Just Among Friends
Neshoba Central Elementary School recently announced the 2022-20223 Mr. and Miss NCES. Jax Allan Lovern and Leilani Faulkner are fifth graders who were chosen for this honor by their peers for displaying positive behavior and characteristics that reflect what it means to be a ROCKET.
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Southern Mississippi Polymer Science & Engineering PhD. Grad student, Aynslie Fritz, led Sonya Smith's class in Philadelphia through a virtual lesson on the phases of matter-the famous "root beer float lesson"-as part of the STEM on Demand Program.
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This year the 54th Annual Trees of Christmas Tours at Merrehope added something special to the tours. Not only are the gorgeously decorated trees on display, but several beautiful young ladies were part of the show.
Philadelphia's Landry Payne, Miss New South, was at the "All is Bright" tree decorated by Al's Garden & Gifts; Cameron Davis. Miss Mississippi's Outstanding Teen - at the Merrehope Tree decorated by the Time & Tide Club; Lydia Bishop, Miss Meridian - at the "Chim Chimney" tree decorated by World of Flowers and gifts; Nealy Gilmore, Miss Lauderdale County Hospitality - at the "Whimsical Christmas tree" decorated by Wilson Lovett. As usual, Landry presented a stunning appearance!
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Ballet Magnificat presented its annual Christmas show, "Most Incredible Christmas", at the Temple Theater in Meridian on November 22.
Several students from Ms Tina's Dance Studio were part of the performances in the show. She coordinated and organized the local dancers, using the "older girls" to help the younger ones prepare for their stage debut with makeup and final touches to costumes. The parents in the audience were thrilled to see their children dance in such a professional setting.
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Philadelphia High School Tornado Alums, Kadarius Calloway and Jatarian Hudson, who are now Lions at East Mississippi Community College, won the MACCC Championship. Congratulations!
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November, 2022 Student of the Month at Neshoba Central High School is Anna Kaye Bennett. Anna Kaye is an 11th grader who is very involved in school activities. Her proud parents are Michael and Trish Rickles Bennett. Congratulations!
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Phillly's own former Tornado, Lideatrick "Tulu" Griffin was named to the 1st team PFF All-SEC. He is now an MSU Bulldog who has made outstanding contributions to the games played by the "Dawgs".
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For the last 5 years I have had a very special reason to be thankful on Thanksgiving. My husband, Romily, was taken to Neshoba General Hospital on November 10, 2017. He was transferred to Rush in Meridian for care by specialists. While in ICU, he stopped breathing. He was put on life support and in a medically induced coma.
He was not given much of a chance to live, but after much care by doctors and nurses and many, many prayers from so many of you, he finally came home on February 15, 2018, I call him my "Miracle" for indeed he was knocking at death's door. The overwhelming amount of prayers for his recovery and his fighting spirit prevailed. I am incredibly thankful each day that we wake up to another day together! God is good!
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On December 2, 2022, Grace McKinley Sanders fulfilled her dream of being a nurse and graduated from the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing in Jackson. Grace previously graduated from Belhaven University in December of 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine and worked in the field of physical therapy for a year. Grace accepted a job offer at the University of Mississippi Medical Center prior to graduation as a nurse on the orthopedic floor as a nurse.
In attendance at her Pinning Ceremony to support her were her parents Dave and Candace Sanders, brother Trey Sanders, grandparents David and Priscilla Sanders all of Philadelphia, MS. Grandparents Mike and Teresa Cochran of Petal, MS.
Grace currently lives in Jackson, where she will continue to live and work.