Bainbridge Living Summer 2021 by thepostsearchlight

Summer 2021

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DEPARTMENTS SUMMER 2021

COLUMNS 6 Editor’s Letter ATHLETES 8 Paige Overman An academic success and swimming star, Paige Overman shares her story of how she got started in her sport. 10

Sesan Edwards Heavyweight champion and defensive lineman, Sesan Edwards shares how his parents instilled in him a strong work ethic. Detavia Salter A fourth-year starter for

the Lady Cats, Detavia Salter shares how she went from a love for gymnastics to a future college basketball player. 16

Hunter Harris A multi-sport athlete, Harris gives all the glory to God for his ability to partake in wrestling.

Myles Thomas Determined to make a name for himself, bas ketball player Myles Thomas set out to Tuskegee University and achieved just that.

Mary Claire Smallwood Starting tennis at age 12, Mary Claire Small wood took a scholar ship, playing across the US, before becoming a doctor.

Rohan Gaines Defensive Backs coach Rohan Gaines played football in college and the NFL before return ing home to help coach.

Ryan Riles After playing college baseball, Ryan Riles re turns to Bainbridge to head the Rec. Authority

Summer 2021 / BAINBRIDGE LIVING 5

EDITOR’S LETTER

Breeding champions

elcome to the Summer 2021 Edition of Bainbridge Living Magazine. Sports fans, this one is for you. Earlier this summer, Bainbridge High School Wrestling Coach, Chad Smith asked if we would ever consider featuring some high school athletes who were having success inside and outside the classroom. I responded “absolutely!” and this magazine quickly turned into what I have called The Summer Sporty Edition. If you have ever read my columns, you know I know nothing about sports, and am probably the least athletic person known to man. However, I dove into these stories and learned more than I could ever imagine about what it takes to be a next- level athlete. I give credit to all these students who are up early completing workouts, attending class, going to practice and squeezing in one final workout before bed. I feel lucky if I can go to the gym once a week. Their dedication is impressive, but even more impressive are the athletes who have returned home to put their all back into this community and its kids. Bainbridge, you should be proud; you’ve bred some real champions over the years.

6 BAINBRIDGE LIVING / Summer 2021

EDITORIAL JOHN WELLS General Manager JILL HOLLOWAY Managing Editor

news@thepostsearchlight.com

CHAD SMITH AMY FISCHER ETHAN REDDISH Contributing Editors

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PRODUCTION MARK POPE General Manager Bainbridge Living is published four times per year by Bainbridge Media, LLC. P.O. Box 277 Bainbridge, GA 39818 www.bainbridgeliving.com (229) 246-2827 Advertising rates and information available upon request.

Summer 2021

Sports: Golf, SWimming and Band Planned College: Georgia Tech or UT

Planned major: nuclear engineering

Parents: Jim and Joan Overman

Favorite Coach: Dr.

8 BAINBRIDGE LIVING / Winter 2020

Chambers

Paige Overman Paige Overman finds success in and out of the classroom, as she dedicates herself to academics, while perfecting her golf swing and breaststroke.

pcoming senior and current top ranked student for the class of 2022, Paige Overman has been swimming since she was just 7-years old. She began swimming recreationally at the YMCA and partaking in swim camps, before then joining the Bainbridge High School Swim Cats her freshman year of high school and becoming a lifeguard as well. Overman said she was an active child, taking soccer, tee ball, dance, but with swimming everything just clicked. “My older sister swam, so I liked the fact I got to do something with her,” she said. “I also found it to be very calming; every time I swam I was able to clear my head.” While swimming with her sister, Overman met the YMCA Aquatics Director and Barracudas Swim Coach, Jennifer Clemons, who would convince her to join the USA Swim Team. “She always pushed me to do more,” Overman said. While working with Clemons, Overman would compete in one out-ofstate meet in Pensacola, Florida, before Clemons went to work elsewhere. However, Overman said she will always remember her and the opportunity to swim with other USA swimmers. As Overman looks back over the years, she said swimming has brought her many great memories. Her favorite memory was winning the region championship her freshman and junior year of high school.

“During my junior year, we needed to get first in my relay to win the meet overall,” she said. “It was the last event of the meet and a lot of pressure, but it was fun and we were able to win.” Freshman year’s region championship was the exact opposite. Overman’s event was the first in the competition and she said she felt the pressure to start the meet off on a strong note. Freshman year, Overman competed in the 200 medley relay, along with the 400 freestyle relay, while junior year she was tasked with the 500 freestyle and 200 IM. Overman would be remiss without saying band has also had an impact on her life. “Band has brought me most of my friends,” she said. Every year she has been a section leader, while this year she has had the privilege of being named Captain. While sports have brought Overman several championships, her academic endeavors have proved to top her list of accomplishments. Overman is the BHS Yearbook Editor, Southwest Georgia Regional Chair for Anchor Club and a member of the Future Business Leaders of America. Overman said academically she pushes herself really hard. As just a freshman, she was already enrolled in senior-level classes. “I took Dr. Chambers’ Sophomore Year American Literature Class first se-

mester of my freshman year,” she said. The next semester I was enrolled in her senior AP Literature class. I was freaking out, but Dr. Chambers knew I could do more than what I believed I could do.” For that, Overman is grateful. However, she does wish that she would have told her freshman self, to “live a little more and relax, while taking time to do the things she wanted to do, instead of what she felt she had to do.” She now wants to encourage other freshman to be responsible for themselves. “Don’t’ morph yourself into everyone else’s version of you,” she said. “I had to make myself into who I am today, no one else can do that for you.” Going into senior year, Overman looks forward to all the opportunities that await her. She hopes to volunteer for organizations that she has a passion for, while working hard as Yearbook Editor and becoming more personable with those around her. She thanks her parents for instilling a curiosity in her to always learn more and ask questions, something that she hopes to instill in her children one day. Following graduation, Overman said she would like to work in the innovation field with energy. She realizes this job may keep her from returning back to Bainbridge, but she hopes to settle on the outskirts of a city that allow her to have modern amenities, but still the small, close-knit community that she has come to love. Summer 2021 / BAINBRIDGE LIVING 9

Sports: Wrestling and football Planned College: Fort Valley Planned Major: Paramedic

Parents: Tiffany and Derrick Edwards Favorite Subject:

10 BAINBRIDGE LIVING / Spring 2021

Science

Sesan Edwards Sesan Edwards’ hard work and determination that stem from his parents’ discipline leads him to a championship in heavyweight lifting.

B Y: C H A D S M I T H

pcoming senior Sesan Edwards is the son of Tiffany and Derrick Edwards of Bainbridge, Georgia. Edwards wants to become a paramedic for Decatur County and also possibly own his own trucking company following graduation. Edwards is currently a participant in two sports; football and wrestling. He is the reigning champion of the heavyweight division for Region 1 5A classification. He also plays on the defensive line for the BHS

football team. Sesan recalls growing up in church and his home life being loving and caring. He credits his parents for their hard work and determination in raising him right. Edwards recalls his most memorable moment in high school sports being the week leading up to the region championships when wrestling coach Chad Smith told him that he believed in him and knew he would do great things if he believed in himself. The following

week Edwards won the region title and advanced to the state finals tournament. When asked what set him apart from the rest of the athletes in his school, Edwards credited his determination and willingness to give the extra effort when he is exhausted. Edwards credits his father, Derrick, for being his biggest supporter and inspiration in life. He states that he is proud to have such an amazing support system in his family. Summer 2021 / BAINBRIDGE LIVING 11

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Sports: Basketball Planned College: University of Alabama

Planned major: Exercise Science Parents: Etosha and Xavier Salter Favorite Coach: Coach Cochran 14 BAINBRIDGE LIVING / Spring 2021

Detavia Salter Detavia Salter eats, sleeps and breathes basketball. Now, it’s all paying off as she receives college offers.

ising senior, Detavia Salter has made quite the name for herself on the basketball court, recently receiving several D1 offers. However, she didn’t always see herself playing basketball. “I really never wanted to play basketball,” she said. “I was always into cheer and gymnastics.” Nevertheless, every summer Salter would wake up and go with her mom to the basketball court, as her mom was the Assistant Lady Cats and Head JV Coach. While there, Salter would participate in the scrimmage games, where some of the high school players would see her. “I loved the hype from the older players,” she said. “They convinced me to take it seriously and start playing.” Salter continued to play basketball at the YMCA, before eventually turning her attention to the Lady Cats basketball team. “I totally dropped gymnastics and put all my focus on basketball,” Salter said. Being the tallest in her class, height naturally helped Salter on the court. But, basketball still brought about its challenges. Salter said she really struggled with her mindset her freshman year of high school. “When I was a freshman, my mindset was horrible,” she said. “I would give up in the middle of workouts and really just in the middle of everything.” Eventually, Salter began asking for help and seeing progress when she pushed through to the end of the task at hand. She said that progress finally changed her mindset. “Why give up when you can just do

it from the beginning,” she questioned. Once Salter was able to get a positive mindset, she began mentally preparing for the games and predicting what the opposing team might do on the court. She would watch film with her teammates and keep in mind what certain players were doing. “My mom has told me multiple times I say the plays while I’m asleep; I sleep talk,” Salter said. Salter truly eats, sleeps and breathes basketball. Because of her ability to memorize plays and practice mental toughness, Salter and the other Lady Cats were able to make it to the Sweet Sixteen in both 2020 and 2021. On the road to the Sweet Sixteen in 2021, the Lady Cats were able to defeat the Cairo Syrup Maids, who had gone all season undefeated. The Lady Cats were the only one to beat them, which is one of Salter’s favorite memories throughout her three years on the team. While Salter couldn’t have defeated the Syrup Maids without the help of her team, she also couldn’t have done it without the help of Head Coach Kelvin Cochran. “Coach is someone I can go to for anything,” she said. “He has been there for me at my lowest and seen me at my highest.” Salter said she, along with many of her teammates look at Cochran as a sort of father figure. “There would be times when our parents instead of disciplining us would just tell Coach,” she said. “Or, if we were in trouble he would save us from tremendous things; you could always rely on him.”

Salter said Cochran also knows how to cut up with the team. Salter said on the sidelines of the courts, she can occasionally be seen doing some of the basketball cheers that she has learned from the cheerleaders over the years and Cochran will tease her about wanting to be a cheerleader. Salter doesn’t disagree with him, and admits if she wasn’t playing basketball, she would readily join the basketball cheer squad so she could take part in cheer battles and put some of her old gymnastics skills to use. After a quick moment of teasing, though Salter said it is all back to business on the court and off the court. Salter currently trains with Myles Thomas, who played basketball for Tuskegee University. Salter said Thomas has taught her a lot about not only basketball, but also the life of a college athlete. “He’s really been a role model for my college recruiting,” she said. “He’s my go-to personal trainer.” With Thomas and Cochran’s help, Salter has now received basketball offers from Georgia Southwestern in Americus, Georgia, Troy University in Troy, Alabama and University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Salter said she does not currently have a favorite school; she hopes to continue receiving offers throughout the year and see what comes her way. “Things may change once I’m able to visit some of these schools,” she said. As far as the future goes, Salter hopes to have a good final senior season and if basketball does not pan out Salter said she would love to travel internationally, with Australia and Greece topping the list. Summer 2021/ BAINBRIDGE LIVING 15

Sports: Soccer, Cross Country and Horse showing

Planned major: Accounting & Business Parents: T. E. and Nancy Mills planned college: University of Georgia

16 BAINBRIDGE LIVING / Summer 2021

Hunter Harris Hunter Harris prays daily for strength. Now, his prayers have been answered as he finishes fifth in the state for wrestling.

B Y: C H A D S M I T H

unter Harris is an upcoming senior at Bainbridge High School who participates in Wrestling, Soccer, Cross Country and Horse showing. Her is the grandson of T.E and Nancy Mills, who have custody of him and his sister. Harris plans to get his real estate license by the time he graduates from Bainbridge High, then he plans to attend the University of Georgia, where he will major in Accounting and Business. Following graduation from UGA, Harris will enter real estate, where he hopes to make a career that leads him to owning his own busi-

ness in the future. Harris is a three sport athlete and enjoys showing and riding his horses. Harris says that his work ethic and daily prayer for strength is what sets him apart from the competition in high school. His most memorable moment in sports was last year when he finished 5th in the state 5A finals for wrestling, allowing him to join a small list of state finalists for BHS in wrestling. He accredits Coach Chad Smith for his dedication and willingness to connect with him, which helps him achieve excellence in sports. Harris says he feels accomplished showing that he

can compete with the best BHS has ever had to offer in the sport of wrestling. While Harris loves multiple sports, he feels that wrestling gives him the edge needed to compete on any level for any sport. When asked what sport he would have liked to play that he never had the opportunity to, he stated, volleyball due to the fact that it incorporates quick decision making, balance and aggressiveness. While Harris is a great athlete, he says that if he could tell his freshman self one thing, it would be to focus more on academics and to never let daily struggles determine who you are. Summer 2021 / BAINBRIDGE LIVING 17

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Myles thomas Myles Thomas has put in all the hard work it takes to become a college basketball player. Now, his work ethic is prepared to take him across the pond.

uccess is an elusive thing. It eludes some people their whole life, while others are able to claim and capitalize on it. However, success only ever comes to those who constantly strive for it, and sometimes it must be pursued well beyond your comfort zone. Bainbridge resident Myles Thomas knows this all too well, as his basketball career may well take him all the way to Europe. “I grew up playing basketball, and I became really serious about it at about 10th grade,” Thomas said. “From there I had a routine of going to the YMCA, getting a workout in before school. Then I had conditioning and practice, then I’d go to the Y again after school… I basically used that because I knew basketball was the thing that was going to be able to get me outside of Bainbridge and be able to go to college on a full scholarship.” Currently at 6’ 7” and weighing in at 205 pounds, Thomas is the son of Cynthia and Hubert Thomas. Thomas would also play baseball up until high school; according to him, sometimes he felt that he was better at baseball than basketball. “I hit my growth spurt, then I felt I was valued more playing basketball.” One of his biggest influences in his sports career was his oldest brother. “Seeing him work going into his senior year, seeing him grow as a player, go from nothing to a star player at the high school,” he said, “I seen what he used to be, and I seen his

work ethic, just seeing that inspired me to be able to do something myself.” He also thanked his father for his support throughout his career. “He was there, he was supportive. He did all of the traveling, took care of anything that needed to be taken care of. He always checked on me, made sure I was straight… Even after a bad game, he still would be there to show support.” As Thomas entered his sophomore year of high school, his ambitions and desires caused him to seriously evaluate a future in basketball. “My desire to get out of Bainbridge, for one,” he stated. “Just to see bigger and better things for myself. I knew that my parents weren’t gonna help me, financially, go to school so I knew I had to do something that would be able to support myself, so I knew basketball would do that.” His efforts paid off, and led him to be the Bearcat’s team captain. He eventually would get out of Bainbridge, graduating and attending Tuskegee University, where he majored in nursing and allied health. One of Thomas’s most influential coaches was Benji Taylor. “He came in my senior year of college, and from there he was a guy that made me see the potential in myself,” he praised. Thomas continued his basketball career, continuing to serve as team captain at Tuskegee, and being named All Conference Freshman of the Year, All Conference for 2019-20, and Pre-Season Player of the Year for 2018-19. He would go on to become a

1,000-point Scorer as well. Such a successful career led to Tuskegee ultimately retiring his jersey. “It happened my senior night,” Thomas said. He described it as the most memorable moment in his career, stating, “As far as my growth as a student athlete and player, I think I represented what the men’s basketball program was looking for in a player, and also a student. Just being able to represent the school like I did, I felt like they came to the decision that was something they would like to do.” Thomas now works as a personal trainer at Premier Fitness in Tallahassee. Weight training, and basketball training are his specialties there. In addition, he works as a personal trainer in Bainbridge, owning his own business, MT Grind Time. However, his career may once again take him away from Bainbridge. Not just beyond Bainbridge, but to another continent entirely: Europe. “I’ve been stuck here because of Covid, but I’m signed to an agent, who’s working on a deal now,” he said. Due to the nature of the deal, Thomas is not currently able to disclose the countries he is currently negotiating with. Thomas prides himself on his work ethic, having seen how hard work and dedication benefitted others in his life, and is now living the success he’s earned. But he acknowledges that he can never grow lazy: “Success is never owned, it is rented. And rent is due every day.”

Summer 2021 / BAINBRIDGE LIVING 21

FURRY FRIENDS Ivy and Brian Merriman smile with their dogs Arlo and Berkley, who were the ring bearer and flower girl.

22 BAINBRIDGE LIVING / Spring 2021

Mary claire smallwood

Dr. Mary Claire Smallwood recently moved back to her hometown of Bainbridge, where she got her start in tennis that would eventually take her to Erskine on scholarship.

ome athletes get started from the moment they can walk, with some going from tee-ball in preschool all the way up to professional baseball in college. Others don’t get involved until later on, but still go places with their skill regardless. Dr. Mary Claire Smallwood didn’t start playing tennis until she was 12, but would go on to play across the US and beyond. “I was a little bit late in tennis years to start at 12,” she said. “I started playing in the junior tennis tournaments around that time, competing. Got absolutely killed in my first few tournaments, not knowing what I was getting into.” The daughter of Reese and Missy Rollins, Dr. Smallwood was born and raised in Bainbridge. According to her, the city’s tennis director at the time, Curt Tetrault, was one of the biggest influences in getting her to pick up that raquet. “I had taken tennis lessons in the past, but hadn’t really been interested in it, so he was the one who got me into it… He kind of opened the doors to the world of junior tennis for me.” At 5’ 3”, Smallwood hasn’t grown much since her tennis days; “I was probably around the same height. I stopped growing in middle school, I’ve been about the same size ever since!” One trait she listed as helping her stand out during her career was her being lefthanded, as it gave her an edge over her opponents. “In tennis, usually people’s forehand

stroke is their powerhouse, and my serves would go into their weaker side, their backhand side,” she said, “which is different than seeing a serve coming from a right-handed person.” Perhaps the most influential coach in her career was Travis Debardelaben, who took Tetrault’s place as the city tennis coach. “He’s who I spent the most time with,” Smallwood said. “He really helped instill in me self-confidence, the belief that I could be as great as I worked to be. He had that belief in me, and I worked hard under his coaching.” Smallwood would go on to train at Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, Florida, during her junior high school year. “I pretty much played tennis six hours a day, and between playing tennis and physical training, I did virtual classes for high school.” While on the subject of high school, she said that if there was one piece of advice she could give her freshman self, it would be: “Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Your sport is something that you should enjoy, and have fun with your teammates. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.” Smallwood’s career would take her across the country, from Florida to California, and countless states in-between; she would even play on literal unfamiliar soil in Mexico and Panama. “It was interesting. Here we play on green clay courts, there it’s a red clay that’s thicker and slower. It’s like a thicker surface that slows everything down.”

After graduating from high school in 2007, she would go on to attend Erskine College, where she would play tennis for two more years. “I had gotten into University of Georgia early admissions, so I thought I would just go to UGA and be done with tennis after my senior year,” she said. She had begun to put so much pressure on herself, she had begun to look at tennis as more of a burden. However, she couldn’t bring herself to give up on the sport just yet. “So I turned down going to Sanford on a scholarship, and a couple of other places. I decided late to accept a scholarship to Erskine, just because I was like, ‘Oh I can’t give it up yet, I’ve put too much of my life and my time into it to give it up!’” While at college, Smallwood considered various fields, looking into both traditional and veterinary medicine. She would eventually settle on traditional medicine, and while studying at medical school, would meet the man who would become her husband, Evan Smallwood. The couple have only recently come back to Bainbridge with their daughter, Rollins, after completing family medicine residencies at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Dr. Smallwood will be working at Amelia Medical Plaza, and is eager to return to Bainbridge. “I’m excited to be back home, I’m hopeful to get back into playing some tennis for fun.” Summer 2021 / BAINBRIDGE LIVING 23

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Rohan Gaines Defensive Backs Coach Rohan Gaines has lived out his childhood dream of playing in the NFL. Now, he’s back in Bainbridge to make sure others experience it too.

ohan Gaines, 28, is a 2011 graduate of Bainbridge High School. He was a multi-sport athlete, playing basketball and football, while also running track. However, his time on the football field didn’t stop in high school, as he went on to play for University of Arkansas, before eventually going to play for the LA Rams. Gaines was a safety for the Bearcats and received several offers his senior year, before signing to the Razorbacks. He was offered by Middle Tennessee, Georgia State, Georgia Southern and Northern Illinois, before finally accepting the Razorbacks’ offer. Looking back, Gaines said if someone had told him as a kid he would play football he never would’ve believed them. “Football wasn’t even an option,” he said. “I loved basketball, but then when I got to high school I just never grew. I mean I loved football as well, but basketball was baby.” However, once Gaines knew football was on the table, he was committed to getting an offer and the plan was to play at a big university. Upon arriving at University of Arkansas, Gaines made quite the name for himself. He was awarded ACC AllAmerican, All SEC First Team and Male Rookie of the Year for the whole University. In addition, the team won the Liberty Bowl, the Cotton Bowl and the Texas Bowl during that time. “It was a great experience, I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” he said. “That’s why I push the guys I coach now, so they can experience what I experienced; if not more.” Leading up to Gaines’ graduation, he

began to receive calls about the draft from several NFL teams and fully believed he would be drafted. “I received calls from all 32 teams in the weeks leading up to the draft,” he said. After the third round of the draft, Gaines realized he was not going to be drafted, but still kept in contact with the LA Rams coach. The coach informed him they were only allotted three or four draft picks that year, because they traded so many players. “Once the draft was over, they were the first ones to call and tell me they wanted me to come play,” he said. Gaines packed up his stuff and left Fayetteville to move to Los Angeles, which was quite the culture shock. Although Gaines learned the plays and performed to the best of his ability, the LA Rams released him following the last pre-season game. “I was the last safety released in my draft class,” he said. “It’s a business at the end of the day, and I understood that going in; it’s timing really.” Looking back, Gaines said he wouldn’t trade it for the world. “I got to live out a lot of people’s dreams,” he said. “I got to live out my dream, my people got to see me on TV in a Rams jersey.” Those “people” are Gaines’ parents. Gaines said his parents instilled in him a hard work ethic, which is something he carried with him all the way from little league until his time with the Rams. “You won’t outwork me,” he said. “I’ll put in the hard work every time.” “The NFL is totally different,” he said.

“I tell people all the time, especially these kids, that the feeling you feel on Friday nights, you’ll never feel again. It’s a wonderful feeling.” Once Gaines got to the NFL, he lost some of that feeling and knew it was nothing but a job at that point. However, he still felt lost. He had been playing ball since he was a kid, and didn’t know what would come next. He said he had received a degree in Sociology and loved talking and working with kids and wanted to use that degree when an opportunity became available at Bainbridge High School. Gaines then returned home to the field where it all started to work with kids and become the assistant DB Coach, before becoming the DB Coach in 2021. At first, it was a tough transition going from a player to a coach. “When I step on that field, my demeanor changes completely,” he said. “I’m ecstatic.” While his personality may change on the field, Gaines still remembers whatCoach Paul Haynes taught him- it’s bigger than ball. “Win or lose, at the end of the day, I’m here to guide these boys and turn them into young men,” Gaines said. Gaines hopes his players always remember that and know that they can come to him about anything, even if they just want someone to work out with. While Gaines continues to work with the Bearcat DBs and impact their lives, his ultimate goal is to become a DB coach in the SEC or ACC. “I’m willing to start small and work my way up,” he finished. Summer 2021 / BAINBRIDGE LIVING 27

Ryan Riles With an uncle in the MLB, Ryan Riles was destined to be great at baseball. After playing in college, he is now back home to share that skill set with the youth.

B Y: C H A D S M I T H

yan Riles is the son of Gary and Myra Riles of Bainbridge, Georgia. Riles is currently the baseball director for the Bainbridge- Decatur County Recreation Authority in Bainbridge, where he facilitates and manages all things baseball for the city. Riles is the former head coach at Grace Christian Academy. Riles also runs Prospect Sports Academy, which he opened when returning to Bainbridge after college. He hopes to teach and train young athletes to be the best they can be by incorporating the basics of baseball and a deeper

understanding of the techniques. Riles’ love for baseball has come from many different avenues including his dad, Gary Riles, for whom Ryan attributes his love for the game. Along with being his dad, Gary was the fundamental coach behind Ryan’s success as a youth, high school and college athlete. Another big influencer in Riles’ love for baseball was his uncle Earnest Riles, who played in the MLB for numerous years with several different teams. Riles states, “He showed me an avenue that was possible in baseball.”

Riles’ most memorable moment in baseball was in his high school conference tournament, where he went 15/17 with three home runs. Riles remembers enjoying baseball more than anything as a child and hoped to play professionally, but after experiencing some adversity toward the end of his college career, Riles decided to stop his pursuit of a baseball career and return to his hometown to share all the knowledge he had gained about the sport with the youth of Bainbridge. Summer 2021 / BAINBRIDGE LIVING 29

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Chandelor Grace Memorial Scholarship Following the loss of their daughter, Chad and Cecilia Smith have found a way to keep her memory alive through a scholarship.

he loss of a child is a tragic event that can alter the course of a person’s life. Some people struggle to overcome the grief and loss, while others may try to make something positive in the aftermath. Chad and Cecilia Smith took the latter option, after one of their twins, Chandelor Grace Smith, was stillborn. The couple began the Chandelor Grace Smith Memorial Scholarship to honor their daughter’s memory. “Through our church and our closeknit community, we had been around several families who fostered and did long-term adoption from the fostering,” Cecelia said. “We were in the process of trying to grow our family and set our roots in the community, so… we, in the midst of that, got pregnant with twins.” The couple, who already had a daughter, Carrington Belle Smith, was unsure about their chances of having more children, and had been considering adoption. However, toward the end of the pregnancy, they discovered the bad news. “At the end of the pregnancy,” she continued, “We went for a regular checkup and found out one of the twins had passed.” “We were in Phoebe for a while for monitoring, all the way up to 34 weeks,” Chad said. “And were sent home routinely, after being there a month, and at a follow-up check-up, found that the baby was no longer breathing. Being the end result of cardiac arrest. So we did emergency labor at that point.” In the aftermath, the couple spent

roughly a year dealing with the loss. “We went through probably the next six months to a year just trying to process where we were as a family, and where that was going to affect us,” Cecilia said. They eventually came to the conclusion that helping kids and growing families would be their new mission. “I’d been on some mission trips, and I loved that part of it, the giving and the growing,” Cecilia said, “And Chad working with kids, we definitely knew our lives would always revolve around families and kids.” Cecelia’s time working at the OBGYN also influenced their decision. “She was an OB nurse for 10 years, so delivering babies was what she had done for most of her working career. So we knew we wanted to center something around growing families, giving back to growing families,” Chad said. “We wanted to honor our daughter that we did have for nine months, in a way that lifted her name, since she wasn’t going to be with us. A way to keep her name alive.” The inspiration for an adoption-focused scholarship came from friends who were adopting at the time. “We wanted to do something, but we didn’t know what,” Chad continued. “We knew we wanted to do a scholarship, but our friends, Ally and Joy Lee, were fostering at the time, and that kind of gave us the idea of including the foster-adoptive area.” Originally, the couple went through the Lee’s organi-

zation, The West Haven. However, the Lees would go on to move away, which has now caused the Smiths to work with Family and Children Services. Despite partnering with DFCS, applicants do not have to currently be involved in the foster care system. “It doesn’t come through the DFCS,” Cecilia said, “Because I think a lot of people are like, ‘Is it pro-DFCS?’ It could be private, it could be another family, a grandma.” Ultimately, applicants must have, at some point, not have been living with their biological parents. Other criteria for applicants include: they must be a senior and a college applicant; they must maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher; participate in extracurricular activities in school or church; and a resume and essay must be submitted with the application. “We’re not very strict on the guidelines of it,” Chad stated. The scholarship offers $1,000 a year to the chosen recipient, though the Smiths hope to be able to offer $2,000 eventually. Funding comes from various sources; the largest donors are Shelly and Daniel Graham of Faceville, with various fundraisers, such as beauty pageants and sales of cookie decorating kits, also supplying funds. Rather than succumb to grief, or try to forget their daughter, the Smiths have successfully found a way to honor and remember her, while being constructive for others. “I feel like it has kept her alive,” Chad said. Summer 2021 / BAINBRIDGE LIVING 33

THE B The Ve newest in Dow owned Gabrie

Out & About April and Austin Aldridge, along with Beau Shirah enjoy a Florida Gators game at the Swamp.

Mabry Grace and Emma Briggs at TD Ameritrade Park in Ohama rooting on the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Jill and Alex Holloway at a UGA game.

Garrett and Claire Weaver at an FSU Seminoles game.

Larry Nichols, Susan Steen, Lauren Turner and Susan Crosby on Friday night at Centennial Field.

Stevie Connell and Wendy Howard support the Basketball Bearcats.

Kim and Asher Burrell watching the Bearcats play football.

36 BAINBRIDGE LIVING / Spring 2021

Ballpark eats

rom chili fries and nachos to chicken wings and ribs, American stadium food is deliciously fun. Peanuts, popcorn, ice cream, cheeseburgers, and barbecue definitely rank high on stadium concession lists, but some ballparks serve unique items alongside the standard fare, from deepfried Oreos and po’ boys to waffle cones filled with fried chicken. At Yankee Stadium, you can indulge in sushi or sip on a tres leches milkshake, and while watching the Phillies play, you might munch on a cheeseburger sandwiched between two glazed donuts. When attending a game at Braves’ SunTrust Park, be sure to order a Blooper burger, a huge sandwich consisting of four hamburger patties, chicken tenders, and a footlong hotdog. Game Day is coming! It’s time to get the grill fired up. Time to cheer on your team. With your ballgameloving friends and family, fan-favorite foods might include jalapeno poppers, buffalo chicken dip, hotdogs, or sliders. Whatever you serve, food is a huge part of Game Day. For a game day party that will earn you some points with friends and family, serve a combination of sweet, savory, and spicy options. Just be sure to have a variety of items to choose from. A cool, creamy

dip, some pretzels, or a fruity cheese ball will complement the spicy foods you have. In the end, the finger foods or party snacks you serve will make you the MVP of Game Day! Game Day Grilled Chicken Sandwiches (pictured here) •

6-8 chicken breasts

Marinade: • Juice of 1 lemon • ½ TBSP. olive oil • ¼ tsp. oregano • ¼ tsp. garlic powder • 1 tsp. chicken rub/ grill seasoning • ½ tsp. minced onion • ½ TBSP. prepared Yum Yum sauce • ½ tsp. apple cider vinegar • ¼ tsp. light brown sugar • ½ tsp. soy sauce • Kosher salt to taste • Black pepper to taste • ¼ tsp. parsley • Sandwich buns • Provolone or PepperJack cheese slices Mix all of the marinade ingredients together in a large bowl and add the chicken; toss to coat. Marinate the chicken for 2-3 hours in the refrigerator. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat on each side for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through. Add a slice of cheese to each

breast during the last minute of cooking. Serve grilled chicken on buns with condiments of your choice. Notes: If you don’t have Japanese Yum Yum dipping sauce on hand, you can substitute with spicy mayonnaise. Use grill seasonings made especially for chicken from Weber, McCormick, or Stubb’s, etc. Cracker Jack Toffee Candy (pictured left) • • • •

•

1 sleeve saltine crackers 1 stick salted butter ½ cup light brown sugar, packed ¼ to ½ cup salted cocktail peanuts, chopped 6 oz. miniature semisweet chocolate chips 6 oz. butterscotch chips

Use some of the butter to lightly grease a large foil lined baking sheet that has four raised sides. Place the crackers, salted

side up, in a single layer onto the foil lined baking sheet. Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1 minute or until melted. Remove and stir in the brown sugar. Microwave for 2 minutes. Remove from the oven and whisk; mixture will be bubbly. Return to microwave for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from the oven and drizzle mixture over the crackers; sprinkle the chopped peanuts evenly on top. Bake at 400 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate and butterscotch chips evenly over the top of the crackers. Return to the oven for 2 minutes. Remove and swirl the melted chips over the crackers. (Can put back in the oven to help melt if needed.) Allow to cool. Remove the crackers by lifting up the foil sheet and put in the refrigerator for 3 hours to set. When candy has set, break into pieces.

Summer 2021 / BAINBRIDGE LIVING 37

Fresh Strawberry Fritters (pictured here) • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 cups all-purpose flour ½ cup sugar ½ TBSP. light brown sugar 1 TBSP. baking powder ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. ground cinnamon ¼ tsp. orange peel 2 large eggs ¾ cup milk 3 TBSP. butter, melted 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 2 cups strawberries, chopped Vegetable oil

Place the chopped strawberries on paper towels in order to absorb any of the extra moisture. Whisk together the flour, sugars, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and orange peel. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Add the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Fold in the chopped strawberries. Pour vegetable oil in the bottom of a Dutch oven, about 2-3 inches of oil, and use a large spoon or ice cream scoop to drop batter into the oil. Fry until golden brown, then flip and fry the opposite side. Place fritters on paper towels to drain. Whisk together the icing ingredients and drizzle over the fritters. These need to be enjoyed them while they are warm! Grilled

Bratwurst

Sandwich with Braised Onions • • •

• • • •

Beer

6-8 bratwursts 1 onion, sliced 1 (12 oz.) can beer or nonalcoholic beer 1 cup beef broth ½ tsp. kosher salt ½ tsp. ground black pepper 1 TBSP. butter

Place bratwursts, onions, beer, broth, salt, and pepper in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cover; simmer for 10-12 minutes. Remove the bratwursts from the pan. Strain the liquid from the sauce pan; add the butter to the onions, and cook until lightly browned. Place the bratwursts on the grill; cook

over medium heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. When the bratwursts are cooked, return them to the saucepan and allow sausages to rest in the cooked onions for about 5-6 minutes. Serve bratwursts on a pretzel roll, brioche bun, or hotdog bun, and top it with a spoonful or two of spicy sauerkraut. Bake up some sweet potato fries for a tasty side. Slice a large sweet potato, and dip the slices in an egg wash. In another bowl, mix together ¼ cup sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¾ tsp. cinnamon, and 1 cup crushed cornflakes or graham crackers. Toss the egg-coated pieces in the dry mixture and place on a parchment lined baking sheet that has been

sprayed with oil. Bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes, turning over the potatoes halfway through the process. Spicy Sauerkraut • • • • • •

1 (14 oz.) can sauerkraut, drained 1 small carrot, grated ½ tsp. kosher salt ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes ¼ tsp. minced garlic 3-4 dashes hot sauce

Stir all ingredients together in a saucepan and heat until cooked through, about 10 minutes.