Just Among Friends

Neshoba Central Rocket fans were excited to see Jarquez Hunter on the sidelines at Rocket Field during the October 22 football game. He was home from Auburn for a visit and decided to attend the game.

He graciously signed many towels and footballs for his young fans who were excited to see him in person. It meant so much to them. Jarquez is a freshman at Auburn University where he received a football scholarship and plays for the Auburn Tigers. He is a 2021 graduate of Neshoba Central High School where he was an outstanding member of the Rockets football team. Jarquez is not only an excellent athlete, but also a fine young man. His proud mother is Kenyatta Ragsdale.

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Callie Prince has a single which is making the rounds in Nashville and on the country music stations all over. She composed "Fallin' Out" in about 45 minutes while sitting on a couch in her apartment. She wasn't sure it was a good song since she had written by herself, so she sent it to one of her friends who listened and thought it was amazing! She kept playing it out over and over and always got good reactions

She was interviewed by Jamie Shoemaker for an article in "UPStar" which tells about her inspiration for writing the song as well as interesting background about Callie whom he believes is a very talented young rising star in the Nashville scene.   

"Fallin' Out" was written by Callie and produced by Daniel Dennis who also has ties to Philadelphia. He is married to Madison Hardy Dennis formerly of our city Callie's mother, Jennifer Henson Prince was one very proud mother to read about her daughter. Congratulations!

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Former Philly resident and Tornado football team member, Isaiah Autry, received an invitation from NBC Sports to the 2022 National Combine-All American Bowl in January. The All American Bowl will be Thursday, January 6th, to Saturday, January 8th in the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, Texas. 

Isaiah currently resides in Tupelo where he is a junior at Tupelo Christian Preparatory School. He is a member of the school football team after moving to Tupelo with his parents, Marcus and Pashen Thompson Dent, Sr. His grandmother, Ruby Jean Thompson Brazzle, resides in Philadelphia. His family is so very excited and thankful for Isaiah's honor.  Congratulations!

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The Grand Hotel Resort is the last stopping place for thousands of Monarch butterflies in their annual migration to Mexico for the winter. The butterflies began arriving the fourth week in October where they delighted the visitors at the hotel. Among those who admired the butterflies were Shirley Cox and her daughters, Carla Cox Martin and Terri Cox McCarver who spent the weekend at The Grand in Fairhope, Alabama on Mobile Bay. They were interested to learn about the colorful butterflies that were fluttering through the beautiful gardens and resting on the gorgeous flowers that were everywhere. 

It was a relaxing getaway for the three who enjoyed dinner at the Hope Farm where they shared a charcuterie board with flatbread and a luscious chocolate cake for dessert. They listened to live music from a trio, two who sang and played guitars and one who accompanied them on the Dhaka drum. The atmosphere was awesome, according to Carla. Breakfast in the Grand Hall was a sumptuous spread of traditional breakfast fare including an omelet station. They sauntered around the area and admired old homes that bordered the Bay. There was activity everywhere with people taking part in the many amenities offered. Shopping uptown was fun with lunch at the Dragonfly Food Bar.   

Apparently The Grand Hotel was once a hospital for wounded Confederate soldiers from the Battle of Vicksburg during the Civil War. It was an interesting bit of history. Today the hotel is an imposing building with beautifully landscaped grounds. There are rooms with balconies overlooking Mobile Bay with rocking chairs so guests can sit and enjoy the view. Carla said their room was one of these and it was wonderful. It was a nice break for Shirley. Tommy Cox came and visited with his dad, Tom Cox, while the girls were away.  

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The Brian Berry family recently welcomed their son, Ross Berry, who came home from Spangdahlem, Germany where he is stationed with the United States Air Force. Since it was his first trip home for several months, the family was beyond happy to see him. He graduated from Basic Training and was assigned to the base in Germany.

Everyone enjoyed visiting and listening to his experiences and hearing about his travels in Europe. Tiffany Berry, his sister, was married to Rian Engle in Picayune at the Henry Smith House during his visit. It was a lovely wedding with many family members and friends attending. One very special guest was Emily Berry who attended as a life sized cutout in her sailor uniform! Since she could not come in person from California where she is stationed with the United States Navy, she came as a perfect life sized cutout. It was amazing! There were many pictures taken with her replica.

All too soon it was time for Ross to leave for another part of his trip to visit more family and friends. His parents took him to the airport in New Orleans to continue his journey. They are looking forward to his next visit.

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The October Philadelphia Elementary School Teacher Feature is Sonya Smith.  She was featured for an awesome job well done during the month of October.  Thank you to Mattie Hudson from State Farm for donating a McAlister's Gift Card to the Feature Teacher.  Congratulations!!