Our prayers are with our readers who are facing health challenges, namely, Mr. Theopolis Hayes, Mrs. Marquita Patrick, Mrs. Flo Chambers, Mitchell and Mary Nichols, Mr. Raymond Mabry, and Mr. Albert Moore who is recuperating at home and doing well. Special prayers for Hawkins 6th grader and Legacy Mentee Dashona Spivey who underwent back surgery at UMC Children’s Hospital.
We appreciate the warm hospitality extended by the Morton High School and Bettye Mae Jack Middle School families which was exhibited during Legacy’s Save Our Youth through Community Action (SOYTCA) School Forums held Tuesday, October 29th.
The topic of the forum was “School Bullying” and panelists shared their perspectives. Special Assistant Attorney General Da’Shia Gordan was the guest presenter and she shared the practical and legal definitions of bullying as well as the penalties. Students applauded her presentation and thanked her for spending her birthday with them. Jamie Thompson, Investigator from the Attorney General’s Office, shared examples and consequences of bullying. Youth Court Prosecutor Constance Slaughter-Harvey was the program guide. Other participants were Legacy Board Members Shirley Sykes, Henry Slaughter, Jody Matheny, Andre Hollis and Stephanie Rhodes. Bound to Excel Mentoring Program’s Mentors Hollis, Matheny, Elmer Lowery and Roy Lowery were also participants in the event. Legacy Advisory Board Member Rita Parker Johnson was in attendance. Student interest and participation at both forum sessions was most impressive.
Following the 10:00 forum at Morton High School, SOYTCA stakeholders were treated to a most delicious meal prepared by Mr. Christian. Kudos to Principals Avery Nobles and Miles Porter and to Superintendent McGee for their investment in our students. Mentor Debra Lowery was recognized and applauded for her mentoring services to Middle School female mentees.
We enjoyed the Forest Community Head Start Awareness Program held at the Services Center Tuesday, October 23rd where the theme was “Engaging New Communities, Continuing to Educate and Prepare Children and Families for Success.” It was an informative and enjoyable program where Ms. Lawanda Gray served as program guide. Other program participants included Jashiya Brown, Jhase Smith, Johnathan Aldana, KaLyndzeyia Gray, Denise Stowers, Maris Crane, and Center Director Shelia Y. Brown.
The young Head Start students are amazing and we applaud their parents and staff. The traditional mayoral proclamations were presented and Roxanne Cross accepted for Mayor Chambers. A special mayoral presentation was made by Head Start student Maximus Keeton as he presented the document to his grandfather, Morton Mayor Gerald Keeton.
Other guests were School Administrator Phylis Campbell, Alderwoman Cynthia Melton, and one of MAP Head Start founders, Mary Lofton. Special thanks to students who served as flag boys, Aiden Pinkston, Aden White, Brandon Bielma-Tivo, Zaiden Pierce, Juan Carlos Montoya Rodriquez, Aiden Hunt, Jaylen Johnson, Pedro Perez-Gomez, Markell Jones, Rylan Hawlins, and Ryan Billups-Sanchez; program philosophy, Macie Duckworth, Fe’Andria Washington, Sailyn Lopez-Ramirez, Keionna McClendon, Anabelle Donald, and Masynn Matlock; program mission statement and goals, Brayden Loper, Brooklyn Chapman, Raiden Jones, and Steliah Holder; Head Start facts, Tristen Cooper, Jex Spivey, Parker Gaines, Amiyah Harper, Londyn Johnson, and Ja’Laya Townsend; and proclamations, Neema Shepherd, Kamryn Pinkston, Maximum Keeton and Kaylee Butler.
We enjoyed Annual Choir Day at Mt. Moriah M. B. Church Sunday, October 27th where local church choirs shared their talents through song. Among those choirs participating were Union Grove M. B., New Bethel M. B., Evangelist Temple, Pleasant Hill M. B., and Mt. Moriah M. B. It was a musical spiritual feast. DeAnta Spann introduced the master of ceremony Lavar Robinson. Rashel Stowers provided the welcome. President Mamie Crudup made presentations. Long time Mt. Moriah Musical Director, Mrs. Kathern Crudup Qualls, was surprised with an Appreciation Day for her many years of faithful service to the church. Her three sons and grandchildren were present as well as other family, including out of town siblings Freddie and Bobbie Qualls, Vi and James Burgess, Mary Fletcher, and Charles and Nette Crudup. Other out-of-town guests were Clauda Lee, Warnetta Sharpe, and Edward and Brandi Sharpe and family. Local siblings in attendance were Ann and Roy Lowery, Debra and Elmer Lowery, Mamie Crudup, Andrew Crudup, and Lucy and David Spann. The love for Mrs. Qualls was felt through the church. We join the church family and her family in saluting Mrs. Qualls for her selfless commitment to the community and the church’s youth especially in the musical world. Congratulations Mrs. Qualls for a well-deserved honor and recognition. Rev. Ralph James is the pastor.
Legacy Change Agents celebrated October 31st with their traditional Book-o-ween event. Youth at Forest Head Start and Denise Rankin Day Care were gifted books and fruity packs instead of tricks. Forest Elementary Assistant Principal Tonya Davis received the Book-o-ween books for her students. Legacy continues its ‘reading at all costs’ commitment to our youth.
We urge our readers to join others across this nation and observe November as National Diabetes Month. Make a commitment to fight diabetes by changing your diets and modifying your physical activity by walking and moving more.
The Legacy Parents’ Harvest Sidewalk Sale was a huge success and special thanks are extended to all for support and shopping/ browsing with Legacy Friday and Saturday. Thanks to volunteers Brenda Jones, Mae Lizzie Jones, Linnie Kay Lofton, Louise Washington, Andrew Crudup, D. L. Bennett, James (Tre) Burwell, David Viverette, Henry Slaughter, Shirley Sykes and Constance Slaughter-Harvey.
Forest Rotarians welcomed District 6820 Governor Mark Fields to their Wednesday luncheon meeting. He was introduced by Club President Chris Strebeck. Fields shared new community, national and international projects with special emphasis on continuing the eradication of polio project. He was accompanied by his Assistant District Governor Meagan Linton.
The Lynch Chapel U.M. Church family invites readers to attend their Baby Contest to be held the third Sunday in November. Additional details will follow.
Answer to Quiz Teaser # 510: Mr. R. V “Snow” Robinson was the first African American Morton Police Officer. Following in his footsteps were Jack McCoy, Elijah McDonald, Jack McGee and Robert Jennings, all of whom served prior to 1980.
Quiz Teaser # 511: Who was the first African American MS Department of Employment Security (MDES) Branch and Division Director?
