Just Among Friends
Spring is the season for music students to show how much they have learned during a year of lessons and practice. Mrs. Sue Lewis, an experienced music teacher, presented her students in two recitals.
The first recital was the Senior Recital on April 25 at Holy Cross Catholic Church presenting Emma Taylor and Mary Kate Moran who are graduating seniors at Philadelphia High School and Neshoba Central respectively. Both girls have taken lessons for several years from Mrs. Lewis. Emma performed selections from her repertoire of vocal music which showcased her lovely voice. Mary Kate displayed her special talent playing several compositions on the piano. It was a fun, relaxed recital which the girls enjoyed. A reception for family and friends who attended was held afterward in the parish hall.
A second recital was held on the first of May at the First Baptist Church which included all of Mrs. Lewis’s students. It was also an informal event in which the students performed for their audience of family and friends. Awards and certificates were given by Mrs. Lewis along with several gold cups for those who accumulated 15 points. It was a beautiful day for the recital and there was a large audience..
Participants were: Layla Loper, Ava Byars, Reese McKay, Caroline Lee, Maggie Taylor, Taylor Allen, Hob Carlton, Kia Stanton, Ben Weir, Anna Beth Kilgore, Lily Hicks, Kamryn Kabore, Peyton Dean, Wes LeBlanc, and Charlie Moran.
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Holy Cross Catholic Church held a Baccalaureate Service for its graduates during mass on Sunday morning. It was particularly special because Father Augustine, our former priest who had been part of their lives for several years, celebrated the mass in the absence of Father Darnis. The seniors performed all of the lay leader parts of the service and Father A delivered a great homily which also generated a few laughs. Emma Taylor sang “How Great Thou Art” in her beautiful voice. Her sister, Maggie sang the “Ave Maria” which was also lovely. The congregation enjoyed both hymns.
Emily Moran, who had taught these students in the CCD classes for many years, read each senior’s name and a brief bio. A reception was held in the parish hall following the service where guests enjoyed a delightful variety of delectable foods. They also viewed each senior's memorabilia table which was so interesting and colorful.
The seniors are: Emily Berry, Sofia Euyoque, Aaron Le, Mary Kate Moran, Anh Nguyen, and Emma Taylor. Congratulations and best wishes to each of them.
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The invitation read “Join us for a Porch Party at Gigi’s honoring Emma Taylor & Mary Kate Moran on Saturday, May 15 at 4:00.” Guests were asked to wear their favorite decorated hats for a hat contest.
“Gigi” is Regina Hicks who is Mary Kate Moran’s grandmother and was one of the hostesses for the occasion. Laura Gipson Kilpatrick, Emma’s grandmother, and Ann Stubbs, the aunt of both girls were co-hostesses.
Red and white cloths in different patterns covered tables on the spacious porch. Centerpieces of colorful flowers in straw hats with a sign decorated with a black mortarboard above the words, “Congrats Grad.” Each place was marked by a candy filled jar with a mortarboard lid and a quote from Dr. Seuss’s book, “Oh, The Places You'll Go,” printed on a souvenir place card which said,
“You’re going great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting…so get on your way!”
Refreshments were served from a Nacho Bar, an Ice Cream and Cookie table, and a S’Mores station for making their own. The cookies were shaped like women’s hats complete with tiny flowers on the brim. Emily Berry won first prize for Best Hat and Runner-Up was Mary Kate Moran. The guests wore numbers on their hats and everyone voted by paper ballots for the winners. Everyone seemed to enjoy being together on such a happy occasion.
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Evie Fortenberry set a new AR record at Neshoba Central Elementary School this year. This fifth grader ended her school year with a grand total of 962.6 Accelerated Reader points! This was the highest in NCES history.
Her fifth grade teachers treated her to a steak lunch from Ronnie's Steak and Grill. Her teachers are Mandy Coghlan, Robin McClellan, Crystal McKinney, and Tena Reynolds. I think it is safe to say that Evie enjoyed her lunch!
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The congregation of First United Methodist Church celebrated the baptism of little Scarlett Day Vowell on May 16 administered by the Rev. Chris Young. Scarlett looked angelic in a beautiful white dress and shoes. She seemed happy to meet the congregation when she was introduced by the pastor with her family.
Scarlett’s grandparents are Bill and Janice Griffin and David and Brenda Vowell. Her parents are Craig and Melody Vowell. Her big sister, Mary Laurence, was present during the ceremony and her late brother Wyatt was present in memory.
After church, the family ate lunch together at a local restaurant before attending Janice Griffin’s art show in Newton with works by her art students. Mary Laurence had several of her paintings on display. It was a wonderful day for the family!
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Congratulations to Steve and Jenny Lynn Wilkerson who celebrated their 42nd Wedding Anniversary on May 19. They are one of our favorite couples!