Just Among Friends
Congratulations to Neshoba County High School Junior Ty Martin for being selected to attend the United States Senate Page School in Washington, D. C. He was one of 30 students who were selected nationwide and the only one from the state of Mississippi. He will return to NCHS in the fall of 2022.
This is a prestigious honor not only for him, but also for NCHS, Neshoba County, and Mississippi.
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Mary Poppins came to life onstage recently in Oakhurst Baptist Church when the Decatur Community Players presented the musical, "Mary Poppins." The lead was played by Sofie Satterfield. This was her 9th show with the group which is an active part of the community in Decatur, Georgia.
Sofie is a talented young person who has performed in various genres of the performing arts. She did a fabulous job in this latest show in which she danced, sang, and spoke as Mary Poppins who is her" absolute favorite character of all time and was so excited to play her", according to her mother, Sarah Satterfield.
Her proud Philadelphia grandparents, Bob and Lynn Holland Benson were in the audience and were thrilled with Sofie's performance, as always. They are her number one fans after her mother. Congratulations!
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Fifty-four years ago on December 16th, St. Peter's Catholic Church in Bassfield, Mississippi was the setting for the marriage of James and Jo Beth Clark McGilbra. They have been residents of Philadelphia for many of those years. They are now retired and enjoy spending time with their grandsons. Jo Beth grows beautiful flowers and is an avid gardener. Congratulations!
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The University of Southern Mississippi awarded a Masters Degree of Education, CALT to Gabi Sparnecht during graduation ceremonies on December 9th on the Hattiesburg campus
This advanced degree was the culmination of much hard work while teaching at Philadelphia Elementary School. She is excited to live out her dream with her students and grateful to her parents and those who supported her during this time. Her parents, Ron and Juan Burt Sparmect, and her extended Philadelphia family are so very proud of her. Congratulations!
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Grace Dabbs is now a graduate of Samford University in Homewood, Alabama! She earned a Bachelor of Science degree and plans to pursue an advanced degree at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
Christy Elise Comby received her diploma from the University of Southern Mississippi. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensics.
After three years of study, Ally Loper Brantley was awarded a Doctor of Nursing from USM's Nurse Anesthesia program.
Kelsey Moore is another recent graduate of USM with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She will prepare to take the exam for certification.
Congratulations to each of these new graduates and best wishes for the future!
Heyley Holland graduated from Mississippi State Univesity Starkville campus. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
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A salad luncheon and gift exchange was part of the Christmas bridge party given by Susan Windham at their farmhouse on December 16.
The farmhouse was beautifully decorated for the season with a gigantic Christmas tree that reached all of the way to the top of the high ceiling in the downstairs den. A lighted garland of greenery accented the fireplace mantle. There were festive touches and candles placed all over.
Two rounds of bridge were played before guests sat down for lunch at a charming table with a centerpiece of grapevine trees woven with lights and surrounded with greenery. Each person brought a different kind of salad with red velvet cake for dessert provided by Susan. A "Dirty Santa" gift exchange organized by Jan Cooper brought laughter and smiles. A final round of bridge concluded the fun day.
Those attending in addition to Susan Windham were Jan Cooper, Susan King, Ellen Kilgore, Marianne Enochs, and June Nowell. Guests were Nancy Williams and Linda Pair.
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I wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. God bless those who mourn and prayers for comfort.