Just Among Friends

Jenna Daly, the daughter of Dr. Shay and Ann Daly, was recently inducted into the Jackson Academy Chapter of the National Honor Society.  Membership in this national organization is highly valued by high school students throughout the United States and outlying U.S. territories.  Membership is based on scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Philadelphia grandparents are Pat and Jo Helen Daly. Congratulations!

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A three-day weekend trip to Arlington, Texas, to celebrate Isaac McKay's second birthday with family turned into nine days for Don and Sharon McKay! They were stranded in the iconic ice storm which affected so much of the country. Mollie Clair McKay Johnson, Samuel, and Susan McKay were fortunate to get a flight out on Tuesday, but since Sharon and Don had driven, they were icebound.

Of course, Don and Sharon had a blast spending time with their family. Fletcher and Isaac helped Sharon make lots of biscuits and tea cakes. Fletcher is the original biscuit boy in the family who likes to roll, cut out, and eat biscuit dough with his grandmother, Sharon.

The highways cleared enough so the McKays could return to Philadelphia on the 21st of February. It was such a memorable trip!

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The Neshoba Central Kindergarten classes recognized Class Favorites for the 2020-2021school year. These students were selected by their homeroom classmates. There are 11 kindergarten classes at Neshoba Central

These students and their teachers are as follows: Mrs. Lovern's Frogs-Madalyn King & Jasper Commans; Mrs. Fowler's Bears-Harper Stovall & Jake Cole Prewitt; Mrs. Vowell's Caterpillars-Elin Cumberland & Caleb Pullin; Mrs. Barrett's Giraffes-Sarah Spears & Jase Stovall; Mrs. Posey's Friendly Frogs- Miles Owen & Kellan Posey; Mrs. Cole's Lions-Ashlynn King & Jace Pankey; Mrs. Hill's Tigers-Ali Boyd & Jace Giles; Mrs. Griffis's Flamingos-Kysn Williams & Ethan Adams; Mrs. Neese's Zebras-Heidi May & Jennings Darbonne; Mrs. Fortenberry's Owls-Lakelyn Boler & Jesse Bond; Mrs. Ridout's Alligators-Maddie Blackburn & Reid Thames. A picture of the entire group will appear in the Rockets yearbook.

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During last Monday night's Rockets basketball game, Mrs. Robin McClellan's fifth grade students performed the National Anthem in sign language for the fascinated audience. Her daughter, Burgin McClellan, a student at Ole Miss, has been signing during sports events on campus for the past two years.  She taught her mother and some of her students to sign.  They were excellent students and learned it quickly. American Sign Language is a nationally recognized method of communication for the deaf and hard of hearing who have learned its signs.

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The Diamond Elite Black11 U youth baseball team played in their first tournament recently in Magee It was the Snowball Classic and a beautiful day for baseball.

The Diamond Elite team won! Hutt Rushing received the game ball for Hitting and his best buddy and teammate, Jacob Isaac, received one for Pitching! It was a great beginning to the season which begins soon. Congratulations!  Hutt's parents are TJ and Jill Dansby Rushing. His proud Philadelphia grandparents are Steve and Deena Dansby.

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Strange Brew Coffeehouse in Starkville recently received the 2020 R. Clay Simmons Exemplary Enterprise Award.  Owned and operated by Shane Reed and his wife, Kaitlyn Reed, the award "recognizes a business that has made outstanding contributions to the community through civic involvement, educational advancement, and has demonstrated superior business practices."  

A second Strange Brew Coffeehouse opened last year in Tupelo which seems to be doing very well. Shane is a graduate of Philadelphia High School and Mississippi State University. He and his wife are the parents of two daughters, Brighton and Miriam who love to visit Strange Brew for its tasty pastries and hot chocolate. Shane is the son of Woody and Lisa Reed of Philadelphia.  Congratulations!