Hope Mentoring 2023 Gala

ABOUT HOPE MENTORING

Hope Mentoring is a faith-based organization that was established with the desire to give hope and support within the Panola County community through youth intervention. Hope Mentoring will support the social-emotional and cognitive development of youth by providing mentorship through creative awareness, role-modeling, counseling, and fostering unity within their schools and community. This support will positively impact the homes, schools, and communities in which they live. We strive to empower at-risk youth in our community to make positive life choices that enable them to maximize their personal potential.

Hope Mentoring Organization is a partnership of local mentors, who have come together to become mentoring organization. Nine local youth advocates came together to hold a series of community meetings, attended by more than 30 community leaders, and concerned parents. This founding board consisted of Terry Townsend, Patrina Townsend, Courtney Pride, Dewayne Chapman, Christopher Townsend Sr, Earl Jones, Marcus Dudley, Dameon Cunningham, Miley Davison, and Jimmy Hines. We formed our organization applied and became a nonprofit IRS 501(c)3 corporation, December 11, 2018, in Batesville, MS. We came together with a common belief that many youth ,in our community lacked meaningful mentoring and community guidance.

Since opening our doors, Hope Mentoring Organization has forged strong partnerships with the local business community, media, school districts, fraternities, sororities, and other youth–serving organizations in the community. We have been able to use a 12-year mentor program to provide awareness, acknowledge unity and to be active in our community through sports, shared events, and mentoring support. We have provided sports leagues, social events, and a safe place that allow our mentors/mentees to develop into their full potential, to become capable of making informed, and responsible decisions as involved members of our community to. We empower a community in which every youth experience nurturing one on one relationships and community support, which in turn allows the coach to mentor teen, teen mentor junior high/middle age youth.

Hope Mentoring Organization has expanded our vision and scope of program services. We currently offer L.I.F.E. Plan mentor program, tutoring services, literacy reading program, community service, recreational and educational outing. We hold meeting at resource centers at two local church youth centers in Batesville and Sardis. Since our inception, Hope Mentoring Organization has served over 500 youth and is currently expanding its scope of services to include a mentoring program for youth 8–24 in five locations in Panola Couny. “Iron sharpened iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17

PICTURE OF OUR VISION

ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Terry Townsend, the founder of Hope Mentoring Organization and Pastor of Armstrong Street Church of God. Terry is married to Patrina Lyle Townsend, and they have five wonderful children. Patrina and Terry along with nine local youth mentors formed Hope Mentoring Organization in December of 2018. We took a mentoring program we had been using since 2010 and formulated it into a non-profit organization. We are now working tirelessly to serve as a beacon of Hope to youth and at risk in our community.

Terry believes God blesses us to be a blessing, and I serve to bless others. I joined the military after graduating from South Panola High School and began my life of service. I served eight years active in the US Army and three years in the Mississippi National Guard. While serving my state, I went onto NWCC and obtain an Emergency Medical TechnicianBasic certificate. I volunteered on the Batesville Fire Department for several years as fireman/emt. I then began a career with the United States Postal Service. I have served my community as mailman for almost 25 years. I have served my country, community, and the body of Christ for the last 20 plus years. I have been a advocate for youth for a long time. who has served others from a lifetime of service and have a heart to serve for a lifetime.

Terry grew up on Armstrong St in Batesville where my neighbors were a beacon of Hope. My neighbors were principals, teachers, lawyers, law enforcement, deputy sheriff, homemakers, factory workers, business owners, preachers, and community volunteers. Their lives shaped my desire to mentor, coach, and to be actively involved in my community. The iron in my neighborhood sharpens the iron me and strive every day to be the iron that shape, share, and sharpen the lives of others.

HOPE MENTORING BOARD MEMBERS

Angela Chapman • Sandria Benson • Sherwin Bradford • Latara Lawson • Earl Jones

Jimmy Hines • Terry Townsend • Patrina Townsend

Unit Coordinator

Latesia Diggs

MENOTRS AND VOLUNTEERS

Tony Allen

• Amaya Flowers

Latorria Moore

• Lawrence Jones

• Tilmus Jackson

• Markes Jones

• Pamela Pope

• Tia Townsend

• Lekenna Bean

• Barry Flowers

•Johnathan Joy

• Danielle Flowers

“Strive every day to be the iron that shape, share, and sharpen the lives of others”.

SPEAKERS CELEBRATING

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Deshea Townsend

Born on September 8, 1975, in Batesville, MS to Willie B. And Lena Mae Townsend. He is the second youngest of six siblings Donnell, Priscilla, Terry, Christopher, and Lameisha. Growing up Deshea was always passionate about sports and had some great role model’s footsteps to follow in. His brothers were great athletes in track, football, and baseball, his father’s twin brother played for the Kansas City Monarchs while his dad also had an opportunity in the negro league with the Pittsburgh Crawfords but had to go to war. Deshea was a natural and played multiple sports throughout his childhood and excelled athletically and academically. He was heavily recruited in both basketball and football; however, he didn’t quite meet the height requirement so football it was. Although he played quarterback in high school and led South Panola to win the championship in 1993. He went on to play as cornerback at The University of Alabama wearing #2. He was named All-Sec in 1995,1996,1997 as well as named team co-captain in 1997. He continued his career in the NFL going fourth round to the Pittsburgh Steelers as #26. During his 12 year stint he had endless stats and was a 2x Super Bowl champion. As a true lover of the game, he couldn’t just retire and play golf or go fishing, he decided to stay close to the game and entered the coaching realm. Starting his coaching career with the Arizona Cardinals, going closer to home at Mississippi State, took a trip to Nashville with the Tennessee Titans, took a bite of the Big Apple with the New York Giants, had some deep dish pizza with the Chicago Bears and now he’s under palm trees with the Jacksonville Jaguars. A journey to follow from hometown hero to household name, Deshea’s impact…

SPEAKER

Veltis Mychel Walton, is a native of Batesville, MS. The daughter of Veltis Glover Smith and the late Jerry Kuykendall. The wife of Kevin Walton, and we have three beautiful children, Kyla, Tyra, and Kelton. A member of Concord Missionary Baptist Church, where I teach Sunday School. An entrepreneur at heart, she owns of Kyla Kole’s Salon, and she is also an

Soft Music

INVOCATION

Rev. Zannie Leland, Jr.

INTRODUCTION OF MC

Mr. Earl Jones

MISTRESS OF CEREMONY

Mrs. LaSherry Irby

WELCOME

Amaya Flowers

OCCASION

Pamela Pope

ENTERTAINMENT

Johnson Strong

Dinner

INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER

Latorria Moore

SPEAKER

Veltis Walton

PRESENTING THE HONOREE’S

Micheal King • Yolanda Shegog Wright

Dr. Cordella Smith

INTRO OF KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Tamera Townsend

SPEAKER

Deashea Townsend

RECOGNITION OF BOARD

Terry Townsend

THANK YOU

Sherwin Bradford

AWARDEES

Mari

Boyd

was born on 8/22/03 in Batesville, MS. He started playing sports at the tender age of 4. He started off playing football and basketball then gradually started playing baseball at the age of 7. J. P Hudson is where his baseball career began. Mari made the all-star team his first year playing and won World Series at the age of 7 years old. He played with different teams throughout his career which includes Batesville all-stars, Yankees, Rebels, and EBC. Mari played basketball and baseball at South Panola up until his sophomore year in high school, then he began taking baseball more seriously. Going into his senior year, he was chosen to participate in major tournaments such as: Perfect Game All-American Classic, Perfect Game National, and East Coast Pro. Mari ranked 52 nationally and 3rd in the State of Mississippi. Ending his high school career as a 3x All-District, 2x 1st team All-State and was also picked to participate in the Crossroads Diamond All-Star game, he signed with Northwest Community College to continue his academic and athletic career. On July 19, 2022, he got a call that made his dream come true. Philadelphia Phillies drafted him in the 11th round as the 332 picks! Today he is living his life's dream as a professional baseball player. Mari is the son of Renee Boyd and the grandson of Alma Pitts the late Emma Boyd-Bivins and Issac Morris

Shalonda Markeeshia Ford

is a graduate of South Panola High School class of 1999. Miss Ford attended Northwest Community College for 2 years on a Choir Scholarship for the Northwest Singers and majored in General Studies. She then extended her education at Rust College on a choir scholarship with the Famous Rust College Acappella Choir and majored in the Social Work Program.

Shalonda traveled and performed with the Sisterhood Showcase of Memphis, TN from 2002-2004 and performed for 2006 Talent Rock Showcase of Orlando, Fla. 2007 she toured with Antonio Smith of Source Magazine as a Judge during the hip hop music tour in 2007. In 2009 she received her license from the TN Academy of Cosmetology for natural hair and braiding. First Black woman to own and operate the first Lingerie/ novelty/Yoni steam boutique in North Mississippi, Sweet Karma Adult Boutique. She partnered with Delta Access through the infrastructure program for broadband services for Mississippi. Shalonda also does Property Management for Multi Family Homes in Panola County. She is a 13-year Notary Public for the State of Mississippi. Shalonda was the Organizer of the “Black Lives Matters” March with the BPD, PCSO, and community leaders held in Batesville, MS June of 2020. Shalonda is the founding Advisor of the Panola County Debutante She has organized the High School Diploma Program for adults 21 and older, started November 2022. She also takes students on yearly college tours and assists with all enrollment services. She is a volunteer and donator to the Magnolia Alliance Women’s Shelter in Panola County. Shalonda is a community service mentor for the Social Work program through Bethel University. Founded the Panola County Wall Street organization for Black brick and mortar business owners in Panola County.

Shalonda Ford holds the following Titles: Public Works-Panola County Juneteenth Committee, Public Relations Coordinator for Panola County Branch-NAACP, American Red Cross Disaster Team Volunteer, Feed America monthly contributor, yearly prom sponsor for Quitman County School District, Scatterband Court #365 Heriones of Jericho, DOI Hira Court #183, LOCOP Eden Court #9.

“When the time is right, I, The Lord will make it Happen. Isaiah 60:20

Montez Griffin is a 2010 graduate of South Panola, where he participated in football & track and field. He’s currently the school record holder in the 400m dash and ranked 3rd All-Time in Mississippi. As a 2014 graduate from the University of Mississippi he was able to compete collegiately in Track and Field from 2010-2014, where he was able to become a SEC Conference Champion as a member of the Distant Medley Relay team and ranks 8th All-Time in Ole Miss history for the Indoor 400m dash. While in college he was able to volunteer with the South Panola Track and Field teams to get a feeling for coaching.

After his collegiate career he was able to start his coaching career at Holly Springs High School in 2016. He was able to return to South Panola in 2018 where he became the Head Cross Country Coach & Assistant Track Coach. He became Track & Field Head Coach in 2019. Under Griffin’s guidance the Cross-Country teams have grew tremendously in participation and continue to improve yearly. The Track & Field teams have been back-to-back District Champs for the girls in 2021 & 2022. The boys were able to capture their first District Championship in 2022. He guided a State Champion for the 200m dash & state runner-up in the 100m dash in 2021. There have been 14 new School records set. Griffin is married to Chanel, where they have 4 children, Monterius, Adrian, Jr., Harmony & Gavin.

Robert D. Hentz II,

son of Robert Hentz and the late Priscilla Hentz. I am a 2018 graduate of South Panola High School. During High School I played football, basketball, baseball, and mentored for Hope Mentoring. I was fortunate enough to receive a football scholarship from Northwest Community College. During my football career, I was received several accolades such Juco All American and regional 23 defensive player of the year. I graduated from Northwest in December of my Sophomore year and was able to attend Kansas State University. While at Kansas State, I was able to become an integral part of the K State defense that won the 2022 Big 12 Championship. I also was recognized as Big 12 Conference Academic All American two years in a row with a 4.0 GPA. I graduated in December 2022with a Physical Education/ with a Coaching emphasis degree. I have many dreams and goals but one of them is to coach/mentor young student athletes. I live by this Michael Jordan quote, “You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them,”

“Success isn’t always about greatness, it’s about consistency. Consistent hard Work gains success. Greatness will come--

--Dwayne Johnson

“You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them,”

-Michael Jordan

Skylyn Irby

is a native of Batesville, MS, and graduated as the salutatorian of South Panola High School class of 2015. She earned her Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the University of Mississippi in 2019. She was an undergraduate researcher in the Ronald McNair Program, Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, and Mathematical Sciences Research Institute Program. Skylyn was inducted into the South Panola High School Hall of Fame and the University of Mississippi Hall of Fame.

She is currently a 4th-year graduate student in the University of Alabama Mathematics PhD program and serves as a part-time undergraduate mathematics instructor at Stillman College. Along her graduate school journey, she has earned her Master of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Alabama.

Skylyn is a member of the Alpha Beta Tau Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She regularly serves as a mentor and leader for several STEM programs. She is passionate about diversifying STEM fields and making them more accessible to underrepresented students. She enjoys spending time with family, traveling the world, scrapbooking, and watching TV. Skylyn gives all the glory to God for every opportunity.

Benny Fitzgerald Milton

, a native of Batesville, MS, started his educational journey at Macedonia Head Start. He is a 1989 graduate of South Panola High School.

Benny first fell in love with sports while attending Batesville Jr. High School. Baseball was, without a doubt, the first sport that piqued his interest. Until one day he watched the film, The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh, he found a new sport with a favorite basketball player, Julius Erving, also known as Dr. J. The love of sports and childhood memories lead Benny to a passion of mentoring and providing hands on support to the youth and young adult through sports since 2009.

With a deep passion for sports, he founded Future Prospects Youth Organization LLC. This organization helps youth become better people and learn better sportsmanship. The youth participate and compete in football, basketball, and baseball. In 2009, the youth won the following Mississippi Youth Athletic Association (MYAA) Championships, the MYAA Sugar Bowl in 2012, The MYAA Cotton Bowl in 2014, The MYAA Orange Bowl in 2015, The MYAA Cotton Bowl in 2017. In 2022, the youth participated in in the Sugar Bowl and came out victorious after 3 overtimes against the Tupelo Golden Waves. My goal one day is to become a coach at a higher level and help all youth reach their goals in the world of sports.

Benny is the husband of Monica Phillip Milton and a father of two sons, Benzarius and Jamaur. He is the fourth child of eleven siblings. His parents are Issac Milton Sr. and Dorothy Milton.

“Stay Focused on the task at Hand”

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jeremiah 29:11

LaCambrise M. Pope was born and raised in Batesville, Ms. She is a 2001 graduate of South Panola High School. She attended Northwest Community College and while there she was a member of the Lady Ranger Basketball Team where she played the position of Shooting Guard. She was also inducted into the Distinguished Academic Hall of Fame as a Lady Ranger.

LaCambrise continued her education at The University of Southern Mississippi where she majored in Biological Sciences. She has 14 years of experience in education as a Science teacher and Coach at both the junior high and high school level. She is now in 2nd year as Head Coach of the South Panola High School Girls’ Basketball Team.

Chelle, as affectionately called by family and friends, is very visible and actively involved in her community. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Pope Chapel AME Zion Church. She is the daughter of Brenda Burgess and Bruce Johnson. and she is married to Jarrad Pope; and they have 1 son, Josiah Pope.

Terrance Pope is a 2008 graduate of South Panola High School and a 2012 graduate of University of Southern Mississippi.

During his high school career, South Panola posted a record of 60- 0 and won 4 state championships. During his senior year at South Panola, he was selected first team allstate and a member of the MS/AL All Star Team. After a successful high school career, he chose to attend the University of Southern Mississippi on a football scholarship. While at USM, Terrance was a 4-year starter, All- CUSA team member, and won 2 bowl games. During his senior year, he helped his team to a 12-2 record, conference championship and the team finished #19 in the nation. His playing career was capped off with a win in the Hawaii Bowl in Honolulu, HA. After graduating from Southern Miss, Terrance came home to help coach Little Tigers of Batesville MS, before joining the coaching staff of his former high school. From 2012 to 2017 he was part of the 11–12-year-old Batesville Tigers coaching staff that won 3 Super Bowls and South Panola High School coaching staff that won 2 state championships.

In 2018, Terrance accepted the defensive coordinator position at Louisville High School in Louisville, MS. That year he helped lead the Wildcats to a 14-1 record and the 2018 4A state championship. Following his championship win, Terrance joined the North Panola staff where he helped them to 2 playoff appearances and 1 district championship. Terrance is now the defensive coordinator at Starkville High School in Starkville, Ms. During the 2022 season Terrance helped the Starkville Yellowjackets to a 6A state championship. Throughout his playing and coaching career, Terrance has obtained a total of 10 championship rings. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his two children, Madison and Kruz. He is also the proud son of Natasha Pope and Julian Vaughn.

“Confidence is a Prerequisite for Success”

“Lead by example and stay true to yourself”.

Patrick Shegog,

Jr. is the son of Michelle and Patrick Shegog, Sr. He is a 2018 graduate of South Panola High School. Patrick, fondly called “PJ” by family, friends and fans. Patrick furthered his education at Delta State University where he played quarterback for the Statesmen football team. Patrick graduated in the spring of 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science.

While a student, Patrick was indicted into the DSU Student Hall of Fame. During his tenure as quarterback, he earned the following accomplishments: selected as a member of the 2022 All-Super Region Two Football Team, named the 2022 Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Year, and was nominated for the Connerly Award.

Patrick is a member of the Nelson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Exercise Science. Patrick is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. In his spare time, he enjoys playing sports of all kinds, doing anything dealing with the outdoors, and binge-watching TV shows. His motto is, “It’s cool to be smart and be an athlete”.

D’Jordan Strong

If asked who he is, his response is, I am D’Jordan Strong, The Chosen One. He put a D in front of Jordan because it was different and made him stand out. D’Jordan Strong is breaking barriers and defying the odds. He is humble. He loves his mom, Carolina Adair, and his family.

D’Jordan wants everyone to succeed because society gave up on him. People turned their back on him. He came from nothing and failed so many times that many wrote him off when he got kicked out of high school. D’Jordan grew up without a father, has had his heart broken, and has lost close family members. He was tested many times, but he kept the faith because he IS the chosen one.

Receiving his MASTER’S degree was a major accomplishment for a kid out of high school only known for his athletic abilities. He has since then completed college with three degrees, a 3.0 GPA and was an Academic All American.

D”Jordan give thanks to God, his mom and those who didn’t write him off. Some of his other notable accomplishments include modeling for Trench Baby Merch, collaborating with Fashion Nova, appearing in a Bo Jangles Commercial, being featured on The Draft Network, playing in the 2023 Tropical Bowl in Orlando, Florida and Baltimore, Maryland and having had career discussion with The Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Viking after the Tropical Bowl.

“It’s cool to be smart and be an athlete.”

KJ Jefferson, a native of Como, MS. He is a 2019 graduate of the North Panola High School. During his high school studies, KJ was a member of MU Alpha Theta and the National High School Honor Society. Obtaining 20 +scholarship offers in Athletic to Division 1 colleges. KJ is furthering his education at the University of Arkansas, graduating May 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation Sport Management. Currently, he is the captain and quarterback of the Arkansas Razorback. His athletic awards consist of 2021 Outback Bowl MVP and 2022 Liberty Bowl MVP. Community service efforts includes the Water Crisis in Jackson, MS, and Autism Awareness.

Ericka Taylor is a native of Sardis, MS. She is the daughter of Maleria Taylor and Everette Hill. She is the oldest of her siblings, and a mother of 4 beautiful girls. Ericka is also an Information Technology Instructor at the North Panola Career & Technical Center. She enjoys working with children and inspiring those around her. She loves to write and has been writing since she was a young girl. Ericka has a passion for directing and producing plays and is ecstatic to share her talent with others. Her latest stage play was called Drama for the Holidays and it was such a great event for the community to witness. It truly makes her happy to see her work being enjoyed by everyone around her.

THANKS TO OUR MAJOR SPONSORS

A & F Trucking, LLC

Armstrong Church Of God

Bodi Envi LLC

Concord Baptist Church

Cricket Wireless - Batesville

Green Leaf Farm and Landscaping

Heavenly Hands Bakery LLC

KDM Logistics, LLC

M FUNN BBQ

Mt Zion Baptist Church - Sardis

Lawrence Jones

Tom Weatly

South Panola Class of 1985

Yolanda Shegog – Wright

Sensational Travelers

The Divine Nine

Sisters In Unity

Latashia Jackson

Vancellis King Printing

Panola County Sherriff Department

Pope Chapel AME ZION Church