Invitation Magazine - August 2022

AUGUST 2022

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Back to School TH A N K YO U TO OUR TE ACHERS

OLE MISS BASEBALL C E L E B R AT E S CHAMPIONSHIP

NEW THS P R I N C I PA L M A K E S W AV E S

+ LOCAL EVENTS , C ALENDAR AND MORE

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DEPA RTMENT S

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EVENTS:

NORTHEAST

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EVENTS:

OXFORD

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Letter From the Publisher

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Jurassic Quest

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Party at the Park

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Digital Details

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Viva Trace Vegas

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Old-Time Piano Playing

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Calendar

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TMS Cheer Showcase

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Velvet Ditch Steak Classic

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Shoutouts

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Cornhole Tournament

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Butterfly Release

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Recipes: Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

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Rebel Road Trip

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Vacation Bible School

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Out & About: Northeast

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Elvis Showcase Gala

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Robert Earl Keen Concert

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Out & About: Oxford

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Good Neighbor: Tara Denevan

ON THE COVER Oxford: Ole Miss Baseball celebrates its 2022 national championship win. See more photos on page 32.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRUCE NEWM AN

Northeast: Student artwork colorfully depicts heading back to school. Read more on page 18.

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OXFORD COMMONS

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F E AT U R E S

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FE ATURES 32 It’s All About the Fans

Photographs by Bruce Newman show fans from Omaha to Oxford reveling in the glory of a national championship win.

45 Last In Last Out

Ole Miss Baseball makes history by winning the 2022 College World Series.

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54 Back to School

An illustration by 11-year-old Mary Margaret Ross, art student at Studio Whimzy in Oxford, opens a special “Back to School” section.

56 History-Making Principal

New Tupelo High School leader brings wit and wisdom to the position.

58 Our Teachers, Our Heroes 54

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As the 2022-23 school year kicks off, Invitation Magazines celebrates the classroom teachers who are impacting students all around north Mississippi.

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L E T T E R from the P U B L I S H E R I make my living telling other people’s stories. Sometimes they are heartwarming, sometimes they are educational and sometimes they are just plain amazing.

When the Ole Miss Rebels won the 2022 National Baseball Championship on June 26, I knew this story was one we had to tell. The story of this 2022 team reminds me of movies I’ve seen. Not too long before they proved to be the best college baseball team in 2022 in America, they were struggling on the field. Attendance at the stadium was low, and winning became less frequent.

That all changed in Omaha. In the end,

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they won. They won the hearts of fans, they won the love of their team, they won for Ole Miss.

There’s more than a baseball lesson here. There’s a lot of life lessons and teaching moments. One lesson is that these players didn’t simply show up for college and begin playing baseball. They were taught this game — and about hard work and perseverance — many years before they won a National Championship.

Educators, including teachers and coaches, had an impact on each of them throughout those years. Education and learning make a difference for each of us,

@INVITATIONOXFORD @INVITATIONM AGA ZINE

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and on page 58 you’ll find kids of all ages who took a moment out of their summers to tell us about teachers who have impacted their lives. It was a complete coincidence that this win and this issue collided, but what you will read and see in these pages is both heartwarming and life changing for those highlighted in big and small ways.

We hope you will enjoy this magazine now and for years to come.

RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER

@INVOXFORD @INVMAGA ZINE

PUBLISHER Rachel West

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Emily Welly EXECUTIVE EDITOR Leslie Criss OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Mary Moreton CONTRIBUTING WRITER Sarah McCullen COPY EDITOR Ashley Arthur SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Mary Kelley Zeleskey

OFFICE

BUSINESS MANAGER Hollie Hilliard DISTRIBUTION Brian Hilliard MAIN OFFICE 662-234-4008

ART

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Paul Gandy Holly Vollor STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Joe Worthem CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Reed Jones Bruce Newman Lisa Roberts J.R. Wilbanks Whitney Worsham

ADVERTISING

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Alise M. Emerson Amber Lancaster Leigh Lowery Lynn McElreath Moni Simpson Whitney Worsham ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Paul Gandy Markka Prichard ADVERTISING INFORMATION ads@invitationoxford.com

To subscribe to one year (10 issues) or to buy an announcement, visit invitationmag.com.

To request a photographer at your event, email Mary at mary.invitation@gmail.com.

Invitation Magazines respects the many diverse individuals and organizations that make up north Mississippi and strives to be inclusive and representative of all members of our community.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

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D I G I T A L details E XC LU S I V E LY O N L I N E AT I N V I TAT I O N M AG .C O M

social S N A P S We love being tagged in your photos!

SARAH EVELYN MCCORD

S t ud e nt A r t i s t s

L i m it e d E d it io n

This month, we are featuring Back to School-themed artwork by two area art students. Many thanks to Mary Margaret Ross (age 11) and art teacher Sarah Kathryn Dossett of Studio Whimzy in Oxford and Sarah Evelyn McCord (age 9) and art teacher Amanda Koonlaba of Party in the Art Room at the Link Centre from Tupelo.

Ross’ artwork is on page 54; McCord’s illustration, pictured at left, is on the cover of the northeast edition magazine. Follow us on social media or visit invitationmag.com to see both illustrations and read more about the young artists.

It was good to be back!

L O C A T I O N : Oxford Rx U S E R N A M E : @wendandwillow

T h a n k You , Te a c he r s

We were thrilled to produce a special commemorative Invitation Oxford cover to celebrate Ole Miss Baseball’s national championship. Turn to page 32 for more baseball coverage. To purchase additional copies of this limited edition publication, visit invitationmag.com.

Turn to page 58 to read about a few special teachers who have made lasting impressions on local schoolchildren. We want to hear about your favorite teacher! Take a minute to thank them on social media this month and be sure to tag us @invitationoxford and @invitationmagazine in your post for a chance to have your story shared in an upcoming magazine.

#skillsusaalumni teaming up with #nflpa #Atlanta & #EricMatthewsFoundation to do some big things in the community for free!! #tupelo L O C A T I O N : Tupelo U S E R N A M E : @anthonymitchelljr

CALENDAR AND EVENTS

Have an exciting event coming up? Visit our website and share the details on our online community calendar. There’s a chance photos from your event will be featured in an upcoming magazine!

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The weekend castaways keep washing up.

L O C A T I O N : Sardis Lake U S E R N A M E : @bartonoutfitters |

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C O M M U N I T Y AUGUST 2022

OXFORD

United Way Flashback Bash AUGUS T 13

The third annual United Way Flashback Bash fundraiser, presented by CoreLogic and Nicholas Air, flashes back to the ’90s with music from Almost Famous and catering by Taylor Grocery. Tickets available online. 7-11 p.m., Oxford Conference Center. unitedwayoxfordms.org/uwflashback

Back to School AUGUST 1

Groovin’ at Move-In

Students from Oxford School District and Lafayette County School District kick off the 2022-23 school year.

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Students arrive on the University of Mississippi campus to get settled in their on-campus housing for the year (sorority recruitment participants move in Aug. 11-12; and incoming Honors College freshmen move in Aug. 13).

Classes start Aug. 22. studenthousing.olemiss.edu/move-in

Brown Bag Lecture AUGUST 2

Experts from the University Museum host a lunchtime lecture on “How to Display and Care for Your Personal Art Collection.”

Lunch options available or bring your own.

Noon-1 p.m., University Museum. museum.olemiss.edu

National Farmers Market Week

Iron Bartender

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Learn about and sample creative cocktails made by local bartenders vying for Best Cocktail and Crowd Favorite. Tickets $40-$45. 7-9 p.m., the Powerhouse. oxfordarts.com

Oxford Community Market celebrates National Farmers Market Week. OXCM is open to shoppers on Tuesdays from 3-6:30 p.m., Old Armory Pavilion. oxfordcommunitymarket.com

A Night for Nonprofits AUG US T 11

Lafayette Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow hosts a fundraiser to recognize local organizations. 6 p.m., the Powerhouse. loftms.org

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Piecemakers Anniversary

Weird and Wild Gala

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The Piecemakers, Oxford’s quilt guild, celebrates its 30th anniversary with a birthday party and quilt show featuring quilts produced by local fiber artists. Open to the public. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Isom Place.

For more information, call 662-234-2907.

Celebrate 50 years of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and their contribution to the community. Proceeds benefit an expansion of the Powerhouse Community Arts Center.

Details and tickets available online. oxfordarts.com/oddgala

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The Last ’90s Prom

NORTHEAST

“Once”

AUGUST 6

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Party like it’s 1999 at LinkFest’s ’90sthemed dance party led by DJ Marley Maharrey. Tickets $20, cash bar. The event benefits the Link Centre. 7 p.m., Link Centre Reception Hall, Tupelo. link-centre.org

Tupelo Community Theatre’s season starts with “Once,” a Tony Award-winning musical based on a motion picture about a Dublin street musician who falls in love.

Tickets $25 adults, $10 students. ThursdayFriday, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, 2 p.m., the Lyric Theatre, Tupelo. tct.ms

Tupelo Farmers’ Depot ONGOING

Find locally sourced produce, honey, baked goods, flowers and more. Tuesdays 2-5 p.m. and Saturdays 6 a.m.-noon, through Sept. 24. 415 S. Spring St., Tupelo. tupelomainstreet.com/farmers-depot

Back to School

Art for the Child at Heart

AUGUST 4

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Students from Tupelo Public School District and Lee Country School District kick off the 2022-23 school year.

Visit the Brian Nash Art for the Child at Heart Exhibit at Gumtree Museum of Art, on display Aug. 2-Sept. 30. The opening reception takes place Aug. 12, 5-7 p.m., Gumtree Museum of Art, Tupelo. gumtreemuseum.com

Summer Market A U G U S T 1 6 -1 8

Furniture industry people from around the region will gather at Tupelo Furniture Market for its Summer 2022 Market. tupelofurnituremarket.com

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Brantley Gilbert Concert AU G US T 26

Brantley Gilbert and Jelly Roll, along with special guest Pillbox Patti, take the stage in Tupelo as part of their “Son of the Dirty South” tour. Tickets $39.50-$79.50.

7 p.m., BancorpSouth Arena, Tupelo. bcsarena.com

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S H O U T O U T S Trave l “T he Wat e rc olo r Roa d” W it h Wyat t Wat e r s

If you’ve ever taken time to explore the main roads, or back roads, of Mississippi (and nearby Southern states), you might have noticed a tall, thin, pony-tailed guy who’s claimed a prime spot for his easel and painting paraphernalia. If you’ve dared interrupt, it’s quite all right — not only is Wyatt Waters one of this state’s most beloved watercolor artists, he’s also a most amiable fellow and will happily fill you in on his latest plein-air piece.

The wandering watercolorist might spend an afternoon on the corner of a downtown square painting a historic city building, or he might set up his easel inside a church in a Mississippi town and wait for the sun to shine just so on its stainedglass windows. As well as any archivist or historian, Waters has captured on canvas the places that make our South unique.

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There is some method to this traveling madness, Waters said, thanks to his wife, Kristi.

“Kristi plans an itinerary that keeps us from getting too lost,” he said. “But, along the way, say from point f to g, I might see something, like the 20-foot-tall girl in a bikini in North Carolina, and I’ll have to stop and paint. I’ll shoot from the hip; Kristi is more strategic. But the most important thing is that we have fun.”

This month, lovers of Waters’ art can purchase a copy of his new book, “The Watercolor Road: Painting and writing through the American South,” a collection of 133 of Waters’ paintings and 21 essays the artist has penned. “The Watercolor Road” will be Waters’ ninth book.

A graduate of Mississippi College, Waters is a recipient of the Governor’s

Award for Excellence in the Arts. His work has been featured in such publications as Plein Air, American Artist, American Watercolor and Arts & Antiques.

“The Watercolor Road” has been a long time coming.

“This is the book I’ve always thought I’d do,” Waters said. “My roommate at Mississippi College was Stu McIntyre; his dad was editor of the Sunday newspaper and told me I needed to put together a book of all these paintings I was doing. This was over 20 years ago.

“Good things happened along the way, and, in February before the pandemic started, we actually started working on this book in earnest, traveling and painting around the Southeast.”

Waters knew he didn’t want to paint these places from photographs, so he and his wife bought a 16-foot pull-behind camper.

“It was a personal thing for me, this book,” he said. “You know the best barbecue is what you’re eating at the moment. Well, I had to go to these places and be there to paint all the different layers of being Southern.”

SHOUTOUTS

continued

O x fo rd H i g h S c ho ol We lc o me s Ne w P r i nc i pa l Oxford High School started off its 2022-23 school year with a new person at the helm. Dr. Dana Bullard began her position as principal of OHS on July 1.

Bullard brings a wealth of administrative experience to Oxford. In addition, she has a decade of classroom teaching under her belt.

A native of Aberdeen, Bullard received a bachelor’s degree in English from Millsaps College, a master’s in English literature from the University of Mississippi and a doctorate of education in leadership, policy and organizations from Vanderbilt University.

She also has an administrator’s license.

While teaching English to students in grades 9 through 12 at Corinth High School, Bullard served as the head soccer coach for four years. She also was principal of Aberdeen High School for two years, beginning in 2019, where she helped teachers and students weather the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges it brought to the classroom.

“The year started off normal,” she said.

“And then came the pandemic. We made sure our kids graduated that year, and the next year, the kids all got computers and remote wireless at home, and teachers worked together to learn how to teach online.”

Before coming on board at OHS, she was principal at Corinth High School. Bullard has served the Mississippi Department of Education as the bureau director of Innovative Schools and Accelerated Programs, and head of the state counseling department.

Bullard worked closely with Oxford School District in 2018-19 during Oxford’s District of Innovation application process with the state.

“I am thrilled to be in Oxford and serving as principal of Oxford High School,” she said.

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Sheet Pan CASHEW CHICKEN MAKE BUSY WEEKNIGHTS MORE MANAGEABLE WITH A FAMILY-FRIENDLY ONE-PAN MEAL. RECIPE BY SARAH McCULLEN

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chool is back in session, which means busy family schedules are gearing up.

Make dinnertime easier on everyone with a sheet pan supper like this veggie-packed, sweet-and-savory meal.

1/3 cup soy sauce 3 tablespoons honey 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons sesame oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 teaspoons grated fresh ginger 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 orange bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup broccoli florets 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into 1-inch chunks 1 cup toasted cashews Chopped scallions Sesame seeds Brown or white rice, cooked Preheat oven to 425°F. In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, vinegar, oil, garlic and ginger, and whisk until honey is dissolved, about 2 minutes. In a large bowl, combine peppers, onion, broccoli and half of the soy sauce mixture. Stir to combine, and spread mixture on a large rimmed baking sheet.

Roast in preheated oven for 15 minutes.

While veggies are roasting, toss the chicken with the remaining sauce. After 15 minutes, push all veggies to one side of the baking sheet, and spread the chicken over the other side. Roast at 425°F until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and sprinkle toasted cashews, chopped scallions and sesame seeds over the top. Serve over rice.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

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IT'S ALL ABOUT

THE FANS PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRUCE NEWMAN

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY J.R. WILBANKS

CWS WATCH PART Y Faithful fans of Ole Miss baseball gathered collectively to cheer on the Rebels as they played the Oklahoma Sooners in Omaha in the finals of the 2022 College World Series. The Swayze Watch Party allowed fans to watch together as the Rebels beat the Sooners in the first and second games, becoming the winners of the College World Series for the first time in the baseball program’s history.

Bradford James, Ava Medley and Olivia Morgan

Logan Pitfield and Carson Cali

Anna Dennis, Sallie Abernathy and Julia Dennis

Clayton, Benjamin and Michelle Ard

Tommy and Cheryl Harmon

Karen and Caroline Rush

Levi Gosa and Mary Alon James

Ally Fergusan and Josh Long

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM AND REED JONES

BASEBALL HOMECOMING On June 27, Ole Miss baseball fans surrounded the Walk of Champions in the Grove and gathered around the Square to welcome the Ole Miss Rebel baseball team back to Oxford after they won the national championship at the 2022 College World Series in Omaha.

Brandon and Kayla Baggett

Lydia and Seth Foster

Logan Kirkland, Amy Evans and Marvin King

Jill and Don Brennan

Nyterica Edget, Damien Joiner and Whitney Jackson

Greg, Candy, Mason and Jenny Grace Dreher

Bonnie and Keri Anne Ware with Melissa Roberson

John Warner, Michelle, Jude and John Alford

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SPONSORED BY OXFORD ORTHOPAEDICS

LAST IN LAST OUT

OLE MISS BASEBALL MAKES HISTORY BY WINNING THE 2022 COLLEGE WORLD SERIES. PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRUCE NEWMAN

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SPONSORED BY OXFORD ORTHOPAEDICS

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back to school ILLUSTRATED BY MARY MARGARET ROSS

Artist Mary Margaret Ross, 11, is the daughter of Tara Lyn and Jason Hurdle Ross.

She is a sixth grader at Oxford Intermediate School. She has been learning art from Sarah Kathryn Dossett at Studio Whimzy in Oxford for almost a year. She loves painting, skateboarding and playing guitar.

Turn to page 56 for a story on a new principal making waves in north Mississippi, and see page 58 for words of praise for some favorite teachers.

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a history-makingprincipal NEW TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL LEADER BRINGS WIT AND WISDOM TO THE POSITION. INTERVIEWED BY LESLIE CRISS PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

Dr.

Melissa Thomas made history in April when the Tupelo Public School Board approved Superintendent Dr. Rob Picou’s recommendation of her as the next principal of Tupelo High School. She became the first Black woman to serve as THS principal. The longtime educator’s time spent inside the classroom and in administration has offered her a broad view of how education should look.

The 42-year-old Thomas and her husband Daniel Thomas are the parents of two daughters, 11-year-old Maliyah and Mia, 9.

“They are the sweetest little girls,” Thomas said. “They’re tough, but they have a heart for people. Even though I played basketball and softball, I have ended up with cheerleaders.”

Her journey to THS principal has been, well, educational.

Thomas’ first job was a year of teaching history to seventh and eighth graders at Coldwater Middle School in Tate County. From

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there she returned to Nettleton and taught history to seventh and eighth graders for a decade. She also coached junior high basketball and high school girls and boys track and field.

She served as principal at Nettleton Middle School for two years and then was appointed to the position of principal of Nettleton High School, where she made history as the first Black female principal.

She took a turn as assistant principal at THS and as principal of Lawndale Elementary School.

For the past three years, Thomas, whose Ph.D. is in Curriculum and Instruction, has served as director of curriculum for grades 6 through 12, training teachers and working with principals, trying to make teaching and learning more efficient.

“But I have missed the kids, the teachers, the ups and downs, the rollercoaster that comes with being a building administrator,” Thomas said.

And it’s her ultimate goal to do her best always to make the way better for students and for teachers. Thomas visited with Invitation Magazines and answered some questions a short time before she moved into her new office at the high school.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: I grew up in the Poplar Springs community off the 45 bypass in Shannon. It’s mostly a family community, with a church and a ball diamond.

Q: Where did you receive your high school education?

A: We lived right on the Lee/Monroe county line, on the Monroe County side. So, we were bused to Nettleton from kindergarten to 12th grade. I was the youngest of four. The same teachers taught all of us, so by the time they got to me, expectations were pretty high.

Q: Was education always your professional goal?

A: I think so. Even in elementary school, at the end of the school year, I’d keep my workbooks, go home and erase all the pages. Erase and reteach. In middle school, there were teachers who poured a lot of themselves into my self-esteem, taught me to set goals. I took ag and learned how to stay with things from start to finish. I vowed if the Lord would help me find a way to college and help me finish, I was going to teach. I’m glad it worked out like it did.

Q: After high school, where did you continue your education?

A: I attended Itawamba Junior College (now ICC) in Fulton on a basketball and softball scholarship. Then I went to Ole Miss where my sister was a member of the track team. I became a member of the team and was introduced to the javelin. (Thomas set a school record in the javelin throw.) I always wanted to be part of a team; I loved the camaraderie. I’m thankful for the opportunity. I got a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. After I started teaching, I started on my master’s degree at Ole Miss, but when my grandmother died, I moved in with my grandfather and finished my master’s online. I received my master’s in Education Leadership.

and academic goals; I want our athletic programs to be competitive; I want us to be the best, not for recognition, but I want all to know our teachers work hard and they — and the students — are the best.

Q: What do you think is a principal’s most important priority?

A: My top priority are the teachers. I want to take care of their needs so they can do what they are tasked to do. And I expect the students to be the top priority of the teachers. Any teacher who has ever worked with me will tell you they are my priority.

Q: You’ve served once as assistant principal at THS. Does this feel like you are coming home?

A: Absolutely. It does feel like I’m coming home. I have a good working relationship with the teachers. They know me, and we have a solid, honest, working relationship. It’s almost like I’m making a full circle.

Q: When not thinking about education, what do you do for fun?

A: I am so glad you asked me this because I have learned to balance. Seven years ago, I worked. And I worked. I knew I had to find a balance. So, every year for the past seven, I would do something different. One year I bought a sewing machine and learned to sew.

Another year I started a garden and spent a lot of time at Philips Garden Center and Walton’s. During COVID, I bought wood and tools and built a deck. I’ve learned to crochet. Sometimes I get real good at what I do; sometimes not. I made one quilt and we love it, but I won’t be making another one. If I’ve learned nothing else, I’ve learned life is short. We can be productive, give it our best and still enjoy life.

Q: In your professional life, who have been a few of your mentors or people who inspired you?

A: I have worked under some of the best leaders I think our state has ever seen. Carrie Ball Williamson was my basketball coach at Itawamba Junior College, and was later the athletic director. She was one of the very first to take me under her wing and showed me I could accomplish anything. Russell Taylor, who is now superintendent of Union County Schools, was very patient with me as a young administrator. I learned a lot from Dr. Gearl Loden. And, of course, Dr. Brock English, Dr. Rob Picou and Mrs. Kim Britton have all helped make me better.

Q: What are your hopes/goals for Tupelo High School?

A: My goal is to help Tupelo High School be the best — not only in test scores. I want to help the students reach their personal AUGUS T 202 2 | INVITATION

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GOOD NEIGHBOR

our teachers, our HEROES A S T H E 2022-23 S C H O O L Y E A R K I C K S O F F, I N V I TAT I O N M A G A Z I N E S C E L E B R AT E S T H E CL ASSROOM TEACHERS WHO ARE IMPACTING STUDENTS ALL AROUND NORTH MISSISSIPPI. COMPILED BY LESLIE

CRISS

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY J OE WORTHEM | ILLUSTRATED BY SAR AH MCCULLEN

“Everyone who remembers his own education remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The teacher is the heart of the educational system.” — Sidney Hook

W

hen thinking about one’s years of education, from kindergarten through college, it’s the teachers who clearly had a passion for educating who come quickly to the minds of most. You know exactly who they are, no matter how many years have passed since you sat in their classrooms. They may have taken a subject that scared you and helped you master it, or at least face it without fear. They may have understood things at home weren’t so great and cut you some slack when it was most needed. Their classroom became for you a warm and welcoming place, and when they even dared to make learning fun, why, that was pure lagniappe.

Special teachers provide support, understanding and compassion, in addition to completing lesson plans, grading papers and a plethora of other job responsibilities — including during the pandemic when educators learned to teach remotely so students could continue to learn rather than losing more than a year of education. Truth is, a good teacher probably feels her or his job is never truly finished. And to many students of every age, teachers are heroes.

Ten students from different districts in northeast Mississippi have written about a teacher in their lives who has been among the most influential. Invitation Magazines is happy to share these words of praise with you.

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“Lots of my teachers have impacted my life, but the one who sticks out the most is Ms. Pittman, my sixth-grade reading teacher. All the students loved her. She had a way of encouraging kids who got in trouble in other classes by giving them jobs and keeping them close.

Ms. Pittman taught us how to notice good traits in our classmates. She challenged me to read outside of my favorite genre. I was skeptical about reading “The Outsiders,” but she was right. Every nine weeks, she would change the color of her hair. First, it was natural brown, then a lighter brown, then black, and she even bleached her hair white to finish strong. Ms. Pittman had an alter ego she called “Kashauna” who came out when we got rowdy, but that did not happen much because she kept us focused and made learning fun.”

— Isaiah Barbour, 13, Grade 8, Tupelo Middle School.

Kashauna Pittman was Isaiah’s sixth-grade ELA teacher at Milam Elementary School.

“I can honestly say that I have been blessed over the past 11 years with amazing teachers. If I had to pick a favorite, I don’t think I could because there are many. However, I was asked to chose one teacher that has impacted my life, and Mrs. Neshia Hardin immediately came to mind. I was diagnosed with dyslexia in the first grade. My dyslexia was mild enough that I didn’t require accommodations in school, but I can remember Mrs. Hardin always going above and beyond to find ways to help me overcome my difficulties. She was always encouraging and made me realize that I am capable of being a good student despite having dyslexia. This fall, I will begin my senior year at SHS with a 4.0 grade point average. I thank Mrs. Hardin for doing more than was required of her as my third-grade teacher.”

— Ainsley Robison, 17, grade 12, Saltillo High School. Neshia Hardin was Ainsley’s third-grade teacher at Saltillo Elementary School.

“Going into the seventh grade was a little scary. Middle school is never easy, especially for me because I have dyslexia. Then I found out I have to sit through English first thing in the morning!

To my surprise, I met the most amazing teacher ever, Ms. Christy Plunkett. She made school so much better by making it fun. She always went above and beyond for all of us. We did new things to help me focus and remember what we were studying and reading.

She always tried to help me feel successful because she knew how hard I tried. I love to be active, so sitting still can be difficult.

I play football and baseball, so I know teams are important.

I am thankful to Ms. Plunkett for being on my team, too!”

— Landon Evans, 13, grade 8, New Albany Middle School. Christy Plunkett was Landon’s seventh-grade English teacher at New Albany Middle School.

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Continued from page 59 “Throughout my years of school, one of my teachers from my early elementary years has had the biggest influence on my life. Her name is Mrs. Susan McDonald, and she currently is a fourth-grade teacher at Corinth Elementary School. She is one of the best teachers to ever come through our school district, in my opinion. I gained so much knowledge, and she had a way with teaching children that made learning fun. She prepared me so well for the next grade, and she was more than just a teacher for education. She loved her students, and she wanted to make them better at all areas to help them be successful in life. She made me who I am today, and I will forever be grateful for her.”

— Jon Worth Garrett, 15, grade 10, Corinth High School.

Mrs. Susan McDonald was Jon’s fourth-grade teacher at Corinth Elementary School.

“A first-grade teacher who impacted my life was Mrs. Paula Yates. She taught me a lot about God that I will hold and remember forever. She also taught me a lot about math, and I DID NOT like math, but she made it lots of fun to learn new skills. Mrs. Yates also let our class take off our shoes during and after class, which I loved.

She also taught me how to be kind and sweet with my Christ-like heart. I loved having Mrs. Yates for first grade because she was sweet, kind and loving. To end, I would stay after tutoring with Mrs. Yates.

It was not always fun, but she helped me grow in my not-so-good subjects. She also gave me a nickname — “Blakley Marie.” It has a nice ring! I can’t wait for other kids to have her. She was the best first-grade teacher, and I could not have asked for anyone better.”

— Blakley Parker, 12, grade 5, Tupelo Christian Preparatory School.

Mrs. Paula Yates was Blakley’s first-grade teacher at TCPS.

“A teacher that has inspired me is Mrs. Turner. She taught me while I was in the seventh grade at Booneville Middle School.

Mrs. Turner has inspired me to be an accountant. I enjoy learning math, and she has helped me love it even more. Mrs. Turner has also made a great impact on me by teaching me how to do difficult tasks in math. If I had a question or just something I was stuck on, she would help me. Mrs. Turner is a great teacher.”

— Mia Rosas, 13, grade 8, Booneville Middle School. Mrs. Katey Turner was Mia’s seventh-grade math teacher at Booneville Middle School.

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Continued from page 60 “Over the past seven school years, from preschool up until now completing fifth grade, many teachers have influenced/ inspired me. One teacher that influenced/inspired me the most was my first-grade teacher, Kathryn Sapp, at Tupelo Christian Preparatory School. She influenced/inspired me by believing in and encouraging me daily. She showed me that it was OK to ask questions if I did not understand, and she never made me feel like there was ever a silly question. I truly appreciate her for her guidance over the years. She is one of the hardest working teachers and surely the most patient and dedicated of all. Thank you, Mrs. Sapp.”

— Rhyleigh Faith Wilson, 11, grade 6, North Pontotoc Upper Elementary School. Mrs. Kathryn Sapp was Rhyleigh’s first-grade teacher at Tupelo Christian Preparatory School.

“Mrs. Bishop was my third-grade teacher at Regents. Even three years later, I still remember her love for Sour Patch Kids, her great storytelling of ancient history and how happy she always was — even on hard days when we were rowdy. On occasions such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day and the end of the year, I would get her a two-pound bag of Sour Patch Kids. Days later, she would tell me how much she enjoyed them, which made me really happy. One of my favorite things about her was when she told us funny stories about her kids.

Her son named Bo, who was in 5K at Regents at that time, was the one I enjoyed hearing about the most. Now he is moving up to third grade, and he even got to read his incredible handmade book to our grade recently. I loved hearing about her farm and her family when she taught us. Mrs. Bishop is really, really good at her job. She taught me so much and loved me a lot. She is my all-time favorite teacher.”

— Coop Bell, 12, grade 7, Regents School of Oxford. Rebecca Bishop was Coop’s third-grade teacher at Regents.

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Continued from page 62 “Mr. Ferguson was a really cool and nice guy and knew how to motivate his students. He was also able to explain things really well. Mr. Ferguson used fun activities, including hanging posters in our classroom for whatever subject we were studying, which helped our class learn. Another thing Mr. Ferguson did was treat each student with respect and realized that everyone learns in different ways. By the time I finished fifth grade, I had straight As. English is my hardest subject, and I actually enjoyed it. Mr. Ferguson had taught me that I was better at ELA than I thought, and I have done better in ELA ever since. That is why Mr. Ferguson was my most inspiring teacher. And, lucky for me, the district moved him to OMS which is where I will be next year as I enter seventh grade!”

— Latham Laws, 12, grade 7 at Oxford Middle School. Mr. Lucus Ferguson was Latham’s fifth-grade English teacher at Oxford Intermediate School.

“Ms. Todd is a teacher at Lafayette High School who teaches AP Biology. Ms. Todd has made a huge impact in my life. She is one of the only teachers that I have had that finds teaching as a passion and not just a way to pay the light bill. She makes it her mission to help her students in any way she can. She cares about her students and puts herself in the students perspective to better understand what works best for us. She excels in teaching and makes sure every student understands the material before moving on. Ms. Todd is an extraordinary teacher that made an impact in my life that will never change.”

— Jorian Shaw, 16, grade 11 at Lafayette High School. Ms. Laura Todd was Jorian’s 10th-grade teacher at LHS.

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JURASSIC QUEST PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

Dinosaur fans of all ages were treated to Jurassic Quest in late May at BancorpSouth Arena.

The traveling show is the world’s largest, most popular dinosaur event.

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1. Ann Marie and Michael Parker 2. Kristina Rousseau, Josie Grubbs, Donna Goddard, Amanda and Drake DeVaughn 3. Andy, Logan, Nick and Nicole Allen 4. Rachel and Kinsley West 5. Cory, Trish, Caitlin and Peyton Defoor 6. Dalton and Beaux Vidonne 7. Galexis, Zekiel, Elijah and George McAllister

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VIVA TRACE VEGAS PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

Natchez Trace Golf Club hosted a fun-filled two-lady scramble golf tournament June 11.

The theme was Viva Trace Vegas.

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1. Lisa Chambliss, Cindy Lantrip, Dorace Carter, Heather Hastings and Leslie Bierman 2. Jamie Hutcheson, Heather Franks, Lauren Dunlap and Angie Henry 3. Michelle Williams, Cathy McFerrin and Marsh Godwin 4. Ashley Brock, Misty Taylor, Kenzie Pennington and Jennifer Lamons 5. Cindy Googe and Kim Wade 6. Julie Lackey and Ginger Berry 7. Peggy Harmon and Regina Harrell 8. Cora Polson and Rachel Potts

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TMS CHEER SHOWCASE PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

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Tupelo Middle School cheer squad members participated in the TMS Cheer Showcase in the TMS gym June 15, at the end of their summer cheer camp. The 27 cheerleaders worked with choreographer Gaston Swords, refined their cheer, chant and stunt skills, and got a taste of what future cheer competitions might look like.

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1. Tupelo Middle School cheerleaders 2. Kaelee, Emileigh and Sedarian Berry 3. Micheal, Ossie and Patrick Addison 4. Emily, Milly and Michael Addison 5. Evon Pretulak, Gaston Swords, Meghan McMillian and Kristin Vuncannon 6. Morgan and Jameatrice Ewing 7. Livi, Amber, Arianna, Vanessa and Liam Sanchez 8. Ariana Smith and Latia Sims 9. Jalyssa and Crystal Avalos 10. Tonya and Aliyah Sims

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CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

The Tupelo Cornhole Tournament took place the afternoon of May 21 at Queen’s Reward Meadery. Winners were awarded cash prizes.

Food was available onsite from The Gypsy Food Truck, and The Alley Cats performed live music.

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1. Rachel Morris and Amber Bean 2. Rhonda Ryan and Wynn Coley 3. Chad McMahan and Wood Paige 4. Kim Dill with Bentley and Sean Scruggs 5. Kathy Granthan Pitts, Susan Denham Collins and Nicky McMahan 6. Rob Hairston and Tanner Morris 7. Kyle Chatham and Matt McKissick

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REBEL ROAD TRIP PHOTOGRAPHED BY WHITNEY WORSHAM

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Ole Miss fans of all ages gathered June 16 at Crossroads Arena in Corinth for Rebel Road Trip, a ticketed event that visited nine cities in all. Attendees were treated to dinner, a talk with coaches Lane Kiffin, Kermit Davis and Keith Carter, and more. The Tri-State Rebel Club hosted the Corinth stop.

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1. Stephen Holley, Bernie Shipp and Bob Mazurkiewics 2. Jack and Grace Windsor 3. Jeff and Griffin Lockler 4. Greg Williams, Allen Lyles and Kenny Carson 5. Leck Counce with Jerry and Phil Little, Jerry Hammett and Bryan McCutchen 6. Addie Kate and Jenn Powell 7. Hudson Quinn and Thomas Comer 8. Braxton and Matt Quinn 9. River, Noah, Brylee and Mary Lambert

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E LV I S S H OWC A S E G A L A PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

Tupelo’s 24th Elvis Presley Festival opened June 8 with a Showcase Gala and After Party at the Tupelo Cotton Mill. The five-day festival brought fans from all over the country and beyond to northeast Mississippi to honor Tupelo’s favorite son.

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1. Allie, Robin and Alyssa Martin 2. Wesley Jones with Kathy and Meg Brashears 3. Mario Kombou, Emilio Santaro, Matt King and Oliver Steinhoff 4. Liam Hewitt, Josh Davis, Gabriel Sanders, Nevan Castaneda, Riley Jenkins, Moses Snow and Tyler Christopher 5. Charlie and Peggy Watson with Mitch Massey 6. Matt Stone and Ben King 7. Gerald and Diana Powell 8. Sandra and Scott Cripps 9. Tammy Rodgers and Melanie Vail with Monica and Melanie Kight 10. Tracy Crysup and Sonya Marby

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PART Y AT THE PARK PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

Party at the Park took place July 3 at Saltillo City Park. The family-friendly event included barbecue, live music, children’s activities and a fireworks show.

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1. Melinda Clark and Johnette Bramlett with Ashley and Monica Knight 2. Stacy Smith, Stephanie Davis, Katie Duggar, Shuntiara Prudd 3. Jaylin, Rylan and Tyler Blalock 4. Anna Meryn Gable, Sawyer Hopkins, Alaysia Rogers and Millie McKissick 5. Chambliss Howell with Mick, Liz, Haydon and Haley Hunt and Mark Nowell 6. Keyonna Poole and Erica Morgan 7. Alisa McKissick and Cat Scruggs

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OUT & ABOUT Hot wor x Gr a nd O p en i ng

A r i s e Ps yc h i at r y R ibb on Cut t i ng

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E r ic M at t he w s Fou nd at ion Yout h Fo ot b a l l C a mp

Fe d er a l S er v ic e Ac a d emy App oi nt ment s

3 1. Chris and Rhonda Rousseau with Cydna and Jim Baker 2. Friends and family of Arise Psychiatry 3. Eric Matthews Foundation Youth Football Camp players and coaches 4. Mitchell Shettles, Samuel Rossetti, Morgan Mitchell, Trent Kelly, Anastasia Winters, Mary Murphy, Joshua Flores and Thomas Dickerson

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OLD-TIME PIANO PL AYING PHOTOGRAPHED BY J.R. WILBANKS

The annual World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest and Festival took place during Memorial Day weekend in Oxford. The event gives pianists opportunities to compete, learn from one another and share old-time piano music with others.

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1. Joyce Hatch with Tony and Cathi Dodgen 2. Monica, Jesse and Hazel Dawson 3. Tiffany, Emil and Kandyce Anderson 4. Ian Hominick and Melvin Maxwell 5. Laura and Mill Richardson 6. John Cover and Ann Tucker 7. Rodney and Ginger Shands 8. Elie Cossa and Jon Jones 9. Barbara Johnson and Karl Herpel 10. Landon Pierce and Marilyn Nobe

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V E LV E T D I TC H S T E A K C L A S S I C PHOTOGRAPHED BY J.R. WILBANKS

The Velvet Ditch Steak Classic, held on June 25 in Oxford, was the first Steak Cookoff Association-sanctioned steak competition to take place in Oxford. Proceeds from the cooking event benefited Family Crisis Services of northwest Mississippi.

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1. Libby Lytle and Angie Hankins 2. Holter and Lu Damon 3. Mike Davis and Ashley Henson 4. Steve and Holly Jubera 5. Catherine Noble and Kandis Rogers 6. Captain Rodney and Bongo Monagham 7. Geoff Maynard and Mark Lambert 8. Hank and Tia Couch 9. Lisa and Ron Stephens

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BUT TERFLY RELE A SE PHOTOGRAPHED BY REED JONES

People of all ages gathered at Baptist Cancer Center in Oxford the afternoon of June 30 for a special butterfly release to celebrate cancer survivors.

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1. James and Madison Smith 2. Sheri and Joe Young 3. Mary Patton McKee and Harriot Beall 4. Lakendra Stewart, Cameron Turnage and Lakaylen Stewart 5. Precious Thompson and Sarah Smith 6. Barbara Lowe and Shelia Hawkins

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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHED BY J.R. WILBANKS

Anchor Baptist Church in Water Valley hosted its Vacation Bible School the week of June 20.

The theme for the week was “Monumental: Celebrating God’s Greatness.”

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1. Daisy and Anniston Thweatt with Linsey Alkire and LynAnn Ward Lawrence 2. Meagan and Kristyn Carwile 3. Ann Wallace Bishop and Lillian Collier 4. Roy and Carol Clark 5. Cora Lawrence and Gabbie Hunter 6. Calen Crowson and Karlie Ann Beckham 7. Lauren, Olivia and Avery Vanderford 8. Matt and Rebecca Bishop 9. Mallory and Westyn Ragon 10. Levi and Molly Massey

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ROBERT EARL KEEN CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHED BY J.R. WILBANKS

Singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen appeared in concert at The Lyric Oxford on June 10 as part of his “I’m Coming Home” tour.

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1. Eric and Susan Charping 2. Leigh Con Welt and Beth Whitehead 3. Angela and Rick Allen 4. Matt and Kaylee Parson 5. Drew, Olivia, John Wright, Amy and Paul Welborn 6. Jennifer Reese and Tony Whittemore

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OUT & ABOUT Ju ne t e ent h C e le br at ion

M idtow n Fa r mer s M a rk e t

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1. Patsy Pipkin, Darlene Williams Washington, Keisha Howell-Atkinson and Sandra Cox-McCarthy 2. Justin and Emma Stearns 3. Cora and Jacob Stearns 4. Joe Stinchcomb 5. Meaghin Burke 6. Stacey Sanford and Andi Bedsworth 7. Clementine Bedsworth and Mary Elizabeth MacDonald

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N E I G H B O R TA R A

INTERVIEWED BY LESLIE CRISS

D E NE VA N |

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

Tara Denevan of Oxford is the Mississippi Department of Education’s 2022 Mississippi Parent of the Year. Denevan and her husband Shane have been married 17 years and are the parents of Brody, 14, and Lyla, 10.

An ardent advocate of public education, Denevan believes that showing children love and support is crucial to their having a positive learning experience.

Q: What was your reaction when you learned you were named Parent of the Year?

A: We were actually traveling back from Disney on the day that I received the phone call... I was speechless. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am never short on words. I am just thankful that my family was present to share the moment with me.

Q: What made you such a staunch supporter of education?

A: My husband and I both come from families of hard workers. I was only the second person in my family, extended family included, to have graduated from college. I was determined as a child to do something that not many of my family members had accomplished. I fell in love with school at a very young age and that love of education is shared in my home today with my own children.

Q: What motivates you to also help other children in the community?

A: My children are and always will be my No. 1 priority, but there are many children in our district who come in a close second to them. I believe all children deserve a chance at education, a chance at friendships, a chance at being included. I started as a substitute teacher in our school district about five years ago. I got to know so many of the students and their stories. I don’t

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think people realize just how many students come to school each day looking for an escape from their home life. Some come in tired because they have no bed at home.

Some come in hungry because their last meal was at school the previous day. Some come in dirty clothing because their mom works three jobs and didn’t make it to the laundromat. You can’t help but fall in love with them and do everything in your power to help them.

Q: Tell us about Charger Christmas Kids.

A: I started Charger Christmas Kids five

years ago when a school counselor at my son’s school asked if I could help with a few gifts for a few students. I immediately reached out to my friends, and we were able to donate Christmas gifts for 11 children that first year. This past year, Charger Christmas Kids was able to help 317 students from 102 families. The year that Christmas Kids started, I had about 15 donors. This past year we had 280 donors. Charger Christmas Kids helps families with gifts, but it also gives many in our community a way to give back. This project is so dear to me because it’s Chargers helping Chargers.