AUGUST 2017
Meet Children’s Cover Contest Winner, Sam
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August 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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August 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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AUGUST 2017
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ON THE COVER Congratulations to Sam, our 2017 children’s cover contest winner. photographed by Joe Worthem
IN EVERY ISSUE 6
Letter From the Publisher
8
What’s Happening
10
Community Corner
12
About the Cover Winner
14
In Season: School Lunch
54
Out and About
56
Tupelo Spirit: Cherry Payne
ANNOUNCEMENT 11
Armstrong & Scott
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
FEATURES
EVENTS
28 High School Spirit
16
Elvis Festival
Throughout northeast Mississippi, marching bands are ready, cheerleaders are poised and parades are about to begin.
18
All Star Football Camp
20
Journey Concert
22
Southern Motion Relay for Life
24
Summer Survivor Camp
26
Ralph Wade Bruce Golf
38
Joyner Garden Tour
36 Senior Class
40
Father-Daughter Gumtree Ball
Volunteers from Traceway Retirement Community help tutor elementary school students, but their impact goes far beyond basic reading skills.
42
Music, Monet and Margaritas
44
Party at the Lake
46
Slugburger Festival
48
Music at the Mill
50
Picnic at the Park
34 Apply Yourself Help ease the financial burden of college by following these steps to find the right scholarship for you.
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36
56 August 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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THE PUBLISHER
S
ocial media has changed a lot in the last five years, and we have proof. When we last held our children’s cover contest in 2012, Facebook wasn’t quite as popular as it is now. We had a great response then, but this year when we brought back the cover contest, wow, did you respond. We had more than 600 entries from Tupelo and Lee County and reached more than 85,000 people in our post. After a great deal of discussion among our staff, we narrowed our selection to four children, and you decided this year’s winner. A big congratulations to Sam, Invitation Tupelo’s 2017 cover contest winner, who won with an incredible 1,400 votes. The 4-year-old just started back to preschool at Harrisburg Baptist Day School in Tupelo this month. Read more about him on page 12. For this issue, we also explored some of the exciting things happening at area schools. On page 28, you’ll learn a little more about the lauded Tupelo High School marching band, the award-winning Saltillo High School cheerleaders and the annual, over-the-top homecoming parade in Corinth. At Parkway Elementary School, an innovative program that pairs senior citizen volunteers with young readers is resulting in unexpected friendships. Read more on page 36. We also talked to nutrition director for Lee County Schools about healthful school lunch ideas (page 14) and to First United Methodist Church about a program they lead to help keep Tupelo students from going hungry during the weekends (page 10). Whether your children are in school now or have been out of the classroom for years, there’s something for you here in our August issue. Thanks for sharing a few moments with your favorite free community magazine, both here in print and on our social media sites.
JUly/aUgUst 2010
Back to school
AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2017
Meet Children’s Cover Contest Winner, Sam
AUGUST 2017 INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
august 2012
Meet Children’s Cover Contest winner, della rea
RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER
6
july/august 2011
AUGUST 2011
AUGUST 2012
publishers
Phil and Rachel West
editorial
EDITOR IN CHIEF Emily Welly CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Lena Anderson EVENTS EDITOR Mary Moreton STAFF WRITER Melanie Crownover EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Katherine Henson COPY EDITOR Kate Johnson
advertising
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Alise M. Emerson Leigh Lowery Lynn McElreath Stacey Raper Moni Simpson Whitney Worsham ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Zach Fields Becca Pepper
art
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Hallie Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Lisa Roberts Joe Worthem CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kim Westhouse Whitney Worsham
production
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Emily Suber
office
BUSINESS MANAGER Hollie Hilliard DISTRIBUTION Donald Courtney Brian Hilliard MAIN OFFICE 662-234-4008 ADVERTISING INFORMATION ads@invitationtupelo.com
To subscribe to one year (10 issues) of Invitation Tupelo or to buy an announcement, visit invitationtupelo.com. To request a photographer at your event, email Mary at mary.invitation@gmail.com. Invitation Tupelo respects the many diverse individuals and organizations who make up north Mississippi and strives to be an inclusive representation of all members of our community.
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE
August 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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AUG. 15-SEPT. 15
Tupelo and Lee County Football Kickoff 8/18 at 7 p.m. Tupelo High School vs. Meridian Shannon High School vs. Corinth Mooreville High School at Booneville Saltillo High School vs. North Pontotoc
College Football Kickoff 8/31 at 7 p.m. Itawamba Community College at Mississippi Gulf Coast
9/2 at 6:30 p.m. Ole Miss vs. South Alabama
9/2 at 3 p.m. Mississippi State vs. Charleston Southern
Ongoing
Tupelo Farmers’ Depot Open 3-6 p.m. on Tuesdays, and 6 a.m.-noon on Thursdays and Saturdays at 415 S. Spring St. at the railroad tracks.
Now-8/31
Mississippi Painters Society Visit Gumtree Museum of Art to see Tupelobased Mississippi Painters Society’s annual exhibit. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.
8/24-26
The Robber Bridegroom TCT presents an entertaining show set to bluegrass music and based on a short story by Mississippian Eudora Welty. $25 adults; $10 students. 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Lyric Theatre. tct.ms
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
9/14 Down on Main The final show in Tupelo’s free, outdoor summer concert series features Jeff Crosby and the Refugees and George McConnell (pictured). 6:30 p.m., Fairpark. tupelodownonmain.com
8/26
9/3
Family-friendly movie Pete’s Dragon will be shown on a big screen in Ballard Park, behind the soccer concession stand. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Free. 8 p.m.
Runners gather for the Boston qualifier along with a 13.1-miler. Both races start at 5 a.m. at BancorpSouth Arena. tupelomarathon.racesonline.com
8/29-9/3
9/9
The annual fair features carnival rides and food, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, games and more at Tupelo Furniture Market. Gates open at 4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, and noon Saturday-Sunday. Admission $7 for age 13 and older, $5 for ages 5-12, free for age 4 and under. Unlimited carnival ride wristbands can be purchased for $20.
Tupelo Firefighters Ladies Auxiliary hosts the second annual Tupelo 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, an event that commemorates first responders who gave the ultimate sacrifice on Sept. 11, 2001. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., BancorpSouth Arena. For more information, email tupelo911climb@yahoo.com.
Summer Movie Series
Summerfest
9/2
Corinth Green Market Corinth’s monthly market features local farmers, gardeners, artisans and craftsmen. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the historic Corinth Depot. corinthgreenmarket.net
Tupelo Marathon
9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
9/9
Touch-A-Truck Tupelo Parks and Recreation invites children to touch, climb and explore trucks and heavy machinery and learn about the important purposes they serve in the community. Free. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Ballard Park.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SPECIAL FREE Comprehensive Exam and X-Rays with every professional cleaning for NEW PATIENTS! August 1 • September 30, 2017
BACKPACK MINISTRY written by Melanie Crownover
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
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First United Methodist Church’s Backpack Ministry seeks to ensure Tupelo Public School District students don’t go hungry during the weekends when school cafeterias are closed. It takes just $3.25 to stock one inconspicuous paper bag – just right to stash in a backpack – with staples for the weekend. The contents are prepackaged foods such as granola bars, nonrefrigerated microwavable meals and canned goods, from meats to fruits. The meals have an impact on more than just empty stomachs. “If you’re hungry on Monday morning or thinking about how you’re going to eat when you get home Friday after school, it’s hard to concentrate on schoolwork or anything else,” program organizer and former educator Cathy Grace said. “Sometimes when we see inattention, falling grades or acting out, there can be a bigger problem behind it.” More than 20 volunteers meet weekly during the school year at Helping Hands to pack the sacks, then deliver them to the schools to be distributed by school counselors. TPSD teachers, counselors and principals work together to identify kindergarten through sixth-grade students who need help. Each school then reports the number of bags needed. Last year the program served 240 children. The program is funded in part through a partnership with United Way, but it also relies heavily on donations from local churches and community members. To donate, call FUMC at 662-690-8100. To volunteer, email kgcollins@bellsouth.net.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRIDGET SHARP
HANNAH McCOY ARMSTRONG & JAKE WILLIS SCOTT
annah McCoy Armstrong of Houston and Jake Willis Scott of Shannon are pleased to announce their engagement. McCoy is the daughter of Jason and Shannon Redden of Houston and Chad Armstrong of Baldwyn. Jake is the son of Mike and Glenda Scott of Shannon. McCoy works at Reed’s department store in Tupelo, and Jake is a carpenter at Scott Construction. The couple will exchange vows Nov. 18, 2017, at Southwind in Shannon.
August 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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and the winner is...
SAM
Invitation Tupelo’s 2017 children’s cover contest winner is a preschooler who loves Batman and is an aspiring athlete with big career goals. photographed by Joe Worthem
Q: How did you spend your summer? A: We swam, went to the zoo, went to Chattanooga, spent the night at my grandma’s and cousins Colin and Andrew’s house, played baseball, and played with my friends Warner, Pierce and Harrison. And my grandparents came to visit from Michigan.
Q: What do you like best about school? A: Playing basketball in the gym Q: If you could be any superhero, who would it be? BATMAN!
A:
Q: What’s your favorite sport? A: Football . . . no, baseball Q: What’s your favorite movie? A: Lego Batman Movie Q: What music do you like? A: ABCs and Jesus songs Q: What do you want to be when you grow up? A: A professional baseball player 12
INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
Historic Downtown Tupelo 662.842.6453 Mall at Barnes Crossing 662.842.5287 reedsms.com
August 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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SCHOOL LUNCH written by Melanie Crownover
A
long with homework help and PTO meetings, many parents have another back-to-school duty: packing lunches. Minding three simple rules can make lunch planning better for everyone, according to Lee County Schools’ child nutrition director, Rhonda Robertson.
1. Nutrition first. “They don’t call it the four food groups now, but a meat, bread, fruit or vegetable, and milk product should be the core of any meal,” Robertson said. “It’s easy using Lunchables or other convenience foods, but that usually means their bodies aren’t getting everything they need.” • Experiment with foods at home first to save money and sanity. Whole-wheat crackers, baked chips, applesauce, cheese sticks and yogurt make healthy and tasty side items.
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• Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables also make delicious accompaniments if you consider how they’ll taste by lunch. Sliced bananas and peaches go mushy by the time they get to the table. Avoid soggy sandwiches by packing lettuce or tomato in a separate container. Cut up foods like apples for easy eating, and soak in pineapple juice or Fruit Fresh to keep their color.
2. Think variety. “Kids get tired of the same old thing quick,” Robertson said. “That’s why we have so many lunchroom choices. It’s hard to give as many options from home, but you can come close if you’re creative.” • Make a list of your children’s favorite, healthier foods to work into a loose rotation. Let kids have some say in what’s on the menu. • Designate days of the week for sandwiches,
salads, pasta or other offerings, as the cafeteria does. Switch up choices as needed. • Keep lunch interesting by using colorful foods or different textures. Use cookie cutters to make sandwiches or fruits and vegetables into fun shapes for younger children.
3. Watch temperatures. “We’ve come a long way since the metal lunchboxes we took to school, but you should still think about how long items will be packed if they’re hot or cold because there’s a two- to four-hour safe window,” Robertson said. • Meats and dairy products can develop illnesscausing bacteria when they reach 40°-45°F. For hot foods, 140°F and below is the danger zone. • Invest in well-insulated carriers, and pack frozen drinks that will thaw in time for lunch or plastic ice blocks to keep food cool.
WE CREATE BEAUTIFUL SMILES I N F A C T, W E ’ V E B E E N D O I N G T H I S F O R O V E R A D E C A D E A N D WE LOVE SEEING OUR SMILES ALL OVER NORTH MISSISSIPPI.
Lunchbox Menus
suggestions from Rhonda Robertson and Invitation Magazines staff
CO M E S E E FO R YO U R S E L F
HODGESORTHODONTICS.COM (662) 407-0713
Turkey and cheese sandwich Small side salad (mix romaine, spinach, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, dried cranberries and shredded cheese) Sliced melon (try fresh cantaloupe, honeydew and/or watermelon) Milk or water Sliced, grilled chicken breast (leftover) Whole grain crackers Cheese stick or cubes Applesauce Milk or water Deli-meat roll ups (try rolling up ham, turkey or pepperoni slices with a slice of cheese, smear of cream cheese and green lettuce) Cut vegetables (try baby carrots, cucumber slices or sliced bell peppers) with hummus for dipping Pretzel sticks Dried apricots Milk or water
August 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
ELVIS FESTIVAL Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association held the 19th annual Elvis Festival June 1-4 at various locations. Highlights from the event included an Elvis tribute artist contest, the Running with the King 5K race, multiple live music acts, food vendors and a pet parade. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Jesse Aron, Michael Cullipher, Jimmy Hutchins and Mike Fitzner
Cote Deonarth, David Allen, Doug Jones and Gabriel Sanders
Lynn Roper, Josh Vaughn and Ron Bonhan
Tanner Palmer and Jennifer Collins
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
Kyle Matkins, Micah Torres and Garret Vandygriff
Taylor Wages, Hector Hernadez, Ragan Ostrowski, Terry Pierce, Chastity Cole and Colton Wages
Tammy Davis, Melissa Snipes, Sara Nelms, Kayla Justice and Amy Parker
Miki and Frank Jones with Jennifer and Tiffany Tuttle
Karen Yaw, Kim Brasfield and Mikki Miller
Connie Tullos and Jack Curtis
Marlyn Mason and Debby Gibbs
Tyler Christopher, Robert Walkerdine and Jeffery Krick Jr.
Kelly Vance with Rufio
Jason Scruggs
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
ALL STAR FOOTBALL CAMP Buffalo Wild Wings presented the 2017 Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi All Star Football Camp on June 17 at Ballard Park. Special guest coaches were past NFL players, Ole Miss players and Mississippi State players. photographed by Kim Westhouse
Maggie Houin with Lucia and Allie Randle
Jonathan Banks and Jay Hughes
Melanie and Marquia Florez
Marcus Gary and LaMon Partlow
Dulane Garner with Taylor and Leslie Nabors and Pete Rodriques
Reggie Harris, Marcus Gary and Shawn Sykes
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
JOURNEY CONCERT Top-selling American band Journey performed a live concert June 7 at BancorpSouth Arena. The event included an opening performance by the rock band Asia. photographed by Whitney Worsham
Jeff and Paula Kellum
Tonia and Lane Fowler
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Lauren Hopkins and Cathy Duncan
Alex, Annette and Mitch Harrison
Rebecca and Terry Adams with Barbara Norris and Mike Segars
Brad and Rachel Tipton
Valerie Palmer and Ethan Foster with Roman,Selah and Kim Brown
Kristie and Michael Grimes
Jake and Laurie Coulter
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
SOUTHERN MOTION RELAY FOR LIFE Southern Motion Manufacturing held a golf tournament June 12 at Natchez Trace Golf Club. The event raised more than $141,200 for Lee County Relay for Life. photographed by Lisa Roberts
James and Heather Tate
Vince Hodges, Bill Roberts, Mike Ferguson and Jack Hodges
Drew Lipscomb, Jeff Scoville, Mike White and Jay Ware
Jeremy Gardner, Kirk Roberts and Jake Scott
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Chris Moore, Anthony Hendrix, Caleb Mills and Boyce Googe
Scott Cooper, Shane Winsett, Joey Ferguson and Kerry Gaillard
Jeff Wright, Scott Ford and Phil Webb
Karl Van Becelaere and Steve Lake
Moe Livingston, Scott Williamson, Craig Cook and Scott Bratton
Ben Galjour and Shelby Ladner
Steve Berryhill and Jerry Russell
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
LEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S SUMMER SURVIVOR CAMP The Lee County Sheriff’s Department hosted its second annual Summer Survivor camp June 5-9. Students from grades 7-9 enjoyed the weeklong overnight experience at Camp Tik-A-Witha. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Shelby and Serra Erwin
Charlie Stanford, Jackson Feather, Wes Newton, Kyle Barnett and Kage Heberling
Sara Caygle, Piper Mask and Kameron Johnson
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Allie Burrow, Jayla Patterson, Persha Childs, Sammy Terry and Madison Dees
Kylee Brownfield, Braxton Spees, Alisha Carrisoza, Lexy Hollaway and Milam Sanders
Emilie Hutcheson, Glen Barnette, Sheri Hall, Jana Hellums and Ronnie Bugg
Kevin Carter, Tim Erickson and Dillon Myrick
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
RALPH WADE BRUCE GOLF TOURNAMENT The 15th annual Ralph Wade Bruce Memorial Golf Tournament was held June 17 at Okolona Golf Club. Proceeds will benefit a scholarship fund awarded to a Shannon High School baseball player. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Jeff Barnes, Dan Monaghan, Casey Bruce, Brandon Edwards, Rob Lesley and Jacob Bruce
Jacob and Jeff Harden with Davis and Billy Lindsey
Johnny Bruce with Ed and Joseph Maher
Cody Scott and Greg Hanna
Tyler and Bill Rosenthal with Dave, Jack, Jesse, Joey and Jeb Hamilton
Chip Turner, Ben Meriweather, Timbo Henderson, Chris Stoup, Jason Sanders and Carey Treadaway
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY UNIVERSAL EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY
high school spirit Throughout northeast Mississippi, marching bands are ready, cheerleaders are poised and parades are about to begin. written by Melanie Crownover
S
tudents and alumni across the area are ushering in the new school year with traditions and competitions that reflect pride in their schools and communities.
Go, Fight, Cheer Saltillo High School’s 30-member cheerleading squad faces a rebuilding year for 2017-18. All eight of the team’s male members graduated in May after another banner season; however, the competitive nature and skill of the upcoming squad should not be dismissed. “I love that we have athletes from all sports on our team – from football, tennis, track, archery – they know how to work for a tough win,” coach Stephanie Box said. “These students train for six to eight months, three to six hours a week on a two-and-a-half-minute routine that we can alter for the venue. They have the heart and drive to never give up.” The SHS squad won the first state championship for Saltillo in 2015. The same year, they also won their first of three successive bids to go to the National High School Cheerleading Championship at Universal Studios Florida. They placed fourth out of 22 teams in the nation last year, missing third place by mere tenths of a point and earning themselves a spot in the competition’s television broadcast on ESPN-U. “Cheer has brought my girls together, kind of like it has with part of our town,” booster club president and mother to three SHS cheerleaders Libba Priest said. “We had
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
three competition cheer gyms here until recently. These kids start to tumble earlier and earlier, so the skill level keeps increasing.” The cheer team at Guntown Middle School, which prepares seventh- and eighthgraders for high school competition at Saltillo, went to nationals in both 2014 and 2015. According to Box, that initial training is why the backhand spring and tumbling pass that were
rarities when she joined the team nine years ago are now basic moves. “Once you get to a certain level of competition, you hold yourself to a certain standard,” she said. “This year is an unknown for us right now, but I do know these kids will push themselves and each other to be their very best. If they do that, there’s no limit to what they can accomplish.”
Saltillo High School cheerleaders are training for another successful season. After winning a state championship in 2015, they came in fourth last school year at the National High School Cheerleading Championship at Universal Studios Florida (pictured) and were featured in the competition’s television broadcast on ESPN-U.
August 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY DONNIE BATES
Corinth High School’s homecoming parade, which takes place the Thursday evening before the homecoming game, is a much-anticipated tradition. Above left, the 2016 homecoming queen, Kelsey Fulghum, waves from her elaborately decorated float. Above right, Victoria Smith represented the Pep Club as its sweetheart last year.
School Spirit on Parade Corinth High School’s annual homecoming parade features imaginative, over-the-top floats covered in tissue paper and school spirit. The parade takes place Thursday before the homecoming game (Sept. 14 this year). Observers line the downtown strip from Main Street to the courthouse to watch the colorful creations along with decorated cars, cheerleaders and marching bands. “They don’t call it the mini Rose Bowl for nothing,” parade coordinator Alesha Knight said. “It rivals the Christmas Parade and the Homecoming game. If you’re a girl from
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
Corinth, you’ve grown up dreaming of being on one of those floats.” Every year, 20 school clubs decorate cars for the parade. They each vote for a sweetheart to represent their organization, and she selects a club-appropriate theme and two boys from the group to be her parade escorts. The freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes also each choose a class maid with similar obligations. They then decorate a float for her to ride, using money from class fundraisers for materials. Students spend three weeks of planning their floats and four days constructing the projects. Last year, Knight said, students used
more than 32 reams of tissue paper measuring 480 feet long each. Judges hand out awards at the end of the night before a pep rally starts. Graduate Baylee Howard won “Most Beautiful Car” with her Grease-themed pink Cadillac as the 2016-17 Mu Alpha Theta senior sweetheart. “As early as sophomore and junior year, we all talk about what we would do as our theme if we were selected maids. The cars and floats get more elaborate every year,” Howard said. “Even when we go off to college, we find a way to come back. It’s one of those things you can’t really miss if you’re from here.”
In addition to the floats created for each class maid to ride, 20 school clubs decorate cars and choose sweethearts from their organizations to represent them in the parade. At top, a Grease-themed pink Cadillac, ridden by mathematics honor society Mu Alpha Theta’s sweetheart Baylee Howard, won “Most Beautiful Car” in last year’s parade.
August 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY RYAN COON
Tupelo High School marching band participated in several special events during 2016-17 school year, from the Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C., to the Aberdeen Marching Classic competition closer to home. This school year, their non-football schedule will include three performances and a Christmas program.
Let’s Hear it for the Band The Tupelo High School band set a high bar last year when it marched in the Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C., but second-year THS band director Rick Murphy says the group is ready for the challenge. “We hope to make it to the finals of state this year, and anything after that is gravy,” Murphy said. “The goal is to work up to winning state; then I would love to take this band to Macy’s [Thanksgiving Day Parade] or the Rose Bowl in the next few years.”
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
Several non-football events the band participated in last year were good practice. They won at the Aberdeen Marching Classic, adding a new award to the other 58 plaques in their band hall. The group scored seven points higher than their previous ranking at the Mississippi Bandmasters Association’s MHSAA State Marching Evaluation that THS hosts, earning a superior rating. They also received one of only 20 MHSAA Sweepstakes Awards for receiving all superior marks in competitions held throughout the year.
The key to their success was emphasizing overall musicianship. This year, they’ll continue to get plenty of practice: Murphy expanded the troupe’s non-football-related schedule to include three performances plus a Christmas program for 2017-18. “Murphy focused on the final goal and cared about the entire band instead of the small stuff. He expected more from us and believed,” incoming senior Hannah Kellum said. “It affected us. I went from last chair to first in one year, so I’m ready to see what the band can do this year.”
PHOTOGRAPHED BY RYAN COON
New Leader at the Helm New principal Art Dobbs is no stranger to the halls of Tupelo High School. He graduated from the institution in 1994 and served as an assistant principal there from 2010 to 2014. “I had a great experience here, and being a product and graduate of this school, this feels like coming back home to me,” he said. “I’ve always had a connection to this school.” Dobbs’ father was the second principal to lead the newly opened THS in the late 1990s. In fact, both of Dobbs’ parents spent most of their 28-year-long education careers in Tupelo. “I can remember sitting at the kitchen table with my sister and saying there was no way I would ever do this,” he said. “I laughed when I figured out my calling halfway through college because no matter how hard you fight, I guess sometimes it’s in your blood. I don’t know what my life would be without this now.” Dobbs has spent the last 16 years in the Tupelo Public School District. He served as a history teacher, physical education teacher and head football coach at Tupelo Middle School. He worked as assistant baseball coach at the high school, and, most recently, was principal at Pierce Street Elementary School. The district honored him as the 2016-17 Administrator of the Year. His predecessor, Jason Harris, who left to become superintendent of schools in Columbia, Mississippi, believes THS chose wisely. “I know Art well because he was my assistant principal when he was there,” Harris said. “He’s taking over a school with a phenomenal staff and students, and he definitely has the leadership skills to take that foundation to a new level. Art bleeds blue and gold.” August 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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Apply Yourself
Help ease the financial burden of college by following these steps to find the right scholarship for you. written by Melanie Crownover
As college tuitions rise,
local high school students are under increasing pressure to get help paying for higher education. Seeking federal and state aid through traditional FAFSA and MTAG routes remains the best way to get the process started, but these financial aid professionals agree that student loans could be just an afterthought if you follow their tips for scholarship success.
Start early Students don’t need to know their future alma mater or expected major or even be a senior in high school to weigh their options. In fact, Tupelo High School senior counselor Joni Nolan recommends her students start their research much sooner than that. “Most scholarships are only available to seniors as far as applying,” she said, “but you can begin looking junior year to highlight the one(s) you’re interested in so you know the requirements and deadlines early.” Nolan also said she warns her students never to work with anyone who wants money to help them find scholarships.
Research Gone are the days when finding scholarships required a visit with the guidance counselor. All students need now is a computer and internet access to investigate possibilities. “There are national websites
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
that provide links to all types of scholarship applications that are secure and convenient,” said Terry Bland, financial aid director at Itawamba Community College. “We use fastweb.com with our students since the site vets all sources to make sure they’re reputable and keeps them from attaining student infor mation.” Other reliable sources include get2 college.org, brokescholar.com, riseupms.com and bigfuture.collegeboard.org.
Know your resume Are you a mathlete? A thes pian? A track team member? There may be a scholarship to reward that skill. Nolan suggests starting a resume freshman year to track all community service, volunteer work and extracurricular activities for future reference. Many financial aid sites request specifics about student activities to match you with interestbased education dollars. Your chosen college should also offer academic, organizational, extracurricular and merit-based scholarships. Dana Requet, senior financial advisor at the University of Mississippi, reminds prospective students they don’t even need to be accepted yet to apply for institutional aid. “As soon as you apply to the university, you get a confirmation number in your email that you can use,” she said. “The application period opens in the summer, although the awards go out in the spring after the acceptance letters.”
Think local While big corporations such as CocaCola and Taco Bell offer scholarship opportunities that are easy to apply for online, don’t discount the support available at home. Countless mom-and-pop businesses, organizations and private donors do their part to help nearby students pay for college. “Tupelo is fortunate in that lots of local agencies and organizations offer scholarships for local students that are very generous,” Nolan said. “There’s a wide array of businesses, charities and individuals to choose from, and we keep an updated list of them on our website.”
Don’t hesitate Timing is essential when it comes to applications. Getting your information in by deadline could be the difference between approval and denial. THS junior counselor Suzanne Blakey suggests students save school essays to rework later for college applications and ask English teachers for assistance in proofreading and making their submissions better. “I tell our students to apply for as many scholarships as they can, and don’t worry about the competition,” Bland said. “There are so few who will even take the time to write a short essay or fill out a form sometimes that lots of organizations have to roll their money over to the next year because there are no applicants. Put in the effort and just apply.”
www.tishomingofunhere.org
TISHOMINGO COUNTY COUNTY 2017 2017 Calendar Calendar of of Events Events TISHOMINGO
UPCOMING EVENTS
MARCH 11 Boys & Girls Club St. Paddies Duathlon-Iuka MARCH 11 Boys & Girls Club St. Paddies Duathlon-Iuka MARCH 17 Crafts in the park-JP Coleman State Park September Iuka Heritage Festival Car MARCH 17 Crafts1-2in the park-JP Coleman Stateand Park & Tractor - Downtown Iuka APRIL 1 American Bass AnglersShow RAM Series Open Tournament-JP Coleman APRIL 1 American Bass Anglers RAM Series Open Tournament-JP Coleman APRIL 8 39th Annual Hollis Long/Archie Lee Memorial Ole’ Tyme Music Gathering-Tish.State Park September 9- Bear Creek Festival & Car Show - Ole’ Belmont APRIL 8 39th Annual Hollis Long/Archie Lee Memorial Tyme Music Gathering-Tish.State Park plus annual Easter Egg hunt September Waterway Festival & Car Show - Burnsville plus annual Easter23Egg hunt APRIL 8 FLW Fishing Tournament-JP Coleman State Park October Trash and Treasures along the APRIL 8 FLW 6-7Fishing Tournament-JP Coleman State Park APRIL 15 Annual Easter Egg Hunt-JP Coleman State Park Tenn-Tom Waterway County-wide APRIL 15 Annual Easter Egg Hunt-JP Coleman State Park APRIL 15 3rd Annual Renaissance Day-old Tishomingo County Courthouse October 31stRenaissance Annual FallDay-old Fling for the YoungCounty at Heart APRIL 15 3rd12Annual Tishomingo Courthouse APRIL 21 2nd Annual Earth Day-Tish. State Park Tishomingo State Park APRIL 21 2nd Annual Earth Day-Tish. State Park APRIL 22 Bass Tactics High School Open Tournament-JP Coleman November 4- 4th High Annual Celebration Festival Coleman APRIL 22 Bass Tactics School Open Tournament-JP APRIL 22 Annual Swinging Bridge Trail -Walk/Run-Tish. State Park - FCR/Crow’s Paden APRIL 22 Annual Swinging BridgeNeck Trail Walk/Run-Tish. State Park MAYNovember 4 National Day of Prayer-Iuka 25- of Turkey Day Trot on the Trails MAY 4 National Day Prayer-Iuka MAY 6 FLW Fishing Tournament-JP Coleman - Tishomingo State ParkState Park MAY 6 FLW Fishing Tournament-JP Coleman State Park MAY 6 5th Annual Native American Customs & Traditions Festival- Tish. State Park MAY 6 5th Annual Native American Customs & Traditions Festival- Tish. State Park MAY 20 Rocking on the River Festival-Eastport/Iuka 662.423.0051 • Festival-Eastport/Iuka info@tishomingo.org MAY 20 Rocking on the River JUNE 3 5th Annual National TrailsDr. Day Iuka, “Less Litter Beauty Hike”-Tish. State Park 101 Battleground MSMore 38852 JUNE 3 5th Annual National Trails Day “Less Litter More Beauty Hike”-Tish. State Park JUNE 10 Burnsville Fire Dept. Motorcycle Ride/Fundraiser JUNE 10 Burnsville Fire Dept. Motorcycle Ride/Fundraiser JULY 4 Street Dance-Downtown Tishomingo JULY 4 Street Dance-Downtown Tishomingo JULY 4 Fireworks & Movie in the Park- CC Shook Park-Belmont JULY 4 Fireworks & Movie in the Park- CC Shook Park-Belmont AUGUST 10-12 Dulcimer Festival- JP Coleman State Park AUGUST 10-12 Dulcimer Festival- JP Coleman State Park SEPTEMBER 1-2 Iuka Heritage Festival and Car & Tractor Show- Downtown Iuka SEPTEMBER 1-2 Iuka Heritage Festival and Car & Tractor Show- Downtown Iuka S EPTEMBER 9 Bear Creek Festival & Car Show-Belmont S EPTEMBER 9 Bear Creek Festival & Car Show-Belmont SEPTEMBER 23 Waterway Festival & Car Show-Burnsville SEPTEMBER 23 Waterway Festival & Car Show-Burnsville OCTOBER 6-7 Trash & Treasures along the Tenn-Tom Waterway-- County- wide OCTOBER 6-7 Trash & Treasures along the Tenn-Tom Waterway-- County- wide OCTOBER 12 31st Annual Fall Fling for the Young at Heart-Tish. State Park OCTOBER 12 31st Annual Fall Fling for the Young at Heart-Tish. State Park NOVEMBER 4 4th Annual Celebration Festival-FCR/Crow’s Neck-Paden NOVEMBER 4 4th Annual Celebration Festival-FCR/Crow’s Neck-Paden NOVEMBER 25 Turkey Day Trot on the Trails-Tish. State Park NOVEMBER 25 Turkey Day Trot on the Trails-Tish. State Park
1001 Battleground Battleground Dr. Dr. 1001 662-423-0051 info@tishomingo.org info@tishomingo.org 662-423-0051
Iuka, MS MS 38852 38852 Iuka, www.tishomingofunhere.org www.tishomingofunhere.org
August 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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Volunteers from Traceway Retirement Community help tutor elementary school students, but their impact goes far beyond basic reading skills. written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem
Seven-year-old Kayleigh Floyd doesn’t know the name of her reading buddy at Parkway Elementary School. She can’t say where her friend is from or even how old she is. But the grin that spreads across Kayleigh’s face when she’s asked about her pal reflects the genuine connection they have made. “She’s really super nice. With white hair,” the incoming first-grader said. “She lives in [a retirement center] that looks like a hotel, but she comes to see me so we can read Henry and Mudge together, and she always lets me pick the book. When I first met her, I just didn’t know how to read at all.” During the 2016-17 school year, Kayleigh was part of an innovative partnership between Parkway and Traceway Retirement Community. School administrators matched eight kindergarten and first-grade students from Parkway with five volunteer senior tutors from Traceway’s independent-living cottages, manor and villas. Traceway transported volunteers to the school once a week to read with the children one-on-one for 30 minutes. During that time, they covered a lot of material to help foster an interest in books. They worked on phonics and sounding out words. They focused on plot and character development as they progressed. To improve reading comprehension, volunteers encouraged the children to relate the stories they read to personal experiences. To build trust, each student was partnered with the same volunteer each week unless that senior was absent. The results were phenomenal, and not just academically.
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
Students from Parkway Elementary School got help with reading last school year from Traceway Retirement Community volunteers. The multigenerational program not only led to improved reading skills but also sparked unexpected friendships.
“Not only did we see reading skills improve to at least grade level, these kids’ self-confidence flourished,” Parkway media specialist Nikki Reed said. “The volunteers became like adoptive grandparents to them, and that individual attention brought them out of their shells.” Students rushed to their volunteers when they reached the library, most referring to that chosen senior affectionately as “my lady.” Volunteers doted on the kids by rewarding a good job with a piece of gum, hard candy or
a pat on the back. The seniors bragged about each child’s triumphs and encouraged them to keep reading until they met again. The ties between the pairs deepened as the year continued, with some children and their families visiting Traceway for Halloween trickor-treating and Christmas caroling. Former high school English teacher Rose Trigg recalled the pride she and fellow volunteers shared the day one boy said he loved days when the “old people came to read” to him.
Parkway Elementary School students visited Traceway Retirement Community in May to celebrate their achievements with the volunteers that had tutored them in reading throughout the year. Thanks to the positive impact the program had on Parkway students and senior citizen volunteers, it will be continued in the 2017-18 school year.
“I’ve seen how it affects a student later on to get behind and miss out on that love of reading at an early age,” Trigg said, “so I just wish we had more programs like this. “It means a lot to us volunteers, too,” she added. “It keeps us young and reminds us to keep that childlike curiosity and enthusiasm. It would improve anyone’s life to be able to help a child and bond like this.” The program culminated with an endof-the-school-year party at Traceway, featuring
a special lunch and tour of the facility for the children. Kayleigh delighted in blowing bubbles in her volunteer’s garden to celebrate getting grade-level final marks on year-end assessments. Each child received a blue ribbon from the volunteers to recognize his or her achievements at the end of the day. The field trip didn’t just encourage the students; seeing the children’s enthusiasm firsthand also got more Traceway residents interested in volunteering.
“It’s been a new chapter for our residents who volunteer in the community,” Traceway program director Ashley Chambers said. “We are building relationships and finding that a purpose-driven life is essential, even after retirement. “Other residents had heard about the program all year,” she added, “but seeing them walking down the halls holding hands with the kids spoke volumes about how rewarding it is.” August 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
JOYNER GARDEN TOUR The Joyner Neighborhood Association presented a neighborhood garden tour June 10. The event included six neighborhood gardens, lunch and tours of St. Luke Methodist Church’s restored sanctuary. photographed by Kim Westhouse
Gayle Hillhouse and Marilyn Smyly
Sandra Ballard and Emily Gray
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
Enita Parker and Louise Smith
Shirley Hill and Linda Weatherford
Kenzie Bland and Sharon Estes
Judy and Paul Tranum
Jane Carruth with Buffy and Phillis Smedley and Debbie Jordan
Rachel Eide and Larry Pharr
Carol Pitts and Margaret Kennedy
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FATHER-DAUGHTER GUMTREE BALL Magnolia Business Center presented the 15th annual Father-Daughter Gumtree Ball June 24 at BancorpSouth Arena. Guests enjoyed dinner and dancing, with proceeds benefiting Le Bonheur. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Ana and Steven Chambers
Jesse, Cami and Chloe Bandre with Steven, Ella Claire and Claudia Blaylock
Andy and McKenzie Hankins
Jody and Maizley Grace Avent
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
Cindy and Lillie Faith Childs with Hannah Bell Spencer and Catherine Truemper
Shaliyan Jacobs with Charles E. and Caitlyn Bouldin, Camry Shields and Charles Bouldin III
Noel Waterer and Sydney Duggar
Alison Kenney and Finley Speck
Mia Landers and Bubba Hill
Livie, Phil and Ella Blanchard
Bill and Lilly Almon
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Tony and Morgan Ewing with Mia and Gregg Johnson
John Adam and Ann Hayden Goff with Karter, Kylan and Jake Johns
August 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
MUSIC, MONET AND MARGARITAS Music, Monet and Margaritas was held June 10 at the Lyric. The event included live music by the Mary Frances Massey Band, catering by Outback Steakhouse and a silent auction of local artists’ work. photographed by Kim Westhouse
Ann Rogers and Joey Blackmon
Amelia Loren Smith, Taylor Neal and Mary Frances Massey
Kelly and John Kenney
Fred and Carol Pitts
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
Mer Dodge and Jana Eakes
Tracie and Greg Conwill with Kim Wright and Rhonda Sinclaire
Lexi Parker and Kimberly Allred
Anna Scarbrough and Emily Burk
Derrick and Mollye Guntharp
Albert and Betsy White
Kasey Lewis and Daniel Fierro
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August 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
LAKE LAMAR BRUCE PARTY AT THE LAKE The third annual Party at the Lake was held July 4 at Saltillo’s Lake Lamar Bruce. The event included a paddle battle kayak race, children’s activities, food vendors, a DJ and a fireworks show. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Mava Wilson and Marie Stone
Sam Peters and Sam Johnson
Liam, Rivers and Asher Nelson
Harper, Hallie and Ashley Nelson
Leonard Stout
Avarie Jolly and Blakely MaKay
Clay and Jimmy Johnson with Julie Peters and Roan Johnson
Swayze and Carla Mooneyhan
Kelly and Macy Dillon
Saltillo MISSISSIPPI
Welcome Home! MAIN STREET PARK & REC 869-5668 869-5431
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
CITY HALL 869-5431
POLICE DEPT 869-5454
FIRE DEPT 869-8656
ZONING/BUILDING 869-5431
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
SLUGBURGER FESTIVAL The 30th annual Slugburger Festival was held July 13-15 in downtown Corinth. Activities included a singing contest, a carnival, live music, food vendors and the World Slugburger Eating Championship. photographed by Whitney Worsham
Priestley Worsham, Holly Howell and Elizabeth Williams
Marnie and Phil Hankins with Candee Witt, David Floyd and Jan Knight
Anna McCalla and Abby Little
Myra and Ron Strom
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
Caroline Burleson, Erica Soldan and Olivia Wilbanks
Foster Wygul, Mary Francis Drewry, Catie Shackleford, Price Waltman, Prentiss Worsham and Courtney Rabren
Debra Bain and Lisa Spencer
Hollie Wood and Jake Rodgers
Jana and Haley Little
Brian Thomas and Gregg Parker
Sheila and Dustin Smith
August 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
MUSIC AT THE MILL Tupelo Elvis Festival presented Music at the Mill June 1. The event featured live performances from Mississippi musicians The Weeks, Rock Eupora, Light Beam Rider/H.A.R.D. and Silas. photographed by Kim Westhouse
Deloris Jenkins and Maryanne Elmore
Memphis Jones
Triana Stephens, Julie Farrar and Leslie Geoghegan
Jenna Rose Koon and Christopher Vasquez
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
Kim Wade, Tammy Howard, Mike Hendricks and Cara Polson
Avery Rotenberry, Keelan Lynch and Hunter McGhie
Cain Barnes, Abby Murdock, Christy McInnis and Cyle Barnes
Sydney Griffin, Brett Horner and Allie Grissom
Dixi Franks and Robbie Huff
FLOORING & INTERIORS
2715 Hwy 145 S. Saltillo, MS 869-3545
August 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
PICNIC IN THE PARK The All American City Picnic in the Park Fourth of July celebration was held at Fairpark. The familyfriendly event included food vendors, children’s activities and live entertainment. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Jason and Holden Clouse
Tyler and Justin Segerson
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
Stephanie Lindsey and Frances Massey
Perry and Tamara McClelland
Brochetta Joy, Gabrielle Jones, Apprecia Geanes, Felicia Bell and Naila Hill
Elliot Campeau and Catherine Barkley
Bill and Susan Hayden with Donald Lefort and Marie Bailey
Ben Alford and Holly Kight
Samantha Turba, Deanna Locke and Laura Sheffield
Fall in Love... with
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115 N Thomas, Suite G • Tupelo • 841-0616
August 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
August 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
OUT AND ABOUT RESTORE A MUSCLE CAR’S BANDIT RUN
Maryssa and Austin Kingsburg
Maddie, Cole and Kathy Miller with Michelle Hall
ANDY HEWITT HELPING HANDS FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER
Juanita Hewitt Sheffield, Tom and Jenny Hewitt
Greg Grissom and Sondra Taylor
CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP
SALTILLO POLICE DEPARTMENT KIDS AND COPS
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
Mattie Hughes, Josie Thomas and Blair Thornton
Harrison Whitaker, Drew Sullivan and Cameron Hunt
LE BONHEUR CHILDREN’S CLINIC GRAND OPENING
Tiffany Stone and Monica McCarley
Dr. James Eubanks III and Dr. Rush Waller
WIG’N OUT & WINE’N ABOUT IT
Kate Chesnut, Carol Dowdy, Kim McAuley, Teresa Campbell, Jan Dozier, Sarah Barrett, Michael Dowdy, Misty Coleman, Stephanie West, Elizabeth Hamm, Julianna Goodwin, Lucy Hill and Jessie Leddy
Bill Roberts, Grant Bailey and Chris Joshlin
MISSISSIPPI SWIMMING LONG COURSE CHAMPIONSHIP
Jon Sprinkle, Chris Hindo and Brad McMurry
Angy Abner (center) with friends, family and supporters
WEST CLINIC BELL DEDICATION
Kennyata, Tiffany and Malcolm Thompson
Martha King and Barbara Rogers
KEEP IT CASUAL GRAND OPENING
Melanie, Doyce and Bill Deas with Meredith and Chris Tollison
MEG BRAFF BOOK SIGNING
Wanda Todd, Elsie White and Meg Braff
ARNI ANDERSON SUMMER KIDDO ART CAMP
Cathline Gan-lim, Maggie Jarrett, Emma Stanford, Madelyn Sublett, Belle Naugher, Sasha Sehic, Sam Ueltschur and Nick Little
CREATE STATE OF THE REGION MEETING
Bobby Harper, Eddie Prather, Travis Beard and Guy Mitchell
JAI ESCHETE BENEFIT
Brook Hughes with Jai and Lori Eschete and Amy Fagen
August 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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CHERRY PAYNE
interviewed by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem
Known for her enthusiastic morning greetings, Lawndale Elementary School crossing guard Cherry Payne has spent 15 years keeping students safe on their way to school.
Q: How do you stay so chipper? A: I wake up with the aches and pains that everyone else does. I’m just thankful I can get up and go to my job because I love the kids. Several people tell me that my smile and wave change their outlook on the morning.
Q: How do the kids respond to you? A: Every time I go to Walmart, I hear, “Mama, Mama, that’s her!” Sometimes I get a hug or a wave. It makes my day.
Q: What about the drivers? A: They make me feel appreciated.
Some people bring juice or a biscuit sometimes. One family brings coffee, especially when it’s cold. Every holiday, I get a turkey. Even the teachers bring me gifts sometimes.
Q: Is it a dangerous job? A: I pray the whole time I’m out there. One grandmother pulled all the way up to my legs one time because she said she didn’t see me. People are dealing with multiple kids in a car, talking on cell phones, making up their faces, trying to beat the clock. I stand to the side most of the time unless the kids are crossing. All traffic stops for my babies to come across.
Q: Did you get to choose your school? A: The police department trains us
and designates the school. I love Lawndale. I live close enough that I used to walk to work every morning and pick up neighborhood kids on the way to get them to school. I still bring them treats for their good grades.
Q: Did you have a crossing guard as a child? A: Yes. She was there no matter what. And we knew we were going to be OK with her there. I try to do what she did.
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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2017
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