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Be Where
Your Feet Are
Touch A Truck®Jackson
Fighting for Mississippi’s Veterans

2 • JANUARY 2023

More kinds of
care for all of
Mississippi.
All for Your Health
umc.edu/YourHealth
Hometown RANKIN • 3

4 • JANUARY 2023

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Hometown RANKIN • 5

6 • MARCH 2023

FROM OUR PUBLISHER
North Mississippi was home to me for my growing up years.
I see a lot of similarities in my Rankin County home except for one
major difference–the wind! It seems the wind is always blowing in and
around Brandon. I know March is known for its wind, but so is every
other month in this hometown.
This month’s Hometown Rankin features a whirlwind of activities
and events that help make this place we call home anything but stagnant!
Our area is on the move in so many positive ways, and it’s our intention
to highlight those. See for yourself inside these pages of our March issue.
Sometimes life’s winds blow in hardships like sickness and tests to
our faith. Our March cover story describes our Northwest Rankin High
School baseball coach, and his second fight with cancer. You will be
inspired by his attitude about this second attack on his body and faith.
I remember my first time to meet Coach Aldridge. I also remember
leaving that meeting, being so impressed with his great attitude and
love for his job of coaching. He never mentioned the stormy winds
that were attacking him; I learned about his cancer from others who
knew and were inspired by his fortitude.
We’ve all wrestled with those winds that blow in troubles and
heartaches. They are a part of every life. But it’s how we respond to
those winds that can impact other lives. You may be enjoying the
balmy winds of a warm spring day or caught up in your own turbulent
season of life. Whichever it may be, use your present situation as a
positive impact for all those that see and watch you.
HOMETOWN STAFF
IN THIS ISSUE
The Way We Were 10
Hometown Family 34
Woman of Impact 14
Kids Who Care 56
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Tahya Dobbs
CFO
Kevin Dobbs
CONSULTING EDITOR
Mary Ann Kirby
ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT
Alisha Floyd
Reader Spotlight 21
Be Where Your Feet Are 22
Go Ahead, Use The Good China 64
Fighting for MS Veterans 78
SPECIAL PROJECTS
ASSISTANT
Caroline Hodges
SOCIAL MEDIA
MANAGER
Lexie Ownby
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Stacy Everett
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Nikki Robison
...see you around town.
LAYOUT DESIGN
Daniel Thomas
3dt
STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHER
Othel Anding
STAFF
ASSISTANT
Debby Francis
ADVERTISING
ASSISTANT
Melissa Kennon
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 • 7

8 • MARCH 2023
601.326.2755
completeexteriorsms.com

Hometown RANKIN • 9

Marie & Arnold Jackson
Camille Anding
Sitting aboard their thirty-
Marie’s mom invited him to
Georgia. The next move carried
While his jobs carried him
eight foot cruiser anchored to
join their family for a meal.
them to California.
throughout the states, Marie
a pier in the Barnett Reservoir,
Marie’s fond memory of that
Arnold’s appetite for better
was a stay at home mom to
Marie and Arnold Jackson laugh
first meeting was actually the
job opportunities kept him
their three daughters. When
and joke about the circumstances
reverse order. “Usually the girl
actively pursuing education
they were 5th, 6th, and 9th
that afforded them dating
carries the boy home to meet
and advancing his options.
graders in 1983, the Jacksons’
privileges. She was a 10th grader
her parents. Mother brought
Law school was one of those
lives took a drastic turn. Marie’s
from Toomsuba, Mississippi,
the boy home to me,” Marie
opportunities, and while
parents were in a serious train/
and he was a freshman at a
said through her jovial laughter.
working days (with Marie’s
car collision that killed her
community college in Meridian.
After three years of dating
help) and attending night
father and put her mom in a
Arnold worked as a grocery
and one quarter from Arnold’s
classes, he added attorney to
six week coma. One leg had to
sacker in the Meridian A&P
graduating from the University
his job titles. That degree led
be amputated, and her eyesight
Grocery, and it was Marie’s
of Southern Mississippi, the two
him into the oil business where
was destroyed.
mother who ran the cash register
were wed on April 12, 1968.
he and three other businessmen
Marie understood then
next to him. The two became
Arnold soon got a job that
eventually launched Denbury
why God’s plan for her hadn’t
good friends, and over time
moved the newlyweds to Macon,
Resources, Inc.
included a degree and career
because the next thirty years
10 • MARCH 2023

“ We’ve got
lots of friends,
and we love
people!”
she was her mother’s caregiver
designer in Madison, and
jewel for always calling her
moves on the dance floor.
in their home until her mother’s
Missy McMinn is an OBGYN
every night he was on the road.
arie says about her joy of
death.
at East Lakeland.
Life is full as Marie and
entertaining, “We’ve got lots
The Jacksons don’t speak of
As for the attraction that
Arnold approach their 55th
of friends, and we love people!”
those thirty years as hardships
brought Marie and Arnold
year of marriage. Their six
They both credit God for His
or a challenge to their marriage.
together, Marie says Arnold’s
grandchildren’s activities are a
abundant blessings and the
Their love for each other and
kindness and work ethic
treat to follow, and Marie’s gift
reason they are blessed to share
commitment to their vows
attracted her as well as his being
of hospitality continues to
with others. As a wise Sunday
were broad and deep enough
a “city boy” and an identical
bloom. They entertain their
school teacher at Crossgates
to overcome life’s struggles.
triplet. Arnold was captivated
friends and family at their
Baptist Church, Arnold says,
Today all three of the Jackson
by Marie’s beauty and quiet
Crossgates home or on the
“To whom much is given, much
daughters are happily married
spirit. He still applauds the way
Reservoir onboard their
is required.”
and living close to home. Liesa
she supported his many business
pontoon or cruiser. They host
As for Marie’s appetite for
Holeman is the assistant BSU
ventures over the years.
three large parties a year in
keeping life active and full of
director on the Ole Miss campus
The secret to their “sticking”
their back yard and an open
merriment, Arnold says, “I’m
as well as College Students
glue? Marie is certain that it’s
house for friends during the
married to Marie, and I hang
Minister at FBC Oxford.
because they’ve never gone to
Christmas celebration. And it’s
on for dear life!”
Sonya Covey is an interior
bed mad. She also labels him a
a fact that they still cut enviable
Hometown RANKIN • 11

12 • MARCH 2023

Hometown RANKIN • 13

2023 METRO JACKSON
Woman
of IMPACT
The American Heart Association, Metro Jackson, is proud to be
celebrating the Woman of Impact Class of 2023, a complement
to the Metro Jackson Go Red for Women movement. Over the
past few months, AHA received nominations for a select group of
local women to be recognized for their passion and drive in building
stronger communities. The areas of impact were limitless – from
healthcare to philanthropy, from business to faith. If they “lead
with heart,” they were eligible for nomination.
Women of Impact are changemakers, dedicated to making a
lasting impact on the health of the Metro Jackson community;
women who lead by example, improving the well-being of those
around them. By joining the Go Red for Women movement as a
Woman of Impact, each honoree has assembled their own team of
volunteers, set a fundraising goal, and made a meaningful impact
on the health and wellbeing of the Metro Jackson community.
For more information on how you can get involved with the
Metro Jackson American Heart Association, please visit
www.heart.org/en/affiliates/mississippi/Jackson.
For more information about the Go Red for Women Movement,
visit MetroJacksonGoRed.heart.org
Dr. Nicole Cleveland
Jackson Oncology
Jackson native Nicole Duncan Cleveland
MD is a hematologist/oncologist at
Jackson Oncology Associates. She and
husband Kenneth are the parents of three
girls. The best part of her day is after
work— “downtime with my husband and
daughters, whether just sharing the shiny
or hard moments from our day, or preparing
dinner together.”
Heart disease has inherently affected
members of her family, some surviving
only for the advances in medicine.
Professionally, the practice of oncology,
specifically the women and men who
undergo chemotherapy and radiation for
breast cancer, often leads to her patients
developing cardiac disease. “There is a
united front from both our disciplines to
aggressively focus on screening, monitoring,
and treating that type of cardiac disease.
We are working hard to continue to
advance our own cardio-oncology
program, diminishing morbidity and
mortality during cancer survivorship.”
14 • MARCH 2023

Teri Oakes Dyess MD, FACP, FHM wears
two hats: as physician/director of hospital
medicine, and the co-chief medical officer
for St Dominic’s Hospital. Originally from
Ocean Springs, Dr. Dyess lives here with
her blended family of five ranging from
21 to 32 years old.
Dr. Teri Dyess
St. Dominic’s
How does she live a healthy life?
“Practicing what I preach! I work out before
work, so that time does not get in the way
of exercise. I eat a healthy diet. I do not
ask my patients to do anything that I do
not do myself. When asked why she is
fighting cardiovascular disease, Dr. Dyess
said, “I’ve committed my life’s work to
healthcare as a physician in hospital
medicine. As a doctor dedicated to caring
for patients during their time in the hospital,
I see firsthand the impact that heart
disease and lifestyle choices have on our
loved ones. I also see the potential to
find new ways to prevent and treat these
conditions through research and education
offered by organizations like the
American Heart Association.”
Dr. Janet Harris
UMMC Professor Emeritus
Dr. Janet Young Harris DNP, RN,
NEA-BC, spent 45 years in nursing. She
and husband Joe Mac Hudspeth Jr will
celebrate a 40-year wedding anniversary
soon. They have a son and two granddaughters.
Time spent with family “makes
my heart sing, but I also love helping
others—I’ve been so blessed. I give back
through community involvement and
service to organizations that I care about.
I also love my involvement with Lakeland
Presbyterian Church.”
Dr. Harris is has been involved with the
American Heart Association serving as a
former Go Red for Women chair and as
a Circle of Red member since the group
began. When asked why, she offered, “I
have dealt with hypertension for over 40
years. I take meds every day to prevent
stroke and heart attack. Secondly, my
51-year-old dad had a massive heart
attack in 1970. He survived but suffered
congestive heart failure until he died
years later. Lastly, I do it for my grandgirls.
When we stand together, there are three
of us. And, one in three women will
suffer from heart disease. I believe in
being a part of change so that other
mothers, children, sisters, and friends do
not have to suffer or die early from this
disease - our #1 killer!”
Jamie Higdon
TempStaff
Jamie Higdon is the vice-president and
co-owner of TempStaff, a local staffing
agency. She and her husband, Scott, live
in Florence where they are raising two
active daughters. What sparks joy in this
family of four? Jamie says, “We love
traveling as a family, solving escape
rooms, or cheering on the Mississippi
State Bulldogs. We are also involved in
various ministries at First Baptist Church.”
She is committed to bringing awareness
to the American Heart Association
as a Woman of Impact because, like so
many people, “There is a history of heart
disease in my family. Bringing awareness
of the signs of heart disease and promoting
preventative care will help both the men
and women in my family and others to
live long and healthy lives.”
Hometown RANKIN • 15

Janie Jarvis
The Bridal Path,
Madison the City – Alderman
Janie Jarvis is the co-owner of the Bridal
Path and serves the City of Madison as an
alderman. Thirty years ago, she married her
husband Mike, a retired owner of a cellular
tower construction company. Thirty years
is the same amount of time they have
lived in Madison, where they have raised
two daughters, one of whom owns the
business with her mother.
As you can imagine, Janie loves meeting
people. Traveling and volunteering make
her happy but she said, “Spending time
with my family in the outdoors brings me
the most joy.”
When asked why she is involved with
bringing awareness to heart disease, Janie
shared, “My grandfather died from a massive
heart attack at age 47 and my father-in-law
died from heart disease at age 62. Both
of them died way too early in life! I also
have two daughters and statistics show
that one in three women face heart
disease and it is the leading cause of
death for women in the United States.
It is important, especially in Mississippi
with even higher death rates, that we
educate women on the risks and
prevention of heart disease.”
Dr. Yolanda McElroy
M3A Architects
Yolanda Jones- McElroy, PhD, is one of
four children born to Annie Gipson and
Bobby Jones in Brandon. She was the
only girl in a family with three boys. She
“greatly remembers the strength, love,
and endurance of not having a sister.”
She now lives in Jackson and describes
herself as a faithful member of New Hope
Baptist Church.
Dr. McElroy’s finds joy in “serving others
through volunteerism, awareness, and
ministry.” As an administrator for a local
architect firm, she is making time to serve
as a Woman of Impact nominee because,
“heart disease is the number one killer of
women, particularly African Americans.”
Her goal? She says, “To increase cultural
awareness, prevention of heart disease,
and promote a better environment.”
Dr. Sara Sanders is originally from Durant
and lives in Ridgeland. As a physician, she
practices geriatric medicine at Baptist
Premier. Her husband Sean is a cardiologist,
and together they have two young
children, ages 10 and 8. They spend most
of their free time watching their kids in all
their myriad activities. Watching a New
Orleans Pelicans basketball game is a
favorite pastime.
Dr. Sara Sanders
Baptist Premier
Dr. Sanders is focused on her volunteer
work with the American Heart Association
because, “I am in the fight against heart
disease for my patients. I care for patients
as they age and usually after they have
received a diagnosis of heart disease.
Raising awareness earlier (in the lives of
people) is so important.”
PLEASE SAVE THE DATE
2023 Metro Jackson Go Red
for Women Luncheon
• Wednesday, May 3rd
• Sheraton Flowood The Refuge Hotel
& Conference Center
• 10:30am - 12:00pm
Health & Wellness Expo
• 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Luncheon
Chair: Melanie Morgan, Trustmark
16 • MARCH 2023

Erin Pickens
WAPT
Erin Pickens is a television news anchor
for 16 WAPT and is a professor at Tougaloo
College in the mass communication
department. She was born and raised in
Memphis, Tennessee, but has lived in
Jackson for almost 21 years. Memphis is
a special place for Erin as it is home to her
parents and all of her family, “including a
handsome little 6-year-old nephew
named Bryant,” the son of her brother
and sister-in-law.
We asked her about what brings her joy.
“I like to make sure others are happy,
comfortable, and enjoying themselves.
I never want someone to feel left out or
misunderstood. If everyone around me
is content, then I have joy.”
Erin said that she is committed to
raising awareness about heart disease
because, “with cardiac arrests making
headlines recently with Damar Hamlin and
Lisa Marie Presley, then, with us embarking
on American Heart Month, the focus is
on the heart. I was ashamed to admit that
I didn’t know CPR. I work in a stressful
profession and I’m sure I need to be more
heart healthy. I feel I need to do more to
educate myself, and at the same time,
why not help educate others as well?”
Erin is now trained in CPR.
Dr. Julia Thompson
Merit Health Heart
Dr. Julia Thompson is an interventional
cardiologist at Merit Health. Originally
from Thornton, she now lives here with her
husband Michael and two young children.
Rounding out the household are a dog,
three cats, two chickens, and a snake! Her
family and the people in her life are what
bring joy to this busy physician.
Following a stint in nursing in the cardiac
ICU, she went back to medical school and
never wavered from her focus on cardiology.
Dr. Thompson said, “I love working in
the cath lab, but the most rewarding part
of my job is seeing patients back in clinic
doing well after a heart attack or other
major heart issue.”
Heart attacks and cardiac arrests have
been in the news recently, but she says,
there is so much more to heart disease
and lists high blood pressure, congestive
heart failure, heart rhythm problems (atrial
fibrillation), and women with peripartum
cardiomyopathy as examples. Then,
Dr. Thompson says, “There are issues
like high cholesterol and diabetes that
increase the risk of cardiac events like
heart attack and stroke. In short, when
you include the entire spectrum of heart
disease, it is really difficult to find someone
that it hasn’t affected. So, I’m in the fight
to try to limit the impact of heart disease
on my family and yours,” she said.
Amy Lampton Walker
Ergon
Amy Lampton Walker is the area sales
manager for Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions.
She and husband, DeFord, enjoy spending
time with their three children and attending
their sports and performance events. Amy
said heart disease has greatly impacted her
family. Her father Lee Lampton’s struggle
with heart disease began at age 52. “His
road to recovery was long and taxing. But
thanks to God, because of his commitment
to being more intentional about healthy
heart habits, along with the support of our
family, he has persevered and is enjoying
another chance at life.” Her maternal
grandfather died at 52 from a heart attack
and Amy lost her father-in-law and
sister-in-law the same tragic way.
She shared with us, “Realizing how
heart disease has impacted generations of
family members has driven my commitment
to ensure my children have a chance
to live long and healthy lives. Heart disease
claims the life of a woman about every 80
seconds. I want to work against this statistic.”
Amy’s goal is to find ways to encourage
more health-conscious mindsets early on
and not as a reaction to the disease; to
help facilitate the growth of communities
that support access to healthy choices;
and to help ensure equal and adequate
access to health care and healthy lifestyle
resources for the whole family.
Hometown RANKIN • 17

18 • MARCH 2023

Hometown RANKIN • 19

20 • MARCH 2023

READER
SPOTLIGHT
Kinley
AINSWORTH
Why did you decide to make Rankin
County your home?
Rankin County is my home because of the
opportunities it provides. Puckett is my home.
This school and community are like a family.
How long have you lived in Rankin County?
I have lived in Rankin County for 18 years.
Tell us about your family.
My mom is Candice Ainsworth. She is a
licensed and registered CT technologist.
She does CTs, MRIs, and X-rays at Baptist.
She has worked in radiology for 23 years. My
dad is Mark Ainsworth. He is an industrial/
commercial HVAC project manager. He has
been a project manager for the last 10 years at
Upchurch Services and has been in the HVAC
business for 37 years now.
What is your favorite memory of living in
Rankin County?
My favorite memory is definitely being
baptized.
Where are your three favorite places to eat
in Rankin County?
El Sombrero, The Cleaners, and Newks.
What are some fun things to do in Rankin
County on the weekends?
I love to go to the movies, go out to eat, and
shop.
Share some things you enjoy doing in your
spare time.
I love to go shopping! In the summer I enjoy
swimming and doing anything outside.
What are three things on your bucket list?
I’d love to go to Hawaii, surf, and watch the
sunrise on the beach.
Who is someone you admire and why?
I admire my Aunt Sarah. She is an amazing
mom to three kids and works so hard to be her
best for them. I look up to her because of the
type of person she is. She is a Christian and
does everything through Christ. She is the
most thoughtful person and always puts other
people’s needs in front of hers. I pray to be the
type of person and mother she is one day.
Where do you see yourself ten years
from now?
In 10 years I see myself working as an X-ray
technician, married, with a little baby.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is going to the
beach with my family.
If you could give us one encouraging
quote, what would it be?
There is always room at the top.
What is your favorite thing about
Hometown Magazines?
It spotlights people around Rankin County.
I like to see familiar faces!
Hometown RANKIN • 21

22 • MARCH 2023

Be Where
Your Feet Are
Leigh Ramsey
“The first diagnosis was a gut punch. I was single then,
but it hits a whole new level when you’re married with young kids.”
Coach KK Aldridge, the head baseball
coach, and economics teacher at Northwest
Rankin High School, shared that his first
thoughts after hearing his cancer had
returned were his young kids. The coach,
and his wife, Malorie, a history teacher and
assistant volleyball coach at NWRHS, have
three children, Acey, a five-year-old boy,
Kaynslie, a three-year-old girl, and Kayde, a
20-month-old boy. Coach Aldridge shared
that his original diagnosis came after he had
a swollen lymph node that wouldn’t go
down in 2012. He was diagnosed with
non-Hodgkin’s follicular lymphoma. The
treatment route he and the doctors chose
was to remove that lymph node and use a
“watch and see” approach. For ten years
he’d get an annual check-up with no
issues—until the spring of 2022.
The coach began having stomach pains
that would come and go throughout the
summer. On August 6, 2022, his blood work
showed an elevated white cell count. Doctors
tried to reach KK on the phone, but were
unable to do so. When they called Malorie,
she said God told her to answer the phone,
even though she normally would not have
answered for a number she did not recognize.
The doctor said that KK needed to go
to the emergency room. There, they ran a
CT and found a softball sized mass in his
abdomen and several small masses throughout
his abdomen and pelvic region. His biopsy
results eventually led to the diagnosis of
large B cell lymphoma.
He began his first chemo treatment in
September. Doctors also realized the coach’s
hemoglobin levels were low and he was
anemic. He had to have a blood transfusion
the same time as his first chemo treatment.
Because of this need, three different
community groups were inspired to hold
blood drives. First Baptist Church of Fannin,
Pisgah High School, and Northwest Rankin
High School all held blood drives, which
benefited many people in the community.
Thankfully, one transfusion and an iron
infusion was enough to get the coach’s
levels where they needed to be.
Coach Aldridge continued a couple
more rounds of chemo, but the oncologist
could not tell if it was working. KK was sent
to a surgeon to get a bigger biopsy. He was
told that during the biopsy, if the surgeon
found that the cancer was more intrusive,
they might take the cancerous areas out.
On December 6, KK went into surgery for a
biopsy. Doctors wound up removing a foot
and a half of his small intestine, the mass,
and his appendix. He had to recover for six
weeks. At the time of the interview, the
coach had only been back at work for a
week. The biopsy revealed that there were
no live cancer cells and the chemotherapy
was working.
Hometown RANKIN • 23

Even though the surgery was more
intrusive than the couple initially anticipated,
they are able to see God’s provision. The
oncologist assured the couple, “Had we
not gone in and removed this, it would not
have gone well.” Malorie Aldridge shared,
“It was a very big blessing that he had to
have that surgery.”
Through tears and a shaking voice, Mrs.
Aldridge said, “God has been so good to us.
When we found out we were diagnosed,
we called our people and got our prayer
warriors on it and this community has just
put their arms around us.” She went on to
name several teams at Northwest Rankin
and Brandon, the school administrators, the
church, their family, and so many others
who have come together to support them.
She added, “Years ago, Brandon and
Northwest softball teams started a ‘Playing
for the Cure’ game and they are doing that
in honor of KK this year.” The game will be
held March 24. The tee shirts that were sold
to benefit the Aldridge family had a slogan
stating, “Together We Fight.” Malorie shared,
“That’s exactly how we have felt. We have
not felt for one second that we have gone
through this journey by ourselves because of
our community and how much they have
loved us. That is so humbling.”
Coach Aldridge continued, “I’d never
wish this on anyone, but you do get to see
how much people love you by the support
they give you. It makes you want to beat this
thing even more and get out there and
continue what you’re doing.” He went on
to share that he and Malorie consider the
students to be their mission field and
they desire to impact those students and
help them become the best version of
themselves.
“We fully trust in God’s plan. We want
God to get the glory from this whole story
and whatever avenue He chooses to take
us down, we just hope that it’s a platform
where His light can be shone.”
The couple shared about one another,
“She’s been my rock. There are a lot of times
where I don’t have a lot of energy, and she has
stepped up and handled it all,” Coach KK said.
“Days are hard, but God’s word says
when we are weak, He is strong,” Malorie
shared. “I’ve been clinging to the Lord and
watching KK be amazing. He has taken this
on with such poise, and he has not been
shaken.”
Looking back over 2022, it was quite a
rollercoaster of a year for Coach Aldridge.
He experienced everything from the extreme
high of his team winning the state championship
in May, to the extreme low of his
diagnosis. He used the slogan “be where
your feet are” with the team last year. “That
was great for its purpose for baseball, to
enjoy the moment you are in,” he shared.
“But I was able to transfer that just a few
months later to the cancer diagnosis. That’s
one thing cancer will do, is allow you to not
take for granted the things you have, but to
focus on the things that are most important;
family and relationships. Obviously, my walk
with God has grown deeper. I’ve learned, be
where your feet are, so you can grow to be
the person that God wants you to be.”
24 • MARCH 2023

Hometown RANKIN • 25

The Chamber of Flowood would like to thank
for helping make the Winter Gathering a
cherished tradition and celebration of the
Flowood business community.
2023 Winter
Gathering
& Top of the Community Awards
26 • MARCH 2023

Service.
Our legacy and livelihood.
We are driven by dedication to hard work, customerfirst
service and a commitment to delivering the
highest standard of products and service.
To learn more, visit Ergon.com
Students are explorers. Our
job as educators is to help
them FIND THEIR WAY
academically, athletically,
artistically, and spiritually.
Amanda Slack
Head of Lower School
jacksonprep.net
PreK-3 through grade 12
Hometown RANKIN • 27

Touch A Truck ® Jackson
Celebrates 10 Years
Touch A Truck ® Jackson is a family-friendly, hands-on event
offering opportunities for children of all ages to explore,
climb, and touch trucks, emergency response vehicles, heavy
machinery, public service, and other equipment. Learning
will come alive at Touch A Truck® Jackson, providing children
with an opportunity to connect vehicles and equipment to
our Mississippi economy and potential careers in industries
like public service, farming, manufacturing, and construction.
A decade ago, the Junior League of Jackson brought the
Touch A Truck ® Jackson experience to the community as a
hybrid fund development business and community project.
The first Touch A Truck ® Jackson was met with resounding
praise in the community. Katy Pacelli, the first Touch A Truck ®
Jackson event chair, said, “our goal for the first year was to
create a solid foundation for this event that would not only
raise funds for our community partners, but also give children
28 • MARCH 2023

Presented by the Junior League of Jackson,
Touch A Truck® Jackson rolls into
Trustmark Park March 31 & April 1, 2023
The 2023 Touch A Truck ® Jackson
Steering Committee
Meredith McCullough, Chair; Laura Hearn, Co-Chair;
Jennifer Boydston, Chair-Elect; Megan McBeth, Corporate
Sponsor Chair; Jasmine Smith, Finance Chair; Teneisha Wynter,
Placement Chair; Jennifer Gray, Promotions Chair; Barbara Byrd,
Special Events Chair; Sallie Campbell, Staging Chair;
Mimi Arthur and Rebecca Henley, Sustaining Advisors.
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an opportunity to experience something new. It was a group
effort from the entire League and was so much fun to launch
something new in our community and League. I have enjoyed
watching it grow and evolve over the past ten years,” Pacelli adds.
A unique aspect of Touch A Truck ® Jackson is that it is a
fund development business and a community project of the
Junior League of Jackson. Each year, Touch A Truck ® Jackson
invites 1,600 students from around the Jackson metro area as
part of Field Trip Friday. Thanks to the generosity of our corporate
sponsors, supporters, and Junior League members through
Handy Helper donations, we are able to offer this educational
opportunity to invited second-grade students at no cost.
Meredith McCullough, 2023 Touch A Truck ® Jackson chair,
said, “I wanted to take on this role because I love hearing all
the sweet stories of the children who attend Field Trip Friday
and experience all the excitement that comes with interactive
fun bringing classroom learning and pages of books to life.
This year we have so many great activities planned, and I look
forward to seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they explore,
climb, and touch trucks and equipment at our various
interactive exhibits.”
Over the past ten years, Touch A Truck ® Jackson has raised
more than $350,000, which stays here in the Jackson metro
area. These funds allow the League to fund its mission,
including the support of more than 30 community projects
and initiatives in the areas of children’s health, early literacy,
and social development. “Touch A Truck ® Jackson has evolved
over the past ten years to incorporate activities and opportunities
for children and schools in the Jackson metro area
beyond the initial Touch A Truck ® Jackson experience. In 2018
we introduced a literacy tent with guest readers throughout
the day and in 2019 we established STREAM stations to further
expand the hands-on learning experience. We continue to
evolve the Touch A Truck ® Jackson experience to coincide
with the mission of the Junior League of Jackson. This event
has grown into an experience that showcases how fun and
learning can come together beautifully through focused
volunteerism and an impact-based model of service. I could
not be more excited about this tenth anniversary event for our
community,” said Bethany Smith, 2022-2023 Junior League of
Jackson president.
Touch A Truck ® Jackson 2023 kicks off Friday, March 31,
with Donuts & Dump Trucks, a preschool event; followed by
Field Trip Friday; and Unplugged, an event for children with
sensory needs. The fun will continue that night with a new
special event, Glow in the Park–a glow party like you have
never seen with music from DJ Adam, illuminated exhibits,
and fun activities!
Big Wheel Breakfast will kick off Saturday morning, April 1,
allowing attendees to enjoy breakfast and early access to
exhibitors. General admission opens at 10:00am and will
feature interactive science, technology, reading, engineering,
arts, and math (STREAM) booths for children to enjoy, literacy
fun, and so many exciting exhibitors.
Tickets are available for Glow in the Park,
Big Wheel Breakfast, and general admission at
www.touchatruckjackson.com
Our special events can sell out,
so don’t delay in purchasing!
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Sponsored by
The Aikenses
Tell us about your family.
Robin - 47, likes to be called “Rob” and is an offshore oil worker. He
loves working on his truck, and fishing. He did a lot of drawing and
made figurines as a hobby before the kids.
Sherika - 44, I am a registered nurse. I enjoy watching new food
recipes on social media, quiet time, and reading inspirational books
when I get a chance. We will be celebrating 15 years of marriage in
August. We have two kids. Jaiden, 7, and Nekia, 5. Jaiden enjoys
playing drums, and Nekia enjoys ballet. They both enjoy going to the
Mississippi Children’s Museum, Happy Land, and parks.
How did you meet and how long have you been married?
We attended rivalry schools in Columbia, Mississippi. We met in the
summer of 1995. I took drivers education at his school and we became
real good friends. We lost contact after I left for college to attend
Jackson State University in 1997. He reached out to my grandmother
in 2006, and she received permission from me to give him my phone
number. He contacted me during his hitch offshore and when he
came home, he attended my high school’s 2006 football championship
game that was being played in Jackson. We met up, dated, and
went through a year of premarital counseling. He proposed to me at
Disney World Dec. 21, 2007, and we married 8-8-2008 on a Friday.
Two weeks later, we found that my great-grandparents married on
the same date in 1925 which was so special.
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Do you allow time to be with your spouse for a date night?
Yes, our last big night out was October 22, 2022, to see Maxwell in
concert at Brandon Amphitheater. We seem to have date nights
every two months which is not enough, because we mostly spend a
lot of time together as a family.
What brings you the greatest joy as a parent?
We love being the first to introduce our kids to new exciting things,
and places. It brings us joy to watch them grow, laugh, and play.
Who is the financial manager in your home?
I am officially the financial manager since starting our family.
I write our list of expenses down each month. We have to live as
if we are operating under one salary, because we have experienced
three layoffs that lasted one year each in 2009, 2015, and 2020.
When your children were younger, what was your
discipline philosophy?
I tell them to keep their hands to themselves and be courteous by
saying, “excuse me, thank you, and you’re welcome.” They don’t get
spankings, but may get a pop on the hand if needed. They mostly
take heed to my facial expressions. We tend to ignore behavior we
don’t like and give treats to the behaviors we like. They listen more
to their dad due to his advantage with a deeper tone of voice. He also
has affirmations that they repeat after him, and we make sure they
say their prayers at night.
What do you see in your role as the greatest benefit to
your family?
I sacrifice more because, while my husband is working, I manage the
family. Our son is on the autism spectrum. He has drum lessons
weekly and applied behavior analysis therapy four days a week. Our
daughter has ballet weekly, tutoring twice a week, and occupational
therapy weekly. Therefore, I had to recently change from working
full time on weekend nights at my job, to working as needed.
What’s a quick go-to meal that isn’t fast food?
And who does the cooking?
I love my rice cooker! I quickly can warm up a can of beef stew
to put over rice, with English peas or stemmed broccoli on the side.
The kids don’t favor spaghetti anymore, which was my husband’s
go-to meal.
How long has Brandon been your home?
Brandon has been our home for five years. We’ve lived in Rankin
County since we married in 2008. However, I moved to Rankin
County in 2006. We also lived a year in Ellisville before the kids
while I was becoming an LPN, and a year in Biloxi to attend school
to become a RN. But we returned to Rankin County to start our
family.
What are your favorite things about Rankin County?
We love the convenience of shopping and dining within our
community, and the kids are close to their grandmother who lives
in Pearl.
How do you spend your summer breaks?
We enjoy going to the beach. Our kids love playing in the pool
at Sheraton Flowood–The Refuge Hotel, and the Mississippi
Children’s Museum splash pad.
What accomplishments make you proud during your time
living in Brandon?
We’ve been so proud to see our kids start school and make new friends.
What drives you to have the job that you have?
And what do you do for a living?
The financial support and the much-needed flexibility that our
family needs is our drive to have the jobs we have. Rob works with an
offshore oil rig contract company that gives him the option to take
certain contracts and the length of time needed that may vary from
7-21 days. We agreed that one month away is no longer good for our
family. I work weekend nights twice a week so I can be home during
the week and still be able to be with my kids during the day on the
weekends.
QUESTIONS FOR THE CHILDREN, JAIDEN & NEKIA
Favorite thing to do as a family?
Eat and travel
Favorite restaurants?
Genna Benna’s, Berry’s Seafood, Dominos, and Chick-fil-A
Favorite TV show?
Paw Patrol and Peppa Pig
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Abigail Green
The first item is to eat a big sushi roll
the size of a wheel. I always watch
these mukbang videos of people eating
this mega-sized food and I love sushi,
so it is a win-win. The second item is
to visit Dubai. I’ve always wanted to go
somewhere far away from Mississippi
and Dubai was my first pick.
Richland
High School
Q&A
What are
2 things
on your
bucket list
??
Allison Speegle
Two items on my list include traveling
to Jamaica on a cruise and meeting
Snoop Dogg. Jamaica has beautiful
weather and amazing beaches. Snoop
Dogg will forever be an icon.
Andrew Dowdle
Something I really would like to cross
off my bucket list is to graduate college.
Another thing is to travel the world.
Ashlyn Palmer
I would love to take a trip up to
Tennessee. Another thing that
would be a forever interest is
meeting Bailey Zimmerman.
Chloe Owens
Two things I want to cross off my
bucket list is to visit Punta Cana. I
would also like to go parasailing.
40 • MARCH 2023

Christopher
Hawkins
I am going to Tokyo, Japan, with
my family. I also plan on getting
my business running to support
my family.
Lydia McGarity
One thing on my bucket list is owning
a lot of dogs, especially a Pitbull. The
second thing is traveling around the
U.S. in a van/ house-bus.
Jordan Minor
First, I would like to visit the Bahamas,
swim on the beaches, and maybe
take a cruise. Then, I would like to
take a zipline, maybe in the
Bahamas, Italy, or Japan.
Mikaelah Smith
I want to have peace of mind and
happiness. I want to experience the
world and travel and take on as
many adventures as possible.
Joshua Jackson
One thing is to go skydiving.
Another thing I want to do is win
a PBA Championship.
Paige Fortado
I would really like to meet Garth
Brooks because he is one of my
favorite country music artists.
I would also like to go on an
Alaskan cruise.
Julia Eubanks
Scuba diving and feeding the
homeless with gourmet. The sea
feels like home to me, and I love
animals. It is a mental break and a
happy place. I want to feed special
food to people who can’t afford it
so it encourages them to motivate.
Kaleb Frazier
I want to go to Alaska and hunt a
moose, or honestly just go. I also
want to learn to drift and start doing
it professionally or attempt to.
Tanasia Holmes
Two items on my bucket list are
to adopt a child because I want to
make a difference in a child’s life
and the other thing is to go off the
map. I want to move away from
home so no one knows who I am
when I move to a new city.
Hometown RANKIN • 41

Lime in the Coconut
Almond Bark
• 1 pkg. (10-12oz.) white
baking chips
• 4 tsp. shortening
• 2 to 4 drops green food coloring,
optional
• ½ cup sweetened shredded
coconut, toasted
• ½ cup chopped almonds, toasted
• 4 tsp. grated lime zest
Line a 9-inch square baking pan
with foil; set aside. In a microwave,
melt chips and shortening. Stir until
smooth. Stir in food coloring if
desired. Stir in coconut, almonds
and lime zest. Spread into prepared
pan. Chill until firm, 10-15 minutes.
Break into small pieces. Store in an
airtight container at room
temperature.
Roasted Broccoli
with Parmesan
• 1½ lbs. broccoli (about 2 medium
crowns), cut into florets of even
size
• 3 to 4 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
(about ½ lemon)
• Kosher salt
• 2 to 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• Ground black pepper
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese,
or to taste
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a
large bowl, toss the broccoli florets
and minced garlic with olive oil and
lemon juice until lightly coated.
Sprinkle salt over the broccoli and
toss to coat. Arrange the broccoli
florets in a single layer on a baking
sheet that has been rubbed with
some olive oil or lined with
parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Roast at 425 degrees for 16-20
minutes until cooked through
(check with a fork, should be fork
tender) and lightly browned. The
browned bites are the best!
Strawberry Spinach
Salad Dressing
• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. sesame seeds
• 1 Tbsp. poppy seed
• 1 Tbsp. minced onion
• ¼ tsp. paprika
• ¼ tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Salad
• 1 qt. strawberries – cleaned,
hulled and sliced
• 10 oz. fresh spinach – rinsed,
dried and torn into bite sized
pieces
• ¼ cup almonds, blanched
and slivered
Make dressing: Whisk together
sugar, oil, vinegar, sesame seeds,
poppy seeds, onion, paprika and
Worcestershire in a medium bowl.
Cover and chill for 1 hour.
Make salad: combine strawberries,
spinach and almonds in a large
bowl. Pour dressing over salad; toss
to coat. Refrigerate for 10 to 15
minutes.
42 • MARCH 2023

Best Spinach Dip Ever
• 1 (16oz.) container sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ (10 oz.) package frozen chopped
spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 (4 oz.) can water chestnuts,
drained and chopped
• 1 (1.8 oz.) package dry leek
soup mix
• 1 (1 lb.) loaf round sourdough
bread
Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, spinach,
water chestnuts, and dry leek soup
together in a medium bowl. Chill in
the refrigerator 6 hours or overnight.
Slice off the top of the sourdough
round and pull out the soft interior,
leaving a sturdy bread bowl. Fill with
spinach mixture. Tear removed bread
chunks into pieces for dipping.
Avocado Green Goddess
Salad Dressing
• 1 avocado
• 1 juice of lemon
• 1 clove of garlic grated
• ¼ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Tbsp. green onions minced
• 2 Tbsp. fresh basil
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. pepper
Place all ingredients in a food
processor or blender and puree until
smooth. Add water as needed. Serve
over green salad or use as a dip for
veggies.
Festive Corn & Broccoli
• 1 pkg. (16oz.) frozen chopped
broccoli, thawed
• 1 can (7oz.) Mexicorn, drained
• ¼ cup butter, cubed
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
In a large cast iron or other heavy
skillet, combine the broccoli, corn,
and butter; cook over medium heat
until butter is melted. Stir in the basil,
salt, garlic powder and pepper. Cover
and cook until vegetables are tender,
8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Roasted Cabbage
• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• ½ head green cabbage, cut into
4 wedges
• 1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes, or to taste
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 lemons, halved
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
Brush both sides of each cabbage
wedge with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic
powder, pepper flakes, salt and
pepper over each wedge. Arrange
wedges on a baking sheet. Roast in
the preheated oven for 15 minutes;
flip cabbage and continue roasting
until browned and charred in some
areas, about 15 minutes more.
Squeeze lemon over each wedge
and serve.
Pesto Penne with
Shrimp and Peas
• 12 oz. penne paste
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 1/3 cups plus 1 Tbsp. extra virgin
olive oil
• ¼ cup grated parmesan,
plus more for serving
• ¼ cup pine nuts or almonds
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper
• 1 lb. peeled and deveined
medium shrimp
• 1 cup peas
• Crushed red chili flakes (optional)
In a large pot of salted boiling water,
cook pasta until firm to the bite.
Drain reserving 1 cup pasta water
and return to pot. Meanwhile, make
pesto: In a small food processor
fitted with a metal blade, pulse
spinach, basil, and 1/3 cup olive oil
until combined. Add parmesan,
pine nuts or almonds and season
with salt and pepper. In a large skillet
over medium heat, heat remaining
tablespoon olive oil. Add shrimp and
cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
Add pasta pesto and peas to skillet
and toss until completely combined.
Stir in ¼ cup pasta water and stir until
creamy. Sprinkle with parmesan and
chili flakes.
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Ages 2 to 8 | Enroll today!
soccershots.com/jackson

Thanks to all our
readers and advertisers.
We appreciate you!
Hometown RANKIN • 45

City of Brandon
2023
Princess
Ball
Hometown Magazines had the
privilege of sponsoring nine
beautiful young girls to attend the
City of Brandon’s Princess Ball
held on February 10th.
They were treated to shopping
and picking out their own dresses
which were provided for the event,
and were also provided beautiful
corsages from Chapman’s Florist.
What a fairytale night!
Thank you to these
City of Brandon officers for
stepping up and making the evening
extra special for these young ladies:
Officer William McIntyre
Officer Nick Pittman
Sgt. Brad Martin
Investigator Robbie Reid
Officer JP Dragoo
Officer Aaron Conley
Officer Troy Dukes
Asst. Chief Marshall Pack
Chief Wayne Dearman
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Bully
Prevention
Awareness
For the past seven years, the Rankin County
School District has hosted a Bully Prevention
Awareness poster contest. Students from
grades Pre-K to 12th are encouraged to
submit original artwork addressing positive
friendships, peer pressure, peer conflict, as
well as physical bullying, emotional bullying,
social bullying, and cyber-bullying.
Most recently, we added a poetry division
for the middle/high division to allow
another creative outlet for students.
CATEGORY 1 PreK – 2nd
Brody Burtnett
2ND GRADE, Steen’s Creek - $100
“This contest, along with other programs
and initiatives, serves our students by
allowing them to think outside the box and
visually present problems that they or other
students may face–and offers a way for
them to be a part of the solution. We feel
that when students are reaching out to one
another and striving for positivity through
opportunities like this contest, they are
providing their peers with a message of
support and hope,” said Ginger Jones,
RCSD director of student support
services and counseling.
The winning posters and poems in each
category are placed in all 28 of the schools
in the Rankin County School District.
Posters were submitted for judging at the
school level and each school submitted
three posters and three poems to go on to
the district level competition. Each of the
six categories had district-level first, second,
and third place winners. Rankin County
School District had the twelve winning
posters and six winning poems reproduced
to display in district schools and offices.
Addilyn Stephens
1ST GRADE, Rouse Elementary - $50
Perry Cook
2ND GRADE, StoneBridge Elementary - $25
The Foundation for Rankin County
Public Schools provided checks in the
amount of $100 for first place winners,
$50 for second place winners,
and $25 for third place winners.
50 • MARCH 2023

CATEGORY 2 • 3rd - 5th
Ace Evans & Hunter Smith
5TH GRADE, Puckett Elementary - $100
Aubrey Henson
4TH GRADE, McLaurin Elementary - $50
Ryker Ready
5TH GRADE, Florence Elementary - $25
CATEGORY 3
6th - 8th Poster
Madilyn G. Ellis
6TH GRADE
Florence Middle
$100
Addison Boteler
7TH GRADE
Northwest Rankin Middle
$50
Bella McCann
8TH GRADE
McLaurin High
$25
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CATEGORY 3 • 6th-8th Poetry
Zoey Perez
7TH GRADE, Florence Middle - $100
Nathan Boyd
8TH GRADE, Pisgah High - $50
Autumn Magee
6TH GRADE, Pisgah Elementary - $25
CATEGORY 4 • 9th-12th Poetry
Avanlea Thornton
9TH GRADE, Florence High - $100
Madison Fortenberry
9TH GRADE, Richland High - $50
Rachel Blackledge
11TH GRADE, Florence High - $25
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CATEGORY 4 • 9th-12th Poster
Hannah Martin
10TH GRADE, Brandon High - $100
Myisha Ahmad
11TH GRADE, Northwest Rankin High - $50
Fran Bartling
9TH GRADE, Brandon High - $25
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KIDS WHO CARE
Anderson Walker
Mistie Desper
“IF ANYTHING IS WORTH
DOING, IT DESERVES TO
BE DONE AT 110%.”
Words that Anderson Walker learned
from his father growing up that have resonated
with him, inspiring him to leave his mark on
this world.
Anderson, a 16 year old junior at McLaurin
High School, has acquired an impressive list
of accomplishments in his young life but it’s
the act of serving others that he holds most
dear to his heart.
“I was raised in the small town of Star
where everybody knew everybody. My parents,
Jeff and Christy, had a reputation of giving to
others and helping out anyone that needed it.
Both sets of my grandparents were all very
influential in my life also and really laid that
foundation for me. I guess you can say that it’s
in my blood, but they have been such a positive
influence on me and have inspired me to
always want to give back to my community
and school,” said Anderson.
At McLaurin, Anderson plays a wide
variety of sports, from football and baseball
to golf and bowling–but it’s the service-based
activities that he describes as “warming his
heart.”
As a member of Beta Club, MHS Student
Council, RCSD Student Advisory Council,
Rankin County Youth Leadership as well as
being a volunteer at the Mustard Seed and a
student mentor at McLaurin Elementary,
Anderson is busy giving back to his school
and community.
Assistant Principal Katie Nelson said,
“Anderson is an impactful student leader on
our campus.”
Anderson admits that it is his “love of just
talking to people and learning about them”
that makes serving others so special to him.
He recalled an event sponsored by Beta Club
that left an impact on his young heart while
in the 5th grade. His group visited a retirement
community and he was able to sit and
chat with several senior citizens.
“At that time, I knew nothing about life.
Being able to sit with these older people who
shared their life lessons with me was very
special. Even though their circumstances may
have had them down, they took the time to
show me how beautiful life really is and all the
things I could do. It really left an impact on me.”
Anderson says that one of his favorite
organizations to be involved in is the Rankin
County Youth Leadership program. The
program chooses students from local schools
and helps young leaders develop responsible
community leadership roles by becoming
familiar with community opportunities,
needs, problems, and resources. The youth
meet monthly, and throughout their time
together, they perform community service
throughout Rankin County.
“We have all become great friends. Mrs.
Mandi Arinder helps us set up community
service projects like helping at Mustard Seed
and ringing the bell for Salvation Army. This
has been the highlight of my junior year. We
have become so close and have made many
great memories. This program has taught me
so much about leadership and helping in my
community.”
His time spent at The Mustard Seed
through the youth program had a profound
impact on him as well. “I have two sisters,
Taylor and KaLeigh. Taylor is also special
needs and it warmed my heart to serve at an
organization with other special needs people.
It was amazing to see them in their own
world and how they interact with each other
and were just able to be themselves. It is a
great organization and I hope to be able to
help again there soon.”
The Walker family has a history of
serving their community, their school, and
their church, Star Baptist. Both Jeff and
Christy work at McLaurin High School.
Anderson recalled, “From birth, my parents’
roles at school gave me the opportunity to
have lots of older role models around me at
all times. I was able to learn so much from
them and that is a huge part of why I want to
do this for others. I feel it is so important to
be a positive role model for others. What you
give is what you get in return.”
Anderson is looking into more missions
opportunities through his church and looking
forward to his remaining time at McLaurin
High School. He hopes to continue playing
baseball at the next level when he attends
college. “Any opportunity God gives me,
I’ll take.”
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Krewe de Roux
Parade & Block Party
February 17
Sponsored by Rankin County Chamber
and City of Brandon

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60 • MARCH 2023
Krewe de Roux
Gumbo Cook-Off & Car Show
February 18
Sponsored by Rankin County Chamber
and City of Brandon

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Go Ahead,
Use the
Good China
Mary Ann Kirby
64 • MARCH 2023

Why do we insist on saving things for special occasions?
Let me re-phrase that.
Why do “I” insist on doing it?
Twenty years ago, when my husband
and I were in the process of getting married,
the expectation of newly engaged couples
was to register for fine china and fancy
crystal in order to receive them as wedding
gifts. In hindsight, there were certainly
more practical gifts for which we could
have registered. We barely had enough
cabinet space to accommodate our
mismatched combined everyday dishes
and assorted plastic “to-go” cups.
Friends and family were generous in
celebrating our union with dinner plates
and salad plates and bowls and cups and
saucers–all gilded and gold rimmed–
and none dishwasher safe.
When we built a home a decade later,
we boxed up all our gifted tableware–
some still yet to be unwrapped from its
original gift packaging–and we moved it
to its new address. To this day, while yet
another ten years has passed, they remain
mere articles of decoration–or hidden,
entirely, in a seldom-used china cabinet.
My china has become a metaphor for
my life. What am I saving it for?
It has always been my experience that
the purpose of fancy dinnerware is to mark
“special” occasions. I’ve realized, though,
as I’ve gotten older, that my definition of
“special” has changed.
My son is getting older. My husband
travels constantly for work. Special
occasions in our household have become
the everyday ones. The days when my
husband and son and I can sit down
together at the same table and eat and
laugh and talk, are special. The days when
we celebrate simple things like getting our
driver’s license, a win on the baseball field,
or an award at school–are all special.
And our clock is ticking . . .
Oftentimes, our neighborhood friends
will come to our house and gather around
the kitchen island and eat and drink and
howl laughing while sharing stories of their
jobs and their children and their lives–
and those times are special. And the fact
that they want to be there is special.
So when I consider that our special
occasions are the ones that involve the
people I love the most engaging in the
things that make me the most happy–
it makes me wish I had used that china
more often.
If you’re still reading this, stay with me...
What if we actually started to “use the
good china” every day? What if we used it
until every gilded edge on every piece had
been worn down to just a faint brassy haze?
If we are saving our very best, for the very
best, when will that be if not now?
At nearly 53-years old, I find myself in
a transition–a bit of a “new season.” And
I’m not even sure what triggered it. Maybe
preparing to write this story prompted it
as I’ve been thinking about it for quite
some time. But the truth is, I’d gotten lazy.
And because my family is moving at warp
speed, most often in completely opposite
directions, I found myself being alone
more often than not.
My day-to-day routine hadn’t required
much effort beyond getting up, brushing
my teeth, piling my hair on top of my head,
and taking my son to school–most often
in my pajamas. And because I work from
home, I can stay in my pajamas for a good
part of the day, and usually do.
But a year or two ago, I started noticing
that I was having a hard time remembering
things–simple things like being able to
recall someone’s name or a word that should
have, otherwise, come easily. I would go
to the grocery store and it would occur
to me, somewhere around the cereal aisle,
that I had absolutely no idea where I’d
parked my car.
So there I’d be, in a baggy sweatshirt
that covers my back-side, wearing yoga
pants as pants, without a stitch of make-up
on my face, hair piled high up on my head,
standing on aisle eleven and wondering not
only where I had parked my car–but what
had become of me? When did I lose, me?
It was a defining moment.
I had quit trying. And as a result, it
seemed my brain had quit trying, too.
I wasn’t “using the good china.”
Saving things and reserving the effort
for that “special something” or that
“perfect moment” is crazy. None of us
know what’s going to happen tomorrow.
And we certainly shouldn’t take our
moments for granted–because we
never know when we’ll be out of them.
So this new “season” I’ve entered
is actually a season of re-awakening.
Today is my special occasion.
What if we showed up for ourselves
every day? What if we showed up for the
people we care about most and made the
most of every single opportunity? What
if we pulled out the “good china,” showed
it off, and felt good doing it? Literally and
metaphorically.
When it comes to thankfulness, I can
think of no greater way of expressing it
than by using the good stuff. As they say,
wake up, dress up, and show up, right?
I’m still working on it. But now, while
I may still wear my yoga pants as pants,
don’t be surprised if you see me doing
my grocery shopping wearing bright red
lipstick, too. After all, I’m being intentional
about celebrating today.
As hard as it is for me to admit, and
in the grand scheme of things, today
may actually be one of the relatively few,
if not only one, I have left. Therefore,
it’s imperative that I give it all I’ve got.
So go ahead. Use the good china.
Life’s too short not to. Turn the ordinary
into something extraordinary, today. l
Hometown MADISON • 65

DOING BUSINESS
WITH A NEIGHBOR
FEELS GOOD.
Steven Wallace
601-825-5242
swallace@insassociate.com
66 • MARCH 2023

Hometown MADISON • 67

68 • MARCH 2023
36th Annual
Children’s Benefit Gala
Shining Bright in Our Community
February 19

Hometown RANKIN • 69

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Hometown RANKIN • 75

Father
Daughter
Dance
february 10
76 • MARCH 2023

Hometown RANKIN • 77

Fighting for
Mississippi’s Veterans
Poppy Williams
“Sometimes the hardest wars
are fought at home.” - Anonymous
Cheryl Bruce is a shining example that one
can use their life experiences to positively impact
the lives of others. Although she is too humble to
admit it, through the work of her nonprofit, the
Wounded Warriors of Mississippi, Cheryl has
shaped the lives of hundreds of Mississippi
veterans.
According to Cheryl, this all started through
the inspiration of her son, Dustin Ryan, who
bravely served in the U.S. Army and was deployed
to Iraq in 2005. After a IED (improvised explosive
device) hit his vehicle and resulted in serious
and traumatic brain and back injuries, Dustin
returned home. However, the Dustin who
returned was admittedly different than the
Dustin who first deployed.
“You might not always see a veteran’s injuries
since not all of them are visible. Post 9/11, we have
hundreds upon hundreds that came back with
physical and/or mental scars. They made the
sacrifice, served our country, and then came
home as a changed person – just like my son,”
said Cheryl.
Through her experience seeing Dustin
struggle with those mental and physical scars,
Cheryl knew, first-hand, that veterans needed
more – more support, more camaraderie with
other veterans, more action, and more prayer.
Though Cheryl initially raised money for the
national Wounded Warriors project, she decided
her time would be best spent focusing on
Mississippi’s veterans. And just like that, the
Wounded Warriors of Mississippi came to life
and is thriving nine years later.
Wounded Warriors of Mississippi is a 501(c)3
nonprofit organization that supports Mississippi
veterans who have served in the armed forces post
9/11. They aim to support Mississippi’s veterans
mentally, physically, financially, and spiritually,
through a wide range of services and aid. They
also stand up for veterans to educate against and
prevent veteran abuse.
78 • MARCH 2023

This support is multi-faceted, and it looks
different for every veteran and their specific
needs. Some examples of the real ways they’ve
put their words into action for Mississippi
veterans are through organizing events where
veterans can meet other veterans and share life
together, by providing physical assistance with
daily tasks that many struggle to complete after
injuries, by matching veterans with a service
dog, and much more.
Some days serving Mississippi veterans looks
like a roof repair, making a wheelchair ramp,
providing physical therapy or counseling,
providing financial advisement sessions, or even
helping to provide Christmas gifts for their
families and kids. No matter how it looks that
day, serving Mississippi’s veterans means that
meeting their needs is – and will remain – a
priority.
“I can’t begin to explain the many ways that
we’ve been able to help Mississippi’s veterans
– mentally, physically and financially,” said
Cheryl. “These things are not gifts to our veterans.
Instead, they are small tokens of our appreciation
for the huge sacrifice that they’ve given. Nothing
we do will ever match that, but that doesn’t stop
us from trying to do everything that we can.
This all started because of my son, but now I
feel like I have hundreds of sons!”
Wounded Warriors of Mississippi speaks
for, and acts, on behalf of our state’s veterans
because not every warrior can speak for
themself. With the support of the community,
donors, and volunteers, they work tirelessly to
give a voice to those needs and empower our
state’s heroes to begin the journey to recovery.
According to Cheryl, their strength, and
the ability of current and future support, is
amplified with collective action. They continuously
welcome others to join their mission of
making a difference in the lives of Mississippi’s
veterans through volunteering, donating, or
learning more about the organization at
www.woundedwarriorsofms.com.
Hometown RANKIN • 79

Richland
Father Daughter
Mardi Gras Ball
February 18
Richland Community Center
80 • MARCH 2023

Hometown RANKIN • 81

SALUTE
to First Responders
Why did you decide to be a fireman?
One day, I was watching an episode of the show “Tru Calling”
and it was about a fireman who died saving someone from a
river. For some reason it made me think that there was a reason
for me to see this and my interest in becoming a firefighter was
born.
How long have you been with the department?
I have been with 172nd Airlift Wing Fire Department since 2005.
I started my career in 2004 with the Reservoir Fire Department
under Chief Scott Berry.
Tell us about your family.
I have been married to my wife Stevie Adams since 2011 and
I have three children: son Dylan (24), son Mason (20), and
daughter Kennedy (17). My wife is a charge nurse at UMC
(Batson North Clinic).
What is the toughest thing you have experienced in your job?
The toughest thing ever was having to be present as a 3-year-old
died after what seemed to be a routine medical emergency. That
one still crosses my mind anytime I have a medical call.
Share some things you enjoy doing in your spare time.
In my spare time I try to stay busy doing something. I own a
landscape company and my oldest son Dylan has his own as
well, so spare time is rare.
Station
Kenny
Captain
ADAMS
172ND FIRE DEPARTMENT
What are three things on your bucket list?
Bucket list items are to visit Yellowstone National Park, visit
Canada, and to go on an African safari. All of which may be
impossible since I truly hate flying!
82 • MARCH 2023

Who is someone you admire and why?
My grandfather, John Quincy Adams (1935-2022). He was a civil
rights pioneer and a truly remarkable man. He instilled in me a
work ethic and a sense of fighting for what you believe in. He also
taught me that no matter what is against you, to stand firm and
have courage to speak up for what is right. He taught me that
being a man of your word is most important.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young person, what
would it be?
Always give your best. Even if things are difficult, just know that
it can be done. Don’t let people’s doubts infect you. You are you
for a reason.
What is your favorite thing about your position?
My favorite thing about the 172nd Fire Department is the fact
that I have gone from the ranks of firefighter to station captain
and have learned a ton from a bunch of the guys who have
shaped my career. Guys like Josh Swales (Reservoir) showed me
to never be afraid to speak up for your guys and that we are
family. I went from the youngest at the department to now being
a veteran and seeing kids come in that are my son’s ages and
trying to help mold them. I have been blessed to have a number
of amazing men help me along the way.
What is your favorite thing about Rankin County?
My absolute favorite thing about Rankin County is the feeling of
family. Rankin County is safe and I feel good knowing that my
neighbors all look out for me and I will do the same for them. If
I’m gone for a few days and my neighbors don’t see my truck, I
can assure you that I’m getting a call. I’m sure other places may
be like that, but Rankin County is home and I love it here. I was
born here and don’t ever foresee leaving. No matter what
problems may arise, it can all most likely be fixed by a friendly
conversation.
Hometown RANKIN • 83

Annual Awards Banquet
February 16 / Pearl Community Center
84 • MARCH 2023

Hometown RANKIN • 85

The CHALKBOARD
Brandon High
Brandon High School Dance team recently competed at the Universal Dance Association National Dance Championship in Orlando, Florida, competing with 29 members.
The BHS dance team made history by being selected as finalist in both the Hip Hop and Game Day Categories. The dance team has had a successful season earning
two Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) State Championship titles in both Hip Hop and Game Day. Preparations for another successful season are
under way as the team plans to continue building a legacy of championships!
86 • MARCH 2023

McLaurin Elementary
Winter Wonderland ‘Twas the 28th night of the first month in the year 2023. Princes and princesses of McLaurin Elementary set off to enjoy a night on the town. The McLaurin
PTO invited all mothers and sons, as well as fathers and daughters to visit the winter wonderland. Special guests from the Enchanted Memories LLC paid them a visit, including
Elsa and Spiderman. Visions of snow flurries and candid smiles were captured by Courtney Fox of Wiggles and Giggles LLC. Musical selections were provided by Shelby Herrington.
Stay tuned, this school year is not over! A red-carpet fashion show is just over the horizon.
Hometown RANKIN • 87

The CHALKBOARD
Northwest
At Northwest Rankin High School, we
strive to, above all, inspire learners and
develop leaders. We are home to almost
2000 students in grades 9-12 and have a
strong belief in pushing our students to
their utmost potential, while providing
the appropriate resources so all students
can grow. We take pride in preparing all
students for life after graduation
regardless of their future pathway.
With award-winning sports teams, fine
arts programs, career academies, and
community service centered clubs and
organizations, there is no shortage of
opportunities for students to find their
home on campus.
No one individual is perfect, but when
we work together as a team by supporting
one another, we achieve wonderful things
and have the full potential of being the
best. Northwest Rankin High School
works to encourage every student to
develop the belief that they can successfully
achieve whatever they want. Northwest
Rankin prides itself in recognizing the
true potential that all students, teachers,
teams, and administration hold to acquire
numerous accolades through capitalizing
on the diverse community and innovative
activities offered.
The hallways of Northwest consist of
lots of smiles, greetings, good times and
happiness. With a focus on unity and
opportunity, we are Northwest.
88 • MARCH 2023

Florence
Elementary
2022 National Blue Ribbon Award
Friday, October 21
The zone celebration was held at the newly
completed multipurpose center at Florence High
School and honored students from Florence
Elementary and Steen’s Creek for their hard work
and achievement. FHS cheerleaders, dancers, band
members, city and county officials, as well as
distinguished alumni came together to celebrate
the students, staff, and teachers. Video messages
from former Florence students including Mississippi
Governor Tate Reeves wished the students well and
congratulated them on their award. It was a day to
celebrate teamwork – the successful coming together
of every student, teacher, staff member, parent and
community member.
Florence Elementary is one of only 297 schools
across the nation to be named a 2022 National Blue
Ribbon school by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel
Cardona for their exemplary achievement as a “Gap
Closing School.” According to the National Center for
Education Statistics, achievement gaps occur when
one group of students (e.g., students groups by race/
ethnicity, gender) outperforms another group, and
the difference in average scores for the groups is
statistically significant (i.e., larger than the margin of
error). In the case of FES, recognition was based on
their overall academic performance and progress in
closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
Florence Elementary’s Head Principal Amanda
Clark expressed gratitude for receiving the honor.
“On behalf of everyone at Florence Elementary
School, we are excited and honored to be awarded
the distinguished title of 2022 National Blue Ribbon
School. The achievement of this award is based on
teamwork from every student, teacher, staff member,
parent, and community member, working together to
find the best in every student! It is our goal to form
strong relationships, set high expectations, and work
together to create high levels of student achievement
for ALL,” said Clark.
Hometown RANKIN • 89

TheTime COIN
Camille Anding
When my parents built their child-raising
home, ranch styles were the trend-setters.
Knowing our family of six would need growing room, the ranch style fit perfectly with
their plans.
One end of the house was the carport, breezeway, kitchen and dining room, living room
and den. The three bedrooms were in the opposite end of the house with its single, family size
bathroom. Each bedroom led into the hardwood floor hallway, rug-less and concrete-cold
in the winter.
Heating bills could do havoc to Daddy’s paycheck, so during the coldest parts of the
winter, the hall door stayed closed and so did the kitchen door at the other end of the house.
Heat lived behind those two doors, but it was arctic temps between the two.
When my siblings and I were dressed for school, and we heard the call to breakfast, we
sprinted from the hall door, through the living room, past the frosted picture window, past the
mahogany table for ten, and burst through the kitchen door.
Warmth met us! Glorious warmth – the kind that every child should have the
privilege to know was routine for us. The warm smiles and pats from our parents
were a daily welcome. A table with six chairs, real plates and forks were set for us.
The oven door was warm to the touch because homemade biscuits were
browning inside. Bacon, sausage, or ham was saturating the room with aromas we
smelled most mornings.
We sat down to spread Mother’s muscadine jelly or a neighbor’s fresh sorghum
molasses on our biscuits. Every delicious bite warmed our stomachs and strengthened
our young frames for the icy weather just beyond the kitchen door.
The Bible doesn’t give nearly the information about heaven that I would like.
We just accept it as that most perfect place. I guess that’s why I often compare it to home.
Our warm bedrooms are where we’re born and nurtured. At the right time we begin our
sprint through life – and life has its share of cold, harsh experiences.
BUT finally, we reach the destination. We arrive and the door is already open. It’s bright with
the glory of God and warm with His love. We are welcomed by our loved ones, and we join
Jesus at the banquet table. There’ll be no more sprints! Eternity will have begun, and time and
winter will be no more.
90 • MARCH 2023

Hometown RANKIN • 91

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