Announcements: Don’t forget to wear RED on Friday, February 6th in recognition of Women’s Heart Awareness Day.
The MHS Archery Team has named Lady Panthers. Those members are: Natalya Blandon, Iris Catalan, Ava Champion, Jenna Franklin, Mayra Gomez-Quirozz, Weslynne, Graves, Diana Mejia-Mateo, Marta Miranda, Melanie Ponce, Aubrie Prestage, Payton Prestage, Asdri Ramos, Merly Reyes-Lopez, Shelby spears, Makenzi Taylor, Yoslinn Tixtha Mendosa, and McKenzie Wilbanks. Male Panthers are: Derrell Kelley, Konor McDurday, Mitch Rogers, Edwin Sebastin and Leland Spencer.
Named to the MHS Show Choir 2026 are: Isi Castillo, Ava champion, Jenna Franklin, Hailea Garner, Promis Ickom, Raylee Kennedy, Aubree Murado, Lyndsey Purcell, Clara-Grace Rogers, Taylor Williams, Gavin Denson, Jacob Garner, Issac Goss, and Lealand Spencer. Personal congratulations to these students. May they receive enjoyment by representing our local school programs with their talents.
Congratulations to: Those Scott County MHV Club members receiving individual certificates/monetary awards for their abilities in providing time/talents to their tasks. Secretary’s Book 1st Place-Dorothy Strong, Cluster Club; 2nd Place-Dianne Kirk, Morton Club. Scrapbook 1st Place-Diane Kirk, Morton Club; 2nd Place-Carolyn Macon, Cluster Club.
To: Those honored by Scott County Superintendent of Education, Alan Lumpkin for their dedication to educating/supporting the students in the Scott County school system. “Administrator of the Year” - Dr. Shelly French, “Top Teacher” - Anthonny Wilson and “Parent of the Year” - Ann Everett.
To: Morton First Responder for January - Tara Jones, wife of Fire Chief Chris Jones. A graduate of Neshoba Central High School, she became a paramedic through the EMS School of training. Lauris G. Sessums Wash House is honored to recognize Tara for her service to those in need of assistance in emergencies.
To: Educator of the Month, January Jonna Shoemaker. She is a teacher at BMJ Middle School, 6th grade for the past two years. Jonna loves building relationships with her students and witnessing their growth and development. The fellow teachers and their encouragement make her proud to be on the staff at BMJ. Ross Dental Clinic takes pleasure in sponsoring dedicated educators throughout the school year.
To: MHS students recognized as Legacy builders in December 2025 for demonstrating exceptional character, strong attendance, positive behavior, uplifting attitudes and all-around remarkable personalities. They are: 9th Grade - Dennalirius Lewis, 10th Grade -Emma Miller, 11th Grade - Colby Phillips and 12th Grade - Ava Champion.
Prayers and concern for: John Dinkins (spouse of Alison “Ali” Rogers/son-in-law of Ben and Randy Rogers), Nan Warren Ellis and continued for Bob Laird and those who remain impacted by the winter storms in state and nationwide.
Sympathy to the families of: Jaun Alberto Jiguar, John Douglas Denton, Jimmy “Steve” Toney and all winter related fatalities in Mississippi.
Travelin’, visitin’ and such: Needless to say very little to no travel was/is possible for most residents of Mississippi for many days. For those who are required to do so due to their profession or responsibilities our prayers are for safe travel when necessary.
Sittin’ and thinkin’: This is one of those times in life when words (few or many) are difficult to find. A tribute to Irene Burnham Martin is beyond the ability of this columnist, but a few fond memories flood the mind. Of course, her signature and spirit was reflected in every aspect of her Celebration Service. I reflect on our first meeting in 1950 when I met Irene and her younger sister Jackie at 4-H Summer Camp at Roosevelt State Park and the renewal of friendship throughout our eight plus decades of life shared in some way. There is no need to linger on her most extraordinary “God given” talent and the generosity to share it. Just that I feel so blessed to have known and called on her to bring that special “thing” that was Irene for entertainment to friends and groups through the years. Of course she “showed out” for each of those occasions. Thank You with LOVE!
