Hometown Rankin - December 2017 & January 2018

volume 4 number 6 

december 2017 

A Story of Being 

_______________ 

Mississippi’s First Lady 

_______________ 

The Priceless Gift

2 • December 2017

Hometown Rankin • 3

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During the holiday season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have 

made our success possible. We’re thankful for every advertiser 

and every reader who continue to give us purpose each day. 

It is in that spirit that we say thank you and best wishes for the holidays. 

Merry Christmas 

and Happy New Year 

from the staff of 

Hometown Magazines. 


PUBLISHER & EDITOR 

Tahya A. Dobbs 

CFO 

Kevin W. Dobbs 

CONSULTING EDITOR 

Mary Ann Kirby 

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES 

Dacia Durr Amis 

Karla Johnson 

Carrie Truhett 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Camille Anding 

April Carter 


Ken Sandridge 

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER 

Othel Anding 

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER 

Ashleigh Coleman 

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 

Alisha Floyd 

SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER 

Brenda McCall 

STAFF WRITER & GRAPHIC DESIGN 

Leah Mitchener 

LAYOUT DESIGN 

Daniel Thomas - 3dt 

• • • 

The glitter and glitz are sparkling in the shop windows and I’m thinking the Christmas spirit is on its 

way to our own hometown. And what a special hometown Rankin County is for the Christmas spirit! 

If we exert a little extra effort and accompany it with an added portion of thoughtfulness, the 

Christmas spirit could only enhance an already special place. 

Shopping with local businesses could encourage them and keep sales tax working in our local 

municipality. It’s a win-win for our hometown. 

The Christmas spirit could lift the spirits of neighbors and friends who might be a part of the large 

number of people finding Christmas a lonely time. Why not share a serving of your blessings with 

someone who needs a thoughtful gesture? The blessing always comes back to the one doing the blessing. 

That same Christmas spirit would appreciate families making together-time a priority. Everyone 

knows how Christmas activities can keep us running and actually rob us of family time. It’s a challenge 

to prioritize calendar scheduling, but it’s doable. 

Finally, enjoy the spirit of Christmas throughout the December 

days before Christmas Eve. Take time each day to celebrate the most 

significant birth ever accomplished. Make special memories as you 

create your own advent calendar. 

And lest we forget Thanksgiving! We at Hometown Rankin list you, 

our readers and our advertisers, on our list of things to be thankful for. 

Thank you! May we all celebrate our blessed holidays 

in the giving spirit! 

On the cover: First Lady Deborah Bryant, Photography by Othel Anding 

www.facebook.com 

/hometownrankinmagazine 

For subscription information 

visit www.htmags.com 

Contact us at info@HTMags.com 

601.706.4059 

26 Eastgate Drive, Suite F 

Brandon MS 39042 

• • • 

All rights reserved. No portion of Hometown Rankin 

may be reproduced without written permission from 

the publisher. The management of Hometown Rankin 

is not responsible for opinions expressed by its 

writers or editors. Hometown Rankin maintains the 

unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted 

material. All advertisements are subject to approval by 

the publisher. The production of Hometown Rankin 

is funded by advertising. 

In this issue A Story of Being . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Christmas Wonderland . . . . . . . . 22 

Tchaikovsky on Pointe . . . . . . . 28 

Mississippi’s First Lady . . . . 32 

Christmas in Dixie . . . . . . . . . . 62 

The Choir Guy . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 

That One Thing . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 

The Priceless Gift . . . . . . . . . . . 94 

Business in the Classroom . . . . . . . 102 


CITY OF PEARL 

Veterans Day Ceremony 

November 10 / Miskelly Furniture 


5709 Hwy 80 E • Pearl, MS 39208 

601.850.9103 • www.focusfitms.com 



For as long as Mary Neese can remember, 

her husband, Shelby, has been passionate about 

ministry – always to the poorest and the least. 

When he was on staff in Montgomery, Alabama, 

his being passionate about ministry and sharing 

the Gospel always translated into going to the 

poorest and neediest section of town. 

A ministry move in 1989 to the original 

Pinelake Church as minister of music and 

missions only increased that passion. When 

his workload outgrew the hours in a day, he had 

to make a choice between the two. He chose 

missions as his ministry theme for life. 

Now he was able to concentrate more on 

his mission trips north of Nairobi, Africa, and 

increase his home church involvement among 

the Cushite people groups. The missionary 

family living in the village of Marsabit was 

reaching retirement age and asked Shelby to 

consider a three-year commitment to continue 

their work. 

Shelby asked Mary to pray about it. Their 

son and daughter were both married and were 

starting their own homes. The timing was perfect. 

After a second year of more earnest prayer, 

Mary felt God’s call, too. That’s when Shelby 

told her he had already signed them up for the 

three year commitment from 2009 to 2012! 

In those three years, the Neeses learned 

about being faithful and being strong. Shelby 

said, “The Cushites were probably the most 

remote and neglected people in the world.” 

Their retiring missionary friends described the 

challenge, “Marsabit was 100 miles past the 

Great Commission!” 

Through the physical ministry of helping 

the Cushites find clean water and dig nearby 

wells, the Neeses built relationships that allowed 

them to share Christ’s “living water.” As Mary 

explained, “You can’t tell them about Jesus 

when they’re starving physically.” 

When the three-year commitment was 

completed, the Neeses’ world had changed. 

Shelby had worked to exhaustion, they were 

grandparents to two grandchildren that they 

hadn’t seen, and Shelby’s mother in Florida 

was extremely ill. 

Reunions, family care, school teaching for 

Mary and interim pastorates for Shelby filled 

their new lifestyles. Their son, who was in 

construction, had two building sites in Starkville 

that Shelby was also able to help oversee. 

On January 26, 2016, Shelby was in the 

attic of one of the two-story homes and fell 

through the sheetrock of both ceilings onto the 

concrete floor below. He has no recollection of 

how he fell. 

A Story 

OF Being 


Coincidentally, the owner of the house 

being built, a professor at Mississippi State, was 

suddenly so compelled to go to his new home 

that he left his office midday. When he got to 

the construction site, Shelby lay unconscious, 

bleeding from his nose and ears. 

After being rushed to the Tupelo trauma 

center, Shelby was treated for internal bleeding, 

a cracked skull and bruised spinal stem. From 

January 26 to June 12, he was in hospitals in 

Tupelo, Jackson, and Atlanta. 

Since then, the Neeses have learned about 

being patient. Shelby had to learn to walk and 

read again. He sees double without special 

glasses and still finds balance an issue that 

impedes his want-to-be speed. His lack of 

stamina confines him to limited activity, but 

he’s grateful to friends who introduced him 

to trikes – three-wheeled exercise vehicles that 

he rides near the Reservoir most days. 

The prayer room in their new home holds 

memorabilia from Africa and friendships in 

years of ministry. “I’m still an ordained minister, 

and retirement is not in my vocabulary, so 

I believe I can still do something for the 

Kingdom,” Shelby says with fervor. Part of 

his new ministry is praying for others and 

writing truths that God opens up to him 

during his daily studies. Shelby describes his 

new lifestyle as “getting to be with Him more 

and in knowing Him better, becoming more 

like Him.” 

In the peacefulness of their den, Shelby 

walked slowly to the piano and began to play. 

He hopes his left hand dexterity will return as 

before the accident, but with his heart and his 

hands, he played “Near to the Heart of God.” 

It was a musical testimony of where Mary 

and Shelby Neese are and where they are 

preparing to stay. Mary smiled as she listened 

to her husband’s miracle music. “God is not 

finished. The story is not over. We are just 

‘being prepared.’” n 


Patient comfort close to home. 

• Dental Implants 

• Wisdom Teeth 

• Sedation 

• Facial Trauma 

• Jaw Surgery 

• Oral Pathology 

American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons 

American Dental Association 

American Medical Association 

Accepting All Major Medical 

& Dental Insurances 

Chad Van Meter, DMD, MD 

SERVING THE HINDS AND RANKIN COUNTY AREA 

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300 Maxey Drive 

Brandon, MS 39042 



Rankin County 

Republican Women 

Salute to 

Women 

Leaders 

OCTOBER 11 

PEARL COMMUNITY CENTER 




55 Days of Unforgettable Memories 

Ken Sandridge 

Holiday memory-making in Mississippi 

usually doesn’t include ice - unless, of 

course, it’s the ice in a glass of sweet tea. 

However, thanks to the vision of local U.S. 

96.3 radio celebrity and Big South Events 

partner, Scott Steele, Central Mississippi 

families will enjoy over 55 days of 

unforgettable memories on ice beginning 

November 12 during Steele’s event titled, 

Christmas Wonderland. 

Describing the nearly two-month 

long event as an ice skating, ice sliding 

extravaganza, Steele and his partners 

are ensuring skating and sliding fun - 

rain or shine - by holding the event in a 

giant 30,000 square foot tent filled with 

thousands of Christmas lights and 

decorations in the parking lot of 

Mississippi Braves stadium in Pearl. 

“Actually, the great memories my 

children and I had at the ice rink held in 

Madison a few years back,” Steele said, 

“were the inspiration for Christmas 

Wonderland.” “As my partners and I began 

developing the Christmas Wonderland 

concept, we knew we had to find a way 

to keep Mother Nature from shutting 

down the fun,” Steele said in referring to the 

more than 20 days of rain that prevented 

skating at the Madison event in 2013. 

“So, holding Christmas Wonderland in 

a massive tent was our only option,” 

he added. “If not for the underwriting 

commitments of our title sponsor, Merit 

Health, as well as other generous 

supporters like Outlets of Mississippi, 

BankPlus, and Coca-Cola,” Steele explained, 

“there would have been no way to bring 

an event of this magnitude to the Metro 

Jackson area.” Steele also praised Pearl 

Mayor Jake Windham and the businesses 

and organizations in the area for their 

support of the project - including the host 

venue Mississippi Braves, Bass Pro Shop, 

Holiday Inn, and Cavender’s. 

One of the nation’s most experienced 

providers of portable ice rink venues, 

internationally acclaimed Magic Ice USA, 

was tapped to develop and install the 

Christmas Wonderland ice rink and ice 

slide. In addition to a nearly 8,000 square 

foot ice rink, Christmas Wonderland will 

feature a double ice slide appropriately 

titled, The Arctic Blast, where two sliders 

climb stairs to the top of a 20-foot high 

ice-tower before zooming down a 120-foot 

long run of ice to the bottom of the run. 

As a bonus for younger children who 

may find it slightly challenging to navigate 

the ice rink and slide, Steele and partners 

also designed a kid-friendly area with an 

assortment of inflatables that will include 

a huge 22-foot high triple slide that gives 

even the youngest event-goers thrills 

galore. 

“Speaking of kids,” Steele continued, 

“we have a ton of things planned to make 

the event especially exciting for them 

during the Christmas season. For instance, 

moms and dads can have their children 

be a part of several Breakfast with Santa 

dates where the kids will actually have 

breakfast and visit with St. Nick himself - 

along with filling out their wish-list and 

dropping it in his big red bag!” 

“Birthday parties at Christmas Wonderland 

are another opportunity,” he added. 

We have already booked a ton of 

children’s birthday parties, which include 

skating, sliding and bouncing in the 

inflatables area!” 

“And not to be outdone by things for 

the kiddos,” he remarked, “Christmas 

Wonderland makes the perfect venue for 

Christmas gatherings of all kinds - including 

company, church, and other types of group 

and organizational gatherings!” 

Throughout the nearly eight-week long 

event, there will be a variety of local and 

regional concerts and entertainment 

appearing daily on the BankPlus Stage - 

ranging from church and school choirs to 

professional entertainers. 

“Almost everyone has a favorite 

Christmas memory,” Steele added. “This 

year, we’re confident Christmas Wonderland 

will become that magical place where 

friends and families celebrate the season 

and make memories that last a lifetime.” 

Christmas Wonderland will operate daily 

beginning November 12 thru January 6, 

10am - 11pm Monday thru Thursday, and 

12 noon - 11pm Friday thru Sunday. 

For more information call 601-212-8810, 

email info@bigsouthevents.net, or visit 

www.christmaswonderland.ms or 

Facebook.com/ChristmasWonderlandMS. 



©2014 Ergon, Inc. All rights reserved. 

ergon.com 



SMILE 

www.drsarahlangston.com 



Leah Mitchener 

Tchaikovsky on Pointe 

“It is such a Christmas tradition that the holidays just aren’t 

complete without seeing a live performance of The Nutcracker,” 

said Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet Artistic Director Jennifer 

Beasley. Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker is perhaps one of the 

most well-known Christmas-themed dance performances in 

the world, and has been for over one hundred years. The 

Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet will be putting on their 25th 

annual production of this beloved story on December 9th and 

10th. “It’s a multi-generational experience. Grandparents down 

to grandchildren come, and they come every year,” Jennifer 

added. “It’s a tradition that we’re honored to uphold for these 

families. I think that’s what keeps us doing it year after year.” 

The dancers of the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet Company 

put in a lot of time and effort to make sure the show will 

continuously be better than the year before. This traditional 

Christmas performance is the only one each year that allows 

the young students of the Academy (the official school of the 

Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet), to audition for walk-on parts 

to get some stage experience under their tutus and to fill 

supporting roles. 

Auditions were held all the way back at the beginning of 

September, and the dancers have been rehearsing tirelessly ever 

since. Joining the company of over 100 local dancers will be 

professional guest performers Joseph Gatti, a USA IBC bronze 

medalist, and Ashley Ellis, principal dancer for the Boston Ballet, 

as well as other professional performers. And while the company 

is comprised of dancers from all over the surrounding Jackson 

areas, many hail from our very own Rankin County. These 

dancers have had the opportunity to train at one of two Academy 

locations in either Madison or at the Reservoir. 

Performer Mattie Grace Morris loves the Nutcracker 

because, “it is a tradition that always helps our community get 

into the Christmas spirit.” She is especially excited this year to 

perform one of her favorite roles as the Arabian soloist. Her 

classmate, Anna Claire Nelson, is also thrilled about being able 

to show her family, friends, and the community the beautiful 

production that they’ve been working so hard on. 

This will be Taylor Binkley’s ninth Nutcracker performance. 

As her favorite production each year, Taylor is, “excited about 

getting to perform for everyone in the audience because it brings 

so many different people so much joy,” and that is exactly why 

she loves the art of dance. Similarly, Rachel Lehman is especially 

enthusiastic for this year’s Nutcracker because, according to her, 

now that she’s older, things are more serious in her dancing life, 

and the Nutcracker is a big opportunity! Having such traditional 

performances in these young dancer’s repertoires is sure to help 

them go far in their artistic careers. 

The Nutcracker is an institution in the world of dancing. 

These young artists have dedicated much of their spare time to 

perfecting every pirouette, plié, adagio, and countless other 

graceful movements in order to give family, friends, and the 

community an unforgettable performance. 

This is a can’t-miss event, so be sure to get your tickets today 

and definitely stick around after the matinees for the “Nutcracker 

Sweet” tea parties catered by Table 100. Also, mark your calendars 

for the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet’s spring performance of 

Fairy Tale Favorites, featuring selections from the company’s 

favorite and most well-received ballets including Beauty and the 

Beast, Frozen, The Little Mermaid, and Princess and the Pea! It will be 

sure to please the whole family. n 



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Mississippi’s 

First Lady 

Upon first meeting her, one 

might notice her infectious 

laughter and bright eyes. 

She greets everyone 

enthusiastically and treats 

them as if she’s always 

known them. Deborah Bryant 

seems to have an endless 

supply of energy and has 

served our state with 

compassion and joy— 

and we were honored to 

have the opportunity to 

get to know her in a more 

personal way. 


Hometown Rankin What do you do to relax and clear 

your mind of hectic, demanding schedules? 

Mrs. Bryant Mow grass at our land in the country. 

A zero turn mower has always been on my 

bucket list. I finally got one! 

Hometown Rankin Give us a brief background of your 

childhood - parents, siblings, and home-life. 

Mrs. Bryant I grew up in West Jackson with 

my mom and dad and two brothers and two 

sisters. It was the best of times, when we could 

play outside all day long and early into the 

night, and our parents never worried about 

our safety. 

Hometown Rankin What’s your favorite room in the 

Governor’s Mansion? 

Mrs. Bryant I love all the rooms in the 

Governor’s Mansion; but if I had to choose 

one, I guess it would be the front Rose Parlor. 

We don’t really spend much private time in 

the historical side, but one of my favorite 

memories was sitting in that room with my 

granddaughter in front of the Christmas tree 

singing to her. She was mesmerized by the 

pink chandelier and the large decorated 

Christmas tree. 

Hometown Rankin Can you name a standout guest among 

the dignitaries that you’ve hosted in the mansion? 

Mrs. Bryant Justice Antonin Scalia. He had been 

hunting with Phil the day before and really 

loved the whole Mississippi experience. 

Hometown Rankin Take us through a buffet of your all-time 

favorite foods. 

Mrs. Bryant Fried chicken and vegetables. A good 

old southern meal. We normally have only 

lunch prepared so we make the most of it. 

Governor’s Mansion Photos: Ashleigh Coleman 

Hometown Rankin What’s a concern of the governor that 

you wish you could convey to the citizens of Mississippi? 

Mrs. Bryant All children that are in need, 

especially those in foster care. I know his 

concern for the issues like none other. 

He really cares. 



Hometown Rankin What’s your biggest burden 

concerning our state? 

Mrs. Bryant Public education. I’ve read books in 

at least one school in every county, and I’ve 

seen the challenges we have across our state. 

All kids should be afforded the best education 

they can get. It takes dedicated teachers, 

administrators and parents, all working 

together. But, we have made a difference. 

Hometown Rankin How do you maintain a positive 

attitude when you hear criticism of your husband? 

Mrs. Bryant No one knows my husband’s heart 

better than me and the love he has for every 

citizen in this state. You can never please 

everyone. You just have to do the best you 

can do and be at peace with that. 

Hometown Rankin Name three assets of our state that 

most outsiders don’t realize or understand. 

Mrs. Bryant We are the birthplace of America’s 

music. Most people don’t realize rock-n-roll, 

the blues, and country music were all created 

by Mississippians. 

Ingalls Shipyard has built 70% of America’s 

U. S. Navy warships. They’re the best 

shipbuilders in the world and help defend our 

freedom around the world. 

Mississippi has the kindest, most giving 

people in America. We routinely lead America 

in charitable giving and church attendance. 


Hometown Rankin We are told that we learn from our 

mistakes. Can you share a not so serious mistake or 

blunder that you have made as the First Lady? 

Mrs. Bryant When Phil first became Governor, 

I was really pushed out of my comfort zone 

with things like public speaking and changing 

careers (after working at St. Dominic hospital 

for more than 30 years). At first, I was not a 

very happy camper. I learned that when I 

started focusing on the opportunities God had 

in store for me and all of the wonderful people 

surrounding me, every day became a blessing. 



Hometown Rankin Do you have help with your wardrobe or 

are you your own consultant when it comes to “what do I wear?” 

Mrs. Bryant I do not have a consultant, and usually 

shop by myself. I like to shop locally and love to 

where pieces made by Mississippians. 

Hometown Rankin When the governor’s term ends, 

what will you miss the most? 

Mrs. Bryant I hope to continue reading at schools, 

but it will not be in 82 counties in a year. I will 

miss hugging all of those children the most. 

Hometown Rankin Do you remember your first official visit 

as First Lady to Rankin County? 

Mrs. Bryant We lived in Rankin County for nearly 

20 years. It is where we raised our children, and 

where we continue to attend church. I don’t 

know that I will ever feel “official” in a place 

that has been home for so long. 

Hometown Rankin What’s your favorite Christmas gift 

you’ve ever given and received? 

Mrs. Bryant Since becoming First Lady, I’ve given 

a cross crafted by a Mississippian each Christmas. 

I do this because I believe the love of Christ is 

the greatest gift anyone can give or receive. 

Hometown Rankin Share with us a family holiday tradition. 

Mrs. Bryant Every year my entire family (including 

my 95-year-old mother, my siblings and their 

families) goes to the Christmas Eve service at 

Van Winkle Methodist Church, where I 

attended church growing up, Phil and I were 

married there, and both of our children were 

baptized there. We all take communion together 

and then have a big dinner together, usually at 

my mother’s home. It is the best of times for 

us all. n 



(L-R): Karen Stockton (Oxford), Robby Carr (Madison), 

Warner Cannada (Highland Colony - Ridgeland), 

Daniel Barham (Jackson), Johnny Beck (Flowood) 

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SERVING OUR COUNTY 

Lieutenant Al Bounds 

RANKIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT 

Why did you decide to be in law 

enforcement? 

I wanted to be in law enforcement since I was a young 

boy. I would see officers and how they help people and 

keep people safe, so I wanted to do that, too. 

How long have you been with the Rankin 

County Sheriff’s Department? 

18 rewarding years. 

Tell us about your family. 

I have five beautiful kids who have loved and supported 

me throughout my career. My oldest, Chielita, always 

reminds me to be careful and give my all. This is what 

I told her growing up. My other children, Latina, Laetta, 

Santantrius, and Damien, have taught me as much as 

I’ve taught them. It has been an extreme pleasure raising 

them and watching them blossom into productive 

members of society. 

What is the toughest thing you have 

experienced in your job? 

One of the toughest things I have experienced is seeing 

people whose circumstances have led them to cross my 

path as a law enforcement officer. They all have some 

type of unfortunate downfall in their lives that have led 

them to do drugs, commit crimes, and/or lose everything. 

It’s tough to think that I might have a part in making it 

worse by incarcerating them but I have always tried to 

help them once they were in our custody. 

Share some things you enjoy doing in your 

spare time. 

I love to go to church, exercise, and help others as much 

as I can. 

What are three things on your bucket list? 

To own my own business, see all of my grandkids 

graduate high school/college, and establish a fund for 

the rehabilitation of ex-incarcerated offenders. 

Who is someone you admire and why? 

I admire Sheriff Bryan Bailey. Throughout my career here 

at the sheriff’s department he has continually made me 

strive to be a better person and better officer. He leads 

by example and is always willing to help someone out. 

His innovations and structure for rehabilitating offenders 

is an extremely admirable quality and I am honored to 

serve under his leadership. 

Where do you see yourself in ten years? 

In ten years I see myself retired and owning a funeral home. 

I have been affiliated with Dean’s Funeral Home here in 

Brandon for 10 years. I like the care and compassion they 

have for the families they serve. 

If you could give one piece of advice 

to a young person, what would it be? 

I would advise them to respect their parents, stay in 

school, and get a good education. I would also advise 

them to stay away from drugs and to be the best person 

they can be. 

What is a favorite childhood memory? 

My favorite childhood memory is going to the store for 

my grandmother because she would allow me to get 

something for myself. In those days we didn’t have 

much–so anything outside of necessity was a treat. 

What is the biggest mistake you think 

young people make today? 

Not respecting authority. This includes their parents, 

parental figures, teachers, and law enforcement. There 

are too many incidences where young people are 

following the wrong crowd and they are getting into all 

the wrong situations. 

What is your favorite thing about 

Rankin County? 

My favorite thing about Rankin County is the feeling of 

family. I have prided myself on not just living in Rankin 

County but being part of the Rankin County family. We 

look out for each other and help each other. I think that’s 

what this world needs more of and I’ve found it right here. 


Welcome 

reception 

Phillip Ley, M.D., FACS 

& Madina Dixon, CFNP 

Merit Health Surgical Oncology 

Flowood / October 12 







Hart & Soul 

October 19 / The Ivy





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R.E.A.L. 

Christian 

FOUNDATION 

16TH ANNUAL 

FALL CELEBRATION 

DINNER 

OCTOBER 12 

RICHLAND 

COMMUNITY CENTER 






RICHLAND 

MAYOR’S YOUTH COUNCIL 

AND THE CITY OF RICHLAND 

Annual 

Haunted 

Halloween 

Trail 

OCTOBER 26, 2017 

RICHLAND COMMUNITY CENTER


ankin 

RECIPES 

Pumpkin Roll 

• 3 eggs 

• 1 cup sugar 

• 1 tsp lemon juice 

• 3/4 cup flour 

• 1 tsp. baking powder 

• 2 tsp. cinnamon 

• 1 tsp. ginger 

• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 

• 1/2 tsp. salt 

• 1 cup nuts, chopped 

• 2/3 cup pumpkin powdered sugar 

FILLING 

• 1 cup powdered sugar 

• 8 oz. cream cheese 

• 4 tsp. margarine or butter 

• 1/2 tsp. vanilla 

Beat eggs at high speed for 5 minutes. Add sugar 

gradually. Stir in pumpkin and lemon juice. Mix 

all dry ingredients together in separate bowl. Add 

to pumpkin mixture. Mix well. Spread in greased 

and floured jelly roll pan. Top with nuts. Bake at 

375 for 15 minutes. Turn out on cloth sprinkled 

with powdered sugar. Start at side and roll up towel 

and cake. Let cool completely. 

Beat all filling ingredients together until smooth. 

Unroll the cake. Spread the filling on cake. Roll 

back up (without the towel). Wrap in waxed paper 

and then with foil. Chill. Best if prepared the day 

before and allowed to chill overnight. Keep 

refrigerated. 

Hershey Bar Pie 

• 18 to 20 large marshmallows 

• 7 Hershey bars with almonds 

• 1/3 cup milk 

• 16 oz. Cool Whip 

• 1 graham cracker crust 

Combine marshmallows, Hershey bars (break 

them into small pieces) and milk in a double boiler 

or microwave safe dish. Heat on low until melted. 

Stir until everything is combined. Add 1/2 of the 

Cool Whip. Mix well and spoon into graham 

cracker crust. 

Let chill for several hours. Top with the rest of the 

Cool Whip and shave chocolate over the top. 

Butterscotch 

Haystacks 

• 1-2/3 cups butterscotch morsels 

• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter 

• 1 8.5 oz. can or 2 5 oz. cans of chow mein 

noodles 

• 3-1/2 cups miniature marshmallows 

Line trays with wax paper. Microwave morsels in 

large, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on medium 

high power for 1 minute; stir. The morsels may 

retain some of their original shape. If necessary, 

microwave at additional 10 to 15 second intervals, 

stirring just until morsels are melted. Stir in the 

peanut butter until well blended. Add chow mein 

noodles and marshmallows; toss until all ingredients 

are coated. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto 

prepared trays. 

You may also add a 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, 

either peanuts or pecans if you like. 

Dill Pickle Dip 

• 8 oz. of cream cheese, softened 

• Chopped dill pickles, preferably a spicy or 

garlic variety (about half a jar of the spears) 

• 1 to 2 Tbsp. of juice from the jar 

• 1 small sweet onion, chopped 

• 1 tsp garlic powder 

• 1 to 2 tsp of dill (fresh or dried) 

• Tabasco to taste (optional) 

Chop pickles and onion. Mix all ingredients in a 

large bowl. Cover and let set in refrigerator for at 

least two hours, preferably overnight. You may 

need to add a little more pickle juice if it is too 

thick. Serve with chips. 

Sweet Potato 

Dumplings 

• 1½ cups sugar 

• 1 Tbsp. Karo syrup 

(add a little more to make more syrupy) 

• 2 cups water 

• 1 stick margarine 

• cinnamon 

• 1/2 pkg. sweet potato patties 

(sliced yams in freezer case) 

• 1 can Grands flaky biscuits 

Mix and boil first four ingredients for 10 minutes. 

Add a little cinnamon. Half the biscuits and put 

potato patty inside. Gently pinch the edges to seal. 

Do not mash the top of biscuits. 

Place in casserole dish and pour boiled mixture 

over it. Bake at 375 until brown on top about 20 

to 25 minutes. You will have enough potato patties 

for two recipes if you double the other ingredients. 

A single batch will make 8. 


ankin 

RECIPES 

Shrimp Scampi Dip 

• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 

• 8 oz. medium shrimp, peeled, deveined 

and roughly chopped 

• 4 cloves garlic, minced 

• 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (can add more) 

• 1/4 cup white wine (can use chicken stock) 

• 2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice 

• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 

• 4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature 

• 1/4 cup sour cream 

• 3 Tbsp. mayonnaise 

• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley 

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided 

• 2 Tbsp. grated parmesan 

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 9 inch baking 

dish or coat with cooking spray. 

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. 

Add shrimp, garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook, 

stirring occasionally, until pink, about 2 minutes. 

Stir in wine and lemon juice; add salt and pepper 

to taste. 

Bring to a simmer; remove from heat and stir in 

cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, parsley, 

1/4 cup mozzarella, and parmesan. 

Spread mixture into the prepared baking dish and 

sprinkle with remaining cup of mozzarella. Place 

into oven and bake until bubbly and golden, about 

10 to 12 minutes. 

Serve immediately with crackers or garlic bread. 

Hot Bacon 

& Swiss Dip 

• 2 8 oz. package cream cheese 

• 1 cup mayo 

• 2 cups grated Swiss cheese 

• 4 Tbsp. chopped green onions 

• 16 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled 

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers 

Soften cream cheese in a mixing bowl, add mayo, 

Swiss cheese, and green onions. Mix well. Transfer 

to a baking dish. Top with bacon and Ritz. Bake at 

350 for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly. 

Macaroni & Cheese 

• 16 oz. pkg. elbow macaroni 

• 6 Tbsp. butter or margarine 

• 3 Tbsp. cornstarch 

• 3 cup milk 

• ½ tsp. salt 

• 1.2 tsp. black pepper 

• ¾ lb. Velveeta cheese, cubed 

• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded 

• 1 egg 

Cook macaroni according to package directions, 

drain and set aside. In a 3 qt. saucepan over low to 

medium heat, melt margarine. Stir in cornstarch 

with a wire whisk until smooth. Gradually add 

milk stirring constantly until thickened. Add salt, 

pepper, and Velveeta until all is melted. Add 1 cup 

shredded cheddar. Stir until melted and remove 

from heat. In a separate bowl, beat egg and add 

¼ cup of the cheese sauce, mix well. In a 13 x 9 

glass dish pour in cooked macaroni. Combine the 

egg mixture back into the cheese sauce and mix 

well. Pour cheese sauce over macaroni noodles, 

mix well and top with remaining shredded 

cheddar. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 -35 minutes. 

Special Occasion 

Potatoes 

• 9 to 12 red potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes 

• 3 garlic cloves 

• 1 8-oz cream cheese, softened 

• 3 Tbsp. butter 

• 1/2 cup sour cream 

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided 

• 1 tsp. garlic powder 

• 1 tsp. onion powder 

• Salt and pepper to taste 

• 1 10-oz. package frozen chopped spinach, 

thawed and squeezed dry 

Place potatoes and garlic in a large saucepan. 

Add about a tsp. of salt; cover with water. Cover, 

and bring to a boil. Cook for 20-25 minutes or 

until very tender. Drain well. In a mixing bowl 

mash potatoes and garlic with the cream cheese 

and butter. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add 

sour cream, 1 cup cheddar cheese, garlic powder, 

onion powder and spinach. Stir just until mixed. 

Spread into a greased 13 x 9 casserole dish. Bake 

uncovered at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until 

heated through. Top with remaining cup of 

cheddar cheese and bake 5 minutes longer or 

until cheese melts. 

You can prepare this the night before and bake it 

right before you are ready to serve it. It will need 

to cook a little longer because it will be cold. 

Recipes submitted by Kathy Coker of Origin Bank. 


Christmas 

in Dixie 

That’s the theme that runs through the 

Christmas decorations of the recently 

built home of Dr. and Mrs. John Brooks. 

Mrs. Brooks (Teresa) is proud of her 

southern roots, and the flavor of the 

South’s cotton fields and wild game 

blend fashionably in each room. 

The Brooks’ home is designed for 

optimum entertaining with its space 

and flow. “We love to entertain,” Teresa 

says in describing the layout of their 

spacious house plan. 

The couple make excellent entertainers 

due, in part, to their obvious compatibility. 

They met in their 7th grade class 

homeroom when they attended school 

in Pearl. First they became good friends, 

and then romance followed. Marriage 

seemed the right choice for working 

together to put John through Millsaps 

College and med school. 



Since Teresa had her first job at age 

twelve in the kitchen of Beatty Street 

Grocery in downtown Jackson, she 

was groomed for a great work ethic. 

The young couple held down three 

jobs while John earned his diplomas. 

Today, John suits up in scrubs for his 

position as medical director at the 

Richland MEA. According to Teresa, 

she has the best job she’s ever had – 

keeping their three-year-old grandson, 

Kross. His parents, Brittney Brooks 

Emmons and Cameron, live in Brandon. 

The Brooks’ son, John Breland, 

is a senior business major at 

Mississippi State. 

Chapman’s Florist gets credit for 

incorporating their artistry with 

Teresa’s personal touch and family 

decoration traditions. 

Enjoy the images from the 

Brooks’ home to experience a bit 

of their warm and inviting intent 

for the Christmas celebration. 



We asked several juniors and 

seniors at Hartfield Academy, 

“What are your personal goals 

for 2018?” 

Here’s what they told us: 

Aden Clark 

Maintaining a good self-character/ 

moral standard and GPA during 

my first semester of college. 

Kaylynn Steen 

To keep growing academically and 

spiritually and start figuring out my 

future. As a person, I have epilepsy and 

I’d like to beat it! I also will continue 

working with the epilepsy organization. 

Gracee Wells 

To grow spiritually as I grow 

with my friends in faith. I pray that 

everything goes well for my 

senior year coming up. 

Katie Long 

I want to prepare for college and 

medical school–and I want to be a 

candy striper this summer at UMC. 

Ciera Garrett 

To make better grades and grow 

in my spiritual life. I want to gain 

better leadership with my peers. 

Baleigh Anderson 

To be a good leader. As an upcoming 

senior, I want to do what’s right for 

our school. I want to finish 

the year with A’s and B’s. 

Bria Thompson 

To be successful and prosperous 

when I attend college. I plan to 

attend college out of state and I want 

to excel wherever I am. 

Kristin Barnett 

Kimberlee Moore 

Laney Armstrong 

Brandon Gardner 

To graduate in the top two of my class 

and to go to one of my dream colleges. 

I’d like to go to University of North 

Carolina or an Ivy League. I want to 

prosper in my major and my studies. 

I want to be in the top 25% of my 

class and have all A’s my first 

semester of college. I’m going to 

Liberty University in Virginia. 

To graduate in the top of my class and 

finish my senior year strong. I also 

want to help others grow spiritually. 

My main goal is to win state 

championship in baseball. 


Eien McGee 

Josh Murphy 

Dennis Martin 

Nick Stinson 

I’m going to UT on a swimming 

scholarship so I want to be the 

best student athlete I can be. 

To finish my junior year strong 

and go into my senior year strong 

with a good GPA. 

I want to finish out the year strong 

and start off with a 4.0 at Ole Miss. 

Keep my GPA high when I graduate 

and go to Mississippi State 

and get involved there. 

Blake Powell 

Ross Gilstrap 

Jacob Cokely 

J.D. Beall 

To learn something new every day 

and to keep my grades up in college. 

I’m going to Mississippi State! 

I’d like to finish the year with 

a 4.0 and grow spiritually. 

To volunteer more in the community 

and to be a better friend. 

My goal for 2018 is to be in a 

football program that is as good 

athletically as they are spiritually. 

Oliver Adams 

I want to grow spiritually and 

academically and to do my 

absolute best in everything I do. 

Daisy DeLaughter 

My personal goal is to bring justice 

to Maria’s character in the Sound 

of Music. I have the lead 

in the spring musical. 

Jarod Weston 

Keep my grades up and get accepted 

to all colleges I want to go to. I’m 

interested in Auburn and Alabama. 

Jim DeLaughter 

High School Principal 

To open the new school with 

excitement in August 2018. 


20th 

Anniversary 

Celebration 

Cookout 

Community Bank 

Brandon 


THE RANKIN COUNTY CHAMBER PRESENTS: 

Faith N Candy 

Southern Raised 

McClain Catering 

The Beach Look 

O! How Cute 

Cricket Wireless 

Miss Priss 

Vintiques 

Sombra 

Amerigo 

Factory Connection 

AllyOops 

Cobo's 

Chapman's Florist 

* % 

* 

For more information, call the Rankin County Chamber at 

(601) 825-2268 or email mbilello@rankinchamber.com



An 

Interest 

in 

Pinterest 

It wasn’t until 

we saw it on 

Pinterest that we 

ever considered 

using grandma’s 

vintage silver 

tureen and 

putting a fern in it! 

So just in time 

for the holidays, 

we’ve curated 

some of our 

favorite decorating 

inspiration images 

and put them 

here for you. 

Be creative! 

Shop your own 

cupboards and 

storage chests. 

Find new life 

for things you 

already have. 

And most of all, 

have fun. 

Happy Holidays! 



ENROLLMENT 

OPENS FEBRUARY 1ST! 

Did you know that Hartfield enrolls 

grades K3-12th? 

Do you have a student who would be 

interested in seeing a day in the life 

of Hartfield? We schedule 

shadow days with students 

so they can experience 

Hartfield first-hand. 

Schedule a tour for 

any grade to get 

an inside look 

at the school. 

Schedule A Tour 

ENROLLMENT BEGINS FEB. 1, 2018. 

SPOTS ARE VERY LIMITED! 

601.992.5333 | HARTFIELD.ORG 



Teach the Children 

Author Unknown 

Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I 

just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to 

go to bed when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the 

door to the front room, and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out 

next to the fireplace. 

"What are you doing?" I started to ask him. The words caught in my 

throat as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was 

gone. Gone was the eager boisterous soul we all know. He then 

answered me with a simple statement . . . 

“teach the children.” 

He then pulled out from his bag an ornament of himself. “Teach 

the children that I, Santa Claus, merely symbolize the generosity and 

good will we feel during the month of December.” 

He reached in again and pulled out a holly leaf. “Teach the 

children the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the 

crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent 

blood shed by Him.” 

Next he pulled out a gift from the bag and said, "Teach the 

children that God so loved the world that He gave His only 

begotten Son. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.” 

I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question, and 

with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from 

behind the tree. As I stood there bewildered, Santa said, “Teach the 

Children. Teach them the old meaning of Christmas—the meaning that 

now-a-day Christmas has forgotten.” 

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a fir tree and 

placed it in front of the hearth. “Teach the children that the pure green 

color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the 

everlasting hope of mankind. All the needles point heavenward, 

making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven.” 

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant star. 

“Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises 

long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the 

sign of fulfillment of that promise.” 

He then reached into the bag and pulled out a candle. “Teach the 

children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, 

and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces 

the darkness.” 

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a wreath and 

placed it on the tree. “Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes 

the eternal nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous 

round of affection.” 

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a candy 

cane and hung it on the tree. “Teach the children that 

the candy cane represents the shepherd's crook. The 

crook on the shepherd's staff helps bring back sheep 

that have strayed from the flock. The candy cane is the 

symbol that we are our brother's keeper.” 

He reached in again and pulled out an angel 

“Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded 

in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang 

‘Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, and good will 

toward men.’” 

Suddenly I heard a soft tinkling sound, and from his bag he 

pulled out a bell. “Teach the children that as the lost sheep 

are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to 

the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.” 

Santa looked at the tree and was pleased. He looked 

back at me and I saw the twinkle was back in his 

eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the children the 

true meaning of Christmas, and not to put me in 

the center, for I am but a humble servant of the 

One who is, and I bow down and worship Him, 

our lord, our god." 


Hometown Brookhaven Rankin • 77 13

Richland-Florence Garden Club 

Blue Star Memorial 

Dedication Ceremony for Veterans 

NOVEMBER 9 / RICHLAND CITY HALL 



Choir 

The 

Guy Camille Anding 

“It was my dream to be 

governor of Mississippi,” 

Lavon Gray declared from behind his desk on the third floor of First Baptist Church 

Jackson. It was so much a plan for his future that after graduating from Mendenhall 

High School, he enrolled in Co-Lin Junior College to pursue a political science degree. 

By the time he finished Co-Lin and entered the University of Southern Mississippi, 

he relinquished his own plans for his life to follow God’s gentle but persistent leading 

into music ministry. 


Photos: Judy & Lane Rushing 

His preacher friends encouraged him to stick with 

completing his political science degree because they assured 

him he would never be able to make a living doing church 

music. Gray heeded their advice and got the political science 

degree but continued to follow his call by entering New 

Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. From there he earned 

his Ph.D. at Southwestern Seminary in Ft. Worth. 

After serving in churches in Mississippi, Texas, and South 

Carolina, he accepted the minister of music position at FBC 

Jackson in 2001. For the past thirteen years he’s led in 

worship in front of a 300-voice choir (when all are present). 

Plans are going forward to renovate the choir space to hold 

an additional thirty to forty members. 

When asked about his favorite part of being minister 

of music, he didn’t hesitate: “I’m a people person; I love 

people and building relationships with them. And secondly, 

I love leading worship on Sunday mornings.” With the 

unusual experience of serving with three pastors plus 

interims in his thirteen years at FBC, Gray’s sense of 

humor speaks, “Everyone may not like me, but I am a 

consistent presence!” 

The meetings that are a necessary part of the music 

calendar are his least favorite part of the ministry, but how 

else does one involve and delegate 800 volunteers in the 

annual church Christmas program, Carols by Candlelight? 

Fifteen thousand tickets have already been given out for 

this year’s musical theme, Love Came to Me, scheduled for 

December 14-17. 

Larry Black, a former minister of music, began “Carols” 

in 1971. His choir of twenty grew to one hundred by the 

first performance. Dr. Gray gives Black credit for the music 

foundation that he left for his successors. 

Gray’s customary smile turns to laughter when he recalls 

glitches in the performances. In 1988, because of church 

renovation, the presentation was relocated to the coliseum for 




that year. Live animals are never used in the sanctuary, 

but for the coliseum “Carols,” it was the perfect opportunity 

to use them. Humphrey, the camel, was rented so one of 

the wise men could ride aloft him to the manger scene. 

Humphrey overreacted either from the crowds or stage 

fright and took the first exit out after entering – along 

with his wise man. Theirs was a brief exposure. 

Another time, Gray realized within moments of the 

overture that his music was upstairs on his desk. Ava Hart, 

pianist and music assistant, rushed to his office to retrieve 

his music. On another occasion a stage crew member crawled 

in guerrilla warfare style beneath Gray’s podium to handdeliver 

a message. 

The “Carol” glitches are seldom in the presentations that 

are spectacular with a dedication to sharing the Gospel. The 

labor of love begins in January with the meeting of thirty key 

leaders who volunteer to cover all areas of the production. 

February is take-a-breath month. March is for theme 

selection; April, May and June are song selections months. 

Orders are made in July and rehearsals begin in August. 

Lavon, as most members call him, has always been at 

home in his musical world. His mother, the church pianist, 

eloped when she was fourteen. A year later Lavon was 

born, and one week after that his grandfather carried him 

to church to have their pastor dedicate the future minister. 

“I’ve not missed much church,” Lavon added. 

He remembers family reunions with his mother on the 

piano, his dad playing guitar along with more guitar-playing 

cousins and kin. “We might start out with Johnny Cash and 

Hank Williams songs, but we would always end up singing 

gospel music.” 

When away from the church, his greatest enjoyment is 

his family. His wife of twenty-nine years, Wendy, is mother 

to their three daughters, Kayla, Lizzie, and Katibeth – all 


homeschooled. “I was the principal,” Lavon says with 

a laugh. Their two oldest daughters are married, and 

ten-year-old Katibeth has been and is their “back side 

blessing.” A recent grandson, Grayson, has given the 

Grays a new favorite title. 

On Thursday nights Lavon reaches for his striped shirt 

and whistle to referee junior college football games. Sports 

officiating for the past thirty years is another favorite 

pastime of the multi-faceted minister. 

Humility is a recognizable trait in Dr. Gray when he 

speaks of his limited ability in music while praising the 

talents and gifts of his choir, staff, and network of volunteers. 

He also gives much credit to his administrative assistant, 

Terry Sims, a fellow laborer for forty years in the music 

department. 

He refers to himself as a sophisticated redneck from 

Simpson County and whose favorite hymn is ”Victory in 

Jesus.” “I’ve never been the most talented; I’m not the greatest 

musician, but God has given me the ability to be a great 

minister of music. I guess I’m just a choir guy,” he says 

with his down-to-earth charisma. 

Then he adds, “I’m just so honored to lead here.” For the 

vast majority of all who will hear the sounds of Carols by 

Candlelight this Christmas, their response with emotions and 

hearts brimming will be, “You didn’t need to be governor.” n 




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That One Thing


In light of the recent flooding in Houston and wildfires in California, 

where people were literally forced from their homes with only what 

they could carry, and no time to spare, I considered the daunting task 

of having to decide, what does one take in that situation knowing 

that a complete loss was imminent? What is that one thing you 

couldn’t leave behind? 

Asked that question in two different decades and my answer might 

be drastically different. 

In my 20s, I would have been most concerned with my shoes and 

clothes. My purse collection, makeup, and favorite leather bomber 

jacket with fur trim would have all made the list, too. To this twentysomething 

year old, “stuff” was important. 

At fifty, my priorities have dramatically shifted. But when faced 

with the question about choosing what to take, I still can’t come up 

with a definitive answer. 

It’s a given that people and animals come first, so we’re going to 

assume that my family and dog are safely evacuated in our little pretend 

scenario. We’re also going to assume that we all have our phones, 

laptops, purses and wallets, driver’s licenses, and important documents 

and papers. 

But now comes the tough part. What non-essentials do you take? 

What is that one thing that you absolutely would not want to part with? 

I recently posed this question on social media and the responses 

were varied . . . and fascinating. Many of them were, understandably, 

about precious family photos – boxes of pictures and photo albums 

that have been curated, inherited, or passed along from one generation 

to the next, which could never be recreated. Ironically, it has been 

during my lifetime that many people have actually stopped printing 

pictures. I pause for a moment and wonder how future generations 

will remember us without printed evidence of our existence. 

Bibles ranked as a top item along with jewelry, treasured artwork, 

children’s blankets and hand-made family quilts. Guns and ammunition 

were surprisingly important to many, as well. I’d never considered the 

need for weapons in an evacuation-type situation, but anyone that’s 

ever misplaced a child’s cherished binky knows that it is worthy of 

being heavily guarded. 

So as I continued to contemplate the question at hand, my inability 

to easily identify what “things” I would take was becoming a source of 

frustration for me. I began to realize that I’m not particularly attached 

to anything! And don’t get me wrong, I have a safe-box and fully 

understand the importance of protecting certain legal documents, but 

it was very revealing to me that not one material possession in particular 

stood out as being of paramount significance. 

Things don’t wear matching pajamas on Christmas Eve and watch 

Christmas movies seen so many times that every line can practically 

be quoted by heart. Things didn’t cheer on our favorite kicker on the 

football field or feel the excitement of watching him make his first-ever 

field goal. 

Things can’t get all dressed up and take you to dinner on your 

birthday or celebrate when you achieve an important milestone. 

Things can’t reassure you when someone’s hurt your feelings. 

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that my most 

prized possessions are my memories–of the life experiences and 

adventures shared with the people I adore most–and no box or album is 

big enough to contain them. They’re the people and places and feelings 

and moments. They’re the hugs and the smiles. And the laughter. 

It’s not about what we’ve bought, but what we’ve built–and no 

fire or flood can destroy it. And it is in that moment, the moment 

I was forced to articulate what it was that I actually treasured most, 

that I had a breakthrough and it was an amazing feeling. 

While it is not likely that my son can tell me a single thing he 

received last year for Christmas without having to really stop and think 

about it–he can sing every word to the family vacation song we made 

up while driving through the mountains six years ago. We hiked to a 

waterfall hidden deep in the elevations and got caught in a rainstorm 

on our way out. It was freezing and we were soaked to the bone . . . yet 

it will go down as one of the single greatest family experiences that we 

ever had. We were with each other, where we’re truly the most happy, 

and we wouldn’t have changed a thing. 

Experiences make for the greatest treasures. And memories. 

So while this exercise has come full circle and prompted some 

much-needed soul-searching on my part, I come away with a single, 

glorious realization. When the waters rise, and the flames grow near, 

I’m already packed. And while I’d never want to be faced with having 

to part with the material things that have played such an important 

role in creating our comforts of home and have helped to define our past, 

I know that as long as we have each other, everything will be alright. n 


Your Best 

Christmas Memories 

Start Here! 

An Ice Skating, 

Ice Sliding, 

Bouncing Blast. 

NOVEMBER 12 - JANUARY 6 

Monday thru Saturday: 10am – 11pm ❆ Sunday: Noon – 11pm ❆ Pearl, MS 

In the giant tent across the street from Outlets of Mississippi and Bass Pro Shops 

601-212-8810 ❆ info@bigsouthevents.net ❆ www.christmaswonderland.ms 


@ChristmasWonderlandMS 

©Copyright 2017 

Big South Events, LLC 

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The Pearl Chamber of Commerce, 

Fire Department, and Police 

Department held the 

PEARL FALL FEST 2017 

OCTOBER 30 

BASS PRO SHOPS 



Prıceless 

The 

GiftCamille 

Anding 

Gift-giving in our hometown is fast 

approaching a complex undertaking due to 

the range of selections offered in stores, 

catalogues, and online. Lists are helpful as 

we begin our shopping campaigns, but to 

find that special gift that remains timeless 

and a treasure will always be a challenge. 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could 

box and wrap special qualities for our gifts 

this Christmas? Contentment, joy, and 

kindness would make the list. Wisdom 

would also be a top choice. And here’s 

some good news; after just a brief time with 

Frank and Mary Ann Mullins of Brandon, 

Mississippi, I can offer an early gift of 

wisdom from their “storehouse.” 

Fifty-three years of marriage and still 

smiling qualifies them to share marital 

wisdom with other couples. Frank pledged 

to try to love his bride as Christ loved the 

church. Mary Ann realized her role as 

respecting her husband through the love 

of God. 

They shared some difficult times but 

always kept God at the center of their 

marriage. Whenever they had to move, 

finding a church and developing strong 

Christian friendships remained priorities. 

In answer to their prayers for children, 

God gave them three wonderful sons. 

Raising children is a challenging task, but 

the Mullins’ wisdom branched out into 

child-rearing, too. 

Frank said, “We prayed a lot!” 

Mary Ann nodded and added, “We 

also tried to take them to places and events 

that would nurture their spiritual lives.” 

The Mullins were regular chaperones 

with their sons’ youth groups, and their home 

was open to constant youth gatherings. 

Togetherness was a key ingredient to 

molding and being a model for their sons. 

Hugs were a daily wakeup ritual. Then 

everyone helped with breakfast, either in 

preparation or cleanup before leaving for 

work and school. Mary Ann shared how 

they kept responsibility charts during the 

boys’ early years. Laundry was one of those 

chores. Each son carried his dirty clothes 

to the laundry room. After the laundry 

was washed and dried, the sons had rotation 

duty to sort the clothes for the five-member 

family. Then they had a folding party 

where each member folded and put away 

his or her own clothes. Neatness was 

always encouraged. 

The three sons, Robert married to 

Pam, Charles married to Lynn, and 

Andy married to Michelle, have blessed 

the Mullins with nine grandchildren. 

When asked if the three sons, all in 

ministry positions, have applied this 

parenting wisdom to their own children, 

Frank said that it’s never actually been 

stated, but the results are obvious. The 

wisdom multiplies! 

So you’ve opened an early Christmas 

present, and it’s guaranteed to never go 

out of style or lose its value. Wisdom is a 

gift that keeps on giving. n 



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What are your three favorite 

things about Christmas? 

Hanging out with family. 

The feeling of goodwill— 

everyone seems to be 

nicer to each other. 

Pretty decorations. 

Mrs. Stephanie Burns 

Northside Elementary 

Pearl 

God’s birthday. 

Spending time with family. 

Opening presents. 

Abby Morrow 

Being with my family. 

Presents. 

Snow. 

Karma Comans 

Presents. 

Decorating. 

Going to my grandparents. 

Kinsley Ables 

You get cool toys. 

Get out of school. 

It’s a HAPPY time! 

Tomaj Johnson 

Getting presents. 

Seeing Santa. 

Eating milk & cookies 

in the morning. 

Dakota Moody 

Singing Christmas Carols. 


Being out of school. 

RJ Alfons 

Presents. 

Putting up the Christmas 

tree and the ornaments. 

Snow. 

Damien Robinson 

Presents. 

Santa Claus being at my house. 

Being out of school a few days. 

Charles Walker 

Sleeping in late. 

Unwrapping presents. 

Having fun in the snow. 

Aiden Flanagan 

Skiing on ice. 

Sledding down a hill. 


Ethan Ward 

Being with my family. 

Singing Christmas Carols. 

Baking cookies for Santa. 

wD’Lahah Friday 


If you could get your parents anything 

for Christmas, what would it be? 

I’d get my mom a necklace 

and I’d get my dad 

a pair of pants. 

John Null 

My mom would like a 

Nissan truck and a blue 

Mustang for my dad. 

Kole Derrick 

A car for my dad and 

make-up for my mom. 

Brooklynn Lopez 

I’d give my parents Jesus. 

Campbell McHenry 

I will give them both a BIG hug. 

Marleigh Ainsworth 

I’d give my mom a new house 

—a mansion! And I’d give my 

dad a red Ferrari. 

Brody McCool 

I’d get my mom a new bike 

because she likes to ride a lot. 

My dad likes to run so I’d get 

him some new shoes. 

Rosemarie Lopez 

Dad likes cool cars 

so a Lamborghini. My mom 

wants an Infiniti. 

Kaleb Woodson 

Merry 

Christmas 

My mom likes clothes a lot 

so a gift card to Flawless. 

And I’d get my dad 

a red Corvette. 

Mary Allyn Grisson 

I’d give my mom a picture 

of our family and I’d do 

work for my dad. 

Carter Young 

I’d give them both my LOVE. 

Madison Jones 


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Business 

in the Classroom 

April Carter 

As adults, most of us have, at some point, 

wrestled with the age-old question, “What do you 

want to be when you grow up?” Or, perhaps just as 

importantly, “Where do you want to be when you 

grow up?” A desire to help students answer these 

questions drew over 100 community members to 

speak in classrooms for the annual Business in the 

Classroom event coordinated by the Flowood Chamber 

of Commerce and the schools within the Flowood 

community. October 12, 2017 saw community 

professionals gather en masse to speak to students 

about their careers, the paths that led them to their 

work, and the career opportunities in the Flowood 

and greater Jackson area. 

Speakers for the event spanned the gamut of 

careers, from artists and authors, to engineers, to 

medical practitioners, to public officials. Among the 

speakers were State Senator Josh Harkins, State 

Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall, Judge Haydn 

Roberts of Rankin County Chancery Court, and 

Brandon Alderman Tahya Dobbs. One group of 

students interacted with Assistant District Attorney 

Dewey Arthur, listening eagerly as he related some of 

his experiences and asking questions to learn more. 

Meanwhile, another group listened as Pulitzer 

Prize nominee Marshall Ramsey, nationally syndicated 

political cartoonist, author, and radio show host, 

spoke about his professional and personal journey. 

From the perspective of senior Alyssa Moncrief, “His 

[Ramsey’s] speech was so inspiring because it proved 

that the harder you work, the more successful you 

will be. He said you will always encounter barriers, 

but pushing through them is how you grow.” Alyssa 

explains, “Although I do not plan to pursue a career in 

art, I am very interested in journalism and if anything, 

it made me more curious if a career in that field 

would be right for me.” 

Like Alyssa, many students have their interest in 

a particular career field encouraged by hearing their 

Business in the Classroom speaker. Emma King, an art 

student who heard Ramsey speak says, “Mr. Ramsey 

inspired me by telling me to work hard and not give 

up. He told me if I really want a career in art to not 

give up and go for it.” 

Voicing the thoughts of many of the day’s 

speakers, Director of Emergency Medicine for Merit 

Health Tracy Laird says, “I have had the pleasure of 

speaking with Northwest Rankin High School students 

for the past several years. High school is a difficult 

time for many as they begin to struggle with their 

future and career choices, and Business in the 

Classroom is a fantastic program that allows people 

from all walks of life to tell the students a little bit 

about their respective career choices and opportunities.” 

According to Northwest Rankin High School 

Principal Ben Stein, Business in the Classroom 

originated years ago during the time that Jean Massey 

was principal, though, at that point it, was exclusively 

a high school event. Over the years, the event faded 

away until Stein revived the practice in the fall of 2014 

during his first year as high school principal. Business 

in the Classroom has now grown beyond the high 

school as a result of Stein’s interest in connecting the 

school and community. Flowood Chamber of 

Commerce Executive Director Jennifer Anderson 

joined with Stein to form an education committee 

under the auspices of the chamber. In the fall of 

2015, this committee extended invitations to all of 

the schools in Flowood, and Business in the Classroom 

expanded to include all of the Rankin County School 

District schools in the area. This year, Hartfield 

Academy joined with area RCSD schools to invite 

area professionals to speak in classrooms. 

Says Jennifer Anderson, “I believe BIC [Business 

in the Classroom] is a great opportunity to tie the 

many businesses together with our future leaders 

(students). I think it opens up an endless horizon of 

opportunities available here in Rankin County that 

the students may not know exist.” 

Anderson believes the benefits of this event 

flow both ways. She continues, “As for the business 

leaders, I believe it allows them the opportunity to 

support not only the students, but to support education 

in our area. The stronger the bond our schools have 

with our businesses, the stronger our community will 

be. This is such an important factor in economic 

development.” 

Is this event hitting its mark? What is the takeaway 

for students? When asked about his experience, 

Northwest Rankin senior Jared Collum says, “My 

Business in the Classroom speaker was incredibly 

interesting. She was a voice-over actress with many 

different experiences under her belt and a wealth of 

knowledge of her career to share. She took our class 

through her own personal journey in how she came to 

this job opportunity, and explained to us the different 

trials she went through as well as some of her 

successes.” Student Alyssa Moncrief called the day 

an “amazing opportunity,” and JJ Kaler, another 

senior, says that “Business in the Classroom was 

quite interesting.” 

The success of this event is due largely to the 

willingness of area professionals that take the time 

and interest to come speak to students and help them 

think about career possibilities, show them the wide 

range of career opportunities in and near Flowood, 

and to explain the paths they took through education 

and earlier work experiences to land where they are 

today. Principal Stein is grateful for the partnership 

with the Flowood Chamber of Commerce and for the 

support of Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey and the 

Rankin County School District. n 



Hometown Rankin 

READER 

SPOTLIGHT 

April 

Carter 

How long have you lived in Rankin County? 

7 years. 

Tell us about your family. 

I have four daughters. Anna is a freshmen at 

Mississippi College, Beth is a junior at NWRHS, 

Catie is a freshmen at NWRHS, and Dorothy is 

in 4th grade at NWR elementary. 

What are your Thanksgiving Day family 

traditions? 

Leading up to Thanksgiving Day, we have a 

“thankful vine”. We have a rope draped over the 

kitchen table, and we write things we are thankful 

for on paper leaves (things as big as family and as 

small as chocolate or no homework days) and 

attach the leaves to the rope. Over a couple of 

weeks, our vine gets very full. 

What about Christmas family traditions? 

Christmas Eve, we always go to the Christmas Eve 

service at Brandon Baptist with our extended family, 

and then go back to my parents’ house for chili, 

seafood gumbo, and Happy Birthday Jesus cake. 

What led you to teaching? 

I’ve always enjoyed helping other people 

understand things, trying to explain things, or 

giving examples so what didn’t make sense before 

becomes clear. 

What is the best part of your job? 

I really enjoy the relationships with students and 

the opportunity to encourage them and give them 

new perspectives and ways to think through 

difficult issues. 

Do you have a favorite book? 

This is NOT a fair question for an English teacher! 

There is a book that I first read in the 7th grade 

that I tend to re-read about once a year, just for 

fun, called Celia Garth. It’s historical fiction, set 

in the Revolutionary War. Reading it for me is 

like eating comfort food. 

Do you have a favorite childhood memory? 

Traveling to my grandparents’ house for 

Christmas–both sets lived far away with one 

family in New Mexico and the other in West 

Virginia. Visiting their houses and being with 

all my cousins and aunts and uncles was a treat, 

something we got excited about, and counted 

down towards for weeks in advance. 

What are your three favorite places to eat 

in Rankin County? 

El Sombrero, Newk’s, and Lost Pizza. 

What is a favorite memory of living in 

Rankin County? 

Honestly, it’s a little every-day thing more than 

a big event. It’s the witty, funny conversations 

around the dinner table with my girls. I love 

hearing about what’s going on with them, and 

they can be hilarious when they get together. 

Those are my favorite memories, hands-down. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 

I think I will be teaching–probably helping 

college students learn to think deeply and to 

write clearly, whether that is still through teaching 

dual credit at Northwest Rankin or in some 

different setting. 

Who is someone you admire and why? 

I know it’s a little cliché, but I admire my parents 

for their stability and consistency. They are an 

incredible resource for so many people because 

they have spent their lifetimes pursuing the 

Lord, listening for His direction, seeking His 

wisdom. They are my most valuable sounding 

board and are so practically helpful in so 

many ways. 

What is your favorite Christmas movie? 

It’s a Wonderful Life. 

Favorite Bible verse? 

That changes all the time and depends on the 

season I’m in, and what the Lord is showing me. 

Right now, maybe it’s Hebrews 12:1-2: “Therefore, 

since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of 

witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and 

sin which clings so closely, and let us run with 

endurance the race that is set before us, looking to 

Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who 

for the joy that was set before him endured the 

cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the 

right hand of the throne of God.” 

Share some things you like to do in your 

spare time. 

Read fiction (not surprising for an English 

teacher), shop, and be with my girls. 

Name three things on your bucket list. 

Traveling in Europe, publishing a piece of my own 

writing, and maybe owning a house with a great 

front porch and a peaceful view. 

What are some fun things to do in 

Rankin County on the weekends? 

I may not be the best person to answer this 

question. My weekends are fairly full of essay 

grading, grocery shopping, and laundry. Maybe 

I should look into this… . 

What is your favorite thing about 

Hometown Magazines? 

Finding familiar faces and names and seeing what 

friends and acquaintances are doing. n 


HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE 

CENTENNIAL GALA 

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Annual 

Treat 

Street 

October 27, 2017 

Clyde Muse Center, Pearl, MS






Flowood 

Chamber 

of Commerce 

HEALTH 

FAIR 

October 5 

Flowood 

YMCA 



5 Programs 

100% Online 

Register now. 

Online classes begin 

January 16. 

In compliance with the following: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable Federal and State Acts, Hinds Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national 

origin, religion, sex, age, disability or veteran status in its educational programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Dr. Tyrone Jackson, Vice President for Utica Campus and Administrative Services and District Dean of Student Services & Title IX Coordinator Box 1003, Utica, MS 39175 . Phone: 601.885.7002 or Email: titleIX@hindscc.edu 

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ANNUAL LUNCHEON 

SEPTEMBER 25, CLYDE MUSE CENTER


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Christian Professional Counseling for Individuals and Families. 

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OUR DOORS ARE ALWAYS 

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Mississippi 

Mississippi Grown. Mississippi Good. 

Farm toSchool Week 

The first full week of October marked Mississippi 

Farm to School Week. The Mississippi Department 

of Agriculture and Commerce and the Mississippi 

Department of Education collaborated with the 

Rankin County School District to celebrate on 

Tuesday, October 3, at Highland Bluff Elementary. 

Special guests, including Commissioner of 

Agriculture and Commerce Cindy Hyde-Smith, 

USDA Office of Community Food Systems National 

Director Erin Healy, Rankin County School District 

Superintendent Dr. Sue Townsend, MDE Chief of 

Operations Dr. Felicia Gavin, MDE Director of Child 

Nutrition and Healthy Schools Scott Clements, in 

addition to several Mississippi farmers who grew 

some of the featured lunch menu items, had the 

privilege of eating lunch with the students. 

Over the last 15 years, the Mississippi Department 

of Education and the Mississippi Department of 

Agriculture and Commerce have made successful 

efforts to increase the amount of Mississippigrown 

fruits and vegetables served in cafeterias 

across the state through the Department of 

Defense Farm to School Program. The program 


offers schools 15 varieties of Mississippigrown 

fruits and vegetables, including 

butterbeans, southern peas, sweet potatoes, 

yellow squash, butternut squash, zucchini, 

turnip greens, collard greens, cantaloupes, 

watermelons, green beans, corn cobbettes, 

cucumbers, blueberries and broccoli crowns. 

The first full week of October was designated 

as Mississippi Farm to School Week by the 

Mississippi Legislature in 2012. Farm to School 

Week was introduced to schools in an effort 

to encourage them to serve locally-grown 

and locally-raised agricultural products in 

their meals and to recognize the substantial 

economic and health benefits of farm to 

school programs. Farm to School Week 

draws attention to the vast number of crops 

that are grown in Mississippi and serves as 

an educational tool to teach children where 

their food comes from beyond the grocery 

store. For more information on Mississippi 

Farm to School Week or educational materials, 

visit farmtoschoolweek.org. 


& 

Gives Back! 

Pure Air Consultants wants to give back to the community 

that has so graciously supported us. We have been blessed 

with continued growth and want to give back. We recognize 

and appreciate the fact that we would not be who we are or 

where we are without the continued patronage of our 

customers and the support of Rankin County. 

Here’s Our Plan 

We’d like to find a family that’s truly in need of a new heating and cooling 

system. Do you know an elderly person on a fixed income, a family with a sick 

child or parent in the home, or a disabled veteran? Maybe it’s an existing system 

not operational or it’s very old and inefficient and the family cannot afford to 

replace it. The recipient’s home must be in Rankin County. 

What They Get 

The recipient chosen from online applications/nominations will receive the 

following: One new 14 SEER (efficiency rating- current standard) Rheem heating 

and cooling system, installed. This is a complete system, providing new equipment 

both inside and outside, for a home that has existing central heating and cooling. 

Pure Air Consultants will also provide a new pad for the outdoor unit and a new 

digital thermostat. (Note: Replacement system must be of the same size/ 

tonnage as winner’s existing system, and have the same heat source 

(gas, electric, or heat pump) as the existing system.) 

How To Enter 

Log onto surveymonkey.com/r/pacgivesback or MyPureAirConsultants.com 

and nominate someone in need. Anyone interested in submitting may enter 

themselves or nominate another person or family. All entries are completely 

confidential. Before and after photos of the job will be taken, and winner will 

be announced through social media. Media release required. We will accept 

submissions through February 28, 2018. The winner will be selected and 

announced on March 1, 2018. 

Enter today 

surveymonkey.com/r/pacgivesback 

www.MyPureAirConsultants.com 

Turning your hopes 

into a home. 

As a leading mortgage 

lender in Rankin County, 

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the experience stress-free. 

• My primary goal is to 

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• Conducting business 

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Mortgage Loan Originator 

(C) 601-906-1921 

(O) 601-203-2222 

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SHOP 

• Screen Printing 

• Embroidery 

• Caps 

• Pens & Cups 

• Business Cards 

• Car Magnets 

• Signs 

• Vinyl 

• Yetis 


VINTIQUES 

Kathrine’s Candles, Pomegranate scent 

Locally made in Brandon • $12 

Polk’s at Crossgates 

Reindeer Tartan Christmas Platter 

allyoops 

A’Maries Bath Flowers 

Handmade in Pearl, MS - $39 

O! How Cute 

Musee Bath Balms 

Cavender’s 

Nocona Hero Collection - $129.99 

Willow Blu 

Florist, Gifts & Custom Framing 

rankin county co-op 

Variety of children’s gifts 

Terry’s Barber 

Give your guy an old fashioned hot towel 

and razor experience 

chapman's florist 

Holiday towels 

Jewelry by Randy 

Custom jewelry by award-winning 

Mississippi artist Randy Walker 


Mockingbird Marketplace 

Enewton Jewelry 

The beach look 

Untamed Purses 

Red Wagon Boutique 

Barefoot Dreams Socks 

apple annie's 

Oxford Candles, hand-poured 

in Mississippi 

boots n more 

Ariat mens or ladies boots valued up to $250 

Sweet Peas 

Paddy wax candles and Capri Blue 

pink peppermint and Volcano candles 

Southern Grace & Gifts 

Happy Wax all natural soy wax melts 

jackson jewelers 

14k white gold sapphire and diamond 

necklace with an Art Deco design. 

MIGI'S 

Shaggy fur one-side cold 

shoulder sweatshirt • $39 

Crossgates jewelers 

Men’s and Women’s Citizen Watches 

Flawless Boutique 

Women’s Clothing • Shoes 

Accessories • Gifts 



CITY OF BRANDON 

Veterans 

Luncheon 

November 10 

Brandon Municipal Complex 


The CHALKBOARD 

RANKIN COUNTY SCHOOLS 

Northshore 

Several businessmen and women throughout Rankin County 

visited 4th-6th grade classes and spoke about their profession 

during Business in the Classroom. 

Some of the high school football players and cheerleaders put 

on a pep rally for our first Big Event. 

The local fireman and police visited our kindergarten classes. 

Students were recognized and celebrated during Cougar of 

the Quarter for exemplifying Cougar Pride by being kind, 

respectful, responsible, and ready to learn. 

The Venture classes 

sponsored a school-wide 

collection of snacks for 

the Blair Batson Children’s 

Hospital Cancer Center. 

They donated 2,182 snacks 

to the hospital. 


McLaurin 

Elementary 

McLaurin Elementary School is ALL IN! 

When it comes to instruction at McLaurin 

Elementary School (MES), our parents are just 

as eager to learn as their students. Thanks to the 

collaborative efforts of MES’s families, faculty 

and staff, McLaurin Elementary School has 

successfully shared resources and lessons to the 

school community in its first year of monthly 

Parent Academies. 

The first academy focused on literacy. Family 

members explored the school’s current data 

regarding reading proficiency and also practiced 

hands on methods to boost reading engagement 

and proficiency at home. From comprehension 

based origami to reading like a pirate, both 

families and students had a wonderful time 

learning together! 

The second academy was led by MES teachers. 

After exploring the school’s data for math proficiency, 

the MES faculty taught families math strategies 

in a rotation of four mini sessions. Through the 

generous donations of the MES PTO, parent 

volunteers, and the faculty, family members drew 

tickets for door prizes throughout the evening. 

The MES motto is “ALL IN - every student, 

every day, WHATEVER it takes!” This certainly 

resounds true with the dedicated efforts of the 

school and community in the parent academies. 

As the monthly meetings progress, McLaurin 

Elementary School comes one step closer in 

establishing its vision – to become a model of 

academic excellence through the collaboration of 

parents, staff, and students. 

Submissions provided by local officials from each individual district and not to be considered editorial opinion. 




Florence Elementary 

Florence Elementary School is proud to announce an “A” rating 

for the 2016-2017 school year. The staff, students, and community 

of Florence Elementary School and Steen’s Creek Elementary 

School are committed to providing our elementary students 

with “A” BEST education. According to testing data published 

by the Mississippi Department of Education, Florence Elementary 

School gained a total of 19 points in all categories of the state’s 

accountability model. While continual growth is expected and 

is our top priority, we took a few opportunities to celebrate this 

high honor. RCSD School Board Member, Mrs. Kym Jamison, 

made a delicious cake to help celebrate. Thank you Steen’s 

Creek Elementary, RCSD support teams, Florence community, 

and all who work to support the staff and students of Florence 

Elementary to ensure student success. #FocusEducateSoar 

#RCSDG2B 

Richland High 

In its eighth year of implementation at Richland High School, 

the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support program continues 

to thrive. In fact, for the past three years running, Richland High 

School has been awarded Model School status by REACH MS 

for its excellence in executing the program within the school. 

Richland High School is the only high school in Rankin County 

to have the distinction of Model School status, an accolade the 

school prides itself on. 

With an emphasis on promoting positive behavior throughout 

the school, the teachers at Richland High School seek to improve 

academic and behavior outcomes to ensure students have access 

to the most effective instructional and behavioral practices and 

interventions possible. Over the years, PBIS has proven to reach 

exceptional students, as well as those who may struggle in a 

traditional classroom setting. A program like PBIS can be very 

encouraging to students across the board because of its emphasis 

on positive behavior. 

As students earn tickets, they enter their tickets into drawings 

for gift cards, prize packages, and special reward opportunities. 

This year, RHS students are most fond of Ticket Tuesday, which 

allows them to bring their tickets to swap for snack items and 

drinks. Skylar Andrews, a senior says, “I got to school extra early 

to redeem my PBIS ticket for a pack of cookies because I knew 

that I would want a snack later on that day.” 

There are several reward opportunities for students to enjoy 

in the coming weeks, such as, an off-campus lunch, a perfect-attendance 

reward, and a school-wide field day. Richland High 

School admits, faculty, staff and community members have 

embraced PBIS and have all learned that PBIS isn’t something 

Richland High School does, it is a part of who they are. 

Jamison Miller 

7th grade 

Brady Windham 

11th grade 


Northwest High 

In 2006, NWR High School art instructor, Teresa Aikens, 

started a program to integrate her students’ work into the 

community. Each year since the program began, a new class of 

high-achieving, talented students has participated, and in that 

time, they have created over 30 original artworks for permanent 

display in businesses and community facilities around our city, 

county and state. 

To participate in the program, students must complete Art I 

class with an A grade, show good work habits, be self-motivated, 

and apply for acceptance into the class. The students work 

directly with our community partners to develop artwork that 

reflects the personality of the business. The students create designs, 

present them to their community partners, and complete the 

design that is chosen for the artwork. The partners pay for 

materials for the final project, so the students get to work with 

professional grade media. 

While meeting the art needs of local businesses and organizations, 

the program accomplishes several goals for our students. 

They learn how to meet the needs of the community through 

their artwork and understand the role of art in our culture. It 

helps them understand how and why people appreciate and 

value art and they gain an understanding of artists’ relationships 

with their communities. It’s been a great success, and we’re 

especially proud to see our students’ work in so many places 

around Mississippi. It gives our students pride in their community 

and state. 

The community partners are enthusiastic and appreciative 

of the students’ work. Many community partners return in 

successive years for additional artwork for their interior spaces. 

Some sites where NWRHS students’ artwork is permanently 

displayed are Community Bank Operations Center, Flowood 

Fire Department, Flowood Police Department, Rankin County 

Chancery Clerk’s Office, Rankin County Courthouse, Rankin 

County Tax Collector’s Office, Reservoir Community Center, 

Reservoir Fire Department, and Rankin County School 

District Technology Center, Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, 

Rankin County Jail, Raising Canes and Ballet Mississippi. 

Northwest Art and Community class, under the instruction 

of Melissa Magee, painted canvases and pointe shoes for 

Ballet Mississippi. These beautiful pointe shoes will be 

auctioned off during Ballet Mississippi’s production of 

The Nutcracker December 1-3 at Thalia Mara Hall. 





Puckett High 

Puckett Students Answer the Call to Serve 

Puckett High School, with the help of the community, has 

worked together to answer the call to serve. Every year, more 

and more families struggle to provide the necessities it takes to 

feed their families. In response to this ever-growing demand for 

help, the community of Puckett has stepped up to help feed 

those in need. 

This September, Puckett High School students participated 

in the WAPT Food for Families Canned Food Drive Challenge. 

As a thank you from the administration for their participation, 

compassion, and generosity, students were allowed to wear hats 

and even received an extra break for collecting non–perishable 

food donations which go to local food agencies to help the less 

fortunate. 

Puckett High School was challenged by McLaurin High 

School in a contest collect cans for the hungry. The winner was 

announced at the football game on Friday, September 22, at 

halftime. Puckett High School raised 12,041 cans over the week, 

while McLaurin raised 5,000 cans. Both schools’ generosity 

surpassed previous drives and had many students contemplating 

what else they could do for the less fortunate. 

This September’s community-centered event brought 

together more student involvement and an increased dedication 

to feeding families in need both in our schools and local 

communities. The students and administration enjoyed the 

event, and are excited to participate in more community 

outreach. As the Christmas season approaches, students are 

already stepping up to lend a helping hand during the season of 

giving. It is clear that these projects are having a real impact on 

the compassion of the students and the local community. 


Pelahatchie 

Pelahatchie High School Takes State by Storm 

Pelahatchie High School has traveled all over Mississippi with 

several different school-related field trips. On October 20, the print 

journalism class went on a field trip to the MSPA Fall Convention 

at the University of Southern Mississippi. The students participated 

in several classes around the college that would help them better 

understand journalism. The classes targeted newspaper writing, 

broadcasting, and yearbook/pictures. There were individual classes 

for each subject arranged in several locations among the University of 

Southern Mississippi campus. 

There also was a trip to the Hinds Community College Rankin 

campus for students who had at least a 3.5 GPA and who were 

Pisgah 

The 2017-18 school year at Pisgah High is heralded by outstanding 

achievements, both academically and athletically. PHS has once again 

been recognized as a National Bronze Level School by U.S. News and 

World Report in its 2017 edition of Best High Schools. Pisgah has received 

this award every year since its inception in 2009. The award is given 

based on several factors, including state and AP assessment results, 

enrollment, graduation rates, and diversity. Overall, the honor is given 

to schools that best serve all of their students, including economically 

disadvantaged groups. Being a federal programs Title I school, one 

achievement in which Pisgah has long prided itself is reaching our 

diverse population of students and preparing each learner for college 

and career readiness. Attaining this award demonstrates that we 

continually strive toward and are meeting this goal. 

Athletically, Pisgah continues to be met with success on the court, 

trails, and field. The Lady Dragons volleyball team completed its most 

successful season in its brief history with 14 wins. The team finished 

3rd in their division and came in 2nd at the Warren Central Invitational. 

Our cross country team placed 1st in the Rankin County 

Championship for Division 1A-3A. Seven participants competed 

in the state finals on Saturday, November 4th. Among them, Faith 

Ashley made the Region 3, Class 2A All-District Team. The Dragons 

also dominated in football as the District 6-2A champions for the 

second time in a row and the third time within the last four years. 

Our senior running back, Don Ragsdale, was named to The Clarion- 

Ledger’s Dandy Dozen. Ragsdale is the first player in PHS history to 

receive this award. 

Be sure to follow Pisgah High School on Facebook and Twitter as 

we continue to #breathefire and make this year our greatest yet. 

interested in the Hinds Honor Program. The students who 

attended were able to get an up close and personal look into a real 

college classroom. They also met several of the college instructors. 

The teachers had experiments laid out to give the students an idea 

of what college students do in each class. 

The J.R.O.T.C rifle team went to Brandon High School to 

participate in a district rifle competition. Although the students 

competed against some of the biggest schools in Rankin County 

(including Northwest Rankin and Brandon High) they brought 

home the second place trophy. 

Principal Dr. Bryan Marshall stated, “We are excited about these 

trips and feel they lead to better understanding of the world outside 

of our town.” 





Discovery Christian 

The 2017-18 school year has been very exciting for Discovery 

Christian School Athletics. Our school was founded in 2011, and 

athletics were not introduced until 2014. The programs grow 

stronger each year on our campus. 

In September, our girls’ soccer team earned the first program win 

in their two-year history and played our first home game on their 

new soccer field. 

Congratulations to the DCS junior varsity boys’ basketball team 

for their first win of the season on December 7th. November 7th 

was the first win ever for the varsity boys’ basketball team. 

Our cheer squad attended their first Universal Cheer Association 

camp this summer where they earned several awards. This 

fall they competed in the first cheer competition and represented 

our school well! 

We are very proud of our student athletes for the way they 

perform both in and out of competition. For more information 

about our school, visit discoverychristianschool.org. 




Hartfield 

Homecoming festivities were celebrated 

September 29th. Lochlan Clark was 

crowned the 2017 Homecoming Queen 

and was crowned by last year’s queen, 

Shelby Killough. Lochlan is the daughter 

of Ronnie and Ashley Clark. David Horner 

(right) presented the queen with flowers. 

Kylie Hawkins and Kaylee VanNorman 

were both selected to play in the MAIS 

All-Star Soccer game. They both played on 

the White team and won 5-1! 

Hartfield Academy’s 2017 Yearbook, 

The Legacy, was chosen as a finalist for 

Best Yearbook by the Mississippi Scholastic 

Press Association. Each year the yearbook 

staff, led by Tara Hall, pours countless 

hours and lots of creativity into making 

the yearbook an incredible representation 

of Hartfield. 

Congratulations to McKenzie Ragan, 

Aden Clark, and Nick Stinson for being 

recognized as Wendy’s Heisman Award 

winners! We are proud of your leadership 

in the classroom, on the field, and within 

the community! 

Congratulations to the Boys Cross Country 

team for winning first place in State and to 

Will Sullivan who won first place overall 

and is the individual boys state champion! 

Congratulations to our 4 students who 

placed FIRST in the C-Spire Coding 

Challenge yesterday and received $8,000 

in total scholarships! 




PEARL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

Rouse Elementary 

Students at Rouse Elementary are joining other schools in our 

district on the forefront of technology! In recent years, technology 

such as iPad apps and computer websites have become more 

relevant to student lifestyles and resulted in students who are 

better prepared for their upcoming academic years. 

With this in mind, Rouse has decided to introduce Chromebook 

carts to our students. The carts have been a huge success! 

Teachers have been excited to research new ways to use Chromebooks 

in their classrooms. We have seen great results in students 

learning and they have made gains in their technological abilities. 

These kindergartners and 1st graders quickly rose above all 

expectations set before them. Chromebook has given teachers the 

unique opportunity to personalize each student’s account with 

apps and websites specifically fit to their individual learning needs. 

It also has the advantage of being kid-friendly and easy to navigate. 

Rouse students are now using Google Classroom to research 

historic events, build knowledge of science, and participate in class 

assignments given by their teachers. They are setting the bar for 

their peers, and the bar is only getting higher. Your next visit to 

Rouse Elementary may leave you even more impressed than before! 




The Time Coin 

You can count on it. There’s always 

a newspaper, TV, or magazine piece 

sharing tips on how to take the stress 

and hectic out of the Christmas holidays. 

I’ve read my share every year because every 

year seems to carry its own dose of frenzied 

shoppers, traffic headaches, and gluttonous schedules. 

Simplify! That’s what my conscience is already shouting – days 

before I take that disquieting safari up to the attic and to the boxes 

brimming with Christmas glitz. Who decided Christmas had to be 

packed in a box or wrapped in shiny paper? The origin of Christmas 

certainly doesn’t represent or model that pattern. 

Bethlehem had its crowds, but they weren’t shopping. They were 

there under official Roman orders to register in their city of origin. For 

Joseph and Mary, that meant a 70 mile trek over mountainous country, 

and add “great with child” to that picture. 

A warm, cozy lodging in a well-known inn would have totally 

removed the multitude of nativity crèches that most homes display 

since then, but the crowds arrived in advance of Joseph and Mary. 

With no reservations they found the only available shelter – with the 

stable animals. 

With Mary having labor pains, I can 

assure all that she wasn’t concerned about 

cleaning, dusting, and polishing for this blessed 

event. There were no lighted trees or storage 

boxes filled with snowmen, sleighs, and tangled 

lights. The only decoration was a brilliant star 

that marked the sacred birth, and the only guests were shepherds who 

had been invited by a host of singing angels in the night sky. 

In spell-bound wonder, they had left their flocks to see the newborn 

Savior in His manger crib. There were no refreshments or tasty treats 

for Mary to offer the shepherd guests. Worshipers are never concerned 

with physical food. 

When the family of three left Bethlehem, there were no boxes to 

pack, gifts to return, or half-price sales to chase. They were carrying 

Christmas with them, and in a brief lifetime, Jesus would offer Himself 

as the greatest gift ever given. 

I know I won’t celebrate Christmas without a Christmas tree or 

sharing fellowship with family and friends, but the simplicity and 

wonder of that first Christmas REALLY make me rethink my 

December. Christmas didn’t come in a box; it never will. n 


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Hometown Rankin - December 2017 & January 2018

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