary in Brandon and received
the New Teacher of the Year Award last year for Rouse.
Her favorite memory from high school is grad night!
Hayden Jeffries
Hayden Jeffries graduated from Park Place Christian
Academy in 2018. He is a full time crappie fishing
guide and a professional tournament angler with over
20 tournament wins. Hayden says his favorite memory
of high school is having the school’s best season his
senior year in varsity football.
Hometown RANKIN • 163

We proudly support
Park Place Academy
164 • AUGUST 2022

GO
CRUSADERS!
Hometown RANKIN • 165

Discovery
Christian
166 • AUGUST 2022

Lions Football
DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT
August 12 7:00 pm Away Hillcrest Christian
August 19 7:00 pm Away Rebul Academy
August 26 7:00 pm Away Kemper
September 2 7:00 pm Home Porter’s Chapel
September 9 7:00 pm Home Ben’s Ford
September 16 7:00 pm Away Christian Collegiate
September 23 7:00 pm Away Newton Academy
September 30 7:00 pm Home Prentiss Christian
October 7 7:00 pm Home Tallulah
October 21 7:00 pm Home Wilkinson County
Hometown RANKIN • 167

168 • AUGUST 2022

Spiritual
Emphasis Week
Jessi George
God has blessed Discovery Christian School with tremendous
growth over the last two years, and it has been exciting to
experience new students, new staff, new sports, and even new
buildings. However, one of the most valuable new events that
our school has added is a week dedicated to the spiritual
development of our students.
This year from January 26th through the 28th DCS students,
faculty, and staff participated in Spiritual Emphasis Week. During
this time, our secondary students participated in worship
services with guest speaker, Chad Poe, and small group
breakout sessions that were led by teachers and local church
leaders in our community. We were blessed to begin each
morning with a time of praise and worship led by music teacher,
Ashley Arinder and a team from Jackson First. We also had a
schoolwide mission project to raise money for the Jackson
Metro Center for Pregnancy Choices with their Baby Bottle
Boomerang campaign.
One of the core values of DCS is that we enable our students
to discover and glorify God and equip them for daily and eternal
living. Although we strive to teach curriculum with Biblical
integration in every subject, we felt it was also important to model
what it looks like to set all things aside for a period of time and
focus solely on the worship of our God. Throughout Spiritual
Emphasis Week students were able to do just that. The academic
schedule was altered so that a large portion of the morning
centered on Jesus and helping our students know Him and grow
in their relationships with Him. Classes resumed after the
morning worship and small group sessions.
The worship experience was very powerful, and Chad Poe
did an incredible job communicating truths from Scripture to
our students. Chad is very gifted at teaching God’s Word with
meaning and depth in a way that kept teens engaged and
responding to each message.
After leaving the morning services the students separated
into small groups by grade and gender. We were blessed to have
youth ministers and pastors from local churches, along with some
of our faculty and staff, who were willing to spend time in intimate
and meaningful conversations with the students. It was incredible
to see the students open up about their faith, their doubts,
struggles, and difficulties in ways that the classroom setting
does not offer. It helped us learn things about our students’ lives
that we never would have otherwise and offered opportunities
for us to pray for them more specifically.
Head of School Wendi Teten described the impact of Spiritual
Emphasis Week for DCS. “Life change happened this week in
the hearts of many of our students. We saw brokenness,
loneliness, anxiety, and depression healed.”
Most importantly, we had several students understand and
experience salvation as they gave their lives to Jesus for the first
time during this week.
For our mission project, our students rose to the challenge
and donated a record setting 250 bottles to the Center for
Pregnancy Choices! We were the first school to ever participate
in this campaign with the CPC and were able to raise over
$3,600 to help provide practical, Christ-centered support that
empowers women to choose life. Renee Yates with the CPC
came and spoke to our all our classes to encourage them in our
mission project, and she also helped lead a small group of junior
and senior girls. At the end of the week, after seeing how much
money our students were able to raise, Renee said, “This is so
amazing. I am so proud of these kids and their families. Most of
them will never know the impact they have made.”
It was an honor and a privilege to experience God and the
work of His Holy Spirit in our school during Spiritual Emphasis
Week. Of all the goals we accomplish at DCS, nothing is more
important than reaching students for Jesus and helping them
grow in their walk with Him.
Hometown RANKIN • 169

Now & Then
Lions Alumni
Abby Hoover
Abby Herndon Hoover graduated from Discovery
Christian School in 2018. She has recently started a
new job at Copiah Bank in Florence, which she loves!
Abby recently got married to Dylan Hoover. The two
are currently in the process of building their forever
home in Florence. Abby’s favorite memory from high
school would have to be soccer practice, which took
place every week. She really enjoyed spending time
with her coaches, Coach Meagan and Coach Paula.
Breland Nelson
Breland Nelson graduated from Discovery Christian
School in 2018. He is currently working as a technician
at A-1 Gear and Auto in Florence and also has a lawn
care business. Breland says that his favorite memory
from his time at Discovery Christian is winning their
first basketball game.
170 • AUGUST 2022

Gabbie Wade
Gabbie graduated from Discovery Christian School in
2021. She was at Discovery Christian School for eight
years and loved every day of it. What she loved the
most was the Christian environment. Gabbie thanks
the head of school, Wendi, for preparing her for the
crazy world we live in. Gabbie says that she is highly
dyslexic and struggles through school, but never once
did a teacher at DCS not go above and beyond to help
her understand all that she needed to know. Now,
Gabby is in cosmetology school at the Academy of
Hair Design in Pearl, and she prides herself on being
a straight-A student. Gabbie graduates in November
from cosmetology school. She is also engaged and
getting married in October of this year.
Addison Yates McWilliams
Addison graduated from Discovery Christian School in
2018. She always wanted to be a veterinarian and even
completed a semester as a vet technician, but God had
other plans for her. She is now an assistant teacher of
3rd-5th grade at Faith Academy in Pearl. Addison also
owns a small business called “Hippie Hedgies.” She is
the only pedigree hedgehog breeder in the state of
Mississippi and is proud to better the breed. Addison
got married in March of 2022 to her high school
sweetheart, Garrett. The two met at DCS in the 9th
grade and have been together for six years. Garrett
works for the Air Force National Guard fire department
and goes through Fire Academy this month. They have
a French bulldog named Sailor. Some of Addison’s
favorite high school memories were watching Garrett
play basketball and baseball
and her senior trip to Hawaii.
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172 • AUGUST 2022

We proudly support
Discovery Christian School
GO LIONS!
Hometown RANKIN • 173

174 • AUGUST 2022

Schooling
at Home Sarah Rein
For a growing number of families in Rankin County, “back to
school” looks less like hustling out the door with backpacks and
lunchboxes and more like sitting around the breakfast table in
pajamas to begin a phonics lesson. Central Mississippi has a vibrant
homeschooling community with models as varied as the reasons
families chose this path. For some, they couldn’t find a good
traditional schooling fit for their child’s developmental or academic
needs. For others, it was about the type of lifestyle they desired.
Former public school teacher turned homeschooler, Alesia Hendon,
sees the biggest perks as “redeeming time with my children,
freedom to teach what I want and how, and being able to have a
flexible schedule.”
Support for non-traditional schooling ranges from programs like
Jackson Classical and St. Augustine School (collaborative models in
which students attend on-campus classes two days a week while
parents are provided support to teach their children on alternative
days) to families who created their own unique experience. Anna
Mortimer, who chose to send her first-grader to St. Augustine
School, explains, “We knew our family needed the structure and
support of a strong school community but we still longed for
influence and time with our child. Our choice of St. Augustine
School has allowed for both, and we feel we are reaping the
benefits of the best of both worlds.”
In contrast, Dana Nowell blazes her own path. “We are wild and
free learners who have recently moved to homestead and teach our
children more about nature. Our typical day includes working with
math manipulatives, drawing or painting in nature journals, using an
app for Spanish, reading, and crafts. Weekly we hike or adventure
with our friends, and recently my oldest two experienced how to be
a falconer after reading My Side of the Mountain.”
The list of homeschool cooperatives and organizations in
our area is longer than one might expect - Impact Homeschool
Group, ReACHE (Reservoir Area Christian Homeschool Educators),
The Friday Program, Classical Conversations, Christian Home
Educators Connection, The Village School. At these programs,
families can find electives from ballet to American Sign Language as
well as help with core subjects like science and writing. Some
programs are more focused on providing academic support while
others exist mainly to provide social opportunities like field trips and
class parties. Other families, such as Megan Dunlap’s, simply found
a group of like-minded friends and formed her own group.
“Homeschooling has been such a great fit for our family and having
a community that we can learn alongside and have fun with has
been the biggest blessing.” Here’s to the beginning of a new year,
homeschoolers (unless you’re one of those families who schools
year-round. In that case, carry on!).
Hometown RANKIN • 175

CLASS
23
OF
Of all the things
you’re learning,
what will be
most helpful
after graduation?
176 • AUGUST 2022

PEYTON Patrick
East Rankin Academy / Band
When I think of the things I have learned at
East Rankin, there are a couple that really
stand out. First is the necessity of being on
time. But even more importantly is the need
to keep Christ in the center of my life.
I believe that these are good principles
now and will stay that way as an adult.
Chloe RYALS
Puckett / Beta Club
I believe the basic life skills I’ve gained will
benefit me most. This means arriving on
time, putting 100% effort into everything,
meeting deadlines, and being responsible
for both academics and athletics.
ZyQuein WELLS
McLaurin / Student Government
My future career plan is to become
either a traveling nurse or a surgeon.
My health science class at Hinds Community
College took two years to complete and
I am extremely grateful for the volume
of information I learned about the healthcare
field. My instructors were very thorough.
Recently I was able to shadow a surgery
which was not only intriguing but solidified
the idea that helping others is where my
heart lies. On this journey I am glad to say
I have my family, friends, community,
and God on my side.
Ariel Davis
Brandon / Softball
Softball has taught me perseverance,
hard work, and dedication. I have learned
how to deal with life’s adversities and
continue to strive to reach my goals.
Hometown RANKIN • 177

Saylor Foster
Pearl / Dance
Being a part of a team my entire life
has really helped me learn how to
communicate with people. Creating
a productive environment can be difficult,
but my coaches and teammates have shown
me how easy it can be to exercise proper
communication. I think that knowing how
to work with others will be a huge asset
in my life, help me stay involved, and
open many opportunities for me.
Zakari
Tillman
Florence / Football
Keep God first in all things! I’m being
careful to take heed of what my parents/
grandparents are saying and teaching
me, because I will definitely
use it throughout my life.
Jake
Shoemaker
Pisgah/Bass Fishing
When you’re fishing, it takes a great
amount of patience to make it through
the day. This is a skill that will be very
helpful as an adult. I also think having
faith in your own decisions is an
important and helpful concept.
178 • AUGUST 2022

Layla Bruce
Hartfield/Cheer
I think the most helpful thing I am
learning is to always remain teachable.
Whether at cheer practice or school,
I am always learning life lessons that will
brighten my future. When remaining
teachable, you never miss out on an
opportunity to learn and better yourself
in whatever you’re doing.
William GAUGHF
Park Place Christian / Track
I have learned how to face adversity.
I’ve learned to persevere and do
my best regardless of the
circumstances.
Will UPTON
Jackson Prep / Football
Being able to work in groups is the most
important. As helpful as good grades are,
being able to easily work with people
will set you apart later in life.
Hometown RANKIN • 179

Maddie Grace
WALTERS
PELAHATCHIE / VOLLEYBALL
From being on the first Pelahatchie
volleyball team to my current fourth year,
Coach Nutt has grounded me with hard
work, dedication, and passion. It’s a gift
to be on a first team because I see
the amount of growth that happens
over the years, which gives me hope
for my transition into adulthood.
Noah EILER
Discovery Christian / Basketball
I’m learning to have the determination
to keep going through whatever obstacle
I may face. Through school and sports,
I’m facing and have faced many difficult
things. My parents, teachers, and coaches
have instilled in me to persevere through it all.
This will be extremely helpful throughout my
life because problems and trials will always
come and I will have to face them and
overcome them while leaning on others
to get through anything together.
Christopher HERNANDEZ
RICHLAND / TENNIS
Tennis has taught me to take everything
one step at a time. It’s allowed me to realize
that in order to truly find reward, patience
and hard work is needed.
John Sasser
Northwest Rankin / Soccer
While being in the engineering academy
and on the soccer team at Northwest Rankin,
I have learned how crucial teamwork is
towards success. Teamwork is an absolute
necessity, whether working toward winning
a soccer game against a difficult opponent
or developing a complicated
machine to complete a simple task.
Learning to work with others using
everyone’s individual talents for
a common goal will help me in all
aspects of adulthood.
180 • AUGUST 2022

Hometown RANKIN • 181

Hinds Community College is
committed to moving people
and communities forward
by helping develop their purpose,
passion and profession.
hindscc.edu/success
One College – Six Locations
Countless Career Opportunities!
Discover YOUR pathway forward!
SCHEDULE A TOUR
REGISTER FOR CLASSES
JACKSON-Academic-Technical Center | JACKSON-Nursing/Allied Health Center | RANKIN | RAYMOND | UTICA | VICKSBURG
In compliance with 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. We recognize our responsibility to provide an open and welcoming environment that fosters a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion for employees and students to collaboratively learn, work and serve our communities. The following
have been designated to handle inquiries regarding these policies:
EEOC Compliance: Marquise Kessee, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion , Box 1100 Raymond MS 39154; Phone: 601-857-3458 or Email: EEOC@hindscc.edu.
Title IX: DeAndre House, Associate Vice President Student Services, Title IX Coordinator , Box 1100 Raymond MS 39154; Phone: 601-857-3353 or Email: TitleIX@hindscc.edu.
182 • AUGUST 2022

We Need Your Help!
Help us improve Rankin
County by taking a
brief survey. The results
will help guide our
Board of Supervisors
for years to come!
To take our brief survey
simply scan this code with your smartphone
or visit surveymonkey.com/r/rankincounty
Hometown RANKIN • 183

184 • AUGUST 2022

OPEN THROUGH DECEMBER 31,2022
JACKSON, MS
Come enjoy our special programming at the
museums this fall!
Country Music Trivia Night - Sept. 1
Women in Country Music: Songs and
Conversation - Sept. 15
Country Music Fashion Show - Oct. 20
Hometown RANKIN • 185

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Hometown RANKIN • 189

TheTime COIN
Camille Anding
I remember the first-grade teacher with a
rocking chair in the corner of her classroom.
We must have still been lap-babies, because I remember everyone getting a consoling rock
in the lap of that teacher who knew the separation from our mothers bordered on traumatic.
She taught me a lot about empathy.
I remember the student in elementary school who I was drawn to and wanted a childhood
friendship. She taught me what “fickle” meant when I realized her friendship ran hot and cold.
It was a difficult lesson to learn.
I remember seeing other elementary students at lunch time open their brown paper lunch
sacks and pull-out food I never dreamed of finding in my lunch bag. One lunch that’s still etched
in my memory was a cold, fried egg sandwiched in a leftover biscuit. I still remember watching
the girl chomp into the biscuit as I nearly gagged seeing the bright yellow yolk squirt out of
the biscuit and down her chin. She taught me thanksgiving.
I remember a sixth-grade teacher that definitely had her favorites, and it was a blessed day
when I determined that I was one of them. She was a no-nonsense teacher and gave lots of
homework that she expected to be turned in daily. The woman got my attention the first week.
She demonstrated what happened from skipping homework or talking without permission
with the aid of her wooden paddle that looked like a boat oar to me! That teacher taught me
a blend of fear and respect.
I remember a math teacher that taught me to think and find the answers to “why.” I knew he
wasn’t making an envious salary and that he drove the school bus before and after his full day
in the classroom, but he modeled for me the love of teaching and the fulfillment of seeing his
students comprehend and excel. He taught me the beauty of sacrifice and dedication.
I remember the clatter of electric typewriters in high school and the fun our teacher made the
class time. She trained me in a tool that I would never outgrow and would consistently use over
the years. I never imagined that the clatter of the typewriter keys would turn to the clicking of
computer keys. She taught me the joy of learning.
I remember riding the school bus with no seat belts and few restrictions. Our driver covered
a lot of miles in that yellow, overgrown transport and never complained about the frosty rides in
the winter and the stifling trips in the early fall. He was adept at watching the road while seeing any
bully cross known boundaries in the back of the bus. He taught me about patience and endurance
while performing a necessary but thankless job.
I remember a lot about my school days—the variety of teachers that leave impressions on
our lives along with a storehouse of experiences, most of which are antiquated. I consider the
difficulties of the changing times and the obstacles facing those dedicated teachers in today’s
classrooms. Lord, strengthen them with wisdom and unwavering perseverance so that their
students will have wonderful remembrances.
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