The Pony Express The student newspaper of Center Hill High School
May 2019
Center Hill High School
Volume 2, Issue 6
Class of 2019
Lindsey, Penfield lead as graduates of distinction By Sarah Claire Miller Staff Writer
At Senior Awards night April 30, the Hall of Fame and Top 20 students were announced. Hailey Ellis was named Miss CHHS and J.D. Wilson-Harmon was named Mr. CHHS. Leading the graduates of distinction are Mary Lindsey, the valedictorian for the Class of 2019, and salutatorian Abigail Penfield. In addition to Ellis, Lindsey, Penfield and Wilson-Harmon, seniors named to the Hall of Fame are Yana Emer, Hannah Ewing, Jonathan Greganti, Tanika Kounhavong, Lise Larsen, Caley Paulino and Randi Terry. Counselor Danielle Brown said the Class of 2019 earned approximately $10.5 million in scholarship offers. The Top 20 includes: 1. Mary Lindsey 2. Abigail Penfield 3. Yana Emer 4. Lise Larsen 5. Zoe Kinggard 6. Tanika Kounhavong 7. Landry Smith 8. Jake Rodgers 9. Randi Terry 10. Daniel Xu 11. Hannah Ewing 12. Hailey Ellis 13. Andrew Clifton 14. Kaylan Morris 15. Jonathan Masters Jr. 16. Grace Eskridge 17. LaVincia Lakes 18. Eduardo Espinoza 19. Kayman Wachter 20. Emily Merz See more photos, page 2
Photo courtesy of Roben Nobles/CHHS Yearbook Eleven seniors were named to the Hall of Fame. They include, front row from left, Hannah Ewing, Caley Paulino, Abigail Penfield and Tanika Kounhavong. On the second row from left are Lise Larsen, Mary Lindsey, Randi Terry and Hailey Ellis. On the back row from left are Jonathan Greganti, Yana Emer and J.D. Wilson-Harmon.
200 attend College Signing Day By Paige Brick Staff Writer
Representatives from six colleges and universities were on hand May 3 for Center Hill High School’s second annual College Signing Day. “The purpose of this is to recognize our college-bound students,” counselor Danielle Brown said. “We are so proud of these seniors and their commitment to continuing their education after they leave us.” Brown said approximately 200 seniors attended the event.
“Not all of them are going to college, but the majority of them are continuing their education either through the military, work program, or technical school,” she said. “We had Northwest Community College, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Southern Miss, Memphis, and Delta State.” Tanika Kounhavong will be a Memphis Tiger. “I wanted to be close to family,” said Kounhavong, who will major in pharmacy. Jonathan Tate wants to attend Northwest after graduation.
“College Signing Day was very helpful,” Tate said. “I got the chance to talk to a representative of Northwest and it gave me a better insight. I plan on majoring in information technology and they gave me information about their IT program.” William Wright added that the event was an opportunity for “bonding between seniors.” He will attend Mississippi State University and major in kinesiology. “I was born being an MSU fan,” Wright said.
Photo by Paige Brick After their May 24 graduation from Center Hill High School, Gabbie Collins, left, and Nuriel Perkins will attend the University of Southern Mississippi.
More than a Manager
Anthony ‘Moose’ Edwards earns Northwest scholarship By Nada Herzallah Staff Writer Anthony “Moose” Edwards, who has spent four years as a manager for the Center Hill High School boys basketball team, will now be a manager at the college level. “He just got a scholarship offer to Northwest Mississippi Community College, and he’s going to continue on being a manager for their basketball program,” Mustangs head coach Newton Mealer said. As one of four basketball managers, Edwards’ job is to aid the team. “Whatever they need I provide,” he said. “I take off some of the coaches’ workload and just help out. Without us, they wouldn’t even be able to function on the court.” That’s true, said Mealer, who explained that Edwards is probably the most important part of the team. “He does everything from washing game uniforms, washing practice uniforms, sweeping the floor, taking care of our practice plans, doing the clock during practice, getting things on and off the bus, filming, stats,” Mealer said. “You name it, he’s done it in his four years. Not one time has he ever complained.” Mealer, calling Edwards “a great kid from a great family,” said he recruited him as a manager because he was suited to the task. “His personality just seemed like it would fit for what we were doing as a team,” Mealer said. “Our program is all about brotherhood, and I
Senior Shout-Outs
To: Courtney Craine From: Coach JJ Downs Good luck in college. Thank you for everything and never forget you are a Mustang.
To: Valerie Dailey From: Coach JJ Downs Good luck in college. Thank you for helping to build a State Championship Track Team here at the Hill. You are more than a State Champion in track you are a champion for life. One of the best hurdlers in school history. Remember we are 2018 5A State Champs for life because of you. To: Kaylen Johnson From: Coach JJ Downs Good luck in college. Thank you for helping to build a State Championship Track Team here at the Hill. You are more than a State Champion in track you are a champion for life. Best sprinter and lead off relay leg in school history. Remember we are 2018 5A State Champs for life because of you. To: Kyla Johnson From: Coach JJ Downs Good Luck in college. Thank you for helping to build a State Championship Track Team here at the Hill. Never forget you are a champion in not only track but life. Best relay anchor leg in school history. Remember we are 2018 5A State Champs for life because of you.
Photo by Nancy Toche As one of four managers for the boys basketball team, Anthony “Moose” Edwards does everything from washing game and practice uniforms to sweeping the floor, running the clock during practice and keeping stats.
needed to find the right person to help us. His character and the way he presented himself made me want to do that.” Junior Decorian Payton, a center for the Mustangs, said Edwards is part of the team and they enjoy being around him. “He always puts us in a good mood,” Payton said. “I feel like he is more than a manager. He’s a part of this. Really, every time we hang out with Moose it’s like a special moment, because we are always
laughing and joking around with him.” Landon Armstrong, a freshman guard on the JV team, also shared his favorite story about Edwards. “One time it was just a hard day for him, when his mom was diagnosed with cancer, and he still came and he just did so much for us like getting us water without us asking and just cleaning up the court and everything,” Armstrong said. “He’s the best.”
To Kyndall Jones From: Coach JJ Downs Good luck in college. Thank you for helping to build a State Championship Track Team here at the Hill. You left your mark on the program as on of the best discus thrower in school history and we would not have been successful without you. Remember we are 2018 5A State Champs for life because of you. To: Raya Pack From: Coach JJ Downs Good luck in college. Thank you for everything. I am forever grateful for all that you have done to help build the track program into what it is today. We could not have reached our success without you. Remember we are 2018 5A State Champs for life because of you. To: Abigail Penfield From: Coach JJ Downs Good luck in college. Thank you for helping to build a State Championship Track Team here at the Hill. You are more than a State Champion in track you are a champion for life. One of the best distance runners in school history. To: Dinah Pryor From: Coach JJ Downs Good luck in college. Thank you for helping to build a State Championship Track Team here at the Hill. I am so proud of you. Your impact on the throws crew and the team in priceless. Remember we are 2018
5A State Champs for life because of you. To: Faith Williams From: Coach JJ Downs Good luck in college. Thank you for helping to build a State Championship Track Team here at the Hill. You are more than a State Champion in track you are a champion for life. Best third leg/curve runner in school history. Remember we are 2018 5A State Champs for life because of you. To: Jada Young From: Coach JJ Downs Good luck in college. Thank you for everything this year. Your hard work, great attitude and teamwork is so appreciated. I am so glad you came out for senior year. We could not have succeeded without you. To: Justin Buckingham From: Coach JJ Downs Good luck in college. Thank you for everything this year. I am so very proud of you and the success you had this year. You helped the track team make one more step toward our goals and left your mark that will never be forgotten. To: Matthew Burrow From: Coach JJ Downs Good luck in college. Thank you for everything. Never forget you are a Mustang. To: Michael Cole From: Coach JJ Downs Good luck in the Army. You take care of yourself and remember I am always here for you. I am so very proud of you and how far you have come. Thank you for everything. To: Daverick Hardin From: Coach JJ Downs Good luck in college. Thank you for everything this year. I am so very happy and proud of you and the success you had this year. What a way to finish your senior year off with a great track season. To: Spencer McElveen From: Coach JJ Downs Good luck in college. Thank you for everything this year. I will never forget all the fun times we shared and great memories. To: Lee Sanders From: Coach JJ Downs Good luck in college. Thank you for everything. Thank you for helping to build a State Championship Track Team here at the Hill. You are more than a State Champion in track you are a champion for life. State champ in the pole vault and first one in school history what a way to end your career. To: Venquez Smith From: Coach JJ Downs Good luck in college. Thank you for everything. I am so very proud and happy for you. Thank you for always being at your best when we needed you the most. We could not have achieved the success we have without you. To: Domonique Taylor From: Coach JJ Downs Good luck in college. Thank you for everything this year. So glad you came out your senior year. Your hard work and dedication paid off for you and the team. We would not have been successful without you. Never forget you are a Mustang. To: Terrell Willis From: Coach JJ Downs Good luck in college. Thank you for everything. I am so very proud of you and how far you have come. This year was awesome for you and the team. Way to run with the heart of a Mustang. We would not have achieve all our success without you.
Photos courtesy of Roben Nobles/CHHS Yearbook In photo at far left, Mary Lindsey and Abigail Penfield are the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the Class of 2019. At right, J.D. Wilson-Harmon was named Mr. CHHS during the April 30 Senior Awards. Hailey Ellis was named Miss CHHS.
The Pony Express Emily Merz Editor-in-Chief Ginny Shikle and Michelle Jones Advisers Doug Payne Principal
The purpose of The Pony Express is to inform the students and faculty of Center Hill High School of events and issues that affect them. The Pony Express is an after-school club that is supplemented by students in the Foundations of Journalism class. As student writers, we try to reflect the thoughts of our most important readers – the students of Center Hill. Because of this, we attempt to approach many issues, some more controversial than others. The newspaper staff hopes to inform, to educate, to entertain and to question for the betterment of Center Hill, its students and faculty.
To: Jadarius Wilson From: Coach JJ Downs Good luck in college. Thank you for everything. Thank you for helping to build a State Championship Track Team here at the Hill. Your positive attitude on the team was amazing and all the success we have had from not only the team but from the throws crew is because of you. You have left a legacy that will never be forgotten.
All opinion pieces are the views of the individual writer, with the exception of staff editorials, which are unsigned and reflect the consensus of The Pony Express staff. The Pony Express is a member of the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association, which named our publication Most Improved High School Newspaper for 2017-2018, and the Southern Interscholastic Press Association. To advertise, contact Ginny Shikle at ginny. shikle@dcsms.org. Submit questions, comments and letters to the editor to ponyexpresschhs@gmail.com.
#ginnystrong
Staff supports teacher during chemotherapy By Kymoria Mottley Staff Writer
The staff at Center Hill High School came together April 18 to support a fellow teacher, Ginny Shikle, who has lost her hair while battling breast cancer. The Mustang family surprised Shikle by wearing head scarves, hats, chemo beanies, and pink for breast cancer awareness. “We’re wearing this in honor of Mrs. Shikle,” said head boys basketball coach Newton Mealer, who along with assistant coach Josh Barnett wore pink T-shirts that day. “She has done a lot for my program. I made sure we wore pink today to show the support and love.” Some faculty members even wanted to go a step further to show how they feel. “We had somebody who wanted to completely shave their head,” said dual credit psychology and Tech Foundations teacher Jessica Burgess, who organized the special celebration in Shikle’s honor. “This is our way of showing that we’re all there for her. She is an amazing lady. You don’t often see someone who goes through what she does and is still smiling.” Shikle, who teaches English and journalism, was diagnosed in December with invasive lobular breast cancer. She underwent a partial mastectomy in January
and is currently receiving chemotherapy, which first caused her to lose her hair in April. Her treatments will also include radiation this summer. “My diagnosis was such a scary moment in my life, but every step of my treatment and recovery has been filled with love and encouragement from my Center Hill family,” Shikle said. The Center Hill faculty went all out to ensure that Shikle felt that love and support. “We love Mrs. Shikle and are honored to support her in this journey,” librarian Kari Jamieson said. At the end of the day, Jamieson was one of several staff members who gifted Shikle with 25 scarves
Photo by Sarah Claire Miller Ginny Shikle, seated at center, was surprised by her coworkers at Center Hill High School when they wore caps and scarves in support of her hair loss from chemotherapy.
and caps that were worn in her honor. “My surprise celebration was such a blessing, and I love my Mustang family,” Shikle said. “I appreciate them very much.”
Photo by Sarah Claire Miller Boys basketball coach Newton Mealer, left, and assistant coach Josh Barnett wore pink April 18 to support Ginny Shikle.
Photo by Sarah Claire Miller Jessica Burgess, left, spearheaded a celebration for Ginny Shikle and got their coworkers to wear scarves, caps and hats in Shikle’s honor. “This is our way of showing that we’re all there for her,” Burgess said. “She is an amazing lady. You don’t often see someone who goes through what she does and is still smiling.”
Former Pearl, Hinds player hired as new girls soccer coach By Emily Merz Editor-in-Chief
Ryan Worsham is the new girls soccer coach at Center Hill High School. Worsham comes to The Hill from Pearl High School, where he was an assistant boys soccer coach. A 2013 graduate of Pearl High School, Worsham helped the Pirates win two MHSAA state championships. He went on to play soccer at Hinds Community College and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi, where he was vice president of the USM Club Soccer Team. Worsham’s resume also includes playing for Real United FC in the Gulf Coast Premier League, coaching U12 girls soccer for the Brandon Futbol Club, and serving as an assistant boys and girls soccer coach at Petal High School. “He has a lot of experience on the field,” Principal Doug Payne said during an April 26
Photo by Emily Merz Ryan Worsham was introduced April 26 as the new girls soccer coach at The Hill.
announcement in the PAC. “He’s excited and ready for tryouts.”
Tryouts for the 2019-2020 girls soccer team were April 26. Originally scheduled for April
16, the tryouts were delayed when Dave Burgess resigned after 11 years as a soccer coach
at Center Hill, including the middle school, in order to spend more time with family while his children are little. Burgess, whose daughters are 6 years old and 6 months old, is now coaching golf, a sport with a much shorter season. “It’s tough whenever you get a new coach, so we expect you to step up,” Payne told Worsham. Worsham said he would do his part. “I want to help y’all’s dreams come true,” he said. “I came to Center Hill to win a state championship. I’m proud to be a part of y’all’s family.” Bre Jimenez, a junior who plays defense for the Lady Mustangs, said she looks forward to working with Worsham. “I’m excited,” Jimenez said. “We have a great chance of going to playoffs and winning.” In the 2018-2019 season, the Lady Mustangs made it to the second round of playoffs but were knocked out by Lafayette County.
Senior Shout-Outs To: Sarah Dawson From: Yo Momma Can’t wait to see you on the field next year with the University of Memphis color guard team! To: Randi Terry From: Love, Mama and Daddy We are so proud of you and excited for this next #MEMbound step in your life. We love you! To: Archery Seniors From: Love, Mrs. Terry and Mrs. White We are so proud of all your accomplishments! May you always remember that in the target of life, the next arrow is more important that the last! To: Abigail Penfield From: Coach Chapman Thanks for the hard work and dedication you showed during XC and track. Good luck in college! To: Niki Herbert From: Mrs. Jacquet and Drama Club Thank you for your leadership this year. You will excel in all you put your heart and mind to. Go Tigers Go! To: Kaylan Morris From: Lady Mustangs Basketball Congrats, graduate! Can’t wait to see you take on the world. To: Twin (Kaylen Johnson) From: Lady Mustangs Basketball You did it! Can’t wait to see you all the great things ahead for you.
To: Dustin Brown From: Coach Yeomen Thanks for your years of hard work and dedication to the soccer program...and 3 straight District Titles!!! Extremely proud of all you guys!!! To: Brayden Hellums From: Coach Yeomen Thanks for your years of hard work and dedication to the soccer program...and 3 straight District Titles!!! Extremely proud of all you guys!!! To: Jacob Wilkerson From: Coach Yeomen Thanks for your years of hard work and dedication to the soccer program...and 3 straight District Titles!!! Extremely proud of all you guys!!! To: Dylan Riley From: Coach Yeomen Thanks for your years of hard work and dedication to the soccer program...and 3 straight District Titles!!! Extremely proud of all you guys!!! To: Jacob Stagoski From: Paige Hill You’re so cool and fun. I want to be just like you! To: Eddie Espinoza From: Wesley Wilson Eddie, you are one of my favorite seniors. Thank you for being the best section leader of all time!!
To: Courtney Craine From: Lady Mustangs Basketball Woohoo you are finished! Now go conquer the world.
To: Jonathan Greganti From: Ragan Knight You are such an amazing friend and teammate. You know exactly how to cheer up and encourage a teammate when they have a little self-doubt, and I know that Brandi and I are gonna miss you, bud. Remember our battle cry: V-I-C-T-O-R-Y! Good luck in life.
To: Valerie Dailey From: Lady Mustangs Basketball Way to go! Excited to see all the greatness in store for you.
To: Jonathan Masters Jr. From: Mom, Dad & Aiden To our favorite senior! We are so proud of you and excited for your future. We love you!
To: Eboni Caradine From: Lady Mustangs Basketball Congratulations! Your future is bright. Go enjoy!
To: Omar Gonzalez From: Ivan Gonzalez WOW...I really am proud of my big bro. I’m gonna miss you. You have a bright future ahead of you. From one of your many siblings, Ivan
To: Cristian Harris From: Lady Mustangs Basketball Way to go! Now onto bigger things.
To: Val & Eden From: Mrs. Jones What am I going to do without you here? To: All my former students From: Mrs. Jones Believe in yourself! You have so much to offer the world. To: Randi Terry From: Mrs. Jones Best wishes! To: Jackson Smith From: Mrs. Lantrip Congrats and thank you for your hard work and dedication in creating beautiful photographs as well as completing an outstanding AP portfolio! Best wishes to you in your future. To: Keegan Hendrix From: Mrs. Lantrip Congratulations and thank you for not giving me a heart attack by completing your AP portfolio. Best wishes to you! To: Julie Thomas From: Mrs. Lantrip Congrats! You have accomplished so much this year and I am extremely proud of you! Thank you for your dedication to AP art and Art Society! Best wishes! To: Mary Lindsey From: Mrs. Lantrip Congratulations and best wishes to you and your future. You were a great student and an honor to teach. To: Hailey Ellis From: Mrs. Lantrip Congrats and thank you for your dedication to AP art. I am very proud of your work and ideas. I know you will make positive changes in this country! Keep fighting for what you believe. You are an inspiration and it has been an honor teaching you! To: Hannah Ewing From: Mrs. Lantrip Congrats and thank you for your dedication and hard work to AP art. I am so proud of you and the beautiful work you have created. Keep inspiring others and stay true to who you are. Best wishes to you and your future!
To: Heather Layton From: Mrs. Lantrip Congratulations and thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to AP art. You have been such an inspiration and an honor to teach. Keep fighting for what you believe in and stay strong! You will do many great things. Best wishes to you! To: Tanika Kounhavong From: Mrs. Lantrip Congrats and thank you for all of your hard work in AP art. You are so talented and it has been a pleasure teaching you over the years. Best wishes to you! To: Grace Eskridge From: Mrs. Burgess Thank you for the time you have given to the Knowledge Bowl team over the years and congrats on your achievement! I’m proud of you and you will be missed! To: William Wright From: Mrs. Burgess Thank you for your hard work, determination, and dedication to the Knowledge Bowl team over the past 4 years. Good luck on this next chapter in your life. You will be missed and I am so proud of you! To: Jacob Wright From: Mrs. Burgess Thank you for your hard work, determination, and dedication to the Knowledge Bowl team over the past 4 years. Good luck on this next chapter in your life. You will be missed and I am so proud of you! To: Randi Terry From: Mrs. Burgess Thank you for your hard work, determination, and dedication to the Knowledge Bowl team over the past 4 years. Good luck on this next chapter in your life. You will be missed and I am so proud of you! To: Mary Lindsey From: Mrs. Burgess Thank you for your hard work, determination, and dedication to the Knowledge Bowl team over the past 4 years. Good luck on this next chapter in your life. You will be missed and I am so proud of you! To: Faith Widen From: Mrs. Burgess Congrats on your achievement and I can’t wait to see what your future holds! I am so proud of you!
To: Nancy Toche From: Mrs. Burgess Congrats on your achievement! Now go conquer the world! I’m so proud of you! To: Emily Merz From: Mrs. Shikle Thank you for your dedication to The Pony Express as Editor-in-Chief this year, and congratulations on your selection as one of Mississippi’s All-Star Journalists! To: Abigail Penfield From: Mrs. Shikle Thank you for all of your hard work on The Pony Express this year! To: Nancy Toche From: Mrs. Shikle Thank you for all of your hard work on The Pony Express this year! To: Kevin Henry From: Mrs. Shikle Thank you for always Respecting the Hill! I am proud of you and all that you have accomplished. To: Calvin Temple From: Mrs. Shikle Thank you for always Respecting the Hill! I am proud of you and all that you have accomplished. To: Marquez Berry From: Mrs. Shikle Thank you for always Respecting the Hill! I am proud of you and all that you have accomplished. To: Antwan Honer From: Mrs. Shikle Thank you for always Respecting the Hill! I am proud of you and all that you have accomplished. To: Cameron Goodwin From: Mrs. Shikle Thank you for always Respecting the Hill! I am proud of you and all that you have accomplished. To: Kenneth Lewis From: Mrs. Shikle Thank you for always Respecting the Hill! I am proud of you and all that you have accomplished.
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