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M A D I S O N R I D G E L A N D F L O R A C A N T O N G L U C K S T A D T<br />

Back To School 2022<br />

V85<br />

922


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Hometown MADISON • 3


4 • SEPTEMBER 2022


FROM OUR CONSULTING EDITOR<br />

Fall is my favorite season!<br />

And while it doesn’t necessarily cool down in Mississippi until, oftentimes,<br />

mid-November, I still enjoy what the season itself has to offer.<br />

I love hearing the drumlines practicing in the distance and the offerings<br />

in the stores of harvest colors and flavors. This year, I have a sophomore<br />

in college. I think it took us a full year to figure out how to navigate life<br />

as a college family. But this year is going to be different. We’ve purchased<br />

season tickets and have carved out a place to tailgate with our friends.<br />

I’m being intentional about shopping for “gameday” colors—something<br />

I’ve never done in my life. It’s something I’m looking forward to and<br />

I’m thankful for the opportunity to start making new memories—in my<br />

own new personal season.<br />

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the color pink will<br />

be taking center stage in many upcoming events. I’m thankful for the<br />

stories of survivors and their relentless pursuit of finding a cure and<br />

supporting one another during what could be considered a very<br />

dark season. I have friends that have survived and friends that haven’t.<br />

It’s a great reminder that women should remain vigilant and proactive<br />

regarding their health.<br />

My prayer is that whatever season you’re in, that you are looking<br />

forward to whatever is coming. Even if it’s different than what you’re<br />

accustomed to—just keep looking forward.<br />

Very best wishes to everyone and Happy Fall Y’all!<br />

HOMETOWN STAFF<br />

PUBLISHER & EDITOR<br />

Tahya Dobbs<br />

CFO<br />

Kevin Dobbs<br />

CONSULTING EDITOR<br />

Mary Ann Kirby<br />

IN THIS ISSUE<br />

Reader Spotlight 7<br />

Pink is My Color 10<br />

Sailing into the Future 16<br />

Kids Who Care 20<br />

Neighborhood Eats 28<br />

Superfan Families 42<br />

Madison County Schools . . . . . . . . 52<br />

The Time Coin 98<br />

...see you around town.<br />

SPECIAL PROJECTS<br />

MANAGER<br />

Brenda McCall<br />

SPECIAL PROJECTS<br />

ASSISTANT<br />

Caroline Hodges<br />

ADMINISTRATIVE<br />

ASSISTANT<br />

Alisha Floyd<br />

LAYOUT<br />

DESIGN<br />

Daniel Thomas<br />

3dt<br />

STAFF<br />

PHOTOGRAPHER<br />

Othel Anding<br />

ADVERTISING<br />

ASSISTANT<br />

Lexie Ownby<br />

PHOTO Martin Howard<br />

www.facebook.com/hometownmadisonmagazine. For subscription information visit www.htmags.com or contact us at info@HTMags.com / 601.706.4059 / 200 Felicity Street / Brandon, MS 39042<br />

All rights reserved. No portion of Hometown Madison may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The management of Hometown Madison is not responsible for opinions expressed by its writers or editors.<br />

Hometown Madison maintains the unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted material. All advertisements are subject to approval by the publisher. The production of Hometown Madison is funded by advertising.<br />

Hometown MADISON • 5


6 • SEPTEMBER 2022<br />

©2022 JEA


READER<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

Leah<br />

COX<br />

Why did you decide to make Madison<br />

your home?<br />

Our family had a major change in April of 2021 when<br />

we decided to move our three boys to MRA. At that<br />

time, we were living in the reservoir area. As business<br />

owners in Flowood, we weren’t really planning on<br />

moving because our house was just as close to the boys’<br />

current school as it was MRA. But then it just kind of<br />

happened, we found a house that would be close to<br />

the school and yet still very doable for us to get to our<br />

businesses in Rankin County.<br />

Tell us about your family.<br />

Jason and I were high school sweethearts and have<br />

been married for 27 years. Jason has practiced<br />

dentistry for 20 years and owns Belle Meade Family<br />

Dental in Flowood. We have three very active boys<br />

that keep us on the go with MRA sports and summer<br />

baseball. Jonas (17) is a cross country and track<br />

runner at MRA. Fletcher (15) and Asher (13) both<br />

play football and baseball for both MRA and each of<br />

their spring/summer teams. We have been members<br />

at Pinelake Church for 22 years, teaching Bible studies<br />

and Ieading worship on the worship team. Jason and<br />

I both love physical activity and spent many years<br />

competing in marathons, sprint triathlons and<br />

Ironman triathlons.<br />

Where are your three favorite places to<br />

eat in Madison?<br />

With three boys in our home, El Ranchito should<br />

probably have their own budget line in our family<br />

budget. It is a family favorite! I love to gather with<br />

friends for a great lunch at The Strawberry Cafe and<br />

Jason and I love a quiet evening at Caet. There are so<br />

many great restaurant choices in Madison County.<br />

What are some fun things to do in<br />

Madison County on the weekends?<br />

With three kids, our weekends are slam-packed with<br />

either entertaining their friends at our home or sitting<br />

at a ball field watching one of them play. We have<br />

spent many hours at Freedom Ridge Park in Ridgeland.<br />

Our kids also frequent Malco Grandview Cinema<br />

watching movies with their friends. We love the<br />

access to the Natchez Trace for some long bike rides<br />

and there are plenty of trails around Madison County<br />

for family bike rides or long runs with friends.<br />

Share some things you enjoy doing in<br />

your spare time.<br />

Spare time, what is that? We are in the season of<br />

parenting that keeps us on the go all the time. And<br />

honestly, I love every bit of the craziness our life is,<br />

chasing kids all over the place. I do love to run and<br />

work out several days a week. I also love to read and<br />

have enjoyed some good books this summer while<br />

traveling out of town for baseball. A morning spent<br />

with a friend sipping coffee and chatting about<br />

spiritual things and life is one of my all-time favorite<br />

things! I also love to spend time with my husband<br />

while he is prepping for deer season. Whether it’s<br />

riding with him to the Delta to get things prepped<br />

or a quick trip to Illinois to visit farmers there, we<br />

love to catch up in the quietness of a long drive.<br />

Who is someone you admire and why?<br />

Without question, my mother. In 1983, while living in<br />

Memphis, Tennessee, my father had a heart attack.<br />

My mother, who was only 34, was left widowed with<br />

three kids. She says that at my father’s funeral the<br />

Lord spoke and told her to take care of her children<br />

and He would always take care of us. She leveraged<br />

her entire life to provide for my siblings and me. She<br />

was determined to never miss a thing of ours growing<br />

up. She was our greatest cheerleader. She was always<br />

hosting the gatherings, heading up committees, and<br />

volunteering just so she could be with her children.<br />

She is the same way with her grandchildren. She was<br />

handed a very hard blow at an early age, but she has<br />

walked with grace, love, and excellence, every step<br />

of the way. She has taught me many things in life but<br />

the thing that radiates from her, at all times, is joy.<br />

I long to live a life that radiates joy and brings life<br />

to the people around me.<br />

Where do you see yourself in ten years?<br />

I hope that I’m traveling the country watching my<br />

boys play professional ball somewhere. And if not,<br />

I hope that I am enjoying a lot of travel with Jason<br />

talking about our empty nest!<br />

What is your favorite childhood memory?<br />

I come from a very strong family who took great<br />

joy in gathering together with extended family. My<br />

grandparents’ house was the gathering place. Aunts,<br />

uncles, and cousins always gathered there. Every<br />

holiday, it was a given where we would all gather.<br />

But also, most Sunday afternoons were spent there<br />

as well playing front yard wiffle ball and eating<br />

homemade ice cream.<br />

If you could give us one encouraging<br />

quote, what would it be?<br />

God can do more with the broken fragments than<br />

we can do with a whole. One of my favorite stories<br />

is when Jesus fed the 5,000. While the miracle, in<br />

itself, is an amazing reminder of God’s provision, it<br />

is what He said in John 6:12 that has marked my life,<br />

“Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing<br />

will be lost.” It is a constant reminder to me that even<br />

the broken places of my life, God can still use them!<br />

Hometown MADISON • 7


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8 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Hometown MADISON • 9


10 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Camille Anding<br />

“Where did that come from?” Roxanne thought to herself after Shaw,<br />

her husband of twenty-eight years, asked her when she had been to her last<br />

doctor’s appointment. “I’m fine, I don’t need to see a doctor,” she answered.<br />

“I’m talking about a mammogram – that<br />

kind of doctor.” Roxanne continued to ignore the<br />

comment and went back to her train of thought<br />

which was far removed from any doctor’s visit.<br />

“Roxanne,” Shaw said with a strange<br />

sternness in his voice, “God is telling me you<br />

need to make this appointment.”<br />

Now it was Shaw Case delivering a message<br />

from God. She didn’t ignore Shaw’s request and<br />

was at the doctor’s office the following Monday<br />

morning.<br />

For women with mammogram experience,<br />

it’s not a pleasant checkup, but Roxanne’s<br />

appointment went without any thought of<br />

complications or questions. She left the office<br />

with a “see you next year” and a glad to have<br />

that checked off my list of to-dos.<br />

When the nurse called her Wednesday,<br />

wanting to schedule an ultrasound, Roxanne<br />

wasn’t too concerned. “We just need a closer<br />

look at something that might be suspicious,”<br />

the nurse explained. As a busy attorney with<br />

clients to meet and assist, Roxanne’s detailed<br />

schedule didn’t leave much time to “fret” or be<br />

overly concerned about a follow-up test.<br />

That test went without alarm – nothing<br />

to pinpoint showed up on the ultrasound, but<br />

someone would call her with the test results.<br />

Two days later, another call from a nurse<br />

stated that a biopsy needed to be scheduled at<br />

the hospital. Suddenly these tests that had been<br />

interfering with her routine of life were getting<br />

her attention. “We’ve seen two spots in your<br />

left breast, and a biopsy will give us more<br />

information.” Still, Roxanne remained strong,<br />

but the waiting for test results was becoming a<br />

major challenge.<br />

The biopsy was painful–causing Roxanne<br />

to cry. The next call that she received was from<br />

the doctor. Roxanne knew before he gave any<br />

information that this couldn’t be good. The<br />

diagnosis was carcinoma – Grade 2. Her doctor<br />

said that if given a cancer diagnosis, this was the<br />

best kind to have. There were two options –<br />

a lumpectomy (surgical removal of the tumors)<br />

or bilateral surgery (double mastectomy.)<br />

Shaw was with her on the next visit. She was<br />

thankful that there were two people to hear the<br />

news that would change them forever. Not only<br />

was major surgery ahead, but cosmetic surgeries<br />

and possible radiation and chemo treatments—<br />

plus years of meds.<br />

Hometown MADISON • 11


We’ve got to make women aware that treatments are there to cure breast cancer.<br />

We’ve just got to convince them to do regular screenings.”<br />

“This is when we began having serious<br />

discussions and compartmentalizing our coming<br />

days and weeks,” Roxanne explained. “When do<br />

we tell our two sons and other family members?<br />

How do I share this with my clients? How long<br />

do I tell them this will keep me away from my<br />

work?” There were a multitude of questions and<br />

not all had answers, but a bilateral mastectomy<br />

was one of their first conclusive decisions.<br />

It would take a medical dictionary, doctors’<br />

reports, Roxanne’s journal, and a mind-reader<br />

to describe the six-hour surgery and its aftermath<br />

that has been an ongoing healing and educational<br />

process. The reconstruction after the<br />

mastectomy requires cutting the back muscles<br />

to relocate them, expansion process lasting<br />

approximately six weeks, additional surgeries, and<br />

weeks of drainage tubes requiring constant care.<br />

Roxanne describes the post-surgery as<br />

waking up in a near-helpless state. “I had zero<br />

strength in my arms and couldn’t raise them<br />

nor could I push myself up in bed.” All this was<br />

even more complicated by a raging COVID<br />

outbreak, which made keeping her doctors’<br />

appointments a feat in itself.<br />

The one thing she shared with Shaw that<br />

she feared most was getting COVID. Due to<br />

the complicated muscle redistribution in the<br />

mastectomy and reconstruction, Roxanne’s<br />

breathing was adversely affected. But she realized<br />

her worse fears when she tested positive for<br />

COVID. Just days later, Shaw began wrestling<br />

with the virus. They survived severe cases and<br />

were able to establish greater faith in the power<br />

of prayer.<br />

One of the statements that stands out amid<br />

this cancer ordeal is the one offered by a good<br />

friend to Roxanne: “I know you will not waste<br />

your cancer.” At the beginning of this valley<br />

descent experience, Roxanne couldn’t understand<br />

or process that statement. Now that her<br />

path is leading to recovery, she not only<br />

understands but so does her husband, family,<br />

and friends – all who have seen cancer from a<br />

different vantage. As a result, Roxanne and<br />

Shaw are avid supporters of a fundraiser<br />

dedicated to the needs of breast cancer patients.<br />

“Real Men Wear Pink” is an arm of the<br />

American Cancer Society that operates<br />

nationwide and is a vital platform for survivors<br />

like Roxanne Case and their spouses to raise<br />

money and awareness of the multiple needs of<br />

breast cancer patients. The funds raised by the<br />

men nominated as members of this unique<br />

group go toward breast cancer research, rides<br />

to and from cancer appointments, chemo and<br />

radiation treatments, and places to stay for<br />

those having to stay overnight for treatments.<br />

Roxanne said, “I can’t imagine feeling like I did<br />

after my surgeries and not having anyone drive<br />

me home or help me navigate through all the<br />

labyrinths involved in cancer treatments.<br />

This annual fundraiser has reached<br />

$90,000 of the $300,000 goal. Twenty-eight<br />

men – ambassadors – have been nominated to<br />

head the fundraising in Mississippi, and Shaw is<br />

“pumped” to be a lead-man in this project that<br />

gets officially underway on September 22. Shaw<br />

is quick to insist that breast cancer is one sorority<br />

ladies don’t apply for, but if you become a member,<br />

the allegiance to one another runs deep.<br />

The excitement and commitment that<br />

Roxanne and Shaw express toward their<br />

support of breast cancer prevention is self-evident.<br />

Roxanne said her mindset changed from<br />

“Why me?” to “Why not me?” during their<br />

journey. She continued, “I can truthfully say<br />

that in my own experience, cancer hasn’t just<br />

left me with scars and memories of pain and<br />

suffering. I’m a better wife, mother, and friend.<br />

I’m even a better attorney.”<br />

Shaw’s smile confirmed her cancer<br />

testimonial and with an obvious mission that<br />

he’s adopted said, “We’ve got to make women<br />

aware that treatments are there to cure breast<br />

cancer. We’ve just got to convince them to do<br />

regular screenings.”<br />

There’s no doubt that pink is the Case<br />

family’s new favorite color!<br />

_______________________<br />

For more information on the list of ambassadors,<br />

and how you can contribute or be involved, please visit<br />

Real Men Wear Pink for more details.<br />

12 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Hometown MADISON • 13


High<br />

School<br />

to Grad<br />

School<br />

STUDENT CHECKING<br />

MOVES WITH YOU<br />

Our Student Checking goes with you no matter how far<br />

away you move from home or a BankPlus branch. We<br />

won’t charge you to use other banks’ ATMs, and we’ll<br />

automatically rebate fees charged by other banks for use of their<br />

ATMs. You’ll always have control of your account with free<br />

mobile banking, including mobile deposit and Zelle ® person-toperson<br />

payments. Learn more at bankplus.net.<br />

© Copyright 2022 BankPlus. Member<br />

FDIC. *ATM Surcharge fees incurred<br />

within the 50 United States and the<br />

District of Columbia will be credited<br />

back at the end of the statement cycle.<br />

Zelle ® and other Zelle related marks<br />

and logos are property of Early Warning<br />

Services, LLC.<br />

14 • SEPTEMBER 2022


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seek relief through the Compliance Officer (662) 472-9429. Written inquiries may be e-mailed to: compliance@holmescc.edu or sent to: Compliance Office, P.O. Box 369, Goodman, MS 39079.<br />

Hometown MADISON • 15


Sailing<br />

into the Future<br />

Susan Marquez<br />

On the fourth of July, Anna Marie “AM” Jones<br />

was a bartender at the Jackson Yacht Club.<br />

The next day, she was named the club’s<br />

full-time sailing director.<br />

16 • SEPTEMBER 2022


And five days later, she was headed to the<br />

Eastport Yacht Club in Annapolis,<br />

Maryland, for immersion<br />

training with one of the<br />

nation’s premiere sailing programs.<br />

“It was a lot in a short period of time,” she laughs.<br />

Anna Marie grew up two minutes down the street from the<br />

Yacht Club. “I went to sailing camp there when I was fourteen years<br />

old,” she recalls. “Everyone has fun at sailing camp, but only a small<br />

percentage really get into it. I was in that small percentage. I loved<br />

everything about it.” She attended camp again at age fifteen, and by<br />

the time she was sixteen, she was an instructor at the camp. “I also<br />

went to work at the Yacht Club. I think I had every job you could<br />

think of there while I was a teenager.” From server to lifeguard to<br />

sailing instructor, Anna Marie has learned all aspects of the club.<br />

After graduating from Madison Ridgeland Academy, Anna Marie<br />

attended Ole Miss. “I finished in three years with a degree in general<br />

business and a minor in English.” She then returned to the place she<br />

knows best, the Jackson Yacht Club.<br />

While in Annapolis, Anna Marie had to piece together the various<br />

programs the club there offered. “They had adult sailing classes, but<br />

they had to look beyond that and provide something after the classes<br />

were done. They also had classes and programs that considered a<br />

person’s age, type of boat, and their skill level. They also did family<br />

sailing classes. I was most impressed with the Tuesday night sail,<br />

where hundreds of boats were out on the Chesapeake Bay.<br />

We could easily do that at the Reservoir.”<br />

When she returned from Annapolis, Anna Marie hosted Nan<br />

Walker, a national sailing program consultant, at the Jackson Yacht<br />

Club. “Nan came in and evaluated our existing programs. We are<br />

now creating a framework for programs that we can implement<br />

here for future generations of the club to support and sustain a<br />

community of sailors and a culture around water-based activities.<br />

We are looking at what our club can be in the future, starting with<br />

our current assets. We have six Catalinas that no one knows about.<br />

We need to start by utilizing those.”<br />

Anna Marie will also be implementing additional water activities<br />

such as stand-up paddle boards, rowing shells, and kayaks. “During<br />

sailing camp, if there is no wind, the kids usually end up in the<br />

swimming pool. That’s fine, but since we are lake-based, I wanted<br />

other activities. If sailing doesn’t resonate with a kid, they may end<br />

up loving kayaking.”<br />

A US Sailing Level 1 instructor, Anna Marie has spent several years<br />

as a summer sailing camp leader at JYC, as well as teaching Scouts<br />

at Camp Hood in Hazlehurst. She is also CPR and SafeSport trained<br />

with US Sailing.<br />

On the go since she was named as the club’s first ever full-time<br />

sailing director, Anna Marie attended the Junior Lipton’s regatta at<br />

Fairhope Yacht Club in Alabama, followed by an adult regatta in Pass<br />

Christian. “It was time for the Jackson Yacht Club to have a full-time<br />

director,” she says. “Until I came on board in July, it was a volunteer<br />

position.” As the club has grown, and the emphasis on sailing has<br />

become more intense, Anna Marie is poised to grow the program<br />

and carry it into the future. “I feel blessed to be here. We already<br />

have so many wonderful amenities here and so many wonderful<br />

things we can offer.”<br />

Hometown MADISON • 17


18 • SEPTEMBER 2022


2 Flights<br />

8:30 A.M.<br />

1:00 p.m.<br />

Hometown MADISON • 19


20 • SEPTEMBER 2022


KIDS WHO CARE<br />

Malee Davidson<br />

Leigh Ramsey<br />

Though she’s no stranger to the stage, this<br />

past year Malee Davidson of Ridgeland got a<br />

new experience on the platform, participating<br />

in the Distinguished Young Women program.<br />

Malee is the daughter of John Davidson of<br />

Davidson Bowie Law Firm, and Marisa<br />

Davidson, CEO of Mississippi Health Partners.<br />

Malee has a 15-year-old brother, Ty Davidson<br />

who attends Jackson Prep.<br />

Distinguished Young Women is a national<br />

program in which young ladies compete during<br />

their junior year of high school. They present to<br />

the judges their strengths in several categories,<br />

including scholastics, talent, self-expression,<br />

physical fitness, and interview. One of the reasons<br />

Malee decided to compete was to continue a<br />

legacy. Her mother, Marisa Davidson, was the<br />

winner of this program when it was called<br />

“Junior Miss of Madison County”.<br />

Malee competed in the local competition<br />

and won the scholastics, talent, self-expression,<br />

and interview categories of the program. She<br />

was also named Distinguished Young Woman<br />

of Madison County. This honor comes with<br />

rewards of college scholarships and wonderful<br />

new friendships and experiences. During the<br />

winner’s senior year, they also carry the<br />

responsibility of participating in service<br />

projects and being held as a community role<br />

model. They are also responsible for guiding the<br />

girls who are participating in the program the<br />

following year and helping host the competition<br />

the next year. Winners of the local competition<br />

move on to compete at a state level.<br />

Distinguished Young Women is a program<br />

that focuses on “Be Your Best Self.” The specific<br />

areas of focus are being healthy, being ambitious,<br />

being involved, being studious, and being<br />

responsible. The state competition required<br />

participants to submit a video project focused on<br />

the “Be Your Best Self” message. Malee shared<br />

that throughout her childhood, she spent many<br />

years at the local library, and credits that<br />

experience with giving her a love of reading.<br />

She wanted to inspire other young readers, so<br />

she created bumble bee craft bags that included<br />

the Be Your Best Self message. Children could<br />

pick up one of these bags and take them home<br />

to read about the message and do a small craft.<br />

At the state competition, Malee was the<br />

scholastic and talent preliminary winner. She<br />

also placed in the top ten. When talking about<br />

her time competing at a state level, Malee shared<br />

with admiration, “By the time the competition<br />

started, competing wasn’t even the main focus<br />

anymore.” She shared how valuable the<br />

experience was and how much she cherishes<br />

the memories and the friendships she made.<br />

Outside of the Distinguished Young<br />

Women program, Malee is very involved at her<br />

school. She is now a senior at Madison Ridgeland<br />

Academy. She is on the student council, is the<br />

dance team captain and is involved in the<br />

performing arts program and in choir. Her<br />

school participated in a musical theater<br />

competition at the Orpheum in Memphis this<br />

past year called the “High School Musical<br />

Theatre Awards.” Ms. Davidson was named<br />

Outstanding Featured Actress for her role as<br />

Amayzing Mayzie in “Seussical the Musical.”<br />

She learned she had won this title while she<br />

was on a trip to Germany with her history<br />

teacher. During the trip, they visited Germany,<br />

Munich, Bavaria, Italy, Austria, and France.<br />

They spent twelve days studying the culture<br />

and history of these European countries.<br />

When Malee was asked if she had anything else<br />

she wanted to say about the Distinguished<br />

Young Women program, she said she wanted to<br />

make sure she took this opportunity to give a<br />

shout-out of gratitude to Barbie Bassett, who<br />

guided her through the DYW process from the<br />

local competition to the state competition.<br />

Malee advised any young ladies interested in<br />

this program to go into it with a good attitude<br />

and understand it is a learning process that<br />

involves hard work and great reward. For more<br />

information on the Distinguished Young<br />

Women program, visit distinguishedyw.org.<br />

Hometown MADISON • 21


22 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Hometown MADISON • 23


James Worthy and Warner Cannada<br />

Carson Dean, Trent Stokes, Terri Stokes, and Raigan Stokes<br />

2022<br />

Summer<br />

Economic<br />

Outlook<br />

Reception<br />

Billy Brunt and Whit Hughes<br />

Mary Kate Rankin and Jamie Lake<br />

Tonya McCall and Andreau Brown<br />

July 27, 2022<br />

The Landing<br />

at Georgia Blue<br />

Amber Couer and Kevin Loud<br />

Pam Files and Jill Ford<br />

Eric McKie and Peyton Brown<br />

Beth Kitchings, Jan Collins, and Rhonda Newell<br />

Darlene Ballard, Cynthia Brewer, Buddy Voelkel, and Barney Daly<br />

24 • SEPTEMBER 2022


William Collins, Spencer Pipitone, and Dillon King<br />

Guy Bowering, Tondra Hall, Heath Hall, and Nicky Cobb<br />

Theresa Erickson and Bennie Butts<br />

Doug Jones and Ray Balentine<br />

Lee Balch and Amy Ainsworth<br />

Tracy Wofford and Koby Wofford<br />

Peyton Parker and Wilson Nichols<br />

Rob Mayo and Andrew Lester<br />

Andrew Temple, Mason Phillips, and Landon McCaskill<br />

Lauren Scheel, Emily Harrison, and Elizabeth Stanga<br />

Hometown MADISON • 25


Honey Glazed Carrots<br />

• ¼ cup butter<br />

• 2 Tbsp. honey<br />

• ½ tsp. dried rosemary<br />

• ½ tsp. garlic powder<br />

• Kosher salt<br />

• Freshly ground black pepper<br />

• 15 carrots (2 lbs.), peeled and<br />

halved lengthwise<br />

• Fresh thyme, for garnish<br />

(optional)<br />

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a<br />

saucepan over low heat, melt butter.<br />

Stir in honey, rosemary, and garlic<br />

powder and season with salt and<br />

pepper. Place carrots on a large<br />

baking sheet. Pour over<br />

glaze and toss until<br />

coated. Roast until<br />

caramelized and<br />

glazed, 35 to<br />

40 minutes.<br />

Garnish with<br />

thyme, if<br />

desired,<br />

before<br />

serving.<br />

Honey Garlic Glazed<br />

Salmon<br />

• ⅓ c. honey<br />

• ¼ c. low-sodium soy sauce<br />

• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice<br />

• 1 tsp. red pepper flakes<br />

• 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil,<br />

divided<br />

• 4 6-oz. salmon fillets, patted dry<br />

with a paper towel<br />

• Kosher salt<br />

• Freshly ground black pepper<br />

• 3 cloves garlic, minced<br />

• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds<br />

In a medium bowl, whisk together<br />

honey, soy sauce, lemon juice and<br />

red pepper flakes. In a large skillet<br />

over medium-high heat, heat two<br />

tablespoons oil. When oil is hot but<br />

not smoking, add salmon skin-side<br />

up and season with salt and pepper.<br />

Cook salmon until deeply golden,<br />

about 6 minutes, then flip over and<br />

add remaining tablespoon of oil.<br />

Add garlic to the skillet and cook<br />

until fragrant, 1 minute. Add the<br />

honey mixture and sliced lemons<br />

and cook until sauce is reduced by<br />

about a third. Baste salmon with the<br />

sauce. Garnish with sliced lemon<br />

and serve.<br />

Honey Balsamic Glazed<br />

Brussels Sprouts<br />

• 1 lb. Brussels sprouts,<br />

cleaned and halved<br />

• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil<br />

• ½ c. balsamic vinegar<br />

• 2 Tbsp. honey<br />

• 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard<br />

• 2 cloves garlic, minced<br />

• Kosher salt<br />

• Freshly ground black pepper<br />

In a large skillet over medium heat,<br />

heat oil. Add Brussels sprouts, cut<br />

side down, and cook undisturbed,<br />

3 to 4 minutes, until golden on the<br />

bottom. Add ¼ cup water and cover.<br />

Let Brussels sprouts steam until<br />

tender, three minutes. If the skillet<br />

seems dry, add more water one<br />

tablespoon at a time. Remove<br />

sprouts from skillet and set aside on<br />

a plate. Add vinegar, honey, mustard,<br />

and garlic and whisk to combine.<br />

Bring to a simmer and cook until<br />

thick and syrupy, 6 to 8 minutes.<br />

Return sprouts to pan, toss to coat,<br />

and heat through, 2 to 3 more<br />

minutes. Season with salt and<br />

pepper and serve immediately.<br />

26 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Herb Chicken with<br />

Honey Butter<br />

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten<br />

• ¾ cup seasoned breadcrumbs<br />

• 2 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes<br />

• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning<br />

• ¾ tsp. garlic salt<br />

• ½ tsp. poultry seasoning<br />

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast<br />

halves (6 oz. each)<br />

• 3 Tbsp. butter<br />

Honey butter<br />

• ¼ cup butter, softened<br />

• ¼ cup honey<br />

Place egg in a shallow bowl. In<br />

another shallow bowl, combine<br />

breadcrumbs and seasonings. Dip<br />

chicken in egg, then coat with bread<br />

crumb mixture. Heat a large cast-iron<br />

or other heavy skillet over medium<br />

heat. Cook chicken in butter until a<br />

thermometer reads 165, 4-5 minutes<br />

on each side. Combine softened<br />

butter and honey. Serve with chicken.<br />

Honey Cinnamon Bars<br />

• 1 cup sugar<br />

• ¾ cup canola oil<br />

• ¼ cup honey<br />

• 1 large egg, room temperature<br />

• 2 cups all-purpose flour<br />

• 1 tsp. baking soda<br />

• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon<br />

• ¼ tsp. salt<br />

• 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted<br />

Honey Citrus Iced Tea<br />

• 4 tea bags<br />

• 2 cups boiling water<br />

• 3 medium navel oranges<br />

• 2 medium lemons<br />

• 2 cups orange juice<br />

• ¼ cup lemon juice<br />

• 3 tablespoons honey<br />

• 1 liter ginger ale, chilled<br />

• Ice cubes<br />

Place tea bags in a teapot; add boiling<br />

water. Cover and steep for 3 minutes;<br />

discard tea bags. Pour tea into a<br />

pitcher. Peel and section 2 oranges<br />

and 1 lemon; add to tea. Stir in the<br />

orange juice, lemon juice and honey.<br />

Cover and refrigerate for 6 hours or<br />

overnight. Cut remaining orange and<br />

lemon into slices; freeze. Just before<br />

serving, strain and discard fruit from<br />

tea. Stir in ginger ale. Serve with<br />

frozen fruit slices and ice.<br />

Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl,<br />

beat sugar, oil, honey, and egg until<br />

well blended. In another bowl, whisk<br />

flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and<br />

salt; gradually beat into sugar mixture.<br />

Stir in 1 cup walnuts. Spread into a<br />

greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan.<br />

Bake until golden brown (edges<br />

will puff up), 10-12 minutes.<br />

Cool completely on a wire rack.<br />

Honey Cornbread<br />

• 1 cup all-purpose flour<br />

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal<br />

• ¼ cup sugar<br />

• 3 teaspoons baking powder<br />

• ½ teaspoon salt<br />

• 2 large eggs, room temperature<br />

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream<br />

• ¼ cup canola oil<br />

• ¼ cup honey<br />

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a<br />

bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar,<br />

baking powder and salt. In a small<br />

bowl, beat the eggs. Add cream, oil,<br />

and honey; beat well. Stir into the dry<br />

ingredients just until moistened. Pour<br />

into a greased 9-in. square baking pan.<br />

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a<br />

toothpick inserted in the center<br />

comes out clean. Serve warm.<br />

Glaze<br />

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar<br />

• 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise<br />

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract<br />

• 1 to 2 Tbsp. water<br />

• Additional toasted chopped<br />

walnuts, optional<br />

In a small bowl, mix confectioners’<br />

sugar, mayo, vanilla and enough water<br />

to reach desired consistency; spread<br />

over top. Sprinkle with additional<br />

walnuts. Let stand until set.<br />

Cut into bars.<br />

Salted Honey Pie<br />

• Pie crust, refrigerated or homemade<br />

• 4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten<br />

• 2½ cups heavy whipping cream<br />

• 1 cup unpacked light brown sugar<br />

• ⅓ cup cornstarch, sifted<br />

• ½ tsp. salt<br />

• ½ cup honey<br />

• 2 tsp. vanilla extract<br />

• Sea salt, optional<br />

Prepare the pie crust in a deep dish<br />

8-inch pie pan, or a 9-inch pie pan, and<br />

set it in the fridge. Do not pre-bake it.<br />

Preheat the oven to 375. Add egg yolks<br />

to a large bowl. Set aside. To make the<br />

filling, heat the heavy cream, brown<br />

sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium<br />

saucepan on medium heat until it<br />

comes to a rolling boil, stirring regularly.<br />

Remove from heat. Temper eggs by<br />

adding a little bit of the cream mixture<br />

to the eggs and whisking, then adding<br />

a little more. Add the remaining cream<br />

mixture and stir until combined and<br />

smooth. Add the honey and vanilla<br />

extract to the custard and stir until<br />

well combined. Pour into the chilled<br />

pie crust. Bake the for 40-45 minutes.<br />

It will bubble up and start to brown<br />

on top. Remove from the oven. It will<br />

still be pretty jiggly. Set it on the<br />

counter to cool until it comes to room<br />

temperature. It will firm up as it sits.<br />

Refrigerate the pie until it’s cold and<br />

fully firm. Sprinkle with sea salt<br />

and serve.<br />

Hometown MADISON • 27


NEIGHBORHOOD<br />

NEIGHBORHOOD<br />

SUSAN MARQUEZ<br />

Take A Trip<br />

to The Islands<br />

Without<br />

Leaving Town<br />

28 • SEPTEMBER 2022


It’s hard to miss the big<br />

red building situated on<br />

the Ross Barnett Reservoir<br />

in Brandon that is<br />

Shaggy’s on the Rez.<br />

With its island vibe and laid-back atmosphere, Shaggy’s quickly<br />

became a popular “vacation destination” for locals looking to get<br />

away. “Key West inspired our bright colors and vibrant energy,”<br />

says Rimmer Covington, Jr., president and CEO of Shaggy’s<br />

Restaurants. “The moment you walk in the door and hear the<br />

island music, you’re immediately transported to a tropical<br />

destination, and that’s exactly what we want for our guests!”<br />

Shaggy’s on the Rez, voted Best Outdoor Dining for the<br />

second consecutive year, is situated on the<br />

water, making for that laid-back island<br />

vibe you get at every Shaggy’s<br />

location, not to mention the<br />

delicious food! The menu<br />

has everything from<br />

fresh seafood to juicy<br />

cheeseburgers and<br />

even healthier fare,<br />

such as stuffed<br />

avocados and<br />

creative salads.<br />

Hometown MADISON • 29


Rimmer says, “A common misconception is that<br />

we are just a seafood joint. While we certainly serve<br />

incredible seafood dishes, our menu also features<br />

many vegetarian and gluten-free options.”<br />

Shaggy’s is known for its creative coastal cuisine<br />

and relaxed atmosphere, and the story of Shaggy’s is<br />

just as colorful as the restaurant, with the original<br />

turning 15 this year. “It started when my wife and I<br />

purchased a bait shop in Pass Christian Harbor with<br />

the idea of serving cold beers, seafood, and burgers,”<br />

says Ron Ladner, founder and chairman of Shaggy’s<br />

Restaurants. “We were aiming to create a place for<br />

people to gather with their friends in a relaxed and<br />

fun setting, and we did just that!”<br />

“Even though Shaggy’s is now<br />

visited by people from all over the<br />

world,” says Ron, “we’re proud that<br />

the Shaggy’s environment is still<br />

a comfortable gathering place<br />

where you always feel like you’re<br />

among friends.”<br />

Now, 15 years later, Shaggy’s has six waterfront<br />

locations in Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana, with<br />

plans to expand and share the customer-centric<br />

Shaggy’s experience with a continued focus on<br />

prioritizing their employees.<br />

30 • SEPTEMBER 2022


“Ron and I developed a unique<br />

culture that focuses on caring for our<br />

employees to produce a positive,<br />

fun-loving, lively environment for all<br />

of our guests to enjoy,” says Rimmer.<br />

“Our culture of appreciation and<br />

respect for our employees continues to<br />

foster the world-class service that our<br />

guests have become accustomed to.”<br />

Beyond the great food and great<br />

service, Shaggy’s on the Rez is unique to<br />

its sister stores in that it has a stunning<br />

private party space overlooking “the<br />

big water.” The room, which is located<br />

on the second floor, has a private<br />

balcony, a full-service bar, and can<br />

accommodate up to 200 people.<br />

“With insanely beautiful views, the<br />

room really does speak for itself,” says<br />

Collin Carrana, marketing director of<br />

Shaggy’s Restaurants. “There is a<br />

private balcony and full-service bar,<br />

meaning we can cater to events of all<br />

shapes and sizes. We designed this<br />

room with the community in mind,<br />

to give everyone a space to escape<br />

but in a more personal setting.”<br />

Boasting at over 7,000 square feet,<br />

Shaggy’s on the Rez, is more than a<br />

restaurant—it is a colorful destination<br />

that is ideal for the entire family! It is<br />

the place for celebrations, girls’ night<br />

out, and dinner with friends and<br />

family—you name it!<br />

Shaggy’s on the Rez is open daily<br />

at 11am with trivia every Monday,<br />

karaoke every Tuesday, Singo every<br />

Wednesday, and live music Thursday<br />

thru Sunday.<br />

Visit www.shaggys.com or follow<br />

them on Facebook and Instagram to<br />

see the full menu and to get in that<br />

“vacation state of mind.”<br />

Hometown MADISON • 31


SALUTE<br />

to First Responders<br />

Why did you decide to be a paramedic/fireman?<br />

Ever since I was little, I always wanted to help people. I had<br />

contemplated joining the military during high school. As a firefighter/<br />

paramedic, I’m able to serve the community that I grew up in.<br />

It makes a difference serving not just a city, but the people you<br />

grew up around and know.<br />

How long have you been with the Madison Fire Department?<br />

I have been at the Madison Fire Department for six and a half years.<br />

I started as an EMT and then obtained my firefighter certification in<br />

2016. I graduated from paramedic school in 2019 and was promoted<br />

to lieutenant at the end of June of this year.<br />

Tell us about your family.<br />

My parents were born and raised in Jackson and have been married<br />

for 36 years. My dad, Hoyt, is a pastor in Terry at Bethesda Baptist<br />

Church. My mom, Sandra, works at River Oaks Hospital in the<br />

admissions department. My sister, Allora, also works at River Oaks<br />

Hospital in information and screening. My wife, Bailey, works as<br />

a preschool teacher and is expecting our first child in November.<br />

We met at Ridgecrest Baptist Church and have been married almost<br />

two years. I can’t wait to meet our little girl! They are my biggest<br />

support group. I wouldn’t be able to do my job effectively if I didn’t<br />

have my family by my side.<br />

Lieutenant/Paramedic<br />

Cody<br />

AINSWORTH<br />

MADISON FIRE DEPARTMENT<br />

What is the toughest thing you have experienced in your job?<br />

The toughest thing about my job is seeing the grief and heartache a<br />

family goes through after suffering a loss. Most people don’t realize<br />

that we take on their pain. As a paramedic, you do everything in your<br />

power to save those who you can save. Unfortunately, that’s not<br />

always possible. We try to deal with it in our own way. Some cope<br />

with unhealthy habits. I’m thankful God has given me so much<br />

support from my crew, my friends, family, and church family to get<br />

through the hard times that I could never get through by myself.<br />

Share some things you enjoy doing in your spare time.<br />

When I’m not at the fire department, I enjoy going to church,<br />

spending time with family and friends, and going hunting. We all<br />

need downtime to decompress. Going to church and spending time<br />

with God helps refuel my spiritual battery to keep going. Spending<br />

time with my family and friends reminds me why I do what I do.<br />

Going hunting allows me to be in nature, hear the silence, and take<br />

in God’s beautiful creation.<br />

What are three things on your bucket list?<br />

I’ve traveled a decent amount growing up due to school trips or<br />

Boy Scouts. The three things I would like to do are see Yellowstone,<br />

go to Greece, and maybe go skydiving.<br />

32 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Who is someone you admire and why?<br />

The person I admire the most would be my dad. He’s always there<br />

for everyone and isn’t afraid to be real. He’s not perfect, but no one is.<br />

He’s a great man and a great dad. He’s definitely set the bar high for<br />

what it means to not just be a father, but what it means to be a man<br />

of God and a dad.<br />

If you could give one piece of advice to a young person,<br />

what would it be?<br />

Don’t give up. Life is going to throw some curveballs your way.<br />

Roll with them and place one foot in front of the other. Life isn’t<br />

about making large steps in the right direction. It’s about making<br />

small consistent steps. When the time comes when you can’t do it<br />

yourself, cry out to God to give you strength. He will carry you through<br />

the hard times. I know it’s true. He does it for me all the time.<br />

What is your favorite thing about the city of Madison?<br />

The heart of the community. There are so many good people living<br />

inside the city. I grew up in Madison and graduated from Madison<br />

Central. It is truly an honor to be able to work and serve the people<br />

that I know and call family.<br />

Hometown MADISON • 33


Advertiser Spotlight<br />

Waterpointe Living<br />

Susan Marquez<br />

These days, it seems our lives are so fast paced.<br />

Always rushing here and there to shop, exercise,<br />

meet with friends, then head back to the suburbs<br />

only to close the garage door and lock out the world.<br />

34 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Wouldn’t it be great to return to a simpler time, where<br />

neighbors know one another, where you can walk to the corner<br />

grocery, dry cleaner, or coffee shop? Imagine stepping out of<br />

your office to take a walk, stopping to throw a ball with kids<br />

in a neighborhood park. Or perhaps you would like to retire<br />

to a place where you can enjoy outdoor gardens, cooking<br />

classes and other activities.<br />

All this and more is what you’ll find at Waterpointe, off<br />

East Metro Drive in the heart of Flowood.<br />

A central town center will feature buildings with liveabove<br />

units designed for a luxury lifestyle. Downstairs will<br />

be a unique mix of shops, restaurants and businesses that will<br />

make life more interesting and convenient. Radiating out<br />

from the town square will be more homes, some smaller with<br />

minimal yards, which means minimal time doing yard work.<br />

Gus Brand, part of the Waterpointe team, says they are<br />

excited to the see the project coming to life. “We’re excited to<br />

work with Gary and Wayne Lyles of Lyles Signature Homes.<br />

The homes they build are first class. Mike Thompson, the<br />

town architect, has a very traditional style that will help make<br />

Waterpointe timeless. We’re fortunate to have a local architect<br />

who works on these neighborhoods like these throughout the<br />

United States,” says Gus. “This neighborhood is second-tonone,<br />

and a big reason for that is that most of the team lives<br />

in Rankin County so this isn’t just a project for them. This is<br />

their home.”<br />

Like other projects, the team has had to deal with<br />

challenges such as supply chain issues, but the project is on go.<br />

The groundbreaking was in late 2018, and Hemphill<br />

Construction has completed the dirt work and utilities<br />

installation. “Wayne and Gary poured the first slabs in<br />

Spring 2021, and those homes are nearing completion.<br />

They plan to build out the remainder of the street for<br />

everyone to get a feel for how cozy the neighborhood will be.<br />

And then they will start on the townhomes.” In addition to<br />

single family homes, a 220-unit luxury loft project will break<br />

ground in 2023.<br />

Rhoads Lake is the centerpiece of the project, “That’s<br />

what brings the neighborhood to life,” says Gus. “There will<br />

be all sorts of activities and events around the lake, including<br />

lakeside dining, a farmer’s market, concerts, parades and<br />

more. It will also give people a chance to connect with others<br />

in the community. It’s fun to think about what can be here.”<br />

Waterpointe will also have a 100-unit luxury senior<br />

living community. “That project offers independent living<br />

to memory care and will be developed by a group out of<br />

Arkansas,” says Gus. The P.Allen Smith-inspired project<br />

will feature outdoor gardens and activities such as cooking<br />

classes. It will even have a playground for grandchildren.<br />

“That project will break ground later this year.”<br />

The town center is anchored by Community Bank’s<br />

86,000-square-foot headquarters. “Community Bank built<br />

a gorgeous building,” says Gus. “It’s been a lot of fun to see it<br />

come together.”<br />

Thompson Placemaking is headquartered in downtown<br />

Brandon. “We are working with classic Southern home styles<br />

found in Mississippi,” Mike Thompson explains. “Homes<br />

will feature front porches and sidewalks so folks can get to<br />

know their neighbors, and cars will park on the streets, which<br />

slows traffic. We want to encourage interaction. The town<br />

center will be modeled after a lot of Mississippi Main Streets<br />

and towns with squares. Buildings will be simple, made of<br />

brick, with stores, shops, and restaurants on the ground floor<br />

and 75 to 100 living units with balconies upstairs.” The<br />

development will tie into the walking trails in Flowood.<br />

“It is designed to be walkable and with easy access.”<br />

Adam Savage with Trihelm Properties is the commercial<br />

broker for the project. “The big takeaway for me with this<br />

project is that it will give Flowood an identity. It will create<br />

a downtown, so to speak, for everyone to enjoy. Waterpointe<br />

will have a unique tenant corridor.” The project will have<br />

90,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. “I’m excited,<br />

personally, about this because I am a Rankin County resident.<br />

This is a place where I will be going to eat and shop with<br />

my family.”<br />

Hometown MADISON • 35


a community<br />

UNITED in<br />

SPIRIT<br />

LYDIA<br />

SNOPEK<br />

For Madison native Lydia Snopek, her campus community<br />

pushes her to become a better version of herself every<br />

day. From the opportunities in the athletic department for<br />

a future career in Sports Nutrition to her involvement with<br />

the Honors College, she embraces every challenge and<br />

hopes to leave a legacy of dedication.<br />

From a warm smile on the morning walk to class, to a<br />

jubilant “Hotty Toddy!” during a football game, students<br />

at Ole Miss will find a welcoming, safe community<br />

constantly in motion. We invite you to visit our campus<br />

and experience our community that is united in spirit,<br />

passion, and purpose.<br />

36 • SEPTEMBER 2022<br />

Scan the QR code to schedule your visit.<br />

Come see for yourself.


has been taking the good news<br />

of Jesus Christ to children and<br />

families through residential and<br />

non-residential care for<br />

baptistchildrensvillage.com<br />

601.952.2422<br />

Hometown MADISON • 37


125 YEARS OF MINISTRY<br />

Chrystelle Thames<br />

“The survival and usefulness of any service<br />

agency is dependent, in large measure, upon<br />

its capacity and willingness to change.”<br />

Today The Baptist Children’s Village<br />

(formerly the Baptist Orphanage) celebrates<br />

125 years of ministry and these words of former<br />

Executive Director Paul N. Nunnery exemplify<br />

the ministry from the first day until now.<br />

In 2022 the BCV serves hundreds of<br />

children through residential care in homes<br />

throughout Mississippi; through a non-residential<br />

program where families are mentored<br />

and encouraged; through a domestic violence<br />

shelter providing a safe place for children and<br />

their moms; and finally, through referral<br />

services offering families options to help meet<br />

their needs.<br />

The ministry that began in a small house on<br />

Capitol Street in Jackson, has seen many changes<br />

in its journey to the statewide ministry it is<br />

today. The success of God’s plan is evidenced by<br />

His work in and through the lives of His people.<br />

Recently the BCV held its alumni reunion<br />

bringing generations of former residents<br />

together who shared stories about how God<br />

had used people through the ministry to change<br />

their lives and rescue them from devastation.<br />

Amongst all the chatter is an abundance of<br />

evidence that, “changing one life at The Baptist<br />

Children’s Village changes generations.”<br />

38 • SEPTEMBER 2022


The Baptist Children’s Village has cared for<br />

thousands of children since 1897 but the impact<br />

to children and families is incalculable because<br />

each of those alumni have become adults who<br />

have careers, ministries, children and grandchildren,<br />

and circles of influence. One such<br />

picture of a changed generation is seen in the<br />

BCV’s very own communications associate,<br />

Kassidy, whose grandfather lived at the Baptist<br />

Orphanage in the 1940s. His children and<br />

grandchildren today are positively impacting<br />

the Kingdom because of the investments made<br />

in his life so many years ago.<br />

And consider Carla, who, because BCV<br />

staff showed her who she was in Christ, was<br />

able to let Him use the pain in her life to<br />

minister to others in her capacity as an EMT<br />

and critical care nurse. Judges, lawyers,<br />

pharmacists, missionaries, pastors, homemakers,<br />

businessmen and women fill the roles of<br />

alumni who God has and is using for His glory.<br />

This author’s own family is an example of<br />

how God uses houseparents, case managers<br />

and administrators to facilitate a changed<br />

generation. The Baptist Children’s Village<br />

exists, as a part of the Mississippi Southern<br />

Baptist Church, to take the good news of Jesus<br />

Christ to at-risk children and families. This<br />

work is accomplished through modeling<br />

Christian family values in a BCV home staffed<br />

with houseparent missionaries who God calls<br />

to this specific work. It is accomplished<br />

through case managers acting as the hands and<br />

feet of Christ, meeting physical, spiritual, and<br />

emotional needs for families.<br />

Perhaps every person has moments or<br />

seasons in life where it seems impossible for<br />

God to make good from something so<br />

devastating or so challenging. As we reflect on<br />

our family, we marvel at how God brought<br />

together, in Mississippi, one from Washington<br />

state and one from Michigan—orchestrating<br />

circumstances so that, at The Baptist Children’s<br />

Village, our lives would be touched by<br />

housemothers, couples, and professionals, all<br />

of whom were used to show us the hope found<br />

in Christ and the potential for a healthy,<br />

God-honoring family. Our children are now<br />

adults with careers and a circle of influence of<br />

their own. They now have the opportunity to<br />

continue the legacy through their children (our<br />

grandchildren.) As God works in their hearts,<br />

their lives become the testimony of those who<br />

He used to impact each of our lives.<br />

This incalculable number of impacted lives<br />

are the testimonies of every staff and partner<br />

in the ministry including prayer warriors,<br />

donors, and volunteers. The BCV continues<br />

to be 100% privately funded, receiving no<br />

government funds. God has, throughout its<br />

125-year history, used His people to provide<br />

for the needs of children and families served<br />

in the ministry. The needs of children and<br />

families are still great and, mindful of the<br />

challenge set forth to meet those needs and to<br />

take the gospel to more of those children and<br />

families in an ever-changing culture, The<br />

Baptist Children’s Village is asking, “who are<br />

we missing” and “how do we get to them.”<br />

The pursuit of those answers will likely lead<br />

to more change and new ministries that open<br />

doors to reach more children and families with<br />

the good news of Jesus Christ. Those lives will<br />

be evidence of a successful agency who has had<br />

“the capacity and willingness to change” as<br />

God directs.<br />

Hometown RANKIN • 39


THANKS TO ALL<br />

OUR READERS<br />

& ADVERTISERS.<br />

WE APPRECIATE<br />

YOU!<br />

L IKE US<br />

40 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Fall<br />

events<br />

Mark your<br />

calendars!<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

OPEN THROUGH DECEMBER 31,2022<br />

JACKSON, MS<br />

Come enjoy our special programming at the<br />

museums this fall!<br />

Country Music Trivia Night - Sept. 1<br />

Women in Country Music: Songs and<br />

Conversation - Sept. 15<br />

Country Music Fashion Show - Oct. 20<br />

Hometown MADISON • 41


42 • SEPTEMBER 2022


the Gordons<br />

Tell us about your family.<br />

Michael, 27 – enjoys playing golf and watching the Rebs play<br />

baseball and football.<br />

Peyton, 27 – third generation Ole Miss Rebel. Loves spending time with<br />

family and traveling to Oxford for a fun weekend. Also enjoys attending<br />

OrangeTheory in Madison.<br />

Reese, 2 – Loves to dance and watch “ball” with her Dada.<br />

We tailgate with our neighborhood crew and call ourselves the<br />

“Deerfield Rebels”. We’ve had the same five-tent set-up for about<br />

10 years now, next to Ventress Hall. We have been known to have over<br />

100 people come through our tailgate on a big SEC game weekend!<br />

How did you meet and how long have you<br />

been married?<br />

We met and started dating the summer before our senior year of high<br />

school. Michael grew up a Mississippi State fan, so our first Egg Bowl<br />

was an interesting one. However, we both ended up at Ole Miss our<br />

sophomore year of college, and he saw the light. We love our rebels<br />

and visit Oxford every chance we get! We have been married for four<br />

years but together for over 10.<br />

What brings you the greatest joy as parents?<br />

Our greatest joy is knowing no matter what craziness life throws our<br />

way, we have a little girl that loves us unconditionally and can bring a<br />

smile to our face in an instant. She is our number-one fan and is always<br />

excited to see us.<br />

What drives you to have the job you have?<br />

Peyton – I am a CPA for FORVIS, LLP in the tax compliance and tax<br />

consulting group. We are a public accounting firm in Jackson. For a long<br />

time, I planned to move out of the state to Nashville or Birmingham.<br />

However, I decided to come back home, and it was one of the best<br />

decisions I ever made. Working and helping companies around my<br />

hometown and all over the state motivates me and drives me to the<br />

success that I have had so far.<br />

Michael – I am an salesman for AAA Insurance. Helping people protect<br />

their loved ones and assets gives me the drive to succeed at my job.<br />

What do you love about your team/school?<br />

Oxford/Ole Miss is a second home to our family. We love the beautiful<br />

campus and friendly town. Game days in the Grove are an unmatched<br />

experience. From the fun evenings spent on the square to cheering on<br />

our Rebs in the Vaught, the memories are abundant. The perfect Oxford<br />

game day would be tailgating in the grove all day, watching the Rebs<br />

win, and then capping off the night on the square at Funkys.<br />

FAVORITE TAILGATE RECIPE<br />

Hawaiian Ham & Swiss<br />

Sliders<br />

• 24 slices of deli honey ham<br />

• 6 slices of Swiss cheese, cut into fourths<br />

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise<br />

• 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds<br />

• 1½ Tbsp. Dijon mustard<br />

• ½ cup butter, melted<br />

• 1 Tbsp. onion powder<br />

• ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce<br />

• 24 sweet Hawaiian dinner rolls<br />

Cut rolls in half and spread mayo onto one side.<br />

Place a slice or two of ham and a slice of Swiss<br />

cheese in roll. Replace the top of the rolls and<br />

bunch them closely together into a baking dish.<br />

In a medium bowl, whisk together poppy seeds,<br />

Dijon mustard, melted butter, onion powder and<br />

Worcestershire sauce. Pour sauce over rolls,<br />

just covering the tops. Cover with foil and let<br />

sit for 10 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for<br />

10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Uncover<br />

and cook for additional 2 minutes until tops are<br />

slightly browned and crisp. Serve warm.<br />

Hometown MADISON • 43


44 • SEPTEMBER 2022


ogo is not available for use on all<br />

aterials. Beyond the Department of<br />

is logo is limited to gameday-related<br />

otional items for student recruitment<br />

dent Affairs.<br />

this logo on any communications<br />

sements, social media graphics<br />

ms must be granted by both<br />

letics and the Office of University<br />

the<br />

Hollingsworths<br />

Tell us about your family. (Mother/Daugher)<br />

Faye, 70 – loves volunteering at church<br />

Virginia, 38 – hobbies are reading and volunteering in the community<br />

How long have you lived in Madison County?<br />

Virginia has lived in Madison six years after deciding to purchase a house<br />

in the downtown Madison area. Faye lived in Ridgeland from 1979 to 1985.<br />

Tell us how you came to love your school,<br />

and how that has affected your family.<br />

Faye - I came to USM for the education department, specializing in special<br />

education, led by Dr. Cotton at the time. In the fall of 1970, when I arrived<br />

as a freshman, Dr. Cotton had taken the head position at Ellisville State School.<br />

Though I was disappointed he had left, I continued my education because of<br />

the University’s strong academic program. My experiences at Southern Miss<br />

led me to encourage Virginia to apply for a wide variety of scholarships and to<br />

look at their many degree programs. She was hesitant to follow in my footsteps,<br />

but we see now that Southern Miss was the right choice for both of us.<br />

What are some of your favorite things about<br />

Madison County?<br />

Virginia - I love the small-town feel. There are wonderful locally-owned<br />

shops, selling Mississippi-made products. Also, you never know who you<br />

might bump into while out running errands. There is always a welcoming<br />

smile around the next corner!<br />

What brings you the greatest joy?<br />

Virginia - Fall Saturdays in the South ignite pure joy that rank in the top five<br />

of life! Selecting which black and gold attire, jewelry, and other accessories<br />

to wear for the day, while listening to College Game Day just sets the mood.<br />

A drive down Highway 49 is filled with stories of the past that leads to<br />

catching up with forever Southern Miss friends. Standing in the Rock with<br />

my friends and mother, singing the words of our alma mater that have always<br />

meant the most to me- “Southern mem’ries we shall cherish, Loyalty we<br />

pledge to thee,” right before the Golden Eagles run on to the field. These<br />

are the days I live for!<br />

What drives you to have the job that you have?<br />

Faye - As a retired educator, I enjoyed my time at St. Joseph Catholic School.<br />

I met and worked with people who were interested in seeing Madison grow<br />

and become a place people wanted to live.<br />

What do you love about your team/school?<br />

Virginia - We may have our years that we struggle but we always come<br />

back, just when others are doubting our abilities we soar above the rest!<br />

Also, while I was a student at USM, walking across campus I always saw<br />

someone I knew. Southern Miss gave me the opportunity to get involved<br />

in so many ways and make so many connections. No one was a stranger.<br />

FAVORITE TAILGATE RECIPE<br />

Corn Dip<br />

• 2 cans Mexicorn, drained<br />

• 1 cup sour cream<br />

• 1 cup mayonnaise (Dukes preferred)<br />

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded<br />

• 1 can green chiles<br />

• 8 green onions, chopped<br />

• 4 jalapenos, chopped<br />

(Faye’s special add-in)<br />

• 1-2 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning<br />

(Virginia’s special add-in)<br />

Combine all of the above ingredients and<br />

refrigerate 1-2 hours before serving with Fritos.<br />

Hometown MADISON • 45


46 • SEPTEMBER 2022


the Hearsts<br />

Tell us about your family.<br />

Marc, 39 - hobbies are golf, MSU sporting events, spending time outdoors<br />

Rachel, 38 - enyoys running, working out, and traveling<br />

Perry, 11 - hobbies are running, playing football and soccer<br />

George, 9 - hobbies are swimming and playing with friends<br />

Mary Elizabeth, 5 - loves playing dress-up and ballet<br />

How did you meet and how long have you<br />

been married?<br />

We met in 1999 while watching the Egg Bowl. The bulldogs won the game<br />

known as “the Pick and the Kick” in a nailbiter. We dated some in high school<br />

and again later towards the end of college. We got married in Starkville<br />

because we both loved the Chapel of Memories on campus. We will<br />

celebrate 13 years of marriage in November.<br />

What brings you the greatest joy as parents?<br />

Watching our kids grow up and actually make good choices based on how<br />

we have tried to raise them. Our two oldest accepted Christ in the past two<br />

years which was awesome to be a part of. We also love watching our kids<br />

compete in sports, dance, etc.<br />

What are some of your favorite things about<br />

Madison County?<br />

We think Madison is a great place to raise a family. We love our church,<br />

Broadmoor, and the many families we have gotten to know while living here<br />

for the past 15 years. We love the running trail along the Natchez Trace,<br />

taking the kids to Liberty Park, or playing some golf at Annandale.<br />

What drives you to have the job you have?<br />

Marc - I love what I do every day. In banking, I get to work with business<br />

owners every day to help grow our city and county. Community Bank is a<br />

community-first bank that truly believes in investing in their communities,<br />

whether it be cooking hot dogs for Swing into Summer, sponsorships of<br />

our local schools and civic clubs, or teaching financial literacy at or schools.<br />

Rachel - I have the privilege to treat and care for patients daily at Baptist<br />

Heart Clinic. Helping patients feel better and live healthier lives brings<br />

much joy to my workdays.<br />

What do you love about your team/school?<br />

Marc is a 2nd generation State grad, I worked on campus, and we are 15+<br />

year season ticket holders in football. We have been Bulldog fans our whole<br />

lives. My favorite part of being a Bulldog fan is going to Dudy Noble and<br />

getting to see how the players interact with our kids after games. It is<br />

probably our favorite of the big-three sports to attend as a family.<br />

FAVORITE TAILGATE RECIPE<br />

Crock Pot Chili<br />

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil<br />

• 1 lb. lean ground beef<br />

• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped<br />

• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced<br />

• 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes<br />

with green chilies<br />

• 3 8 oz. cans tomato sauce<br />

• ½ cup beef broth<br />

• 2 Tbsp. chili powder<br />

• 2½ tsp. ground cumin<br />

• 2 tsp. paprika<br />

• 2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder<br />

• 1 tsp. granulated sugar<br />

• ½ tsp. ground coriander<br />

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper<br />

• 2 15 oz. cans dark red kidney beans,<br />

drained and rinsed<br />

• 1 15 oz. can light red kidney beans,<br />

drained and rinsed<br />

• Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving<br />

Heat olive oil in a large and deep non-stick<br />

skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion<br />

and sauté three minutes, then add garlic<br />

and sauté another 30 seconds. Pour into<br />

a 6- or 7-quart slow cooker. Return skillet<br />

to medium-high heat, add beef and cook,<br />

stirring occasionally, until browned.<br />

Drain most of the fat, leaving about 2 Tbsp.<br />

Pour browned beef into slow cooker,<br />

add remaining ingredients and season<br />

with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and<br />

cook on low for 5 - 6 hours.<br />

Children: What’s your favorite thing to do<br />

as a family?<br />

Perry - tailgating at Mississippi State football games<br />

George - going on family vacations<br />

Mary Elizabeth - going to the beach<br />

Hometown MADISON • 47


48 • SEPTEMBER 2022


the Sawyers<br />

Tell us about your family.<br />

Christopher Tyrone, 48 – I am a law enforcement officer and firearms<br />

instructor. I’ve been in public service for 25 years. I serve as a deacon and<br />

head of security for our church, The Gathering of Believers Church. I love<br />

spending time with my family, going to the movies and training.<br />

Samanda, 42 – I am an EntrePRAYneur®, a results-driven leader who is<br />

passionate about educating, empowering, and evoking action in others to<br />

proactively pursue their God-given purpose. My hobbies are traveling with<br />

family, online shopping, reading devotionals, listening to Gospel music, and<br />

watching TV with my husband.<br />

Kristen, 25 – I attend Tougaloo College and enjoy hanging out with friends<br />

and taking spontaneous road trips.<br />

CJ, 22 – I work for UPS and enjoy movies and time with family and friends.<br />

Cailyn, 6 – I love art, painting, and drawing. I also enjoy singing, dancing,<br />

and church, but most of all, I love my family!<br />

How did you meet and how long have you<br />

been married?<br />

We met on Sweetest Day Saturday, October 19, 2013, at Veteran’s Memorial<br />

Stadium tailgate in Jackson, Mississippi. That was the day of the JSU<br />

homecoming, but the game was forfeited by Grambling State University.<br />

Although Grambling didn’t show up, I am so glad we did. We have been<br />

married since September of 2015.<br />

What brings you the greatest joy as parents?<br />

Knowing that our children know and have a relationship with Jesus Christ,<br />

and to watch them grow into their own independence!<br />

What accomplishments make you proud<br />

during your time living in Madison County?<br />

Purchasing our first home together, and joining and serving on the PTO at<br />

Madison Crossing Elementary to support the efforts of getting more parents<br />

involved. My desire to be who God created me to be motivates me to do<br />

what I do as a woman who wears many hats, personally and professionally.<br />

I embrace opportunities to let God’s light shine through me to encourage<br />

others.<br />

What do you love about your team/school?<br />

What do I love about Thee I Love? I attended JSU 1993-1996 and played<br />

football on the practice squad in 93 and 94 under Big Daddy Carson, so<br />

I bleed BLUE!! My baby brother Charles “Dusty” Paige also played football<br />

2015-2018 and he’s a graduate from Germantown High School in Madison<br />

County. So, I love The Boom and the sounds of old school Motown....<br />

“Get Ready” by the Temptations. It’s the football team and tradition of<br />

winning from the ‘80s when W.C. Gordon walked the sidelines—and oh,<br />

the tailgating and sea of colors of blue and white! But most of all it’s the<br />

unity and the accent of red bringing it all together. That’s Tiger Land.<br />

FAVORITE TAILGATE RECIPE<br />

Red Beans & Rice<br />

• 2 cans of seasoned pinto beans<br />

• 1 can of Louisiana Cajun beans<br />

• 1 package of turkey sausage<br />

• 1 box of red beans and rice seasoning<br />

• 1 pack of seasoning blend<br />

• ½ cup of ketchup<br />

• Garlic powder, to taste<br />

• 1 pack of Lipton onion/herb soup mix<br />

• 1 cup of white rice boiled to tender,<br />

but cooked separately<br />

Pour three cups of water into a large pot and<br />

stir in all ingredients except white rice. Bring to<br />

a boil on medium heat for 45 minutes or until<br />

mixture thickens. Cook rice separately until<br />

tender. Do not overcook!<br />

Hometown MADISON • 49


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50 • SEPTEMBER 2022


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Hometown MADISON • 51


52 • SEPTEMBER 2022<br />

MADISON-RIDGELAND ACADEMY


Patriots Football<br />

DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT<br />

August 11 7:00 pm Home Greenville Christian<br />

August 19 7:00 pm Home Natchez Cathedral<br />

August 26 7:00 pm Away Oakland<br />

September 2 7:00 pm Home Pulaski Academy<br />

September 9 7:00 pm Home Simpson Academy<br />

September 13 7:00 pm Home Raleigh<br />

September 16 7:00 pm Away Jackson Academy<br />

September 30 7:00 pm Home Jackson Prep<br />

October 7 7:00 pm Away Presbyterian Christian<br />

October 14 7:00 pm Away Magnolia Heights<br />

October 21 7:00 pm Home Parklane Academy<br />

October 28 7:00 pm Away Hartfield Academy<br />

Hometown MADISON • 53


54 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Winners at Every Level<br />

Martha Maxey<br />

MRA strives for excellence in all we do and the following highlights<br />

and accomplishments from the 2021-22 school year illustrate this<br />

goal and our mission to educate each student’s mind, body, and<br />

spirit. These achievements are due to the exceptional faculty and<br />

staff, outstanding student body, and supportive parent constituency<br />

who all continue to contribute to the overall success of our school.<br />

MRA’s 2022 STAR (Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition)<br />

Student is senior John David Phillips and high school faculty member<br />

Mr. Matt Bramuchi was named STAR Teacher. MRA’s valedictorian is<br />

Sloane Vinson and salutatorian is Hunter Thompson. Hunter also<br />

received the Don Souder Award given to the most outstanding<br />

student athlete in the MAIS.<br />

MRA’s tradition of having students receive appointments to our<br />

national military academies contines with Will Triplett (Naval<br />

Academy) and Tylor Latham (Air Force Academy).<br />

MRA junior, Malee Davidson, was chosen as Madison County’s<br />

Distinguished Young Woman and competed for the state title this<br />

summer. She won the categories of scholastics, talent, and<br />

self-expression.<br />

MRA’s ACT average continues to increase with 21 members in<br />

the 30+ Club. Congratulations to the following students who have<br />

received a composite average of 30 or higher on the ACT: (seniors)<br />

Matt Brownlee, Gus Crotty, George Dew, Jack Downer, Davis Edwards,<br />

Will Gallaspy, Hudson James, Tylor Latham, John Laws, Catie Mann,<br />

Hunter Thompson, John David Phillips, Drew Sartin, Jacob Taylor,<br />

Braedan Watters, (juniors) Ryan Adkins, Josh Braman, Malee<br />

Davidson, Madeline Duncan, Presley Horn, Cole Heard. MRA<br />

seniors, Josie Smith and Hunter Thompson, were named 2022<br />

Christian Leaders of the Future by Mississippi Christian Living<br />

Magazine.<br />

MRA junior, Victor Grantham, and senior, Will Grogan, recently<br />

earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank of Boy Scouts.<br />

MRA athletic teams have accomplished seven state championships<br />

and numerous athletes have garnered individual honors and<br />

scholarships. Featured on ESPN, our varsity football team won its<br />

third straight 6A State Championship joining state championships in<br />

girls’ cross country (5-peat), swimming, archery (2-peat), varsity boys’<br />

track (3-peat), varsity girls’ track (4-peat), and dance. Sophomore<br />

Will Hooks repeated as the 6A No. 1 singles champion. One notable<br />

athletic milestone was reached by junior, Josh Hubbard, who<br />

became the leading boys’ scorer in MAIS basketball history.<br />

Our performing arts program continues to reach levels of<br />

excellence, and this year’s spring musical, Seussical the Musical,<br />

was no exception! Our students’ talent level was amazing; the set<br />

design, costumes, and scenery were phenomenal; the backstage<br />

crew and parent support were outstanding; and the acting,<br />

choreography, and vocals, that directors Dawn Blanton and Brittnye<br />

Aven encouraged and developed in these students, was exceptional.<br />

MRA received nine nominations from The Orpheum High School<br />

Musical Theatre Awards. Modeled after the Tony Awards, the<br />

Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards recognizes<br />

achievements in all areas of high school musical theatre. Winners<br />

are: Sydney Holladay - Outstanding Supporting Actress; Malee<br />

Davidson - Outstanding Featured Actress; Rayley Aven - Bravo<br />

Award. Nominees are: Audrey Holt - Outstanding Lead Actress;<br />

Hudson James - Outstanding Featured Actor; Julia Kate White -<br />

Outstanding Featured Dancer; Brayden Nelson, Mack Mcintosh,<br />

Anna Grace Whitver; Emerson Mills - Outstanding Lighting; Creative<br />

Team, Gertrude’s Tail - Outstanding Artistic Element; Lisa Agent<br />

- Outstanding Poster. With the wonderful middle school production<br />

of Annie, Jr. and this production, performing arts at MRA are second<br />

to none.<br />

Seven MRA alumni and seven current students traveled to<br />

Malawi, Africa, to serve students in need through Project Juembo,<br />

a mission project in partnership with the African Bible College.<br />

They distributed the school backpacks collected at MRA, distributed<br />

250 pairs of shoes to a village, led soccer and basketball camps<br />

where they shared the gospel, led devotions via translators, played<br />

soccer on the beach with local children (and gifted the kids the<br />

soccer ball to squeals of delight.) Key components of MRA’s Portrait<br />

of a Graduate–Grounded in the Gospel and A Servant to Others–<br />

are beautifully represented by this group from MRA.<br />

Campus transformations have become a trend at MRA, and this<br />

summer was no different! We have renovated four kindergarten<br />

classrooms, completely transformed and enhanced the elementary<br />

library, updated the elementary entry and administrative offices,<br />

added a new classroom in the high school, expanded high school<br />

restrooms, built a new Patriot Store in the gym lobby, totally<br />

refurbished the gymnasium, and also added video scoreboards.<br />

Award-winning academics, arts, athletics, and spiritual offerings in<br />

an enhanced, personal environment–MRA provides it all to our<br />

students and families. We look forward to a great 2022-23!<br />

Hometown MADISON • 55


56 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Bruins Football<br />

DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT<br />

August 19 7:00 pm Home Copiah<br />

August 26 7:00 pm Away Cathedral<br />

September 2 7:00 pm Away East Rankin<br />

September 9 7:00 pm Home Jackson Academy<br />

September 16 7:00 pm Home Tri County Academy<br />

September 23 7:00 pm Away Simpson<br />

September 30 7:00 pm Home Leake Academy<br />

October 7 7:00 pm Away Sacred Heart<br />

October 14 7:00 pm Away Lamar<br />

October 21 7:00 pm Home Park Place<br />

Hometown MADISON • 57


58 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Well-Rounded, Faith-Grounded<br />

College Prep Education<br />

Terry Cassreino<br />

Elizabeth Coleman gently etched designs on clay, while Truus Alford<br />

decorated the hand-crafted, student-created ceramic crosses – one<br />

of the last art projects for the spring 2022 semester at St. Joseph<br />

Catholic School.<br />

Coleman and Alford, St. Joe students, created the crosses in honor<br />

of Ukraine, the European nation Russia invaded early this year. Money<br />

raised from the sale of the crosses went to the Catholic Diocese of<br />

Jackson’s relief efforts to help the people of Ukraine.<br />

“Art at St. Joe has been a great growing experience that has allowed<br />

me to express myself,” Coleman, who graduated in May as a member<br />

of the Class of 2022, said recently. “This project allowed our class to<br />

express our support for Ukraine.”<br />

While “Crosses for Ukraine” marked the end of the 2021-2022<br />

school year, the school has continued to sell them. The fundraiser is<br />

just one example of projects and programs that make up St. Joe’s<br />

award-winning fine arts department and the entire school.<br />

St. Joseph Catholic School, founded in 1870 by the Sisters of Mercy,<br />

offers seventh- through 12th-grade students a rigorous college prep<br />

curriculum grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church. The<br />

school recently celebrated its 150th anniversary.<br />

St. Joe, 308 New Mannsdale Road in Madison, just west of the<br />

Interstate 55-Mississippi 463 interchange, serves students in metropolitan<br />

Jackson and surrounding areas. The school is accredited by<br />

the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the accrediting<br />

arm of Cognia.<br />

LIFE AT ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL<br />

At St. Joe, everything revolves around faith and religion. Students<br />

in every grade take theology courses. Every class begins with prayer.<br />

Every grade level participates in one, annual, off-campus retreat.<br />

Students, faculty, and staff attend weekly Mass every Thursday.<br />

St. Joe’s college prep curriculum includes classes in English, math,<br />

science, history, fine arts, Spanish, Latin and theology. Students also<br />

can take advanced placement classes in English, Spanish, math and<br />

history as well as dual credit courses in English and math.<br />

Electives include band, choir, art, ceramics, theater, engineering,<br />

print journalism and broadcast journalism.<br />

Besides academic classes, St. Joe offers students a chance to<br />

participate in more than 20 team sports including varsity and junior<br />

varsity football; volleyball; softball; baseball; swimming; cross country;<br />

track; girls’ and boys’ basketball; and girls’ and boys’ soccer.<br />

All sports teams compete in the Midsouth Association of Independent<br />

Schools. This will mark the second year that St. Joe has joined other<br />

Catholic schools in the Jackson Diocese as a member of the MAIS.<br />

“We offer our students a well-rounded education with strong<br />

academics and a chance to participate in just about any sport they<br />

can imagine,” said Dr. Dena Kinsey, principal of St. Joseph Catholic<br />

School. “Combine that with our core classes, religion classes, and<br />

Catholic background, and St. Joe graduates well-rounded students<br />

ready for the challenge of college and life as an adult. We educate<br />

the whole student, preparing them for their lifelong journey to Christ.”<br />

REACHING OUT TO OTHERS<br />

St. Joe students, faculty, and staff also participate in several<br />

community outreach projects every year, including an Angel Tree<br />

at Christmas in which students and families provide gifts for children<br />

who might not otherwise receive anything.<br />

Last year, St. Joe students, faculty, and staff collected more than<br />

7,500 canned food items at Christmas and again during Lent to help<br />

replenish food banks at St. Richard Catholic Church in Jackson and<br />

Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Canton.<br />

In May, students wrapped up the year by raising more than<br />

$16,000 for the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson. The<br />

money was raised by the student-run BruinTHON, St. Joe’s largest<br />

annual community outreach fundraising event.<br />

And then there was the smaller fundraiser, “Crosses for Ukraine”<br />

– one of many projects sponsored by the fine arts department.<br />

Fine arts students stage two live theatrical productions each year<br />

in the 500-seat, state-of-the-art campus auditorium. While this year’s<br />

productions have not been announced, last year students staged the<br />

mystery-comedy “Clue” in the fall and “Singin’ in the Rain” in the spring.<br />

Student musicians and singers perform a Christmas concert “Gifts<br />

of the Season” every December and the spring concert every May<br />

– both in the auditorium. The spring concert takes place with the<br />

annual art show, highlighting student work from throughout the year.<br />

It was during the 2022 art show that the fine arts department first<br />

started selling their “Crosses for Ukraine” in Joesy’s, the art store that<br />

features student work. The hand-crafted ceramic crosses are still for<br />

sale. Large ones are $10 and small ones are $5.<br />

“These crosses are just one example of the amazing work our<br />

students create in our art classes and our pottery classes,” said<br />

Vicki Runnels, an art teacher who also chairs the fine arts department.<br />

“Some of the sculptures, paintings and ceramic work will blow you away.<br />

I have been just so impressed to see how serious these students are<br />

about doing something so simple – yet deeply meaningful – to show<br />

their sympathy for and to help the people of Ukraine,” Runnels<br />

continued. “That says a lot about our school and our students.”<br />

Hometown MADISON • 59


60 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Jaguars Football<br />

DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT<br />

August 19 7:00 pm Home Warren Central<br />

August 26 7:00 pm Away West Jones<br />

September 2 7:00 pm Away Brandon<br />

September 9 7:00 pm Home Northwest Rankin<br />

September 23 7:00 pm Home Starkville<br />

September 30 7:00 pm Away Grenada<br />

October 7 7:00 pm Home Clinton<br />

October 14 7:00 pm Away Tupelo<br />

October 21 7:00 pm Home Germantown<br />

October 28 7:00 pm Home Murrah<br />

November 4 7:00 pm Away Oxford<br />

Hometown MADISON • 61


62 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Madison Central-<br />

A Place for Everyone<br />

Olivia Heard<br />

Madison Central High School is the best public high school in<br />

the state of Mississippi. Need proof? Here are some of our recent<br />

accomplishments: in the past couple of years, we had two All-<br />

Americans, two academic All-Americans, a baseball National Coach<br />

of the Year, a swimming National Coach of the Year, one of six<br />

students in the world to make a perfect score on the AP Psychology<br />

exam, 139 students scored a 30 or above on the ACT, six speech<br />

and debate All-Americans, a speech and debate Coach of the Year,<br />

a state championship winning speech and debate team, a mathematics<br />

team state championship, a football state championship,<br />

tennis state championships, swim team state championships, and<br />

the highest ACT scores in the state!<br />

We were baseball national champions, won seven state<br />

championships in 2021, had eight All-State honor choir winners,<br />

had a baseball Gatorade Player of The Year, won All-Superior band<br />

for the 30th consecutive year, had 21 National Merit Finalists, won<br />

Mississippi’s Student Press Association’s Yearbook of The Year, and<br />

won Project Lead The Way’s Distinguished School for Engineering.<br />

COVID-19 did its best to bring Madison Central down, but the<br />

school pushed through and thrived, proving that MCHS is the best<br />

place for students with any and all interests and talents to thrive and<br />

reach their highest potential. Olivia Heard, a junior at Madison<br />

Central, said this as she reflects on her time at Madison Central thus<br />

far, “I couldn’t imagine going to high school anywhere else. Madison<br />

Central truly is the best place to spend so much of my time. It is a<br />

place where I feel supported no matter what I am doing.”<br />

“Everyone here truly wants me to succeed. I have grown to<br />

understand what true school spirit is over the past year. There is no<br />

feeling like watching your high school win a state championship or<br />

listening to your friend’s name be called for winning a spot in the<br />

All-State choir or becoming a National Merit Finalist. I am so proud<br />

of my school and everything we have and can accomplish,” she<br />

continued.<br />

Madison Central is a school in which there truly is a place for<br />

everyone. If you drive through the campus at any given time, there<br />

are multiple groups of students working on projects or practicing<br />

sports. It is not a place where students come for four classes a day<br />

and leave. The school is a safe place for its students, and many of<br />

them spend more time at the school than at home.<br />

Whether you’re interested in sports, art, speech and debate,<br />

theater, choir, journalism, film making, engineering, mathematics,<br />

band or almost anything else, Madison Central is the best place to be.<br />

Hometown MADISON • 63


64 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Titans Football<br />

DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT<br />

August 26 7:00 pm Home Northwest Rankin<br />

September 2 7:00 pm Home Pearl<br />

September 9 7:00 pm Away Jim Hill<br />

September 16 7:00 pm Away Provine<br />

September 23 7:00 pm Home Callaway<br />

September 30 7:00 pm Home Wilkinson County<br />

October 7 7:00 pm Away Neshoba Central<br />

October 14 7:00 pm Home Vicksburg<br />

October 21 7:00 pm Home Forest Hill<br />

October 28 7:00 pm Away Holmes County<br />

November 4 7:00 pm Away Canton<br />

Hometown MADISON • 65


66 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Reap What<br />

You Sow<br />

Lynne Schneider<br />

At Ridgeland High School, in the 2021-22 school year, students<br />

in teacher Gabrielle Mills’ science classes learned, literally, that you<br />

reap what you sow. These students have been part of a program<br />

supported by a team of community supporters in planning, building,<br />

and growing the school’s Titan Garden. The garden is a long-term<br />

project, but Mills and her students have accomplished much in its<br />

inaugural year.<br />

Mills said she began to work on a plan for the garden in the<br />

spring semester of 2021. She collaborated with a fellow botany<br />

teacher at another school who had successfully created a school<br />

garden program, then planted a garden at her home to experiment<br />

and create the best plan. She then collaborated with other teachers<br />

at RHS, including Chef Levi Williams, one of the instructors in the<br />

culinary academy at the school, to develop a 5-year vision for the<br />

Titan Garden/Homestead Initiative at RHS.<br />

“We envision an outdoor classroom, with garden plots for not<br />

only vegetables but flowers, small animal pens, portable and<br />

stationary student workstations, and a lecture arena.” Mills added<br />

that including animals and teaching about animal husbandry in the<br />

future will expand student learning and opportunity.<br />

Other departments at the school, such as science, engineering<br />

academy, culinary academy, and even the art, history, and science<br />

departments will be involved in future years, as the program and<br />

the garden grow.<br />

In its first year, The Titan Garden has developed and grown quickly,<br />

but will be in a constant state of growth and transition, Mills said.<br />

“The Titan Garden will always be in a state of transition as a<br />

‘work in progress’ because it changes with the seasons.”<br />

Ridgeland Public Works Director Mike McCollum helped Mills,<br />

and her students selected the best planting location and the best<br />

crops to plant for the fall semester, which included crops for culinary<br />

students. Allen and MeMe Martison, owners of Garden Works in<br />

Ridgeland, donated the soil required to build the garden beds.<br />

They also offered planting advice and suggested that flowers could<br />

be grown to increase the value and beauty of the garden for all<br />

students, offer another crop, and even help vegetables by naturally<br />

reducing the growth of weeds. Other supporters included Assistant<br />

Superintendent Ted Poore, the RHS PTO, Keep Ridgeland Beautiful,<br />

and RHS Parent of the Year Jan Richardson, who helped spearhead<br />

the project and brought in district and community supporters.<br />

Mills believes that the Titan Garden will give students more than<br />

just knowledge about gardening and farming.<br />

“Our students are immersed in a culture of instant gratification,”<br />

she said. “They will literally be able to see the ‘fruits of their labor’<br />

as they meet goals over an extended period.<br />

Students who have been able to work in the garden in its first<br />

year have enjoyed this unorthodox method of learning and are<br />

proud to be part of the development of the garden project.<br />

“I’m excited to leave the Titan Garden legacy to my younger<br />

brothers from the Class of 2025 and 2029,” said Lizzie Hood, a<br />

student in Mills’ Zoology II class.<br />

Hometown MADISON • 67


68 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Tigers Football<br />

DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT<br />

August 26 7:00 pm Home Velma Jackson<br />

September 32 7:00 pm Home Germantown<br />

September 9 7:00 pm Away Vicksburg<br />

September 16 7:00 pm Home Callaway<br />

September 23 7:00 pm Away Holmes County<br />

September 30 7:00 pm Home Neshoba Central<br />

October 14 7:00 pm Away Forest Hill<br />

October 21 7:00 pm Home Jim Hill<br />

October 28 7:00 pm Away Provine<br />

November 4 7:00 pm Home Ridgeland<br />

Hometown MADISON • 69


70 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Outstanding<br />

Students at<br />

Canton High<br />

Beverly Luckett<br />

The Madison County Business League & Foundation and the<br />

Madison County Community Trust awarded $250 scholarships to<br />

Canton High School scholars Janette Bartolo and Dwight Luckett, Jr.<br />

for their participation in the 2021-22 Madison County Youth<br />

Leadership Class.<br />

“I highly recommend this program. It exposes scholars to the<br />

various career options in Madison County and in Mississippi. It shows<br />

that with hard work, dreams are attainable. It also connects you to<br />

important leaders in your community and shows you the tremendous<br />

impact you can have in your community and in the world,” said<br />

Dwight Luckett, Jr.<br />

“It also helps scholars set goals for their future and help them<br />

meet professionals who can assist them in becoming future<br />

leaders,” said Janette Bartolo.<br />

Another congratulations goes out to Canton High scholar, Kamari<br />

Brooks, whose script was chosen by the Jackson Film Festival to be<br />

produced and directed Maximus Wright Productions. The short film<br />

entitled The Money Grab stars Kamari Brooks, fellow CHS scholar<br />

Caitlyn Nelson, Phillip C. Washington, his grandmother Citikitia<br />

Brooks, and guest stars Palmer Williams, Jr.<br />

“It’s been an amazing experience. I have learned so much. I want<br />

to keep writing and pursue this as a career. I hope this will serve as<br />

a catalyst for others to follow their heart and pursue their dreams,”<br />

said Brooks.<br />

Kamari’s co-star, Caitlyn, says she thought it would be easy, but<br />

it was a lot of hard work shooting numerous takes to get the scenes<br />

for the movie just right. “It was a breathtaking experience. It was a<br />

lot of hard work, but I enjoyed it. You have to be willing to take<br />

constructive criticism and have patience. I am so proud of Kamari.<br />

He is so talented,” said Nelson.<br />

The Money Grab red carpet premiere was held in April at the<br />

Malco Grandview Theater in Madison. Brooks and Nelson were<br />

awarded scholarships for their hard work. The Canton Public School<br />

District salutes these scholars for their outstanding achievements.<br />

Hometown MADISON • 71


72 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Falcons Football<br />

DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT<br />

August 26 7:00 pm Away Canton<br />

September 2 7:00 pm Home Yazoo County<br />

September 9 7:00 pm Home Raymond<br />

September 16 7:00 pm Away Yazoo City<br />

September 23 7:00 pm Home Leake Central<br />

September 30 7:00 pm Home Pelahatchie<br />

October 7 7:00 pm Away Pisgah<br />

October 14 7:00 pm Home Puckett<br />

October 28 7:00 pm Away Scott Central<br />

Hometown MADISON • 73


Meeks<br />

Pigott<br />

74 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Soaring to<br />

New Heights<br />

Mistie Desper<br />

The Velma Jackson Falcons are soaring to new heights for their<br />

students not only academically, but athletically as well.<br />

Greg Pigott is entering his 8th year of teaching at Velma Jackson.<br />

There, he has had outstanding accomplishments in teaching personal<br />

finance, computer science, entrepreneurship, engineering, business<br />

law, and college/career readiness. Helping his students acquire the<br />

tools needed for their time beyond his classroom has become a<br />

passion for him. “My goal for my students is that they learn to become<br />

a critical member of society. They are the next leaders of our<br />

communities,” said Greg.<br />

He has brought a lengthy and impressive list of speakers into the<br />

classroom in person and via virtual platforms. From financial experts,<br />

local business owners, engineering professionals to former students,<br />

military personnel, and university recruiters, he is offering his<br />

students a wide variety of knowledge. By offering many speakers<br />

virtually, Greg has been able to span the globe with speakers from<br />

places such as California, New York, Texas, and as far away as the<br />

Caribbean. Providing over 140 guest speakers to date, he is helping<br />

other students in the district by recording the presentations for his<br />

self-titled YouTube channel.<br />

Greg said, “I want my students to be able to realize what they<br />

love and what they can truly accomplish. I choose speakers that<br />

can inspire them and help them realize that there are so many ways<br />

to be successful and not just one way is for everyone.”<br />

By choosing speakers from all backgrounds and with a variety of<br />

methods that led to their success, Greg is equipping his students<br />

with a confidence and motivation that they can blaze their way into<br />

whatever life they can imagine for themselves. He concluded, “It’s<br />

important to me that they understand that the skills they have are<br />

valuable and needed within our communities. I want them to unlock<br />

a passion for their future.”<br />

15-year Velma Jackson Coach Casey Meeks III is taking his<br />

athletes to new heights each year. Coaching boys’ and girls’<br />

powerlifting as well as football, Coach Meeks is motivating and<br />

equipping a generation of athletes to find success on and off<br />

the field.<br />

“Winning is great but what brings me the most joy is when they<br />

come in under me, believe in the program, work hard, and see that<br />

hard work pay off. I always tell them that it isn’t about me. They put<br />

in the work,” said Coach Meeks.<br />

The work ethic instilled in his athletes goes from the classroom<br />

to the locker room and beyond. “No matter what path they take in<br />

life, college or sports or career, the most important thing is to<br />

become a productive citizen in life,” said Coach Meeks.<br />

Coach Meeks has had an impressive winning streak by leading<br />

his boys’ powerlifting team to win the 2022 MHSAA Class 2A Boys’<br />

Powerlifting Championship. More than half of this winning team<br />

was new to the program last year. His girls’ powerlifting team won<br />

back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015. Coach Meeks hopes to bring<br />

that victory back to his girls’ team this coming year.<br />

“We push them to their limits in sports. That also translates to the<br />

classroom. I tell them if they can be successful and do what needs<br />

be done in class, they can be successful anywhere. The greatest<br />

thing about coaching is seeing the smiles and joy and happiness<br />

when their hard work pays off in the end for them,” concluded<br />

Coach Meeks. His athletes are already working hard in class and<br />

in training for their upcoming season. He plans to “keep it rolling”<br />

and keep his teams in their top contender positions.<br />

Velma Jackson High School strives to provide the best educational<br />

experience for its students. They are excelling in meeting their<br />

students’ needs to prepare them for life beyond their doors and<br />

giving their students the tools needed to be successful in their<br />

future endeavors of college and/or career and through valuable<br />

life skills learned through their athletic program.<br />

Hometown MADISON • 75


76 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Rebels Football<br />

DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT<br />

August 19 7:00 pm Away Indianola Academy<br />

August 26 7:00 pm Home Bowling Green<br />

September 2 7:00 pm Home Central Holmes<br />

September 9 7:00 pm Away Riverfield Academy<br />

September 16 7:00 pm Away St. Joseph Catholic<br />

September 23 7:00 pm Home Canton Academy<br />

September 30 7:00 pm Away Carroll Academy<br />

October 7 7:00 pm Away Adams County<br />

October 14 7:00 pm Home Clinton Christian<br />

October 21 7:00 pm Home Vicksburg Catholic<br />

Hometown MADISON • 77


78 • SEPTEMBER 2022


The Legacy of<br />

Tri-County<br />

Academy<br />

Tammy Childress<br />

Opening its doors in 1970, Tri County Academy was founded<br />

with the goal of serving Madison, Hinds, and Yazoo County students<br />

who desired a well-rounded Christian education. While TCA is well<br />

known for its many sports accomplishments, including winning the<br />

State 4A Football Championship in 2021, TCA excels in the<br />

classroom as well, providing dual enrollment, advanced academic<br />

classes, ACT prep classes, student government opportunities, and<br />

education in the arts.<br />

While campus life at TCA is busy for the students, there is<br />

another group that stays just as busy – TCA grandparents and<br />

alumni. Graduation from TCA does not mean life on campus is over.<br />

On the contrary, many grandparents and alumni stay very active<br />

within the school. Flora Mayor Leslie Childress (’81) states, “There<br />

is no place like Flora to raise a family, and there is no place like<br />

TCA to give a child a quality education to prepare them for the<br />

future. My son Kane graduated in 2008, and my grandson Hawkins<br />

is in kindergarten at TCA.”<br />

This year TCA recognizes seniors Riley Graham, Mary Ella<br />

Brooks, and Keaton Bates as third generation graduates. Graham’s<br />

mother, Kelly Crawford Rivers (‘02), and her grandfather, Spike<br />

Crawford (’71), are both TCA graduates. While TCA excels in both<br />

academics and sports, Spike believes “its greatest claim to fame<br />

is the family atmosphere embraced by everyone involved in the<br />

school. The stands are filled with supporters at every school event,<br />

cheering all the students to do their best in every activity.”<br />

Senior Mary Ella Brooks has three grandparents that are TCA<br />

graduates: Paula Brooks (’71), Shack Brooks (’71), and Lance<br />

Vandevender (’73). Senior Keaton Bates’ father Jonathan Bates (’97)<br />

currently assists TCA in coaching football, baseball, and basketball.<br />

Keaton’s mother, Kristin, graduated from TCA in 2000, and her<br />

mother, Sarah Holcomb, graduated in 1976. Over twenty percent of<br />

the senior class has parents or grandparents that are TCA alumni.<br />

Family legacy is part of the reason Tri County has continued to grow<br />

and succeed in all areas of education.<br />

TCA offers classes for K3 – 12th grade and has an after-school<br />

program. This year’s enrollment now stands at 408. The school<br />

welcomes Mr. Steve Flemming as its new headmaster. Flemming is<br />

a graduate of Mississippi State University where he played football,<br />

then obtained his master’s degree in administrative education from<br />

Delta State. He currently resides in Cruger, Miss., with his wife Lee<br />

Ann. They have one son, Steven, a daughter-in-law, Stephanie, and<br />

one granddaughter, Leila Rose.<br />

Flemming has 24 years of experience in the education field, and<br />

he is looking forward to leading TCA in its mission is to provide a<br />

positive educational experience in a safe Christian environment,<br />

thus enabling all students through integrity, citizenship, achievement,<br />

and growth to accomplish academic potential and secure a<br />

successful future.<br />

Hometown MADISON • 79


80 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Panthers Football<br />

DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT<br />

August 11 7:00 pm Home Sylva Bay Academy<br />

August 19 7:00 pm Home Amite School Center<br />

August 26 7:00 pm Away Winston Academy<br />

September 2 7:00 pm Home Riverside High<br />

September 9 7:00 pm Away Oak Hill Academy<br />

September 23 7:00 pm Away Tri County Academy<br />

September 30 7:00 pm Away Central Holmes<br />

October 7 7:00 pm Home Clinton Christian<br />

October 14 7:00 pm Away Benton Academy<br />

October 21 7:00 pm Home Winona Christian<br />

Hometown MADISON • 81


82 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Canton Academy-<br />

Panthers, Friends,<br />

and Family for Life<br />

Courtney Warren<br />

When friends become family, relationships are changed forever.<br />

These friends have found life-long relationships in their fellow<br />

Panthers. Math Chair Kathleen Penn and Administrative Assistant<br />

Sarah Willis have been best friends since they were in elementary<br />

school. “It’s pretty cool to think about how Sarah and I grew up<br />

together being best friends, and we both ended up back in Canton<br />

working at the same school together,” said Penn.<br />

Reese Willis (11th) and Riley Lambert (10th) have been a dynamic<br />

duo since they were both three years old. “She’s always there for<br />

me when I need a laugh or give a hug. She’s a great supporter and<br />

a good friend,” said Willis.<br />

Taylor Pratt (12th) and Chaney Hale (12th) have been terrorizing<br />

their teachers together since they were in K-4. “It’s the best feeling<br />

in the world when you know that you have a friend that will have<br />

your back through thick and thin. I know that if anything ever goes<br />

wrong that Taylor will always have my back. It’s special when you<br />

have a friend that you know you can always count on to be there,”<br />

said Hale.<br />

At Canton Academy, friendships form on the playground but last<br />

long after the grad caps are tossed in the air.<br />

May came much sooner than our seniors were ready for, and<br />

especially for the seniors who know no other school than CA.<br />

As they walked their halls for the very last time, these Panther<br />

babies, who have been at CA since first grade, reflected on their<br />

time and friendships. Barnes Wadford, Graham Lambert, Holden<br />

Chandler, Starr Spivey, Maggie Claire Thomas, Carrington Curtis,<br />

Carter Martin, Taylor Pratt, Zan Ellis and Chaney Hale were excited<br />

to put on their caps and gowns, which was a moment they’ve<br />

watched other CA seniors do every year since elementary school.<br />

Senior Carrington Curtis said, “After being at CA for thirteen<br />

years, I really have a strong connection with all my friends and<br />

faculty. I’m truly going to miss CA and all the people I have met<br />

along the way. CA is a place of comfort to me. I love how when you<br />

walk down the hallways, you know every single person. It’s such a<br />

small and tightly-knit school, and I love that. You can really build<br />

friendships with everyone because of how small the classes are.”<br />

Knowing his school experience is unique, senior Holden<br />

Chandler is grateful for being able to spend his entire educational<br />

career at one school. “I think it’s special, because of not having to<br />

move and make new friends, creating a bond with the people<br />

around me. It has made my school experience the best, because of<br />

all of the memories. It has become a second home for me, because<br />

of my friends and all of the memories that we have shared throughout<br />

the years and all of the time I have spent on campus doing events<br />

and stuff,” said Chandler.<br />

From diapers to senior drapes, family and friendship go hand in<br />

hand at Canton Academy.<br />

Hometown MADISON • 83


84 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Saints Football<br />

DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT<br />

August 19 7:00 pm Away Puckett<br />

August 26 7:00 pm Home Salem<br />

September 2 7:00 pm Home St. Patrick Catholic<br />

September 9 7:00 pm Away Richton<br />

September 16 7:00 pm Home McAdams<br />

September 23 7:00 pm Away McLaurin<br />

September 30 7:00 pm Home Sacred Heart<br />

October 7 7:00 pm Home West Lincoln<br />

October 14 7:00 pm Away Loyd Star<br />

October 21 7:00 pm Away Central Hinds<br />

October 28 7:00 pm Home Pisgah<br />

Hometown MADISON • 85


86 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Baby Boom<br />

St. Andrew’s Foundations<br />

Program in Its Second Year<br />

Marlo Marlo Kirkpatrick<br />

St. Andrew’s innovative Foundations program welcomes the school’s<br />

newest class as the Class of 2040 begins their St. Andrew’s journey.<br />

Now in its second year, Foundations includes 75 babies and toddlers<br />

in three class levels – infant, one-year-olds, and two-year-olds.<br />

The program operates five days a week, year-round. Located in a<br />

cheerful, dedicated space in the Early Childhood Center on the South<br />

Campus in Jackson, Foundations is more than just ordinary daycare.<br />

“I was excited to see our first classes of Foundations students<br />

reach countless milestones throughout the school year,” said<br />

Dr. Sheena White, head of Foundations. “Being in a position to build<br />

strong, lasting relationships with their families is the icing on the cake.”<br />

Maeve (’06) and Landon Beard’s son, Liam, was a member of<br />

Foundations’ first infant class. Maeve is one of several alumni who<br />

enrolled their children in Foundations. “I graduated from St. Andrew’s,<br />

so I was excited when I heard about Foundations,” she says.<br />

“Going through the admissions process, meeting Sheena and<br />

others involved, and touring the new facilities gave me so much<br />

comfort and confidence that it would be a great program for Liam.<br />

I’m excited for him to be with other children in such a wonderful<br />

environment. I know Foundations is helping Liam learn and develop<br />

in the best way possible.”<br />

Foundations programming is designed specifically to stimulate<br />

brain development, preparing babies and toddlers for a lifetime of<br />

learning. Children participate in age-appropriate play, exploration,<br />

and social activities, all customized to the needs and developmental<br />

stages of each baby or toddler. Foundations teachers help ensure<br />

babies and toddlers are on track to meet or exceed developmental<br />

milestones. While the Foundations program focuses on personalized<br />

learning and care for each child, it also gives little ones the opportunity<br />

to make new friends they can grow up with through the years to come.<br />

“As a new mom, it’s hard to entrust others with your baby,”<br />

Beard said. “Knowing he’s safe and in great hands at St. Andrew’s<br />

makes it easier.”<br />

Taylor Neely Menist’s (’01) son, John, is just beginning his<br />

St. Andrew’s career as a member of the Foundations infant class,<br />

but he already has ties to St. Andrew’s. John’s father, Tye Menist<br />

(’06), is also an alumnus.<br />

“From our first conversations with St. Andrew’s about the<br />

program, just a few days after John’s birth, we felt right at home,”<br />

said Taylor. “We trust the school to provide what our precious boy<br />

needs at each step -- right now, a safe environment where he’s being<br />

nurtured and loved, developing and learning new skills every day.”<br />

Foundations lays the groundwork for a lifetime of learning,<br />

preparing children for the excitement of St. Andrew’s pre-K3 program<br />

and beyond. In May, the Class of 2037 crossed the sidewalk from<br />

pre-K2 to continue their learning from experienced faculty in the<br />

Early Childhood Center (pre-K3, pre-K4, and kindergarten).<br />

“Tye and I both attribute who we are today to our St. Andrew’s<br />

experience. What better gift can we give John than to start his<br />

journey in this world by instilling St. Andrew’s values?” said Menist.<br />

Led by experts in the learning abilities and development of<br />

babies, Foundations is the first step in a cradle-to-college program<br />

of educational excellence. There is no school better equipped to<br />

develop and lead this program than St. Andrew’s, the state’s<br />

educational leader.<br />

Hometown MADISON • 87


88 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Mavericks Football<br />

DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT<br />

August 26 7:00 pm Away Vicksburg<br />

September 2 7:00 pm Away Canton<br />

September 9 7:00 pm Home Warren Central<br />

September 16 7:00 pm Away Gulfport<br />

September 23 7:00 pm Home Clinton<br />

September 30 7:00 pm Home Murrah<br />

October 7 7:00 pm Away Oxford<br />

October 14 7:00 pm Home Grenada<br />

October 21 7:00 pm Away Madison Central<br />

October 28 7:00 pm Home Starkville<br />

November 4 7:00 pm Away Tupelo<br />

Hometown MADISON • 89


90 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Leaving<br />

Their Mark<br />

Lt. Col. J.D. Harrill USMC (Ret)<br />

The Germantown High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve<br />

Officers Training Corps (MCJROTC) is one of the top programs in<br />

the nation. Each year, its cadets are awarded ROTC scholarships to<br />

America’s top colleges valued at over $180,000 dollars and has<br />

countless cadets enlist in the military to serve something higher<br />

than themselves. The program has consistently placed in the top<br />

of the state in physical fitness and placed number one in the<br />

Mississippi State Athletic Championship for two consecutive years.<br />

Its drill and color guard teams also place nationally and are regional<br />

champions.<br />

The rifle/shooting team consistently competes at the national<br />

championship and is one of the top two rifle teams in the state.<br />

The MCJROTC programs seeks to develop youth mentally, morally,<br />

and physically, arming each cadet with the tools to excel in<br />

whatever they choose to do in life.<br />

Two senior cadets that deserve special recognition are Captains<br />

Charli White and Emma Reno. Their dedication and leadership to the<br />

program have taken it to the next level and materially contributed<br />

to the Germantown MCJROTC being awarded a National Honor<br />

School (the highest recognition a school can receive). Both<br />

Emma and Charli were invaluable members of the rifle team,<br />

state championship physical fitness team, and regional champion<br />

drill team.<br />

As members of the rifle team, they were invited to attend the<br />

Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) shooting camp and were<br />

personally mentored by Olympians and Division I college shooters.<br />

Emma and Charli are two of the top shooters in the state and<br />

qualified in the top ten at-large in the nation for the CMP Marine<br />

Corps National Championship in Phoenix, Arizona, and the national<br />

championship at Camp Perry, Ohio. They both were awarded the<br />

Silver Distinguished Shooter Badge from CMP.<br />

Emma will attend college pursuing a nursing degree while<br />

simultaneously serving in the Air National Guard, while Charli will<br />

attend Mississippi State pursing a degree in animal and diary<br />

science. They earned scholarships from the Civilian Marksmanship<br />

Program, JROTC leadership scholarships, and a host of other<br />

scholarships based on their academic achievement.<br />

Congratulations, Emma and Charli!<br />

Hometown MADISON • 91


92 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Hometown MADISON • 93


The CHALKBOARD Madison Schools<br />

Madison Central<br />

Student Government Association<br />

Executive Officers<br />

L-R: Nataleigh Nix (treasurer),<br />

Elizabeth Delaney (vice president),<br />

Aiden Allen and Bryman Williams (presidents),<br />

Genna Ishee (vice president),<br />

Kinsley Wilson (secretary).<br />

Student Government Association<br />

Senior Class Officers<br />

Front L-R: Casey Pierce (secretary), Elizabeth Delaney<br />

(executive vice president), Aiden Allen and<br />

Bryman Williams (executive presidents),<br />

Genna Ishee (executive vice president), Kinsley Wilson<br />

(executive secretary), Adam Maatallah (representative).<br />

Back L-R: Ava Dear (vice president), Cassie Howell<br />

(treasurer), Kate Fairburn (representative),<br />

Aiden Usry (representative), Alexa Ainsworth (president),<br />

Sam Storm (representative), and Josh Maatallah<br />

(representative), Vic Sutton (representative) not pictured.<br />

Student Government Association<br />

Junior Class Officers<br />

Front L-R: Reed Casio (secretary),<br />

Kyra Davis (treasurer), Harry Singh (president),<br />

Max Zuluaga (vice president).<br />

Back L-R: George Tickner (representative),<br />

John Griffin (representative), Brook Bumgarner<br />

(representative), Nataleigh Nix (executive treasurer),<br />

Reese Moseley (representative), Avery Johnston<br />

(representative), Katie Grace Barbour<br />

(representative) not pictured.<br />

Student Government Association<br />

Sophomore Class Officers<br />

Front L-R: Lauren Heffington (secretary),<br />

Betsy Ball (treasurer), Pearl Magee (president),<br />

Dylan Thomas (vice president).<br />

Back L-R: representatives Ella Trowbridge,<br />

Ree Berthelot, Claire McNeese, Mary Katherine<br />

McIntyre, Lola Williams. Taylor Richards<br />

(representative) not pictured.<br />

94 • SEPTEMBER 2022


Yearbook Financial Staff<br />

Front L-R: Truitt Mayhue, Elizabeth Delaney, Olivia Stevens<br />

(business manager), Genna Ishee (business manager),<br />

Kate Fairburn (business manager), Olivia Davidson.<br />

Middle L-R: Reed Cascio, George Tickner, Brooke Bumgarner,<br />

Callie Nation, Elle Sandifer, Sara Powell Taylor, Lauralee<br />

Hetzel, Mae Mae Davis, Avery Johnston, Ty Miller,<br />

Cole Flesher.<br />

Back L-R: Gavin Parrow, Claire Thomas, Nora Bates,<br />

Mivie Barrett, Bailey Donahue, Rivers Biggs, Neily Claire<br />

Collums, Warren Hutchinson.<br />

Yearbook Production Staff<br />

Front L-R: editors Olivia Heard, Elizabeth Walters,<br />

Audrey Jenkins.<br />

Middle L-R: Rebecca Warren, Landry Gates, Fancier Shi,<br />

Angel Kaur, Izzy Goddard, Lucy Hawk, Anna Edgar, Sarah<br />

Corley, Rachael Carpenter, Rhyin Singleton.<br />

Back L-R: Southern Callahan, Hannah Davis, Lola Williams,<br />

Ella Trowbridge, Lillian Heard, Brooke Fairfield.<br />

Newspaper Staff<br />

Front L-R: James Phillips, Avery Holland, editor Anna Kimbrell,<br />

Lohen Romero, Jenny Nguyen.<br />

Back L-R: copy editor Hannah Schossler, editor Caroline King,<br />

social media manager Allie Hurt, business manager<br />

Meredith Morrow, Brittan McFadden, Dylan Thomas.<br />

Hometown MADISON • 95


96 • SEPTEMBER 2022


COMING SOON<br />

TO CALHOUN PARKWAY<br />

The newest location of PriorityOne Bank will be a full-service retail banking and lending establishment<br />

featuring three drive-thru lanes, a commercial deposit lane, and an Interactive Teller Machine.<br />

www.priorityonebank.com<br />

Hometown MADISON • 97


TheTime COIN<br />

Camille Anding<br />

“Have you always been a walker?” the technician<br />

asked as he turned off the treadmill.<br />

Obviously just completing the stress test and still standing was an accomplishment for my age.<br />

The question followed me out of the waiting room and into my vehicle. Always a walker??<br />

Yes, perhaps I have been. I walked miles of trails through my childhood home place and<br />

declared my walk to the school bus the furthest of any of my friends. It was a terribly long walk<br />

to begin the school day but a joyful run when I headed home.<br />

Walking down a cotton row that has a beginning with no end is a perspiring walk. Add a hoe or<br />

a cotton sack and whoa Nelly! I’m just grateful those walks were short-lived during my teen years.<br />

I was always a walker on the Ole Miss campus. My part time job at the infirmary<br />

was at the extreme west end of the campus. Some of my classes were across the<br />

bridge to the education department on the extreme east end of the campus.<br />

Did I walk? Yes and with a load of books in my arms. I studied for part of my degree<br />

and walked for the other part!<br />

One of my most memorable walks was down the aisle of my home church,<br />

heading to my future spouse standing next to my pastor. It wasn’t a long walk, but<br />

it was an endless walk of commitment to our marriage.<br />

Little did I know that my walking was just beginning. Together we walked<br />

colicky babies and babies that wanted holding instead of their cribs. We walked to<br />

athletic fields, up bleachers, down bleachers, to gymnasiums, and to stadiums.<br />

I walked the floor with eyes on the driveway and ears listening for that teenager’s<br />

car that would slow down on the highway and turn up the drive. There were miles<br />

of walking down grocery aisles, through malls on shopping sprees and on mountain<br />

vacation trails.<br />

There were thrilling walks down hospital corridors to the nursery window to see brand<br />

new grandbabies. Now the walks follow similar paths of repeat activities and sports, following<br />

the grands.<br />

Walker? Yes, but none of us can determine how many steps remain in our walk. That’s why<br />

we walkers through life need to stay on God’s path that’s absolutely headed in the right direction.<br />

98 • SEPTEMBER 2022


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