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| 5/24/13 |
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LHS: Hunter signs with JCJC |
Laurel High School tennis standout Tymeka Hunter signed a tennis scholarship with Jones County Junior College. Pictured (seated) JCJC Tennis Coach Mark Easley, Tymeka Hunter, her mom Kenya Watson, JCJC Assistant Tennis Coach Heath Ginn, (standing) LHS Tennis Coach Jeff Davis and LHS Athletic Director Milton Smith. |
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| 5/17/13 |
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2013 Laurel High School Senior Awards and Scholarships |
2013 Laurel High School Senior Awards List
Alcorn University Football Scholarship: Detonio Dade
Army National Guard Award: Askeyia Walker and Konswayla Moody
Association for Excellence in Education Scholarship: Tajchene Julien
Basketball All State Tournament Team: Deshon Bayless
Brigadier General George Price Superior Cadet Award: Idellar Camel
Carolyn Stone People of Quality Award: Trenton Thompson
Coahoma Community College Baseball Scholarship: Brandon Graham
Comcast Leaders & Achievers Scholarship: Damarcus Simmons
Daughters of the American Revolution Award: Idellar Camel
Davis Foundation Scholarship: Danique Bester
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Scholarship: Halle Lewis, Sakhenna Jones and Chikaylla Walker
East Central Community College Football Scholarship: Josh Brown, Matthew Moore and Daryl Rogers
East Central Community College Soccer Scholarship: Konswayla Gavin
Exchange Club Student of the Year: Joe’l Rogers
Frank G. Weisner Chemistry Award: Latasha Ransom
Health Science Red Cord Life Giver Award: Damarcus Simmons, Tymeka Hunter, Christa Morgan, Shakeyna Townsend, Shavoyen Gandy, Lashell McGill, Brianna Jones and Tetrin Alexander
Health Science Award: Rosa Delgado and Tetrin Alexander
Holmes Community College Basketball Scholarship: Latrelle Millsap
Jones County Junior College Bobcat Scholarship: Rushie Clayton and Scottie McCall
Jones County Junior College Career & Technical Scholarship: Rosa Delgado
Jones County Junior College Choral Scholarship: Ashley Adams
Jones County Junior College Maury Thames Scholarship: Keyona Johnson
Jones County Junior College Presidential Scholarship: Chikaylla Walker and Germecca Bolton
Jones County Junior College Tennis Scholarship: Tymeka Hunter
Junior Auxiliary Scholarship: Chikaylla Walker and Damarcus Simmons
Kenny Carter Award: Damarcus Simmons
Kiwanis Club J.S. Gatlin Scholarship: JaLen Husband
Kiwanis Club F.A. McCoy Scholarship: Tajchene Julien
Kiwanis Club Kevin Stanislaus Scholarship: Rosa Delgado
Laurel Golden Vision Award: Damarcus Simmons
Lawson State Basketball Scholarship: Deshon Bayless
Mayor’s Youth Council Award: Antoine Lockhart
Meridian Community College Soccer Scholarship: Kira Morrell
Mississippi High School Activities Association Scholar Athletic Teams (must have cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher): Girls’ Basketball, Girl’s Tennis and Varsity Cheer
Mississippi State University Valedictorian Scholarship: Chikaylla Walker
Mu Alpha Theta Award: Latasha Ransom, Joe’l Rogers, Trenton Thompson, Shakenya Townsend and Regina Wheeler
Perfect Attendance Award: Tetrin Alexander, Maya Cooper and JaLen Husband
ProStart Culinary Scholarships: Ladareus Hughes and Jatwon Smith
R.H. Watkins Class of 1974 Scholarship: Tajchene Julien and Joe’l Rogers
R.H. Watkins Class of 1975 Scholarship: Antoine Lockhart and Breara Hampton
Spring Hill College Portier Scholar Scholarship: Latasha Ransom
Superintendent’s Scholars for all nine weeks: Germeeca Bolton, Rosa Delgado, Breaun Dixon, Tymeka Hunter, Keyona Lewis, Antoine Lockhart, Latasha Ransom, Kristine Robinson, Joe’l Rogers, Damarcus Simmons, Chikaylla Walker and Regina Wheeler
Three Arts Club Award: Ashley Adams
Top Ten: Chikaylla Walker, Germecca Bolton, Damarcus Simmons, Latasha Ransom, Rosa Delgado, Shakenya Townsend, Rushie Clayton, Tymeka Hunter, Trenton Thompson and Halle Lewis
Tracy Traylor Scholarship: Shakenya Townsend
Varsity Cheerleader Award: Germecca Bolton
William Carey University Opportunity Scholarship: Seth Baker
Youmanity AVIVA Scholarship: Jarvis Thompson |
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| 5/14/13 |
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LHS: Bayless signs with Lawson State |
Laurel High School basketball standout Deshon Bayless signed a scholarship with Lawson State Community College located in Birmingham, Alabama. Pictured (seated) Lawson State Basketball Coach D. Tarver, Deshon Bayless and his mother Angelia Page, (standing) LHS Assistant Principal Jaymar Jackson, LHS Athletic Director Milton Smith, Bayless’ grandfather Wayne Bayless, LHS Basketball Coach Jason Williams, Bayless’ grandfather Oscar Stevens, Jr. and his sister Jhaqulia Stevens. |
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| 5/14/13 |
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LHS: Bender qualifies for national forensics tournament |
 Laurel High School junior Ataacleve Bender qualified to compete in the National Catholic Forensics League National Tournament. Bender will perform in the Dramatic Interpretation category later this month in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He will perform “Bein’ Crazy” by Marc Bagwell. |
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| 4/15/13 |
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LHS 9th Grade hosts Spanish Spelling Bee |
The Laurel High School Ninth Grade Campus recently held a Spanish Spelling Bee. The school had 20 students participate in the first annual event. The winners received various prizes, certificates and medals for their accomplishments. Pictured: Spelling bee judge Julio Martinez, first place winner Ian Lengoir, second place winner Malcolm Jordan, third place winner Brindon Manuel, spelling bee judge Edwin Brown and Spanish teacher Sirlene Capers. |
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| 3/06/13 |
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LHS Culinary Arts students participate in Day at the Capitol |
Laurel High School’s award winning culinary arts students recently participated in Career and Technical Center Day at the Capitol in Jackson. Seniors Latrelle Booth, Shala McCann and Ladareus Hughes made a cheesecake dessert to share with senators and representatives during the annual event held to promote the importance of career and technical education. The students were accompanied by LHS CTC Director Becky Sanders, Vocational Counselor Leigh Collins McCarty, Assistant Principal Leander Bridges and Culinary Arts Instructor Roderick Hollins. During the event staff members were able to visit with elected officials from across the state, while the students showcased their culinary skills. |
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| 2/13/13 |
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LHS: Brown signs with East Central |
Wednesday morning, Laurel High School football standout Joshua Brown signed a scholarship with East Central Community College. Pictured with Brown are his mother and father Alicia and Wilbur McClendon. Standing: LHS Athletic Director Milton Smith, LHS Head Football Coach Todd Breland and LHS Defensive Coordinator Ronnie Cochran. |
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| 2/07/13 |
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LHS students practice entrepreneurship |
Laurel High School’s fall/winter desktop publishing students became entrepreneurs for a special class project. Students created their own business and used their desktop publishing skills to formulate all of the business documents, including advertisements, associated with their chosen business. The students completed the project by giving a presentation to their fellow classmates. Pictured L-R: Taylor Bell, Sharmonica White, Eric Lindsey, Jabreann Thigpen, Gaybrail Jones, and Desktop Publishing Teacher Devon Sellers. |
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| 2/06/13 |
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LHS: Dade signs with Alcorn |
At a ceremony Wednesday morning as part of National Signing Day, Laurel High School football standout Detonio Dade signed a scholarship with Alcorn State University. Pictured: (seated L-R) LHS Offensive Line Coach Buddy Duke, Dade’s father Tony Dade, Dade and his mother Gwenda Dade. (standing L-R) LHS Athletic Director Milton Smith, LHS Head Football Coach Todd Breland, LHS 10th-12th Grade Principal Jaymar Jackson and LHS Offensive Coordinator Mike Barlow. |
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| 2/06/13 |
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LHS: Tillman signs with East Central |
At a ceremony Wednesday morning as part of National Signing Day, Laurel High School football standout Virzil Tillman signed a scholarship with East Central Community College. Pictured: (seated L-R) LHS Receiving Coach Ray Pickering, Tillman and his mother Yolanda Hawkins and LHS Offensive Coordinator Mike Barlow. (standing L-R) LHS Athletic Director Milton Smith, LHS Running Back Coach Jerry Fletcher, LHS Head Football Coach Todd Breland and LHS 10th-12th Grade Principal Jaymar Jackson. |
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| 1/17/13 |
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LHS CTC students give back |
Laurel School District
For Immediate Release
By Lacey Walters Slay, Public Information Officer
Headline: Laurel High School students give back
When Hurricane Katrina heavily impacted the area in 2005, schools from other states provided assistance to Laurel High School. Now, nearly eight years later, the students of Laurel High School have returned the favor.
After Hurricane Sandy devastated areas on the east coast, students at Laurel High School’s Career and Technical Center banded together to host a fundraiser to assist schools affected by the Super Storm. To create a scene for the fundraiser, students replicated the New York skyline on one side of the center and the Jersey Shore Boardwalk on the other. The event featured a variety of street vender type booths where the students showcased their culinary and marketing skills.
The Culinary Arts students served nachos along with fresh squeezed lemonade, hot dogs and other street fare, and the students from Marketing created a boardwalk type souvenir shop with a “Restore the Shore” theme. All of the proceeds from the event were donated to the New York State Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, where the money will be earmarked to assist school programs impacted by Hurricane Sandy.
“I am extremely proud of our culinary and marketing students and their instructors,” said Laurel High School Career and Technical Center Director Becky Sanders. “The time they devoted to the preparation and implementation of this project shows the concern they have for the students affected by Hurricane Sandy. This was an excellent opportunity for our CTC to pay forward the kindness we received after Hurricane Katrina.”
The students involved in the event were pleased with their accomplishments and were excited to see how easy it was to help others.
“It means a lot to me to be involved in this effort,” said LHS Marketing student Jasmine McInnis. “When we were going through the aftermath of Katrina, others helped us out and sent checks to our school, and it is important to give back. We never know what life will bring our way.”
Culinary Arts Instructor Rod Hollins was proud of his students’ work and thankful for the opportunity to teach them a life lesson.
“It is important for our students to see that not only do you make money for yourself and your business, but you should always give back and help others. It is good to receive, but it is even better to give. Due to Katrina, we had needs. Now, someone else has needs, and we can do our part by assisting with those needs.”
“Community involvement is one of the most important life lessons we teach in the Laurel High School CTC,” Sanders added. “This project reminded our students that their good works do not have to end at the city limits or the state line.”
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Photo/Lacey Slay, Laurel Schools
Laurel High School Career and Technical Center Marketing students Amanda Williams (left) and Jasmine McInnis (right) work at their “Restore the Shore” booth during a recent fundraiser to assist schools impacted by Hurricane Sandy. |
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| 1/16/13 |
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LHS featured in Youmanity promotional video |
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| 12/21/12 |
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LHS Tornado Battalion Officers |
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| 12/10/12 |
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LHS Interact students create cards for nursing home residents |
The Laurel High School Interact club created Thanksgiving cards that were passed out to citizens at Care Center of Laurel Nursing Home. Left to Right: Kanesha Pruitt, Khyla Jones, Te'Kendra Dean, April Jones, Gaybrail Jones, and La'Sharie Mayfield. Interact is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Laurel. |
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| 11/16/12 |
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LHS 9th grade teacher honored by MCEE |
Sharra Jones, a math teacher at Laurel High School’s Ninth Grade Campus, was recently recognized by the Mississippi Council of Economic Education for being a best practices teacher for her classroom activities and lesson planning. The Mississippi Council on Economic Education is an educational organization founded to promote economic literacy in Mississippi. The council’s mission is to meet the need of insuring that K-12 schools and teachers in Mississippi provide quality instruction in economics and personal finance to young people. Jones, a fifth year teacher, received a Bachelor of Science in education from Millsaps College, a master’s degree from Mississippi College and is currently working on a doctorate degree.
Pictured: Stuart Varney, host of the Fox Business Network show “Varney and Co.,” Laurel High School Teacher Sharra Jones and Mississippi Treasurer Lynn Fitch. |
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| 11/16/12 |
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LHS students study Holocaust in New York |
Laurel School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Headline: Laurel High students study Holocaust in New York
The only difference between Sally Frishberg and Anne Frank was Anne got caught and Sally didn’t.
This past summer that real and poignant statement was made to a group of Laurel High School students who visited the Anne Frank Center in New York where they met Holocaust survivor Sally Frishberg. To complete a study of “The Diary of Anne Frank,” the students along with teachers made the 1,100 mile trip to visit the museum.
“To the students' surprise they were able to meet a Holocaust survivor and hear her experiences firsthand,” said English teacher Lasonya Anderson. “She shared how she and her family hid from 1942-1944 in a friend's attic, where her sister and aunt died of starvation. She also explained to the students that when they were liberated, while getting down from the attic after 2 years of hiding, they could not walk nor could they speak because their voice boxes had not been used for two years.”
Laurel High School student Mollie Ward was one of 25 students to make the journey, and she said it was an experience she will never forget.
“We went to the Anne Frank Museum, where we watched a documentary on Anne Frank, saw photographs, and had the opportunity to meet a Holocaust survivor,” Ward said. “You really don’t realize how real all of that was until you hear it from someone who went through it. The tragedy of what everyone went through became real as Ms. Sally shared her story.”
In addition to the museum, students visited the Empire State building, Times Square, Madison Square Garden, NBC News, the Statute of Liberty, Ellis Island, and a Broadway show starring Raven Symone.
“Our students had an outstanding time, and really learned the importance of studying history,” Anderson said. “We hope to make this an annual trip for our top academic students.”
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Photo/Submitted
Laurel High School students and teachers met Holocaust survivor Sally Frishberg at the Anne Frank Museum during their summer study trip to New York. |
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| 11/16/12 |
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LHS drama performs drug awareness play |
Red Ribbon Week is a yearly focus on educating the public about the dangers of drugs. This year, Robert Little of the Jones County Sheriff’s Dept. and Lynn Kitchen of Christ’s Church of Laurel created the display and the performance of “ Journey of a Junkie,” which was performed six nights at the South Mississippi Fair. Maggie Farrell, the drama teacher of Laurel High School, wrote the script and the LHS Drama Team performed it nearly thirty times on Thursday night at the fair.
“I think we all realized by doing this play that drug addiction can happen to anyone. It’s just doesn’t affect you, it affects everyone around you. No one in the cast expected this play to be so emotional. We were all moved to tears during the performance,” said Allen Smith, a performer in the play.
Michelle Abney, who portrayed the mother in the play, enjoyed reaching out to the community.
“I want to thank the community for giving us a chance, as teenagers, to be a part of this movement about drug awareness,” she said.
Another phase of the drug awareness program involved taking the message in to the school. During Red Ribbon Week, Adam and Jade Patrick, the directors of Dying to Live Ministries, a drug rehab ministry in Laurel, spoke to the students about the dangers of drug abuse and the struggle to overcome addiction.
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Pictured: During Red Ribbon Week, Adam and Jade Patrick, the directors of Dying to Live Ministries, a drug rehab ministry in Laurel, spoke to the students at Laurel High School about the dangers of drug abuse. |
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| 11/16/12 |
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LHS Lady Tornadoes assist Interact Club |
Laurel High School Interact Club members challenged the Lady Tornadoes Basketball Team to join the club in raising funds and awareness for the Pink Ribbon Fund, a local non-profit organization that assists breast cancer patients in the Pine Belt area. The team took the challenge and succeeded in making a difference for the organization. Pictured: Rushie Clayton, Germecca Bolton, Jamia Jones, Kelsey Rogers, Jennifer Thomas, Faneka Millsap, Jordan Brown, Erica Bridges, Cenquariya Anderson, Danique Bester, Kinshaska Stevens, Chikaylla Walker, Coach Sules Hales, Courtney Harper, Chinickqua Walker, Kiambree, Sakhanna Jones, Jabreann Thigpen and Shantela Bolton. |
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| 11/15/12 |
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LHS Marketing students open Custom Creations Gift Shop |
The Marketing II class at the Laurel High School Career and Technical Center recently held a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony for Custom Creations gift shop. Custom Creations is an on campus laboratory store setting where second year marketing students gain experience in the sales process. The store offers school supplies and balloon bouquets for any occasion and all profits help fund the vocational student organization DECA. Pictured: Erica Williams, Idellar Camel, Lakieya Shamburger, Marketing Teacher Zandra Marks, Laken Cooley, Keyona Johnson, Shawndoria McDonald, Tynesha Madison, and Shikeria Brown. |
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| 11/15/12 |
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LHS & LMS Speech and Debate students work together |
Laurel students recently participated in a speech workshop hosted by forensics directors Maggie Farrell and Katelyn Bryant. Students from Laurel Middle school joined their high school teammates to prepare for upcoming competitions. Students received valuable tips for competing from their award-winning high school teammates and were able to see multiple performances. This year marks the first for the Laurel Middle School forensics team, and students are excited about the possibility of making this first competition season a winning one. Pictured: Raven Hayes, Tatyana George, Tanquelyas Haynes, Andrea Boykin, Ashonte Naylor, Breanna Knighton, Jykeria Jones and Mario Rogers. |
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| 11/15/12 |
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LHS HOSA students host blood drive |
Laurel High School Career and Technical Center's Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) members and the Laurel High School JROTC members presented the LHS Blood Drive. It was the first time that these two groups have worked together, and it was a great success. The blood donated went to patients at South Central Regional Medical Center. Pictured at SCRMC are HOSA members Kensley May, Nakeeba Gallaspy, Kiambree Hayes, Rosa Delgado, and Tetrin Alexander. |
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| 11/15/12 |
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LHS HOSA students attend job fair |
Laurel High School Career and Technical Center Health Occupations Students of America members recently attended the Pine Belt Area Job Fair presented by the WIN Job Center. At the job fair, students were able to meet employers with job opportunities in many different fields and practice their job interviewing skills. Pictured: Tetrin Alexander, Nakeeba Gallaspy, Kensley May, and Rosa Delgado. |
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| 11/14/12 |
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LHS Culinary Arts students visit LCI |
Laurel High School Culinary Arts students recently visited the Louisiana Culinary Institute in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Prior to their visit to LCI, students were treated to dining experience at Mike Anderson’s Seafood. AT LCI the students learned to dress and fillet a round fish and flat fish. The students also participated in a dessert class. Pictured: (front) Tnaj Simmons, Justice Lindsey, Shala McMann, Graciela Cordoba, LHS Culinary Arts Teacher Roderick Hollins, (middle) Julian Smith, Jabriya Robinson, Lacreshia Frazier, Jaylynn Taylor, Robert Brown, Kaitlynn Pearson, (back) Ladareus Hughes and Ataacleave Bender. |
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| 11/14/12 |
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LHS Interact students assist Pink Ribbon Fund |
The Laurel High School Interact club hosted Susan Light from the Pink Ribbon Fund to discuss how the students can get involved with raising funds and awareness for the non-profit organization that assists breast cancer patients in the Pine Belt area. Interact members hosted a variety of activities during October for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pictured: LHS Interact Sponsor Devon Sellers, Raven Hayes, Reagan Evans, Pink Ribbon Fund Volunteer Susan Light, Gaybrail Jones, Jaida Turner, and April Jones. |
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| 10/30/12 |
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LHS students pass-it-on with random acts of kindness through Youmanity |
NEWS
RELEASE
Laurel High School students pass-it-on with random acts of kindness
Aviva USA’s “Youmanity” program to kick-start a kindness movement
Laurel, Miss. (Oct. 29, 2012) – Laurel High School is about to kick off a campaign intended to encourage students to “pay it forward.” The school is empowering students to make a difference in the lives of others by using an insurance company’s program that promotes random acts of kindness through the simplest of gestures.
Students will receive wooden tokens Thursday that encourage people to perform an act of kindness for someone and then pass along the token to that individual. This concept that one token can start a chain reaction of kindness was created by Aviva USA, a life insurance and annuities company whose U.S. operations headquarters is in West Des Moines, Iowa.
The token program is part of what Aviva calls Youmanity, a blend of the words “you” and “humanity.” According to Aviva, Youmanity is the belief that one person, you, can make a difference through an act of kindness, big or small. Through Youmanity, Aviva inspires people to act, offers them the opportunity to do so, and recognizes their effort.
The Youmanity concept will be presented to Laurel High School students in the school auditorium beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday by Jim Rasberry, owner of Rasberry Financial Services. Rasberry is an Aviva agent based in Laurel.
“As part of our continuing spotlight on expecting greatness, a major focus has been reshaping our culture from within,” said Laurel High principal Carl Michael Day. “We desire for our students to be model citizens who exemplify genuine care for the world around them. Youmanity fits perfectly with how we teach students good citizenship by giving of themselves to others. We hope to be the school where random acts of kindness become habits, starting a ripple effect that could change the world.”
The school’s more than 800 students and staff members will receive a Youmanity token that includes a tracking number, allowing the recipient to register the token either on Aviva’s website or its Facebook page.
As a token gets passed and others register it as well, an online application allows tracking of the token to see how many times it is passed and how far it travels. One token, for example, has been passed 54 times and has been to 26 states plus the District of Columbia.
“I’m excited to see how far the tokens will go that Laurel students will begin on their journey,” Rasberry said. “But far more important than the geographic reach of the tokens is the impact students will have on others by reaching out to perform random acts of kindness.”
The online tracking tool also allows people to tell their story about the act of kindness they received or gave in the passing of the token. Among the random acts of kindness associated
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Youmanity / 2-2-2
with the token traveling to 26 states were providing blankets to the homeless, making a donation to a charity and paying for a stranger’s meal.
Aviva’s pledge to Youmanity was first announced in May 2010.
“We applaud the drive, passion and commitment of the Laurel students and staff to make a difference,” said Chris Jones, Aviva USA’s chief marketing officer. “We believe a single act of kindness can start a movement. We’re thrilled the Laurel school district officials who share that opinion decided to bring this to their students.
“Random acts of kindness – which the students will demonstrate in the weeks ahead – transcend generations, ethnicity and economic status. We’re excited to see the kind of impact these students will have and we’re honored to play a small role.”
To learn more about the token program, click on the links about Youmanity and Aviva USA.
# # #
About Aviva USA
Aviva USA is a sales leader of indexed life insurance and indexed annuities. Headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, Aviva USA also has offices in Topeka, Kan., and Melville, N.Y. In the United States, Aviva has more than 930,000 customers and employs approximately 1,800 people. Aviva USA can trace its presence in the United States to 1896. |
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| 10/16/12 |
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LHS Speech and Debate places at local tournament |
On October 5th and 6th Laurel High School students attended Laurel Christian School’s Speech and Debate Tournament. Of the seven students that attended from LHS six broke to semi finals and four students broke to finals.
Anitra Musgrove placed second, Raven Hayes placed fifth and Amanda Williams placed sixth in Novice Dramatic Interpretation. Keyanna Page placed third in Oral Interpretation.
“It was amazing for my students to compete against each other in the finals round,” said LHS Forensics Coach Maggie Farrell. “They have truly upheld our motto for the year, ‘speak not to be heard, but for others to listen.’”
The students were excited to compete locally, and gain additional experience.
“To be able to do this, means I can be successful,” Williams said. “This experience taught me not to be afraid of anything,”
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Pictured: Amanda Williams, Keyanna Page, Anitra Musgrove, and Raven Hayes |
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| 9/21/12 |
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LHS announces Homecoming Sweethearts |
Laurel announces Homecoming Sweethearts
Laurel High School is proud to announce the Homecoming Sweethearts and Maids for 2012. The homecoming festivities will be held Friday, Sept. 28 at R.H. Watkins Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. against West Lauderdale. Pictured: (first row) Bre Hampton, Ryan Naylor, Tajchene Julien, Kira Morrell, Gabrielle Hughes, Kelsey Rogers, Vatricia Mosely, (second row) Halle Lewis, Ashley Adams, Breauna Dixon, Tymeka Hunter, Kita Williams, Chikaylia Walker, (third row) Beige Mack, Sakehanna Jones, Jasmine Jones, Joneicia Collier, Jada Bender, Kresaterica Lloyd, Toni Ainsworth, (fourth row) Kinshaska Stevens, Kacie McGowen, Mollie Ward, Johnnesha Williams, Germecca Bolton, Rosa Delgado, (fifth row) Danique Bester, Laquarius Wright, Essence Kirk, Cynthia Alkhatib and Alicia Drummond. Not pictured: Kierra Dean and Alexus Hampton. |
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| 9/21/12 |
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LHS to honor former Cheerleaders and Golden Girls |
Former Laurel High School Cheerleaders and Golden Girls will be honored during halftime at the October 12 Laurel vs. Newton County football game at R.H. Watkins Stadium. Alumni wishing to participate should contact Donna Smith at 601-649-4145 or dsmith@laurelschools.org. |
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| 9/12/12 |
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LHS: Interact Club honors LPD & LFD on 9/11 |
The Laurel High School Interact Club honored the Laurel Fire and Laurel Police departments for their service as a way to commemorate 9/11. The students presented Police Chief Tyrone Stewart and Fire Chief Gregory King with gifts to share with their personnel. The club members expressed their appreciation for local emergency officials and the essential role they have in communities around the country. Interact is Rotary International’s service club for ages 12 to 18. Pictured: Raven Hayes, Victoria Evans, Tekendra Dean and April Jones; Konswayla Moody, Gaybrail Jones, Sharmonica White, Joneicia Collier, Mollie Ward, Reagan Evans and Taylor Bell; Kylauna McDonald, Alexus Hampton, Chief Tyrone Stewart, Gabrielle Hughes and Kaitlyn Pearson. |
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| 7/05/12 |
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LHS: Harper selected All Star at Pat Summit Basketball Camp |
Courtney Harper, a junior at Laurel High School, was recently selected to play with the All Stars at the 36th Annual Pat Summit Basketball Camp. Harper attended the Overnight Camp, which was held June 10-13 on the campus of the University of Tennessee. The camp included over 200 players from across the United States. On the final day Harper was selected to play with the All Stars in the Thompson-Boling Arena, home of the Lady Vols and Vols basketball teams. Harper plays center for the LHS Lady Golden Tornadoes Basketball Team. She is the daughter of Dr. John and Meshell Harper. Pictured: LHS Junior Courtney Harper and University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers Head Coach Holly Warlick. |
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| 5/23/12 |
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LHS: White signs with JCJC golf |
Laurel High School graduate Jon-Michael White recently signed a golf scholarship with Jones County Junior College. While at LHS, White was an active member of the Select Choir, Golden Tornado Marching Band, Beta Club, Student Council, National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. He was a Principal’s Scholar and Mississippi Scholar. Seated along with Jon-Michael White are his parents Michael and Diane White. Standing: LHS Principal Carl Michael Day, LHS Golf Coach Michael Kelly, LHS Athletic Director Milton Smith and LHS Assistant Principal Jaymar Jackson. |
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| 5/11/12 |
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LHS: Top Ten Seniors 2012 |
2012 Laurel High School Top Ten
Ranking tenth, Khadijah Jones, the daughter of Mary Brown and James Jones and the stepdaughter of Rodney Brown, plans to attend Jones County Junior College on a basketball scholarship. Following JCJC, she plans to attend the University of Tennessee where she will major in sports medicine. While at Laurel High School, she was an active member of the Beta Club, Key Club, Future Business Leaders of American, Student Council and Teens Getting Involved for the Future. She was inducted into the L Club, and scored all Advanced on the state tests. She served as the varsity basketball team captain, where she was named Best Rebounder and received Most Valuable Player honors and was named team leader. As a member of the LHS Track Team, she placed second in the regional meets both her 10th and 11th grade years. She received Principal’s List and Superintendent’s List honors for academics and citizenship. She is a Mississippi Scholar.
Ranking ninth, April Gant, the daughter of Flora Gant and Robert Jones, plans to attend Copiah Lincoln Community College on a soccer scholarship. During her time at Laurel High, she was a member of the Beta Club and National Honor Society. Throughout her years at Laurel High she was on the Superintendent’s List, Principal’s List and Honor Roll for academics and citizenship. She participated in basketball, track and soccer, and served as captain of the soccer team. She is a Mississippi Scholar, and was voted Senior Class Favorite, Friendliest and Cutest Smile.
Ranking eighth, Dontreal Pruitt, the son of Michelle Pruitt and Joseph Barnes, plans to attend East Mississippi Community College on a football scholarship. While at Laurel High School, he was a member of Beta Club and Key Club, and is a Mississippi Scholar. He received perfect attendance honors and good citizenship honors. He was named to the Principal’s List, Honor Roll and Superintendent’s List for academics and citizenship. Pruitt received numerous awards for his standout football talents. He also played baseball for the Golden Tornadoes.
Ranking seventh, Daryl McKines, Jr., the son of Stephanie McKines and Daryl McKines, Sr., plans to attend Tougaloo College where he will double major in law and business administration and minor in music. While at Laurel High School, he was an active member of the Speech and Debate Team, Dropout Prevention Team, Beta Club, Student Council, Drama Club, and Show Stoppers. He was also a member of the Tornado Ambassadors, Future Leaders of Jones County and Teens Getting Involved for the Future. In 2011, he was inducted into the L Club. McKines received the highest average in Advanced Placement World History and was named Teens Getting Involved for the Future Member of the Year. He participated in basketball, football, tennis and track, and was twice named Mr. LHS. McKines was a member of the Select Choir who recently performed at Carnegie Hall in New York. He was selected for Boys State, and was elected Alderman of Ward 4 at the Mississippi Municipal League Mock Elections. McKines was Student Body President, First Priority Team Leader and Student of the Month.
Ranking sixth, Conseula Hadley, the daughter of Julius Hadley Sr. and Ira L. Newell, plans to attend Copiah Lincoln Community College on a soccer scholarship. Following Co-Lin, she plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi were she will major in physical therapy. During her senior year, she was a member of the soccer team, and was named Rookie of the Year and Best Defender. She received Superintendent’s List honors for academics and citizenship and she was named Student of the Month. She was a member of DECA at the LHS Career and Technical Center. She currently serves as an afterschool tutor at East Laurel Church of Christ, and has completed over 50 hours of community services. She is a Mississippi Scholar.
Ranking fifth, Jada Jones, the daughter of Beverly Jones and Jimmy McCurdy, plans to attend Mississippi State University where she will major in accounting. While at Laurel High School she was a member of the Beta Club and National Honor Society. She received Principal’s List and Honor Roll honors for academics and citizenship. She was a cheerleader for four years, served as captain and she was named All-American. Jones was twice named Student of the Month, received the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award, and was voted Miss LHS, Most Outgoing and Cutest. She is a Mississippi Scholar.
Ranking fourth, Shaquita Pulliam, the daughter of Monica Pulliam, plans to attend a university in New York where she will major in accounting, minor in English and work toward completing a pre-med track. While at Laurel High School, she has served as the secretary for the Future Business Leaders of America, and will represent Mississippi at the national FBLA competition in Texas after winning first place at the state competition. She also served as an editor and designer for the yearbook staff, and was a member of the National Honor Society. Pulliam has also been in Advanced Choir and Advanced Arts for six years. She has been a Superintendent’s List Scholar, received a Citizenship Award, was named Star Student, and is graduating a Mississippi Scholar. She is a mentor and frequent blood donor.
Historian Barbara Chambers, the daughter of Bobby and Brenda Chambers, plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi where she will major in speech pathology. While at Laurel High School she was a four year member of the Student Council, Marching Band, Select Choir and Ladies Ensemble. She was a three year member of Interact, Beta Club and the National Honor Society. She served as Math Bowl team captain and was a member of Mu Alpha Theta, Key Club, Speech and Debate, Theater Club and was a Diamond Darling. Chambers was a Superintendent’s List and Principal’s List Scholar for academics and citizenship and received Student of the Month. She received awards for perfect attendance and good citizenship. She also received academic awards in chemistry, physics, band, choir, history, accelerated English, advanced placement English and math, and is graduating a Mississippi Scholar. She was an Academic Ambassador, Future Leader of Jones County and a 13-year member of Girl Scout Troop 208. She was voted Most Likely to Succeed. Chambers has completed numerous hours of community service including volunteering at the soup kitchen and serving as a Salvation Army bell ringer. She is an active member of St. Elmo Missionary Baptist Church.
Salutatorian Lewis Steel Bateman, the son of Steve and Sandra Bateman, plans to attend Jones County Junior College followed by the University of Mississippi where he plans to major in finance and law. While at Laurel High School, he served as president of the Beta Club and was a member of the Future Leaders of Jones County, National Honor Society, Key Club and Principal’s Leadership Team. He was duel enrolled at Jones County Junior College, where he was named to Phi Theta Kappa for his academic success and has completed over 32 hours of college credits. Bateman received perfect attendance honors, was a Superintendent’s Scholar, and is graduating as a Mississippi Scholar. He was inducted into the L Club for academics. He played on the LHS Varsity Tennis Team for four years. Bateman completed numerous community service hours through his work with the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, and is an active supporter of the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art.
Valedictorian Cortias Jones, the son of Angela Jones and Kennis Badue, plans to attend college where he will major in either accounting or engineering. During his time at Laurel High School, he was a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Beta Club, Student Council and Principal’s Leadership Team. He served as captain of the Math Bowl Team, Math/Science Bowl Team and Scholars Bowl Team. Jones received awards for the Highest Average in Welding, Excellent Student in Culinary Arts, Good Citizenship, Perfect Attendance, Highest Average in Mathematics, Student of the Month and Youth of the Month. He was a Superintendent’s List Scholar and Principal’s List Scholar for academics and citizenship, and is graduating a Mississippi Scholar. He loves going to school and rarely misses a day. Jones received a Senior Award for football and baseball. He also received National Center for Construction Education and Research welding credentials. Jones completed numerous community service hours through a variety of volunteer activities including reading books to students at Oak Park Elementary and Nora Davis Magnet. |
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| 5/11/12 |
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LHS: Tornadoes sign with Co-Lin |
Laurel High School seniors April Gant and Consuela Hadley signed soccer scholarships with Copiah-Lincoln Community College on Friday. Gant, who ranks ninth in the senior class, was on the Superintendent’s List, Principal’s List and Honor Roll for academics and citizenship. She participated in basketball, track and soccer, and served as captain of the LHS Soccer Team. Hadley, who ranks sixth in the senior class, was on the Superintendent’s List for academics and citizenship and was recently named Exchange Club of Laurel Student of the Year. She also received the Tracy Traylor Scholarship, and a Kiwanis Club Scholarship. Seated L-R: Flora Gant, April Gant, Consuela Hadley and LHS Senior Counselor Roslyn Haskin. Standing L-R: Superintendent Dr. Chuck Benigno, LHS soccer coaches Rick Sager and Julio Martinez, LHS Assistant Principal Jaymar Jackson and Co-Lin Head Soccer Coach David Strother. |
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| 5/11/12 |
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LHS: Chapman receives honorable mention in citywide art contest |
Laurel High School 9th grader Ciara Chapman received Honorable Mention for her drawing, “Blooms,” during the recent Laurel Arts League Citywide Art Contest. Her drawing was displayed at the Student Exhibit during the 40th Annual Day in the Park. |
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| 5/10/12 |
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LHS: Raekwon Pettis to play in USA Junior Nationals |
Laurel High School 10th grader Raekwon Pettis received an invitation to participate in the All-State Junior Nationals Basketball Competition this summer in Ohio. According to his invitation letter, Pettis received the invitation due to his “outstanding performance at the Mississippi state competition.” Through the USA Junior Nationals program, Pettis will participate in the International Sports Festival at the USA Sports Academy in Columbus, Ohio along side high school athletes from across the United States and Canada. Pettis, an Honor Roll student, has been playing basketball since he was eight years old, and currently serves as a shooting guard for the Laurel Golden Tornadoes Basketball Team, and plays wide receiver for the football team. He is the son of Randal Pettis. Raekwon is currently raising funds for his trip, so interested donors may contact Laurel High School at 601-649-4145. |
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| 4/05/12 |
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LHS: Golf team member plays in prestigious events |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Laurel School District
Laurel High School senior Jon Michael White spent his summer vacation preparing for the current golf season, and participating in several prestigious golf events.
White played on the Mississippi Junior Golf Association Tour where he participated in seven tournaments over the course of the summer. He finished 12th on the points list out of approximately 50 students from all across Mississippi.
White also received an invitation to play in the Viking Classic Pro/Am held in Madison, Mississippi.
“In the short time I have had to work with Jon Michael on the golf course, it has been a pleasure to watch this young man swing a golf club,” said Laurel High School Golf Coach Michael Kelly. “Jon Michael has an excellent understanding of the game of golf and where he wants his particular game to be.”
“He possesses a swing that most people only dream of, and not only is this swing sweet to watch, it is packed with plenty of power,” Kelly continued. “Jon Michael has an excellent future ahead of him, and I wish him nothing but the best in his golf career.”
An active student, White is a member of the Student Council, Beta Club, Tornado Baseball Team, Golf Team and plays percussion in the Tornado Marching Band. He recently performed at the famed Carnegie Hall in New York as a member of the LHS Select Choir. White is the son of Michael and Diane White. After graduation he plans to pursue a degree in business. |
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| 2/22/12 |
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LHS to host rummage sale March 3 |
The Laurel High School DECA and Student Council organizations are sponsoring a school-wide rummage sale on March 3 from 7 a.m. to noon. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. |
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| 2/07/12 |
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LHS: FBLA students to compete on state level |
Laurel High School Career and Technical Center's Future Business Leaders of America recently competed in the district competition at Jones County Junior College. There were over 800 students competing on the district level at JCJC. LHS FBLA had four members that placed and those students will be competing at state competition in Jackson in April. FBLA Advisor and BCT teacher is Devon Sellers.
Pictured Left to right: Cedric Parker placed in Economics, Aquisiana Leggett and Shaquita Pulliam placed in Desktop Publishing, and Ashley Robinson placed in Business Law. |
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| 2/01/12 |
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LHS: Tornadoes sign with EMCC Lions |
At a ceremony Wednesday morning, four Laurel High School football standouts signed letters of intent with East Mississippi Community College. Allen Sentimore, Defond Bester, Justin Mack and Dontreal Pruitt will begin their college careers with the Lions in the fall. Pictured: (seated L-R) Allen Sentimore, Defond Bester, Justin Mack and Dontreal Pruitt. (standing L-R) LHS Athletic Director Milton Smith, Sentimore’s mother Tracey Sentimore, Bester’s father Vincent Townsend and mother Lyconia Bester, Mack’s mother Lawanda Mack and grandfather Larry Evans and Pruitt’s father Joseph Barnes. |
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| 2/01/12 |
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LHS: Tornadoes sign with ECCC Warriors |
At a ceremony Wednesday morning, five Laurel High School football standouts signed letters of intent with East Central Community College. James Clark, Zach Thigpen, Chris Apperwhite, Marcus Knight and Tevin McInnis will begin their college careers with the Warriors in the fall. Pictured: (seated L-R) James Clark, Zach Thigpen, Chris Apperwhite, Marcus Knight and Tevin McInnis. (standing L-R) LHS Athletic Director Milton Smith, Clark’s father James Clark, Thigpen’s grandmother Lula Gavin, Apperwhite’s mother Nancy Gavin and father Chris Apperwhite, Knight’s mother Elizabeth Knight, McInnis’ sister Tomekia Meadows, mother Janet Meadows and sister Tiffany Meadows, LHS Principal Carl Michael Day and LHS Assistant Principal Jaymar Jackson. |
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| 2/01/12 |
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LHS: Tornadoes sign with MGCCC Bulldogs |
At a ceremony Wednesday morning, Laurel High School football standout Fenest Armstrong signed a letter of intent with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Pictured with Fenest Armstrong are his mother Phyllis Armstrong and his father Len Armstrong. Standing L-R: LHS Athletic Director Milton Smith, LHS Principal Carl Michael Day and LHS Assistant Principal Jaymar Jackson. |
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| 1/31/12 |
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LHS: Laurel Arts League gives to choir |
Laurel Arts League gives to Laurel Choir
The Laurel Arts League recently made a $1,000 donation to the Laurel High School Select Choir. The donation will assist in funding the group’s upcoming trip to sing at Carnegie Hall in New York. Pictured: Laurel Arts League Treasurer Sara Sensenig, Laurel School District Superintendent Dr. Chuck Benigno and Laurel Arts League President Andrea Milham. |
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| 1/20/12 |
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LHS: Sertoma gives to choir |
The Laurel Sertoma Club recently made a $500 donation to the Laurel High School Select Choir. The donation will assist in funding the group’s upcoming trip to sing at Carnegie Hall in New York. Sertoma Club Treasurer Steve Thrash said the club wants to encourage other civic organizations to make a donation, and assist the students in funding this exciting opportunity. Pictured (L-R): senior choir member DeAndrea Caver, Superintendent Dr. Chuck Benigno, Sertoma Club Treasurer Steve Thrash, LHS Choir Director Leander Bridges and senior choir member Fodarius Gavin. |
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| 1/20/12 |
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LHS: Baseball season tickets available now |
Laurel High School baseball season tickets are now available. One reserved chair-back seat is $50. Two reserved chair-back seats are $90. Add $40 per additional person for chair-back season tickets. At the gate price is $5 per game for bleacher seating only. Reserved tickets will be good for junior high, junior varsity and varsity games. With questions call the Laurel School District at 601-649-6391. Tickets are available at the Gardiner Administrative Building, located at 303 West 8th Street. |
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| 11/09/11 |
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LHS theater students perform community service |
The Laurel High School Drama Team recently performed a Reader’s Theater at the South Central Regional Medical Center maternity, pediatric and senior citizen wards. The students performed “The Fairy Godmother’s Assistant.” Those who performed were Seth Baker, Barbra Chambers, Michael Hayes, Myeshia Lindsey, Tylexis Martin, Konswayla Moody, Anitra Musgrove, Abishia Slaton and Jalisa Williams. |
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| 10/13/11 |
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LHS: Homecoming Queen and Court |
Laurel High Homecoming Court 2011
Laurel High School is proud to announce the 2011 homecoming queen and court. The students selected as court were honored during the Laurel vs. Quitman football game on Friday, Oct. 7.
Queen: Roshanda Allen is the daughter of Cleo and Yolanda Allen. At LHS, she participates in cheerleading, soccer, track, Gospel Choir, Beta Club, Key Club, Student Council, Distributive Education Clubs of America and Future Business Leaders of America. Her future plans are to study kinesiology.
Senior Maid: Bianca Milsap is the daughter of Darnell and Dorothy Milsap. She is the football sweetheart of Zachary Thigpen. She is a member of the Golden Girls dance team, Diamond Darlings, Concert Band, Distributive Education Clubs of America, Key Club and Future Business Leaders of America. Her future plans are to obtain a degree in pharmacy and radiology from Jones County Junior College, and then attend Mississippi State University and major in dance.
Junior Maid: Lekita Williams is the daughter of Sandra Williams and Bobby Sims. She is a member of the LHS Beta Club. In her spare time she enjoys reading. Her future plans are to become a successful psychologist.
Sophomore Maid: Kinshaska Stevens is the daughter of Melanie Pruitt and Stephon Stevens. She participates in basketball and student council where she serves as sophomore president. Her future plans are to become an artist, cosmetologist and play college basketball.
Freshman Maid: Kreseterica Lloyd is the daughter of Lawanda and Warren Lloyd. She participates in speech and debate, gospel choir and cheerleading. Her future plans are to become a successful lawyer.
Pictured: Freshman Maid Kreseterica Lloyd, Sophomore Maid Kinshaska Stevens, Queen Roshanda Allen, Junior Maid Lekita Williams and Senior Maid Bianca Milsap. |
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| 10/05/11 |
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LHS: Homecoming Sweethearts |
Laurel High School is proud to announce the Homecoming Sweethearts for 2011. Pictured Front Row (L-R) are seniors Haviviah Johnson, Laroyal Coleman, Alexandria Cook, Kenosha Brunson, Bianca Milsap, Amber Nicolson, Tamesha Wallace and Roshanda Allen. Second Row (L-R) are seniors Jasmine Lindsey, Jhaqulia Stevens, Chineze McCullum, Benjamea Murry, Kyah Amos, Raven Naylor, Rejara Davis and Kiana Keys. Third Row (L-R) are juniors Kira Morrell, Halle Lewis and Selena Walley and seniors Keeva Georgia, April Gant, Jada Jones, and Monique Moffett. Fourth Row (L-R) are sophomores Samantha McGowan, Alizhae Jones and Joneicia Collier and juniors Ashley Adams and Breara Hampton. Back Row (L-R) are freshmen Reagan Evans and Kresaterica Lloyd and sophomores Kinshaska Stevens, Shantela Bolton, Kacie McGowen, Gabrielle Hughes and Sidney Hill. Homecoming will be held Friday at R.H. Watkins Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. against Quitman High School. |
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| 8/05/11 |
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LHS: Harkera Hardy signs track scholarship |
Laurel High School 2011 graduate Harkera Hardy signed a track scholarship with Midland University, which is located in Fremont, Nebraska. At Midland, Hardy plans to pursue a degree in psychology. Hardy ran track with the Golden Tornadoes for three years, and brought home a host of trophies including a first place win in the district competition for the 400 meter run and went on to place third at the regional meet. Hardy also participated in the South State track meet. At Laurel High, Hardy was an active member of the Beta Club, Mayors Youth Council, Student Council and the Golden Tornadoes Football Team. He is the son of Harvey Hardy and Shalita Itson. He has a brother, Harkeal Hardy, who is currently a senior at LHS. |
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| 5/31/11 |
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LHS: Future Leaders |
Future Leaders of Jones County is a six month program sponsored by the Jones County Chamber of Commerce for high school juniors. The students selected for the program complete a wide variety of community-based programs. Those students who completed the program from Laurel High School were Lewis Bateman, Daryl McKines and Harrison Thomas. Not Pictured: Barbara Chambers. |
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| 5/26/11 |
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LHS: Students create inspirational sign |
Students in the Laurel High School Career and Technical Center’s welding and vocational skills classes constructed an inspirational sign on the school’s campus prior to graduation. Students researched how many miles the majority of Mississippi’s colleges and a few out of state colleges were from Laurel. They then cut, routed, painted and varnished the signs featuring the names of colleges with their distance from Laurel. The students wanted to inspire the senior class as they prepare for their futures. Pictured on the ladder is Starcardo Phillips and assisting is Eddie Trotter. |
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| 5/24/11 |
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LHS: Markel Milsap signs soccer scholarship |
Laurel High School senior Markel Milsap signed a soccer scholarship with Copiah-Lincoln Community College on Tuesday. Several Members of Markel’s family witnessed his signing. Seated are Milsap’s grandfather Darnell Milsap and his mother Christy Keyes. Standing are LHS Soccer Coach Julio Martinez, Milsap’s brother Chrystofer Keyes, Co-Lin Soccer Coach Trey Woodham, Milsap’s sisters Ya-Kanesha Keyes and Chantal Hawkins and LHS Athletic Director Milton Smith. |
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| 5/24/11 |
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LHS: Girls Track finishes strong |
The Laurel High School Girls’ Track Team finished second place in District 4-A. Jakendal Arrington was the 4-A South State champion in the long jump. Leslie Mosley, Kira Morrell, Curstie Lindsey and Jakendal Arrington placed third in the South State 4x1 Relay. Aquisiana Leggett was a member for the 4x1 Relay Team until an injury forced her out of competition following the district meet. Pictured with LHS Track Coach Sules Hales are Leslie Mosely and Jakendal Arrington. Not Pictured: Kira Morrell and Curstie Lindsey. |
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| 3/11/11 |
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LHS: Jakendal Arrington signs soccer scholarship |
Laurel High School senior Jakendal Arrington recently signed a soccer scholarship with Northwest Mississippi Community College. Arrington was surrounded by her family, which included her mother Michelle Keys, her father Marlow Arrington Sr., and her sister Marchell Keys, as she made her commitment on Tuesday. Pictured back row: LHS Assistant Principal Jaymar Jackson, LHS Senior Counselor and Mentor Roslyn Haskin, LHS Soccer Coach Rick Sager, LHS Teacher and Mentor Ryakko Price, Northwest Mississippi Community College Head Soccer Coach Peter Jarjoura, and Northwest Assistant Soccer Coach Charlie Baldwin. |
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| 1/31/11 |
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LHS powerlifting has great expectations |
Laurel School District Press Release
For Immediate Release
By: Lacey Walters, Public Information Officer
Headline: Laurel powerlifting has great expectations
With two meets down, the upcoming district meet for certain and the potential to compete for South State and State, the Laurel High School Powerlifting team is proving to be a solid contender this year. The team finished second at the Vicksburg-Warren Invitational and third at the Pearl Invitational, and Coach Jackie Williamson says experience and dedication have been the keys for this year’s team.
“This group of guys have been with me now for two years,” Williamson said. “The main core of our guys were 9th and 10th graders last year so we got most of the team back this year. We have experience going for us this year, and our expectations are high.”
With expectations set on a district championship, the team has been focused on practice, and several of the team captains believe their early wins have given them the confidence to push even harder.
“These early successes make me feel greater about things to come this season, because we are doing great at such a high level already,” said Captain Antoine Lockhart. “It makes me expect great things from my teammates later on in our season.”
“By the end of the season, I hope we accomplish what we came for,” added Captain Juwan Simmons. “Our goal is to win the district and state championships for 4A.”
The date for the district championship meet has not been determined, but the team says they are committed to seeing the process through.
“Our dedication to this team is off the charts,” said Captain Kenneth Rice. “We don’t stop. We keep going. Even when we are tired, we keep moving. We show our coach that we are dedicated and we keep going. We have strong hearts, and that’s the way we have to be to win.”
Though the team is still focused on future wins, they are proud of their current accomplishments, which include the team awards as well as a variety of individual awards.
At the Pearl Invitational, Dominique Newell finished 2nd in the 148-pound weight class with a total of 985 pounds. Harkeal Hardy finished 2nd in the 181-pound weight class with a total of 1,175 pounds. Jonathan Sims finished 2nd in the 308-pound weight class with a total of 1,220 pounds and Juwan Simmons finished 1st in the super heavyweight class with a total of 1,210 pounds. Also at the Pearl Invitational, BJ Stallworth won the 220-pound weight class with a total of 1,365 pounds. Stallworth was also named the Outstanding Heavyweight Lifter for having the highest total amount lifted at the meet.
At the Vicksburg-Warren Invitational, Bocorey Crosby finished 3rd in the 115-pound weight class with a total of 340 pounds. Harkeal Hardy finished 1st in the 181-pound weight class with a total of 1,125. BJ Stallworth finished 1st in the 220-pound weight class with a total of 1,285. Zephaniah Martin finished 3rd in the 220-pound weight class with a total of 1,140. Antoine Lockhart finished 1st in the 242-pound weight class with a total of 1,195. Kenneth Rice finished 3rd in the 275-pound weight class with a total of 1,165. Jonathan Sims finished 2nd in the 308-pound weight class with a total of 1,215, and Juwan Simmons finished 3rd in the super heavyweight class with a total of 1,145.
In addition to their glowing pride for the various medals they’ve won, they are proud of their coach who is in his second year at Laurel High School.
“Coach Williamson has brought dedication and motivation to Laurel High School,” Rice said. “He has brought potential. He has brought skill. He has brought everything from sportsmanship to a relationship like a father and a son. He does a great job here doing what he needs to do to get the job done. He is an excellent guy.”
“Coach has brought chemistry, camaraderie, charisma and over a two year period brought what it would take a normal coach four years to accomplish,” Martin added. “To me he is one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with.”
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Team Photo: (front row) Kevin Watson, Dominique Newell, Bocorey Crosby and Jasper Thompson. (middle row) DaMarcus Simmons, BJ Stallworth, Zephaniah Martin, Jonathan Sims and Antoine Lockhart. (back row) Coach Jackie Williamson, Darryl Rogers, Joshua Brown, Juwan Simmons, Kenneth Rice and Michael McGowen. Not Pictured: Harkeal Hardy.
MEET: Vicksburg-Warren Invitational
NAME PL WT. CL. SQ BP DL TOTAL
Bocorey Crosby 3rd 114 105 50 185 340
Harkeal Hardy 1st 181 415 255 455 1125
BJ Stallworth 1st 220 485 235 565 1285
Zephiniah Martin 3rd 220 445 245 450 1140
Antoine Lockhart 1st 242 445 265 485 1195
Kenneth Rice 3rd 275 375 315 475 1165
Jonathan Sims 2nd 308 515 275 425 1215
Juwan Simmons 3rd SHW 420 185 540 1145
MEET: Pearl Invitational
NAME PL WT. CL. SQ BP DL TOTAL
Dominique Newell 2nd 148 325 230 430 985
Harkeal Hardy 2nd 181 405 265 505 1175
BJ Stallworth 1st 220 560 255 550 1365
Jonathan Sims 2nd 308 515 270 435 1220
Juwan Simmons 1st SHW 470 210 530 1210 |
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| 1/07/11 |
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LHS: Attaway, Carmichael, Delgado and Morris sign with MCC |
From Tornadoes to Eagles
Four Laurel students sign with Meridian Community College
At a ceremony Friday morning, four Laurel High School soccer standouts signed scholarships with Meridian Community College. Daniel Attaway, Mac Carmichael, Miguel Delgada and Eli Morris will begin their college careers with the Eagles in the fall. Seated L-R: MCC Graduate Assistant Coach Ryan Joiner, LHS students Daniel Attaway, Mac Carmichael, Miguel Delgado and Eli Morris, and MCC Head Coach Alex George. (standing L-R) LHS Soccer Coach Julio Martinez, parents Mike Attaway, Gina Attaway, Malcolm Carmichael, Mari Carmichael, Miguel Delgado, Melissa Delgado, Debbie Morris and Lynn Morris and LHS Athletic Director Milton Smith. |
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| 12/17/10 |
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LHS: Key Club at Pancake Day |
To assist with the Laurel Kiwanis Club’s annual Pancake Day fundraiser, members of the Laurel High School Key Club offered their assistance. Those who donated their time to the community event were Michael Hayes, Dauro Rogers, Tova Coleman, Kensley May, Danisha Stover, Shamiya Keyes, Vincswala Townsend, Sadie Mozingo, Makayla Walker, Xavier Walker, Mollie Ward, Krawford Boyd, Kaitlyn Pearson, LaCreshia Frazier and club sponsor and LHS teacher Tim Harper. |
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| 12/17/10 |
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LHS: BCT students study etiquette |
Laurel High School Business and Computer Technology scholars have been studying business communications and business etiquette. BCT scholars read Teen Etiquette by Emily Post. Becky Loper educated the scholars on proper business etiquette. Pictured: Becky Loper demonstrates to Demarcus Merrill proper dinner etiquette. Devon Malone Sellers is the BCT teacher. |
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| 12/17/10 |
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LHS: BCT hosts banquet |
Laurel High School Business and Computer Technology department and Future Business Leaders of America held their 5th annual etiquette banquet business at Jones County Junior College. The Business and Computer Technology II scholars Janeisha Boss, Austin Hollingsworth, Sahaira Lindsey, Jatari McCann, Kierra Mcrae, Demarcus Merrill, Jeremiah Pickering, and Abishia Slaton hosted the event. BCT II scholars were in charge of designing the invitations, the program, name tags, and speaking at the banquet. The scholars used the banquet to practice their etiquette and business communication skills. The BCT II scholars invited craft committee members, Laurel administration, guests, and parents. The craft members present were Dr. Samuel Jones, Dean of Student Affairs at JCJC; Councilwoman Willie Evans of Laurel and Skippy Haik, Publisher Laurel Leader Call. Laurel High School Career and Technical Center Director Becky Sanders along with teachers Ryakko Price and Tim Harper, and School Board Member Rev. Earnest Thompson were present. Stephanie Dungan with Fellowship Baptist Church presented BCT II scholars, Jatari McCann and Sahaira Lindsey with certificates for creating real world applications for the church to use for their fall event. BCT scholars presented Donna Malone with Malone Painting with a gift of appreciation for their support of BCT. Guest Speaker for the evening was Dr. Chuck Benigno, Superintendent of the Laurel School District. Dr. Benigno gave a presentation to the scholars called “A Game of Inches.” Dr. Benigno challenged the scholars not to accept good, but to strive for greatness.
Backrow: BCT Teacher Devon Malone Sellers, Jatari McCann, Jeremiah Langford, Dean of Student Affairs at JCJC Dr. Samuel Jones, Jeremiah Pickering, Sabien Ruffin, Abishia Slaton, Laurel School District Superintendent Dr. Chuck Benigno, Austin Hollingsworth, Jarvis Thompson, Penn Crisp, Carmon Thomas, Laurel Leader Call Publisher Skippy Haik, and Demarcus Merrill.
Frontrow: City Councilwoman Willie Evans, Janeisha Boss, Sahaira Lindsey, Ryan Naylor, Anitra Musgrove, Alexandria Williamson, and Shanaya Harris |
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| 9/28/10 |
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LHS: Homecoming Sweethearts |
Laurel High School is proud to announce the homecoming sweethearts for 2010. Pictured Front Row (L-R) are seniors Maisie Evans, Danisha Stover, Morgan McQueen, Kinshara Willis, Kajoena Waters, Shabrea McCray, Virginia Riles, Anna Axton and Quenosha Payton. Second Row (L-R) are seniors Takira Thompson, Marisha McClendon, Tyesha Wolverton, Raven Everett, Nyjah Shelby, Myah Amos, Courtney McGill, Robin Johnson and Leslie Mosely. Third Row (L-R) are juniors Kaylan Jackson, Jasmine Lindsey, Amber Nicolson, Shaquille Coleman, Havivah Johnson, Chineze McCullum and Iesha Brown. Back Row (L-R) are sophomores Breara Hampton and Nysha Crisp and freshmen Alizhae Jones and Joneicia Collier. Homecoming will be held Friday at R.H. Watkins Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. against West Lauderdale. |
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| 9/28/10 |
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LHS: Cheerleaders pose with Hot Shots |
The Laurel High School Cheerleaders pose for a photograph with the Laurel Gymnastics Hot Shots. The Hot Shots is a cheer squad for ages 3-6. The Hot Shots recently performed prior to a LHS football game. |
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| 9/28/10 |
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LHS: Open House on Oct. 11 |
Laurel High School will host an Open House on Monday, October 11 beginning at 6 p.m. in the school’s auditorium. Teachers will be available following an assembly to meet with parents concerning their child’s achievement goals for the school year. |
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| 9/20/10 |
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LHS: FBLA/BCT students commemorate 9/11 |
Members of the Laurel High School Future Business Leaders of America & the Business and Computer Technology class worked after school on September 8th to measure and cut over 800 ribbons for all of the faculty, administrators, teachers, and students of Laurel High School to wear. The ribbons were worn in commemoration of the 9th anniversary of September 11. |
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| 9/20/10 |
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LHS: BCT students study workplace laws |
Business and Computer Technology students at Laurel High School’s Career and Technical Center completed a unit on the “Laws in the Workplace.” The students studied laws such as American Disability Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Age Discrimination Act, Equal Employment Opportunity Act, and Equal Pay Act. The students created and acted out a skit for each law to teach the class how these laws are put in place to protect workers in the workforce. Pictured: Shanaya Harris, Jarvis Thompson, Anitra Musgrove and Samuel Rogers perform a skit on the Equal Pay Act. |
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| 8/06/10 |
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LHS: Career and Technical Center’s notice of non-discrimination |
Laurel High School Career and Technical Center’s notice of non-discrimination
The Laurel High School Career and Technical Center does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, age, handicap, national origin, or veteran status. Natalie Turner has been designated to handle inquiries and complaints regarding the non-discrimination policies of the Laurel School District. She may be reached at 601-649-6391, Gardiner Administrative Building, 303 West 8th Street, Laurel, MS 39440.
The Laurel High School Career and Technical Center offers the following courses.
Marketing Fundamentals: The Business and Marketing Fundamentals provides core business competencies including communication, human relations skills, economics, management fundamentals, entrepreneurship, business law, and operations.
Welding: Welding is an instructional program that prepares students for employment or continued education in occupations found in the welding profession. Both theoretical learning and activity-based learning are provided in various types of fusion welding techniques.
Early Childhood: Early Childhood is a two year program which provides classroom and hands-on experiences that help to prepare students for employment or continuing education in the early childhood education field.
Culinary Arts: Culinary and Related Foods Technology is a two-year classroom and hands-on instructional program that prepares students for employment or continuing education in the foodservice industry. This program of study was written to incorporate the National Restaurant Associations (NRA) ProStart© Learning Objectives.
Business and Computer Technology: Business and Computer Technology is designed to educate, train, and provide guidance for secondary vocational students who seek to develop the knowledge, skills, and behavioral characteristics necessary for successful entry level employment in office occupations.
Allied Health: The allied health program introduces the student to careers available in the health field, anatomy and physiology, and patient care skills.
Cooperative Education: Cooperative Education is a two-year course that combines classroom instruction with supervised work experience. |
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| 7/20/10 |
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New band director to join LHS |
Laurel School District
For Immediate Release
By Lacey Walters, Laurel School District
Headline: New band director to join LHS
The Laurel School District Board of Trustees recently approved the hiring of Dr. David A. Wright as band director for Laurel High School. Having served on the teaching faculties of several colleges, including West Virginia University, the University of Southern Mississippi, Southeastern Louisiana University, and West Virginia Wesleyan College, Wright brings a wealth of experience to the Laurel High School band program.
Wright received a Bachelor of Music Education from State University of New York College at Fredonia, Master of Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Wright has received many awards and recognitions for his work in music including being selected twice as the featured artist in the Saxophone Journal, and receiving a Louis Armstrong Jazz Award. He was also the teacher of a national finalist at the Music Teachers National Association’s Young Artist Woodwind Competition in Denver Colorado. Wright has performed both classical and jazz saxophone concerts throughout the United States, Central America, South America, Europe and Asia.
“I have great expectations for the music program here in Laurel,” Wright said. I am excited to have a great team of teachers all with the common goal of giving a solid music education to the students. I hope to build on the reputation of the program here through solid instructions in classical and jazz idioms. I know that interest and quality will grow when the students understand how enjoyable and fulfilling a good musical education can be.”
Wright has a variety of plans in the works for the upcoming school year.
“This season should be exciting and new for the students,” Wright said. “This fall we are planning a Stevie Wonder show for the marching season. The jazz program will be reorganized, and much work is planned for the concert season in the spring.”
“I am happy to be the director of bands in Laurel,” Wright continued. “I want to provide the best experience possible for the students here. I think that with the diverse offerings and strong curriculum, it will be a win-win situation.”
Laurel School District Superintendent Dr. Chuck Benigno said he is excited about the expertise Wright will bring to the classroom.
“The arts – both performing and visual – are important aspects of the Laurel School District’s curriculum, and we are pleased to welcome Dr. David Wright to the Tornado family,” Benigno said. “His talents and skills will only enhance the arts offerings at Laurel High.”
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| 7/20/10 |
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LHS band meeting and camp scheduled |
An informational parent meeting will be held on July 22 at 6 p.m. in the Laurel High School band hall for all parents of band students or those interested in band. The Laurel High School Band Camp will be held July 26 through July 30 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for all LHS band students. Lunch will be provided during camp. For more information contact the LHS office at 601-649-4145. |
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| 6/21/10 |
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LHS: Four selected to All-State Tennis Team |
The Mississippi Association of Coaches selected four Laurel High School students as members of the All-State Tennis Team. Harrison Thomas, Bonnie Brumley, Josh Agee and Anna Axton received the honor. “All four of these students were finalist in the State Tennis Tournament, and have had great success this year,†said Coach Jeff Davis. “It is an outstanding accomplishment for these students, and the Laurel High School tennis program.†|
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| 6/16/10 |
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LHS: Day care program has openings |
The Laurel High School Little Tornadoes Learning Center currently has openings for the 2010-11 day care program for one and two year olds. The day care is certified by the Mississippi Board of Health and all staff members are CPR and first aid certified. The center is closed all school holidays, and breakfast and lunch are provided. For more information on the Little Tornadoes Learning Center contact the LHS Career and Technical Center at 601-649-4144 or druffin@laurelschools.org. |
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| 6/01/10 |
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LHS: Michael Gavin places third in state art contest |
Laurel High School student Michael Gavin was presented a proclamation “commending the outstanding artistic ability” he showed in the Great Seal of the State of Mississippi Art Contest. The contest, sponsored by the Mississippi Arts Commission, allowed students to create an artistic representation of the seal for judging. Because Gavin placed third in the competition, he was allowed to present his work of art to Speaker of the House of Representatives William J. McCoy. Gavin’s artwork will be on display in McCoy’s office for one year. Pictured: Speaker of the House of Representatives William J. McCoy and LHS student Michael Gavin. |
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| 5/27/10 |
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LHS: Choir has superior year |
The Laurel High School Choral Department enjoyed another successful year. The year began with a visit to the Ole Miss Choral Festival on October 31 held at the University of Mississippi. The Laurel High School Select Concert Choir received a superior rating and the LHS Men's Ensemble and Women's Ensemble both received excellent ratings. The year continued in February with the District Five Choral Festival held at William Carey University. All three LHS choirs earned superior ratings. Rounding out the festival year was a trip to the State Choral Festival at Pearl High School in Pearl, Miss. The LHS Select Concert Choir and the Women's Ensemble received superior ratings and the Men's Ensemble received excellent ratings. The year was consistently filled with invitations to a plethora of events including special guest performances at the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Whole Schools Initiative in Jackson and the Association for Excellence in Education’s Awards of Excellence banquet here in Jones County. “Each time the choral department set foot out of Laurel High School, they represented their school and city with dignity, class and respect,” said Director Leander Bridges, II. “Continue to look for great things from the LHS choral department in the 2010-2011 school year.” |
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| 5/20/10 |
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LHS: Keely Parker selected for Lions All-State Band |
For Laurel High School 9th grader Keely Parker, music is a huge part of her life. Parker plays a variety of instruments including the French horn, mellophone, violin, piano, guitar and bass guitar, and she has extraordinary vocal talent. Her love for music stems from being raised in a musical family. Her grandparents were band directors and her father was in band. Parker says she enjoys carrying on the family tradition of band.
In June, Parker’s love and talent for music will take her on her very first flight and very first trip abroad. Parker was selected to perform with the Mississippi Lions All-State Band. The selected band members from all across the state of Mississippi will converge on the Jones County Junior College (JCJC) campus for one week in June for camp.
“We will go to JCJC for a week of training to learn our music for the parade and we will give a concert at JCJC at the end of the camp,” Parker said.
Following a week of training at JCJC, the Mississippi Lions All-State Band will travel to Sydney, Australia for a week. Parker said the band will compete in the International Lions Parade and that Mississippi’s band is renowned for receiving international championship status.
“We are very proud of Keely and her accomplishment of being named a member of the Mississippi Lions All-State Band,” said LHS Assistant Principal Brian Foster. “We are very proud of our music program, and the outstanding students it produces. We encourage our students to use their abilities beyond the classroom, and we are excited that Keely will have the opportunity to perform in Australia.”
Parker is a member of the Laurel High School marching, symphonic and jazz bands. |
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| 5/06/10 |
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LHS: golf team qualifies for state tournament |
The Laurel High School golf team was named the district runner-up at a recent tournament and qualified for the State golf tournament, which will be held May 10, 11 and 12 at Olive Branch. Also, Daniel Attaway qualified as a medalist in the district tournament. Pictured: (front L-R) Eli Morris, Ben Sanderson and Jon Michael White. (back L-R) Coach Mike Barlow, Daniel Attaway and Dion Ulmer. |
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| 3/09/10 |
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LHS: Heidelberg receives state, national honors |
Savana Heidelberg began drawing at an early age. To her the drawings were just doodles – nothing to be considered a work of art. Now, as a senior at Laurel High School, Heidelberg’s artistic work has received state recognition.
In search for college scholarships, Heidelberg found an application for the 2010 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. With a desire to receive higher education, and the need for financing her pursuit of a college degree, Heidelberg entered the competition on the recommendation of LHS Band Director Tamiko Bridges, and months later she received notification that she had received a Gold Key award in the regional competition.
The Gold Key award, which represents a first place in drawing, was exciting news for the talented artist.
“I just entered the competition to see what would happen,” Heidelberg said. “My art has never received any real exposure.”
“It makes me feel proud to know that somebody actually appreciates my work,” she continued. “I was really excited to receive the news.”
Heidelberg’s abstract drawing, titled “Quantum Movement,” is currently on display along side other Gold Key recipients at the Mississippi Museum of Art. Heidelberg said the art would be displayed until April. The regional winners’ works will then be forwarded to New York for national judging.
According to the Mississippi Museum of Art’s website, “The Mississippi Museum of Art hosts the Mississippi Regional Competition each year. Students from middle, junior high, and senior high schools from across the state participate in the competition each year. More than 2,000 entries in a wide variety of categories, including painting, drawing, mixed media, photography, sculpture, graphic design, animation, textile fiber design, as well as art and photography portfolios are judged by a panel of judges over a course of several days. The Scholastic Art Awards have celebrated 80 years as a unique presence in our nation's classrooms by identifying and documenting outstanding achievement of young artists. Since 1923, 12 million students have participated, 2 million young artists and writers have been recognized, and $20 million in awards and scholarships have been made available nationwide.”
The good news for Heidelberg didn’t stop with the Gold Key Award. She recently received notification that she is the recipient of a National Horatio Alger Scholarship in the amount of $20,000 and an all expense paid trip to Washington D.C. For the scholarship, Heidelberg completed three essays on how adversity has motivated her to pursue a college degree.
“I want to attend Mississippi State University and major in biological science,” Heidelberg said. “These awards will help me achieve my dream of one day becoming a pediatrician.”
Heidelberg is an active member of the Laurel High School Marching and Symphonic bands, Beta Club, Key Club, First Priority Club, Dropout Prevention Team, National Honors Society, Principal’s Leadership Team, Future Leaders of Jones County, Teens Getting Involved for the Future, Mayor’s Youth Council, Mu Alpha Theta, and serves as band captain and section leader.
“Savana epitomizes the results of when a student is both determined and committed to doing what ever it takes to be successful,” said LHS Principal Carl Michael Day. “She not only has an artistic gift, she is a student who makes the whole school a better place.”
Photo/Lacey Walters (Laurel Schools)
Laurel High School senior Savana Heidelberg is the recipient of a Scholastic Art and Writing Mississippi Regional Gold Key award for drawing. Her abstract drawing is currently on display at the Mississippi Museum of Art. |
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| 3/03/10 |
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LHS: Morris places 3rd in Regional Reading Fair |
Laurel High School student Eli Morris, 11th grade, recently placed third in the Regional Reading Fair held at the Lake Terrace Convention Center in Hattiesburg. Morris placed first in the ninth - 12th grade division of the Laurel School District’s reading fair. For his reading fair project Morris read Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea.” |
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| 3/02/10 |
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LHS: Zadrozny signs scholarship |
Laurel High School senior Brock Zadrozny signed a scholarship with Pearl River Community College on Tuesday. Seated (L-R) are his grandmother, Linda Hudson and mother, Heather Zadrozny. Standing (L-R) Jack Byrd, PRCC head soccer coach; Justin Ford, PRCC assistant soccer coach; Mickey Hudson, grandfather; Tony Zadrozny, father and Julio Martinez, LHS soccer coach. |
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| 2/11/10 |
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LHS: Career & Technical Center hosts Career Fair |
To offer students an opportunity to hear from some of the best and brightest professionals in Jones County, the Laurel High School Career and Technical Center recently hosted a Career Fair. Individuals from 23 career fields shared their experiences and allowed students to ask a host of questions.
“We are blessed with a lot of wonderful professionals in Laurel and Jones County,” said Laurel School District Board of Trustees Vice President Mike Axton. “These professionals were very enthusiastic about sharing with our students.”
Axton, who coordinated the career fair, said that the focus was on showing students the importance of continuing education.
“At the age these students are now, we want to have as much influence as possible on their decision to continue their education past the secondary level,” Axton said. “In any profession knowledge is power. We stress to our children that nobody cares about mediocrity in the work force. It’s about being your best.”
Professionals in the areas of accounting, advertising, architecture, banking, computers, cosmetology, dentistry, education, fire and safety, graphic design, insurance, international business, journalism, law, law enforcement, manufacturing, medicine, nursing, philanthropy, photography, real estate, restaurant and sports training focused on sharing with students the exciting things about their careers and how education is an important part of success.
“Life is all about opportunities and being educated gives you opportunities. I want students to see the importance of education in any career field,” said Chris Wilson, of First Choice, PLLC, who participated in the real estate sessions along with Tanya Gray of Gray Real Estate and Lee Boyette of Woodland Realty.
Robby and Angie Scruggs, of Scruggs Photography, shared with students about the variety of tasks that accompany owning a business. Angie Scruggs shared with students about how education is important in the photography business, and how communication and finance skills are a must when owning a business. Robby Scruggs talked with students about how fast technology is changing, and how maintaining knowledge of the newest technology is a must. Robby Scruggs also shared with students his passion for photography by demonstrating a photo shoot and editing session.
“Photography is something everybody does. Photography is capturing the present time, and most often it is capturing a happy time,” Robby Scruggs said. “We encouraged the students to follow their passion, and what they love. If it is photography, then follow what you love.”
In the dentistry sessions, Dr. John Barrow and Michelle Hutto, of Family Dental Center, shared with the students about the importance of dental hygiene and how their chosen career paths help assist people in staying healthy. They also talked with students about how their profession allows them to watch families grow.
Virginia Riles, an 11th grader at Laurel High School, said she never realized she might have an interest in dentistry as a profession until she attended the career fair.
“I’ve actually discovered I am interested in dentistry,” Riles said. “The fact that you get to help people and form relationships with your patients is exciting. Dentists get to watch families and their children grow up over the years.”
As students visited their four chosen sessions, the theme of continuing education was evident.
Jasmine Williams, a 12th grader who visited the fire and safety, cosmetology, education and journalism sessions, said, “The education session was very interesting to me, but I’ve learned that with most jobs you need an education to become someone.”
At the close of the career fair, as a token of appreciation, the presenters were welcomed to a reception.
“We appreciate Mr. [Mike] Axton, and the numerous hours he spent putting this career fair together,” said LHS Assistant Principal Becky Sanders. “We also appreciate all of the presenters who took the time to come and open the eyes of our young people to a variety of professions. We appreciate the time they have given to our students.”
Those participating in the career fair where Julie Uher of Holt & Associates, Denton Gibbes of MsDigitalDaily.com, David Henderson of AEDD Plus, Bill Holloway of Holloway Home Designs, Ben Cole of Central Sunbelt Federal Credit Union, Jeremy Wade of Trustmark National Bank, Patrick Robinson and Dr. Maggie Griffin of the Laurel School District, Chief Hatfield of Hatfield’s Inc., Richard Brown of Hair World, Dr. John Barrow and Michelle Hutto of Family Dental Center, Alfred Jordan of the Laurel Fire Department, Erin Napier of Lucky Luxe, Jim Rasberry of Rasberry Financial, Mike Axton of Corporate and Endowment Solutions Inc., Charles Owens of Overseas Distribution Solutions, Miranda Beard of WDAM, Lew Yoder and Parker Leggett of Gilchrist Sumrall Thaxton Yoder & Boone, PLLC, Steve Dearmon of the Laurel Police Department, Robin Robinson of Sanderson Farms, Trent Mulloy, of Laurel Machine and Foundry, Dr. Thomas Dobbs of the Mississippi Department of Health, Dr. Michael Weber of OB -GYN Group of Laurel, Ann Barrow of the Laurel School District Board of Trustees, Veronica Ducksworth of Southern Neurology Clinic, Laurel High School Principal Carl Michael Day, Robbie and Angie Scruggs of Scruggs Photography, Lee Boyette of Woodland Realty, Tanya Gray of Gray Real Estate, Chris Wilson of First Choice PLLC, Joel Pierce of Jones County Junior College and Jeff Davis of Encore Physical Rehabilitation.
Photo/Lacey Walters (Laurel School District)
Robby and Angie Scruggs, of Scruggs Photography, demonstrate the various tools of photo editing software to a group of students at Laurel High School Career and Technical Center’s Career Fair. |
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| 2/08/10 |
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LHS: BCT students prepare for success |
Laurel High School Business and Computer Technology Scholars have been studying how to improve their business communication skills by completing presentations. BCT scholars had to create a professional PowerPoint presentation to present in front of peers, administration, craft members, and parents. Scholars have been studying how to "Prepare for Success" by learning how to use their communications skills. From left to right: Jatari McCann, Leigh Collins; CTC Counselor, Councilwoman Willie Evan; BCT Craft Member, Kelly McDonald; parent of Anthony McDonald, Anthony McDonald, Sahira Lindsey, Austin Hollingsworth, Letizica Collins, Janeisha Boss, LaTanica Davis; parent of Quan Evans, Quan Evans, and Sharon Taylor |
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| 2/08/10 |
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LHS: BCT students visit WIN Job Center |
The Laurel High School Career and Technical Center's Business and Computer Technology scholars visited the WIN Job center to learn the process of looking for a job, and what the resource center has to offer. Daniel Williams, Employment Representative, gave the students a tour of the center and a short seminar of the steps to take in looking for a job. Pictured from left to right: James Williamson, Dorrien Williams, Zachary James, Janisha Boss, Quan Evans, Daniel Williams; Employment Representative, Michael Keys, Josh Paquin, Jeremiah Pickering, Harold Hearn, and Eric Theard, Sharon Taylor, Jatari McCann, and Mallorie Davis. The BCT Teacher is Devon M. Sellers. |
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| 2/08/10 |
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LHS: Beta Club assists with Haiti relief |
Students from the Laurel High School Beta Club recently assisted the Salvation Army by serving as bell ringers for Haiti relief donations. The students participated in one hour shifts at Wal-Mart. The project was one of many community service activities the students will participate in this school year. Pictured: Kinshara Willis and Takira Thompson. |
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| 2/03/10 |
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LHS: Chris Smith & Walter Smith sign with JCJC |
Laurel High School students Chris Smith and Walter Smith signed football scholarships with Jones County Junior College on Wednesday, Feb. 3. (Seated L-R): Chris Smith and Walter Smith. (Standing L-R) Chris Smith’s mother Lesia Smith, LHS Athletic Director Milton Smith and Walter Smith’s mother Amelia Smith. |
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| 1/22/10 |
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LHS: Jones signs with MCC Soccer |
On Friday, January 22, Laurel High School senior Rhonda Jones signed a soccer scholarship with Meridian Community College. Pictured: (front L-R) Meridian Community College Assistant Soccer Coach Mike Smith, LHS student Rhonda Jones, MCC Head Soccer Coach Alex George. (standing L-R) LHS Soccer Coach Rick Sager and LHS Principal Carl Michael Day.¬ |
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| 1/22/10 |
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LHS: Jensen signs with MCC Soccer |
On Friday, January 22, Laurel High School senior Chelsea Jensen signed a soccer scholarship with Meridian Community College. Pictured: (front L-R) Meridian Community College Assistant Soccer Coach Mike Smith, LHS student Chelsea Jensen, MCC Head Soccer Coach Alex George. (standing L-R) LHS Soccer Coach Rick Sager, Jensen’s parents Dennis and Laura Jensen and LHS Principal Carl Michael Day. |
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| 1/14/10 |
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LHS: BCT students learn marketing |
The Laurel High School Career and Technical Center’s Business and Computer Technology scholars used their entrepreneurship skills to create a cereal company, and develop a marketing plan for their companies. Students used their desktop publishing and communication skills to create a professional presentation. Each student used critical thinking skills to create a cereal company, a model of the box, along with a thumbnail sketch of their company. Through this hands-on activity scholars received a look at how entrepreneurs get started in a business and the diligence it takes to market a new product. Picture left to right are Dorriean Williams, Zac James, Jones County Junior College Business Office Technology Instructor Teresa Robertson who critiqued the students’ work, Harold Hearn, Michael Keys, Josh Paquin, and BCT Teacher Devon Sellers. |
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| 1/11/10 |
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LHS: BCT students visit Signs First |
The Laurel High School Career and Technical Center’s Business and Computer Technology scholars recently toured Signs First in Hattiesburg. The scholars learned how Bryan Saffell, owner of Signs First, uses his entrepreneurship skills to operate a business. The scholars received an inside look at the operations of the business, including a look at the graphic design profession.
Bryan Saffell, owner of Signs First is showing finished examples of publications and designs to BCT students Josh Paquin, Eric Thread, Dorrien Williams, Harold Hearn, and James Williamson. |
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| 12/16/09 |
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LHS: Beta Club focuses on community service |
The Laurel High School recently inducted the 2009-10 LHS Chapter of the National Beta Club officers and members. The members are Joshua Agee, Myah Amos, Daniel Attaway, Anna Axton, Eric Balius, Lewis Bateman, Dequarius Blair, Shinika Breland, Bonnie Brumley, Raven Carter, Barbara Chambers, Robert Collins, Javion Cooper, Rejara Davis, Camry Dotson, Mekale Ducksworth, Breanna Evans, Delta Evans, Maisie Evans, Ashaki Falkner, Christian Garcia, Harkeal Hardy, Harkera Hardy, Deshay Hasberry, Jataris Hatten, Savana Heidelberg, Sarah Hosey, Josalyn House, Zarian House, Haddassiah Johnson, Kyia Jones, Consuelo Keller, Camisha Knighton, Maria Lindsay, Quinn Mackey, Stacia Martin, Julie Mauldin, Alyse McGee, Lekerra McGilberry, Shakerra McGilberry, Courtney McGill, Daryl McKines, Kadejiah McMillion, Caroline McNeil, Morgan McQueen, Francheska Miller, Tyler Miller, Brion Moore, LaQuanda Morgan, Eli Morris, Asten Musgrove, Quenosha Payton, Dontreal Pruitt, Demetris Ramsey, Ashley Richardson, Haley Richardson, Virginia Riles, Sabien Ruffin, Ben Sanderson, Walter Smith, Lauree Thomas, Takira Thompson, Danishica Trotter, April Ulmer, Deion Ulmer, Tamesha Wallace, Tenessia Weathersby, Jon-Michael White, Ashley Williams, Kinshara Willis and Matthew Windham.
Throughout the school year, the Laurel High School Beta Club will participate in a variety of community service activities. The students collected toys and candy for children in the hospital during Halloween, conducted a canned food drive for the Salvation Army, and hosted a teacher appreciation breakfast in October. The students will also sort food for the Salvation Army, ring the bells for the Salvation Army kettle fundraiser and deliver socks to an area nursing home.
The students will attend the Mississippi Beta Club Convention in Tupelo in February.
Pictured are Laurel High School Beta Club officers (L-R) Walter Smith, vice president; Julie Mauldin, president; Savana Heidelberg, parliamentarian and Sarah Hosey, secretary. |
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| 12/16/09 |
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LHS: Band participates in Sertoma Parade |
Students from the Laurel High School Marching Band participated in the annual Sertoma Christmas Parade in Laurel. Representatives from the Golden Girls, Color Guard and Band performed for the event. |
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| 12/16/09 |
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LHS: Homecoming queen participates in parade |
Laurel High School’s 2009-10 Homecoming Queen Crystal Dukes participated in the annual Sertoma Christmas Parade in Laurel. Dukes rode the parade route in a 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass SX that was driven by Patrick Robinson, who is a member of the Magnolia Cruisers and also works as the technology coordinator for the Laurel School District. Dukes is the daughter is Lisa Cook and Rudolph Dukes. She has been a member of the LHS band and choir since her freshman year. Following graduation, Dukes plans to attend Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan, where she will major in massage therapy and business management. Following graduation from MCC, she plans to attend Michigan State University. |
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| 12/02/09 |
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LHS: Tornadoes bring home math victory |
The Laurel High School Math Bowl Team recently brought home the winning trophy from Jones County Junior College’s Second Annual Math Bowl. With 21 area high schools competing for the honor of top school, Laurel High School students said they felt prepared, but went into the competition with no expectations of winning.
“The results of the competition are a reminder of what hard work and dedication can lead to. The students and the math department, especially Mr. [Keith] Rushing, worked really hard with the students to not just do well, but to win. I know many people saw Laurel High School as the underdog,” said Principal Carl Michael Day. “The students have been preparing for a number of weeks now. Although they brought a high level of intelligence to the table, it was their hard work and dedication that made them successful.”
“A good part of this win is about showing how smart we are, and showing the high quality of education here at Laurel High School,” added Rhonda Jones, 12th grade. “We went in as the underdog, and this win shows that we’ve got what it takes.”
The students worked on problems to reacquaint themselves with things they may have studied in previous years. Rushing, LHS math department chair, said the students participated in a self-study to prepare for the competition.
“This is a really responsible group of students,” Rushing said. “I’m so proud of this group. They did a self-study, and that gave them the opportunity to come to us when they needed help. The questions they asked showed us they were headed in the right direction.”
Quinn Mackey, Rhonda Jones, Josh Agee, Ben Sanderson, Bonnie Brumley and Lauree Thomas participated in the competition on behalf of Laurel High School.
Agee said that prior to each round of competition the students gathered for a quick prayer and pep talk. They also said that the win would not have been possible without their teachers.
“After about the second or third round, we met together and said, ‘we are going to win this’, and we did,” Thomas said. “Our teachers are amazing. I could not have answered one question without Mrs. [Linda] Ducker or Mr. Rushing. My commitment to school and my teachers’ commitment to me is the reason I’ve received academic scholarships to my top pick college.”
“After every round that we won, someone would ask us about our strategy,” Jones added. “We didn’t have to cram for this event. We had learned all of the information over our high school career. We have really great teachers here at Laurel High.”
“The information wasn’t mind blowing or new,” Sanderson also added. “It proves how good our education system really is. We were exceptionally prepared.”
The students were also excited about the cash prize that went along with the win. Rushing received $1,000 for being the teacher of the winning team, and the students received $2,500 to divide equally among the members of the team. The students were impressed to see academics rewarded with such a special prize.
“I think it is great that people awarded education. This wasn’t a sporting event. It was an educational event. It is important, and good that they awarded academics,” Agee said.
The students mentioned purchasing new tennis rackets, possibly a Christmas present or two, shoes and one said he would be giving 10 percent to his church. However they all agreed on one fact – the majority of the money would be saved for college preparations.
“This is a great accomplishment and I am so proud of the hard work that went in to preparing for the math bowl. It does not surprise me how this group of students performed because they’ve done well in all areas of their high school academic work,” said Superintendent Dr. Glenn McGee. “We always expect our students to do well, because of the academic preparation that goes on every day in this district. We believe that our students can compete along side anybody.
Pictured: Winners of the Jones County Junior College Math Bowl: Laurel High School students (seated L-R) Ben Sanderson, Rhonda Jones, Bonnie Brumley, (standing L-R) Math Department Chair Keith Rushing, Josh Agee, Quinn Mackey and Principal Carl Michael Day. Not pictured: Lauree Thomas |
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| 11/18/09 |
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LHS: Honor lists for 1st nine weeks |
Laurel High School Honor Lists
9th Grade Honor Roll
Arrington, Chenneniah
Bayless, Deshon L
Brown, Joshua C
Carpenter, Twawain N
Davis, Mallorie
Hibbitt, Jessica
Julien, Taj Chene M
Lewis, Halle P
Lockhart, Antoine J
Moore, Marquan J
Newell, Keanna M
Paquin, Kenneth
Reed, Chelsey
Robinson, Kristine
Rogers, Jo El
Shelby, Kenari J
Thomas, Jasmine L
Thompson, Trenton
Townsend, Shakenya
Walker, Natiesha
Wilbon, Taurean
9th Grade Principal’s List
Alexander, Tetrin J
Bilal, Siddeeqah
Dade, Detonio L
Daniels, Precious K
Dean, Keirra
Delgado, Rosa
Dixon, Breauna
Johnson, Keyona L
Lewis, Jasmine
McGay, Glendasha T
Moody, Konswayla
Moore, Brittani N
Moore, Marquesha J
Price, Kirslynn M
Robinson, Jabriya A
Rogers, Samuel
Simmons, Damarcus
Smith, Amanda
Spinks, Daryn D
Taylor, Isaiah
Thomas, Cameron
Thompson, Jarvis L
Walker, David T
Williams, Lekita D
9th Grade Superintendent’s List
Bolton, Germecca C
Parker, Keely
Ransom, Latasha R
Walker, Chikaylla
10th Grade Honor Roll
Arrington, Corieonia
Breland, Shinika
Chatman, Dyshque N
Coleman, Shaquille Q
Davis, Rejara
Evans, Kinshaska S
Gant, April L
Heidelberg, Dequan
Jones, Cortias T
Jones, Jada L
Jones, Vanswela K
Keyes, Tammy I
Knight, Lydell
McGilberry, Shakerra M
Nicholson, Amber N
Pledger, Christine
Rice, Kenneth R
Russell, Laquinta
Sykes, Austin
Tate, Shalea N
Thames, Tamesia A
Walker, Corrissa S
10th Grade Principal’s List
Allen, Roshanda M
Clayton, Willie C
Collins, Letizica
Cook, Alexandria J
Cooper, Javion
Gavin, Fodarius E
Georgia, Keeva
Hardy, Harkeal
Hollingsworth, Austin
Jones, Breeanna
Jones, Khadijah
McMillion, Kadejiah Z
Nicholson, Willis J
Parker, Cedric E Jr
Pugh, Torionne
Smith, Ashley
Stevens, Jhaqulia
10th Grade Principal’s List
Thomas, William H
Thompson, Lakisha
Ulmer, April
Ulmer, Deion
Walker, Keniqua
Wallace, Tamesha
10th Grade Superintendent’s List
Balius, Eric
Bateman, Lewis
Carter, Raven S
Chambers, Barbara
Hadley, Conseula S
Hartman, Noris M
Martin, Jaquita D
McGilberry, Lekerra Q
McKines, Daryl A
Pruitt, Dontreal D
Pulliam, Shaquita D
11th Grade Honor Roll
Bender, Jasmine
Bivins, Miguel
Bonner, Tevin
Collins, Felton
Dixon, Jessica C
Evans, Maisie S
Gavin, Michael T
Hardy, Harkera
Hatten, Jataris
James, Zachary C
King, Quenshay
McGray, Shabrea M
McGill, Courtney M
McQueen, Morgan
Morgan, Laquanda A
Pruitt, Olivia
Thigpen, Denise
Trotter, Danishica P
Weathersby, Tenessia S
Willis, Kinshara R
Wilson, Shanequa D
11th Grade Principal’s List
Amos, Myah
Attaway, Daniel
Carmichael, William M
Chapman, Tiffany T
Cole, Jakari
Ducksworth, Mekale D
Gaines, Tekera C
Hasberry, Deshay S
House, Zarian D
Knight, Santana
McDonald, Shatara
Moore, Perry B
Morris, Eli
Moss, Devionne
Payton, Quenosha S
Riles, Virginia M
Sanders, Chevele M
Stover, Brittany N
Thompson, Takira
Townsend, Vincswala T
Triplett, Devante A
Williams, Dorrien A
Williamson, Alexandria D
11th Grade Superintendent’s List
Axton, Anna C
Blair, De Quarius
Delgado, Miguel
Jones, Kyia J
Jones, Talamesha M
Lindsey, Maria A
Mackey, Quinn
12th Grade Honor Roll
Amos, Tanya K
Brown, Katorie
Cooley, Quaneisha
Cooley, Quensetta M
Crosby, Martika T
Dukes, Crystal C
Ely, Kerwin B
Fair, Carl T
Falkner, Ashaki A
Garcia, Christian
Hardy, Renee S
Jensen, Chelsea
Jones, Rhonda L
McCarthy, Gabrielle
McCullum, Gary L
McLaurin, Burgundi
McNeil, Mary C
Millsap, Taumeran R
Moore, Matthew J
Morris, Jasmine N
Moss, Santana M
Sanders, Laterious A
Wade, David D
Washington, Takella S
Windham, Deontri C
Zadrozny, Brock
12th Grade Principal’s List
Burnes, Jordan
Carpenter, Tanesha L
Dorsey, Dominique J
Evans, Ashley M
Evans, Breanna J
Heidelberg, Verneshia
Hosey, Sarah
House, Jasalyn D
Hupp, Kayla M
Jones, Curiston
Keys, Michael D
Lindsey, Keriyon L
Martin, Stacia A
Mauldin, Julia
McGee, Alyse
Miller, Tyler
Monroe, Gracie
Ramsey, Demetrius G
Richardson, Ashley
Rogers, Marteesa T
Smith, Walter
Sutton, Tamara A
Tamayo, Shybril L
Taylor, Courtney C
White, Adrienne
Windham, Matthew
Winfield, Zelvin
12th Grade Superintendent’s List
Agee, Joshua E
Brumley, Bonnie
Collins, Robert
Combest, Tiesha
Davis, Jessica
Evans, Delta
Heidelberg, Savana R
Jordan, Justin
Keys, Maurice D
Knighton, Camisha
Sanderson, Benjamin L
Satcher, Marissa B
Simmons, Raven
Thomas, Lauree E
Trotter, Dearra
Williams, Ashley |
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| 11/10/09 |
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LHS: Homecoming door decorations winner |
Laurel High School English Teacher D.D. Howard was the winner of the door decorations contest during Homecoming week at LHS. |
|
| 10/08/09 |
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LHS: 2009 Homecoming Sweethearts |
Laurel High School is pleased to announce the 2009 Homecoming Football and Student Body Sweethearts. Those pictured are: Back Row (l-r) Jasalyn House, Lauree Thomas, Crystal Dukes, Nyasha Page, Rhonda Jones, Kanesha Wheeler. Third Row (l-r) Marisha McClendon, Elenora Jackson, Aquavia Paige, Francheska Miller, Shaniqua Evans, Leslie Moseley. Second Row (l-r) Alexandria Cook, Demetrius Ramsey, Tamara Sutton, Paris Brown, Tyesha Mann, Curiston Jones. Front Row (l-r) Jasmine Jones, Precious Daniels, Kyah Amos, Bianca Milsap, and Alexandria Cook. |
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| 10/08/09 |
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LHS: Principal receives haircut |
Laurel High School Principal Carl Michael Day made a promise to students that if they reached 98 percent attendance during the week of Sept 21-25, he would allow a student to cut his hair at the Laurel vs. Heidelberg pep rally. On Friday, September 25, students had a 99 percent attendance rate, and Day held true to his word. Pictured: Sophomore Daryl McKines gives Day a haircut. |
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| 10/07/09 |
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LHS: After School Advantage |
Laurel High will be offering after-school tutoring starting this week. Students who need a little extra help, want to prepare for their upcoming Subject Area Exams, or just need to make-up work can now take advantage of the "After-School Advantage."
Any student may stay for any teacher any day, but all teachers for each of the following core areas will be avaliable from 3:00-4:00:
Mondays -- Science
Tuesdays -- English
Wednesdays -- Math
Thursdays -- Social Studies
Snacks will be provided for free!
Buses will run at 4:00 starting on Monday, October 12th. |
|
| 8/30/09 |
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LHS On the Move! |
SEE message from the principal. |
|
| 5/29/09 |
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Triplett signs football scholarship |
William Triplett, a Laurel High School graduate, signed a football scholarship with Southwest Mississippi Community College. He was a member of the All-Area Football Team and was presented the Mr. Tornado Award and Most Valuable Linebacker award from the LHS football team during their recent banquet. Triplett also received a five-year pin from the American Red Cross for volunteering over 400 hours of service. |
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| 5/29/09 |
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Valentine receives scholarship |
Laurel High School graduate and Mississippi Scholar Robert Valentine was awarded a full academic ACT scholarship to Northwest Community College. Following completion of community college, Valentine plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi where he will major in marine biology. |
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| 5/29/09 |
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Windham signs basketball scholarship |
Laurel High School honors graduate and president of her senior class, Shundrea Windham recently signed a basketball scholarship with Pearl River Community College. While playing for LHS she averaged 10.1 points per game, 3.5 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game. “Shundrea was a true competitor and a hard working athlete that will do well in her future endeavors,” said LHS Coach Ryakko Price. Pictured: Shundrea Windham (seated middle), her father Frederick Windham (seated left), LHS Coach Ryakko Price (seated right) and PRCC coaches Zaria Williams and Toby Bush (standing L-R). |
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| 5/29/09 |
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LHS Tennis Team |
With a team record of 8-5 and a second place district finish, the Laurel High School Tornado tennis team ended the year strong. In the first round of playoffs, LHS defeated Stone County to advance to the semi finals of South State Championship play before losing to St. Stanislaus 4-3. Individual accomplishments include district championships by the girls’ double team of Shelby Gatewood and Mary Parker Burson and the mixed doubles team of Josh Agee and Anna Axton. Agee and Axton also finished second in the mixed doubles tournament at the state championship, which was held at Ridgeland Tennis Center in Ridgeland, Miss. Pictured Front Row (L-R): Mary Parker Burson, Rachael Gholson, Shelby Gatewood, Anna Axton, Chrissy Risher and Meredith Mauldin. Middle Row (L-R): Tyler Gatewood, Joshua Smith, Michael Wilson, Jonathan Webber, Andrew Dailey and John Dobbs. Back Row (L-R): Coach Jeff Davis, Josh Agee, Walter Smith, Hunter Myrick, Chris Smith, Lewis Bateman and Harrison Thomas. Not Pictured: Andrew Cockrell, Ryann Bergin, Zach Green, Quin Mackey, Roger Powell, Kristel Rodriguez, Ben Willis, Bonnie Brumley and Hannah Green. |
|
| 5/20/09 |
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LHS choirs receive superior, excellent ratings |
The Laurel High School Select Choir, the LHS Men's Ensemble, and the LHS Women's Ensemble received Superior Ratings at the District Five Choral Festival on February 20 at William Carey University and Excellent Ratings at the State Choral Festival on March 25 at Pearl High School. |
|
| 5/18/09 |
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LHS Class of 2009 |
Laurel High School Class of 2009
Sunni Jeriana Ainsworth
Dallas Fitzgerald Alvarado
Byron Devonte Arrington
Destani Keeara Arrington
Jody Catherine Balius, salutatorian, highest honors
Laura Cathryn Bankston
Iesha Shardai Barnett, honors
Ethan Hodge Barrow, honors
Rex Duvalier Bell
Brandon Diontray Bender
Brittany Ann Bolden
Sheniquia Chantel Bolton
Kayla Vashyee Booth
Adonnis Monique Roshay Breland
Breanna Antionette Denise Breland
Joshlyn Demar Bridges
Nicholas Glynn Broom
Latorie Kiara Latrice Brown
Jazz Briana Carmichael, highest honors
Justin Davon Carmichael
Teesla Jenay Carmichael
Michael Anthony Carpenter
Bereshith Khiry Clayton
Andrew Easley Cockrell, highest honors
Carlos Shantel Coleman
Tamana Antionette Collins
Tinika Lashawn Cooley
Jericho Jermaine Cooper
Iesha Symone Cox
Rebekah Amanda Cox, honors
Pili Faizah Ramla Gabriel Cross
Cherice Dene Davis
Ronnie Mitchell Ducksworth
Shaquila Chantal Edwards
Mallory Samaria Evans
Reginald Clarence Evans
Damion Denard Foxhall
Richard Rashaad Franklin
Florence Yaneth Gonzalez
Thomas Michael Zuriel Gosha
Evette Dominique Gowan
Zachary Taylor Green
James A Hall, III
Alondria Quontae Hampton
Jaleesa Vonshea Hawkins
Raven Ramon Haynes
Shekeke Arlene Heidelberg
Desiree Camero Envoe Henderson
Luther Glenn Henley, II
Raven Danielle Hicks
Ashley Akilah Hosey
Joshua Datwain Hosey
Sidney Maurice Hosey, II
Kimberly Hughes
Jyville Vonshae Husband
Tiffany Danielle Husband, highest honors
Antron Ranardo Jenkins
Douglas Jerome Smith Johnson
Kimberly Quester Jones
Robert Lucas Jones, III
Candace Moniqua Jordan
Summer Elizabeth Kanan, honors
Savannah Raeanne Keeler, highest honors
Charles Jermone Keys
Justin Roy Keys
Kiara Shantell Keys
Latoya Lasha Keys
Marchell Shunte Keys
Leah Shayne Anjanique King, highest honors
Nathan Laderrius SanQuez Laster
Cory Xavier Lindsey
Kayla Lavonda Lyles
Alexandria Shontae Mackay
Kykendal Adrial Marsh
Derrick Reshard Martin
Jacqueline Jasmanike Hattize Mayers
Anthony Charles McCarty
Wesley McCurdy
Yamesa Michelle McCurtis
Breaunna Korneisha Meria McGee
Taquelia Lashay McGill
Jason Ahmaad McLaurin
Daniell Dameka Moffett
Jay Ashly Moreira
Bertha Shawntell Mosley
Brett Stephen Moss, honors
Tobias Jamal Newell
Stanley Gerard Nicholson
Michael Jonas Page
Sherell Dominique Page
Dominique Isiah Paige
Kala Sabrina Perkins
Dominique Archelles Pettis
Isaiah Jamal Pierce
Rebecca Diane Pittman, valedictorian, highest honors
Jeremy Jermaine Plummer
Kylan Armani Pollard
Jalessa Lashae Porter
La'Darious Dimond Portis
Roger Lytle Powell, historian, highest honors
Cadarius Vantrell Price, honors
Quantayla LaQua Quinn
Keeba Keara Robinson
Tremaine James Robinson
Mallory Chyneese Rodgers
Joshua Patrick Seabrook, highest honors
Sarahi Yossiri Antonio Silva
Johnny Ray Smith
Darius Bernard Sullivan
Myeisha DeShante Sullivan
Curtis Ray Taylor
Emma Katherine Thomas
Daphne Renee Thornton
Brianna Lashay Antionette Tillery
Shameiko Anquinque Triplett
William Akeem Triplett
Brittany Marie Trotter, highest honors
Robert Wesley Valentine
Robert Everett Veasley
Chiquillia D'Munshae Hearn Walker
Mary Annquinett Walker
Jontay Janay Wallace
Jasmine Nicollette Lachelle Watson
Dyamond Ashlyegh White
Rashunda Nicole White
Edgar Charles Jordan Williams, Jr.
Tahara Monque Williams
Michael Carson Wilson, III
Shundrea Sade Windham, honors
Miya Shantrease Vonshea Woodard, honors |
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| 4/21/09 |
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Laurel High student signs with Belhaven |
Monday morning, Laurel High School senior Brett Moss signed a baseball scholarship with Belhaven College. On hand to witness the signing were his parents Mary Beth Moss and Jeff Moss and Laurel High School head baseball coach Luke Leggett and assistant coach Ronnie Cochran. |
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| 4/21/09 |
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LHS to honor AEE Student Ambassadors |
To show appreciation, Laurel High School will honor the AEE Student Ambassadors with an end of the year luncheon on May 5. Each year, the Association for Excellence in Education encourages local businesses to adopt a specific school in efforts to improve the quality of education for all students. The 2008-2009 AEE Students Ambassadors for Laurel High School are Masonite, Oilfield Service and Supply Co., Regions Bank, Sanderson Farms and Western Sizzlin. |
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| 11/04/08 |
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BCT holds annual banquet |
Laurel High School business and computer technology department held their annual etiquette business banquet Tuesday, Oct.28 at Jones County Junior College. The business and computer technology II scholars Robert Veasley, Ralph Horne, Riviera Nixon, Ashley Evans, Brianna Tillery, and Wesley McCurdy were in charge of the banquet. BCT II scholars were in charge of designing the invitations, the program, name tags, and speaking at the banquet. The scholars used the banquet to practice on their etiquette and business communication skills. The BCT II scholars invited their craft committee members, Laurel administration, and parents. The craft members present were Dr. Cheryl Dale, Dean of college of business at William Carey University, Dr. Samuel Jones, Dean of Student Affairs at JCJC, Councilwoman Willie Evans of Laurel, and Dr. Stephen Bushardt, Professor of Management at Spring Hill College. Laurel High School Principal MD Cameron, Assistant Superintendent Curriculum Dr. Maggie Griffin and LHS Vocational Director Becky Sanders also attended the event. The guest speaker for the evening was Dr. Stephen Bushardt, Professor of Management at Spring Hill College. |
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| 10/08/08 |
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LHS Homecoming Court |
Laurel High School is pleased to announce the 2008 Homecoming Court.
Kayla Lyles, senior maid; Rhonda Jones, junior maid; Jazz Carmichael, homecoming queen; Jada Jones, freshman maid and Myha Amos, sophomore maid. |
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| 10/08/08 |
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Dr. Jones visits BCT Scholars |
Laurel High School Business Computer and Technology Scholars had a visit by one of their BCT Advisory Commitee members, Dr. Samuel Jones, Dean of Student Affairs at JCJC. Dr. Jones presented a presentation on tips for leadership and shared personal experiences on how to succeed. Dr. Jones encouraged the scholars to enhance their education and to strive to be the best they can be. Dr. Jones also educated the scholars about what JCJC has to offer them. Devon Sellers is the teacher for BCT.
Picture: Erik Thread, Devonite Dixon, Norayoka Ramsey, Dealvia Ducksworth, Courtney Taylar, Ashley Lastrapes, Dr. Samuel Jones, Eric Walton, Anthony McGilberry, Darien Bester, Michael Keys, Quyana Martin, and Deontri Windham |
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| 10/08/08 |
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LHS Homecoming Sweethearts |
Laurel High School is proud to announce the homecoming sweethearts for 2008.
Seniors
Laura Bankston
Kayla Booth
Tasha Gates
Adonnis Breland
Breanna Breland
Jazz Carmichael
Teesla Carmichael
Tinika Cooley
Rebekah Cox
Ebony Dixon
Kayla Lyles
Alexandria Mackay
Yamesa McCurtis
Kala Perkins
Keeba Robinson
Mallory Rodgers
Shundrea Windham
Raven Wolverton
Juniors
Tanya Amos
Tyler Armond
Katorie Brown
Breanna Evans
Delta Evans
Vernecia Heidelberg
Rhonda Jones
Alyse McGee
Asten Musgrove
Sophomores
Myah Amos
La'cherma Arrington
Raven Everett
Lesley Mosley
Brittany Stevenson
Denise Thigpen
Freshmen
Alexandraia Cook
Jada Jones |
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| 10/08/08 |
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BCT II scholars create company |
Laurel High School Business and Compuer Technology II scholars presented their entrepreneurship cereal companies members of the BCT advisory committee. Scholars were asked to create a cereal company and present the information in a PowerPoint Presentation to see whose company would sell in stores while practicing on their communication and computer skills. Front row: Willie Evans, Laurel Councilwoman; Porsha Evans; Teresa Robertson, JCJC Instructor; Chris Stockman, Farm Bureau agent; Dr. Sam Jones, Dean of Student Affairs at JCJC. Back Row: Robert Veasley, Ashley Evans, and Elenora Jackson. Devon Sellers is the BCT teacher. |
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| 10/08/08 |
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BCT Scholars visit Signs First |
Laurel High School Business and Computer Technology II and Marketing II scholars recently toured Signs First in Hattiesburg.
The scholars learned about what it takes to operate a business and they received an inside look at the graphics design profession.
Picture left to right: Anthony McCarty, Wesley McCurty, Jyville Husband, Rebecca Cox, Robert Veasley, Bryan Saffell; owner of Signs First, Shaniquea Bolton, Raphael Horne, Brianna Tillery, Tinika Cooley, Chavez Beavers, Riviera Nixon, Elenora Jackson, and Ashley Evans.
Devon Sellers is the Business and Computer Technology teacher. Zandra Marks is the Marketing teacher. |
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| 10/08/08 |
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LHS students win at tournament |
On Sept. 20, 22 LHS Students attended the Oak Grove Forensics Tournament. Students making semi-finals were Josh Agee, Claire Brewer and Gabrielle McCarthy. LHS winners were Daryl McKinis who won fifth place in declamation and Rebbeca Pittman who won second place in storytelling. |
|
| 9/16/08 |
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Tornado novice forensics team brings home wins |
The Laurel High School Novice Speech Team attended their first tournament Saturday, Sept. 6, at Laurel Christian School. The 17 novice team members attended and competed against over 150 other competitors with four LHS students making finals. Laurel’s winners were: April Ulmer, seventh in prose; Ben Willis, sixth in declamation; Daryl McKinnis, fourth in declamation and Dustin Adcock, third in poetry. |
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| 8/27/08 |
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Gospel Choir concert scheduled |
The Laurel High School and Jones Middle School gospel choirs will host a concert at the Laurel High School Auditorium on Monday, September 8 beginning at 7 p.m. There will be no cost for admission. |
|
| 6/05/08 |
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Kevin Stanislaus |
Kevin Stanislaus came to teaching late in life, but he had one of the strongest impacts upon students and faculty alike that any teacher in the history of Laurel High School has had. As the sole US History teacher at Laurel High School, almost every student was guaranteed to have him at some point in time or another. Even the students he did not teach were well acquainted with him as he made an effort to reach out to any and every student he could. As a US History teacher and an AP US History teacher, his state test scores were always phenomenal. Even when he was suffering the most, he fought to come to school every day he could. Instead of worrying about himself, he put the futures of his students ahead of his own. When doctors told him to stay at home and rest, he pushed himself to return to school to ensure that his students were adequately prepared for the state test.
Kevin Stanislaus dedicated his life to improving the lives of those around him. As sponsor of the LHS Key Club, Stanislaus instilled virtues in several young men and women and encouraged them to give back to their community. He spent countless hours volunteering at the Salvation Army, but he did not brag about his work. The satisfaction from knowing he had helped improve someone else's life was enough to leave him feeling rewarded. He never gave credit for monetary donations. He believed that money and teddy bears were no substitute for physical interaction.
In addition to leaving an impression upon students, Stanislaus left a lasting impression on the faculty. Stanislaus became one of the only teachers in LHS history to be banned from the intercom and from answering the telephone for his antics. He was a rebel with nothing more than a desire to have fun and teach. His love of his students and his love of Laurel High School has been an inspiration to so many members of the faculty including Devon Sellers, Coach Luke Leggett, and Dawn Ishee.
The things that Stanislaus will be most remembered for are not common things. He was not a common man; he was an extraordinary man. He was selfless, caring, dedicated, and most importantly, he was a man with an amazing sense of humor. On several memos to the faculty and in several of his classes, he would tell jokes, some more appropriate than others. From having Spongebob Squarepants hanging from his ceiling to having Bugs Bunny hanging from the necks of students, Stanislaus was always full of surprises. When one of his many Spongebob's went missing, he posted several "Missing" flyers and offered a reward for its safe return. There was never a dull moment with Stanislaus.
Regardless as to whether one knew Kevin Baker Stanislaus as a teacher or employee, coworker or just acquaintance, Stanislaus left an impression on everyone he encountered. His life is one that by his own request should never be mourned but instead ought to be celebrated. He did what he loved, and he loved what he did. In his passing, everyone can look back and find something he gave that each person can take with him or her through life. He was more than just another teacher; he was a role model, an inspiration, and now a legend immortalized in the thoughts and prayers of all those who had the pleasure to know or hear about him.
- Carl McInnis |
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| 5/27/08 |
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Laurel seniors graduate |
Thursday night, 139 Laurel seniors walked between the bricks for the last time as high school students. Collectively, the class of 2008 received over $1.2 million in college scholarship, and countless accolades. The class of 2008 includes 58 Mississippi Scholars, one Advanced Placement Scholar, one National Achievement Finalist, a Wendy’s Mississippi High School Heisman recipient, and many other award recipients.
“I became really close to this class when they were in the ninth grade,” said Principal Carolyn Stone, who will retire at the end of this school year. “They entered Laurel High School with a lot of energy and enthusiasm, and they lead the school to academic and athletic achievement.”
“They’ve earned over $1 million in scholarships, and they’ve excelled in the arts, athletics and academics,” she continued. “As a testament to their leadership, 15 received leadership awards and 11 were placed in the hall of fame.”
In Laurel tradition, the leadership award recipients and hall of fame are announced for the first time during graduation. Thursday night J.P. Asmar, Sam Sanderson, Porsche Moultrie, Mary Beth Weber, Stevens Bateman, Alexa Owens, Kendrick Kennedy, Sasha Carpenter, Lindsey Robinson, Chris Hillard, Courtney Agee, Jillian McNeese, Taylor Booker, Clifton Pollock and Deantrae McInnis received the prestigious leadership award, and Shaman McGowan, Brett Perry, Carl McInnis, Jr., Tarriq Kanan, Sierra Byrd, Lindsey Smith, Jeremy Purdum, Akeem Davis, Hannah Burson, Tyson Attaway and Hunter Wyrick were placed in the Laurel High School Hall of Fame.
“These students made a four-year contribution to the school that the faculty and staff believe were significant and lasting,” Stone said. “These students exhibit the best in leadership and scholarship. They are leaving the school better than they found it, and I believe they will return and invest in the Tornado tradition from now on.”
Over the past four years, the class of 2008 has encountered many challenges. Stone said that Hurricane Katrina and the loss of four faculty members to death were significant events that brought the students together.
“Helping these students deal with that, and them helping me, have made us a lot more like family,” Stone said. “I love this class. I love their humor, their pranks, their intelligence, their sense of fairness and their generosity. We are going out together, but I know we will always be bound by our experiences at Laurel High School.” |
|
| 5/20/08 |
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Class of 2008 |
Keyanna Monique Abney
Courtney Agee
Allison Arnold
John Phillip Martin Asmar
Tyson Attaway
Jessica Barnes
Stevens Bateman
Joanie Beamon
Ricky Beck
Lamelvin Bell
Macassa Bolton
Catherine Taylor Booker
William Bradford
Russell Breland
Jeremy Brown
Constance Bunch
Hannah Burson
Jarvis Byrd
Sierra Byrd
Sasha Carpenter
David Carter
Christopher Chapman
Brandon Clinton
Lakisha Cooper
Lindsey Crowe
Chanin Dace
Cornelius Dantzler
Courtney Darby
Corinthian Akeem Davis
Jasmine Davis
Nash Evans
Tortoro Evans
Brandon Everett
Tyneshia Fair
Bruce Fairley
Genesis Figgers
Corey France
Mary Gaines
Taniyah Gaines
Tina Gammage
Janorris Gandy
Kyzza Garcia
Ashley Glenn
LaShunda Glenn
Alex Gowan
Ledirick Grady
Micah Green
Jasmine Gressett
Raquel Hardy
Johnnie Harris
Laken Henderson
Christopher Hilliard
Kalissa Hinton
Victor Holder
Amber Husband
Anthony Jackson
Lanesha Jackson
Jamie Jefferson
Sahara Jefferson
Justin Johnson
Jasmine Jones
Kevin Jones
Kimyatta Jones
Lexis Jones
Tamara Jordan
Tarriq Kanan
Kendrick Kennedy
Tabitha Keyes
Matthew Keys
Paul Keys
Gabrielle Kirk
Brad Kirkham
Oceana Landon
Lakisha Larken
Darrell Leopold
Brandon Lewis
Jessica Lewis
Stephon Lindsey
Malcolm Lyles
Rodriquas Macon
Demetric Martin
Robbie Mayer
Carl McCarty
Darrell McGilberry
Markice McGilberry
Ashley McGill
Katrisha McGill
Shaman McGowen
Carl McInnis
Deantrae McInnis
Jillian McNeese
Jamari Miller
Terry Moffett
Virginia Mosely
Porsche Moultrie
Teandra Nelson
Savanna Newell
Jaqua Nicholson
Steven Nixon
Latifah Nobles
Alexa Owens
Rufus Owens
Drake Paige
Brett Perry
Luke Pevey
Christopher Pickens
Bryant Pierce
Rafael Pollard
Clifton Pollock
Gregory Pollock
Tellish Pollock
Kadeem Pruitt
Shardae Pulliam
Jeremy Purdum
Nicholas Quinn
Margarita Rivera
Lindsey Robinson
Demarcus Sanders
Samuel Sanderson
Justin Semmons
Erica Shamburger
Willie Simmons
Daniel I. Smith
Lindsey Smith
Samantha Smith
Cameron Spencer
Tina Taylor
Secily Thomas
Carla Trotter
Charlie Turner
Kenyatta Turner
Joey Vascocu
Lashonda Vaughan
Zinora Walton
Mary Beth Weber
Kimberly Williams
Randi Williams
Lacoya Windham
Tenisha Woodard
Hunter Wyrick |
|
| 5/16/08 |
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Gospel Choir wins first place |
The Laurel High School High Select Gospel Choir participated in the Smoky Mountain Music Festival in Gatlinburg, TN on May 9, 2008. This competition was open to all who accept invitations from around the nation. Schools from Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, Florida, Georgia, and of course Mississippi were represented. The LHS Select Gospel Choir placed first in the 2A SATB Concert Choir Category and their scores were the fifth highest among all schools represented. Not only were the students exceptional in their singing ability but they were also commended for their impeccable discipline and behavior. The following students are members of the LHS Select Gospel Choir:
Adrienne White, Akeem Davis, Alexandria Mackay, Alondria Hampton, Amber Husband, Ashley Williams, Bereshith Clayton, Brad Kirkham, Camisha Knighton, Cean Collins, Chris Hilliard, Courtney Agee, DeMarcus Sanders, Gary McCullum, Haley Richardson, Johnnie Harris, Juan Turner, Kaneshia Wheeler, Kykendal Marsh, Matthew Moore, Miya Woodard, Rebekah Cox, Sasha Carpenter, Shaman McGowen, Shardae Pulliam, Shontwonza Brown, Sierra Byrd, Tahara Williams, Tamana Collins, Terry Moffett, Torrence Jones and Tyneshia Fair. |
|
| 3/05/08 |
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FBLA students place first |
Laurel High School Future Business Leaders of America scholars competed at JCJC at the district level competition. Cashmia Knighton placed first in Word Processing I and Carl McInnis placed first in Impromptu Speaking. These scholars will compete at the state level in Jackson, Miss. The LHS FBLA advisor is Devon Sellers |
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| 2/26/08 |
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LHS to hold AEE School Adopter appreciation luncheon |
To show appreciation, Laurel High School will honor the AEE School Adopters with an end of the year luncheon on April 23, 2008. Each year, the Association for Excellence in Education encourages local businesses to adopt a specific school in efforts to improve the quality of education for all students. The 2007-08 AEE school adopters for Laurel High School are Masonite, Oilfield Service and Supply Co., Regions Bank, Sanderson Farms, and Western Sizzlin. |
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| 2/01/08 |
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McInnis receives honor |
When Laurel High School student Carl McInnis was in third grade at Nora Davis Magnet School, he participated in a mock trial where he played the role of a prosecutor. Now, the high-school senior has plans to become an attorney. When McInnis realized his dream, he put forth extra effort to achieve high academic standings, and for those high standings he was recently named a National Achievement Scholarship Program Finalist.
According to the program’s website, the scholarship program recognizes about 1,300 students across the nation as finalist, and from those finalists, 800 students will be chosen as scholarship designees, receiving $2,500 or a corporate-sponsored Achievement Scholarship.
“Receiving the honor of being named a finalist means the world to me,” McInnis said. “Not only are my accomplishments being recognized here, they are being recognized on a larger scale, and it is nice to be recognized for my hard work.”
Throughout his high-school career, McInnis has been heavily involved in many aspects of student life. Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America, Key Club, Forensics, Mu Alpha Theta, Teenage Republicans and Drama are just a few of the many organizations and departments McInnis has participated in.
“Carl has done quite well as a debater at Laurel High School,” said Principal Carolyn Stone. “Speech and debate has really showcased his intellectual and organizational abilities, which will highly benefit his future law career.”
“He has been an involved student, serving as Key Club president and organizing several special events,” she continued. “I feel that he will do very well on the college level. He has certainly been a credit to us at Laurel High School. He thinks outside the box, and is an excellent problem solver.”
McInnis said that when some seniors were anticipating an easy course load their final year, he planned for just the opposite. McInnis enrolled at Jones County Junior College where he has taken Western civilization, general psychology and college algebra, all while taking advanced placement courses at Laurel High.
“The Laurel School District encourages students to take chances, and not hang out at the middle level academically. Teachers and principals push us to reach the next level. I am very confident that I am prepared for college, and the teachers are a large influence in that.”
McInnis plans to attend Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana, where he will study rhetoric, political science, English and pre-law. |
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| 1/29/08 |
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Stone named President of AEE Board of Directors |
The Association for Excellence in Education Board of Directors recently held a meeting at Laurel High School where LHS Principal Carolyn Stone was named the new board president. The Laurel High School Gospel Choir performed and refreshments were served in the Tavern. Pictured is the AEE Board of Directors: Stacey Thompson, AEE administrative assistant; Katie Collins, AEE executive director; James ‘Bud’ McNeese, Trustmark Bank; Sid Tucker, Miss. Power Company; Willie Meador, Coca Cola Company; Carolyn Stone, LHS Principal; Mike Myrick, Miss. Power Company and Will Easterling, Regions Bank. Also pictured: Laurel High School Gospel Choir Director Leander Bridges and LHS student Bereshith Clayton who served as the pianist. |
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| 1/25/08 |
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Weber signs with MCC |
Laurel High School senior Mary Beth Weber accepted a soccer scholarship from Meridian Community College on Friday. Weber, who plays forward for the Golden Tornadoes, is a member of the Principal’s Leadership Team, Interact, and is an honor student. Pictured (front, from left): Michael Weber, Mary Beth Weber and Jennifer Weber; (back, from left) LHS Soccer Coach Rick Sager, MCC Soccer Coach Alex George and LHS Coach Julio Martinez. |
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| 1/17/08 |
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Wabash College track coach visits Laurel High |
The highly awarded Wabash College Head Track and Field Coach Rob Johnson recently visited with outstanding students with a 3.0 grade point average or higher at Laurel High School. The liberal arts college for men recruits only the best and brightest students, and has recruited numerous Laurel High School graduates over the years. Johnson, who served as an assistant coach at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, encouraged the group of students to always think positive and be their own cheerleaders. “You can always be better,” Johnson said during his highly energetic motivational speech. Johnson also encouraged the students to be proactive in pursuing college goals. |
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| 1/11/08 |
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LHS shows support for teacher |
A candlelight vigil was held Friday night at R.H. Watkins Stadium in honor of Laurel High School teacher Kevin Stanislaus who is currently in a tough fight against cancer. The vigil was held as a show of support for Stanislaus and his family. Stanislaus has been a teacher at LHS since 2000, and has made a tremendous impact on the lives of students, faculty and the community through his dedication to education and his unrelenting fight for life. |
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| 1/08/08 |
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Musician teaches math and science through the arts |
Richard Graham has been a teaching artist for the Mississippi Arts Commission for nine years, and recently visited with students at Laurel High School. Graham focused on the exploration of music and math using African music as a model. Graham, who specializes in multicultural music and arts education, also discussed the science of sound by using a variety of instruments to demonstrate how sound travels. Graham’s two-day visit to the high school was in conjunction with the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Whole Schools Initiative that focuses on integrating arts into the regular classroom setting. |
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| 12/13/07 |
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Golden Tornadoes complete impressive run to title |
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Whirlwind trip
Golden Tornadoes complete impressive run to title (From Clarionledger.com)
They caught the state's attention by beating the kings of Class 4A football in the fifth week of the season. They followed up that monumental victory by winning the state's toughest region and notching playoff victories over two of the state's hottest teams.
With one last chance to make a statement Saturday night, the Laurel Golden Tornadoes left no doubt they rank with any team outside of Batesville for 2007.
Akeem Davis threw a pair of touchdown passes and Kendrick Kennedy ran for 186 yards and another score as seventh-ranked Laurel beat Noxubee County 19-16 for the 4A state championship at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The victory before an estimated 9,000 gave the Tornadoes (14-1) their first title since 1990 and the first for football-mad Jones County since Northeast Jones won 4A in 1996. That qualifies as impressive stuff for a team that was nowhere to be found when The Clarion-Ledger preseason Super 10 rankings were published in August.
"We stayed overlooked," Davis said. "No doubt we had played in the shadows, but it's fun being on top. Now maybe everybody will respect Jones County - and Laurel in particular."
After Laurel won at Wayne County 31-28 on Sept. 28 in a key Region 5-4A game (a result that helped keep the defending 4A champions out of the playoffs), it was clear the Tornadoes were a bigger threat than many envisioned.
"It boosted the whole city of Laurel," Kennedy said. "Everybody got behind us after that."
The Tornadoes bolted to a 7-0 lead on their first play from scrimmage. Kennedy raced 72 yards for his 15th rushing TD of the season barely 2 minutes after the opening kickoff.
Laurel missed out on a pair of golden opportunities to widen the margin, botching a field goal attempt following a first-and-goal at the Noxubee 4-yard line and getting stuffed on fourth-and-goal from the Noxubee 1.
Two big plays from junior receiver Russell Breland helped Laurel stretch the lead to 13-0.
Breland's blocked punt gave LHS first-and-10 at the Noxubee 23 with 25 seconds left until halftime. On the next snap, Breland reeled in a 23-yard touchdown pass from the cool-headed Davis.
The senior quarterback completed 6 of 13 passes for 70 yards and rushed for 84 yards.
Laurel wasted no time getting started in the third quarter, moving 71 yards via six plays and a pass interference penalty for a 19-0 cushion. Davis and Clifton Pollock hooked up on a beautifully executed fade route for a 16-yard TD pass with 10:09 left in the third.
Noxubee got on the board with a 64-yard drive capped by Demarckus Harmon's 9-yard run with 6:01 to go in the third period.
The Tigers had an opportunity to trim the lead further on their next possession, but Laurel cornerback Kenny Jenkins leaped high in the air to come up with his 12th interception of the year at the Tornado 5-yard line.
Noxubee kept the heat on, though, moving 54 yards for a touchdown when offensive guard Javarius Conner recovered a faulty center-quarterback exchange for a TD. Harmon's two-point conversion run sliced Laurel's lead to 19-16 with 6:40 remaining in the game.
The Tigers managed two more possessions. The first ended on downs at the Laurel 49, the second when Laurel's Robert Jones intercepted a Hail Mary near the Tornadoes 10 on the final play.
The unranked Tigers finished 12-3 after their first appearance in a state championship game.
"I thought we were a little scared and froze up early in the game, but our defense kept us in it," Noxubee coach M.C. Miller said. "I'm proud of the way we came back in the second half. It just wasn't enough."
If others were surprised by Laurel's championship run, third-year coach Milton Smith was not.
"My coaches thought I was crazy," Smith said. "I called one of them at 1:15 in the morning (before the season) and told him we were going to Jackson to win a state championship. He just hung up ... but I said if you can believe it, you can achieve it. I've been preaching it from Day One." |
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| 12/03/07 |
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LHS to offer Explore Test |
Laurel High School will administer the Explore Test on March 24, 2008 at the school. All interested ninth grade students should sign up with James Cannon, LHS counselor, before January 31, 2008 and all 8th grade students should contact Sandi Creel, Jones Middle School Counselor. The cost of the test is $10.00 which may be paid by check or money order.
If your child is planning to take the ACT test in his/her junior or senior year, taking the Explore Test is a great way to prepare them because it covers the same content as the ACT Test including English, Math, Reading, and Science.
For more information please call Mr. Cannon at LHS, 601-649-4145 or Ms. Creel at JMS, 601-428-5312. |
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| 11/14/07 |
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Hannah Burson receives Wendy's High School Heisman |
Laurel High School Senior Hannah Burson was recently named state winner of the 2007 Wendy’s Heisman Award. The award selection is based on outstanding achievements in athletics, academics and community involvement.
Burson, who takes advanced placement and accelerated classes, has participated in tennis, soccer and cheerleading at Laurel High, all while serving the community as a volunteer reader at Oak Park Elementary, participating for the past five years in the Very Special Arts Festival hosted by the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, and participating in Interact, a community service organization.
Burson will now compete against Wendy’s Heisman winners from across the nation for a chance to become one of 12 national finalists. |
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| 10/31/07 |
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LHS Interact elects new officers |
Interact, a girl’s community service organization sponsored by the Rotary Club, recently elected officers for the 2007-08 school year. Pictured front row (L-R) are Sierra Byrd, secretary/treasure; Alexa Owens, president and Rebecca Pittman, vice president. Pictured back row (L-R) are Lindsey Smith, historian and Rhonda Jones, sergeant-at-arms. |
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| 10/23/07 |
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LHS students participate in the arts |
Students in music theory at Laurel High School participated in a Whole Schools project that combined art, music and mathematics. The students created a colorful, musical keyboard that had to be created in specific dimensions. Paris Brown works diligently on her project. |
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| 10/18/07 |
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Students learn dangers of underage drinking |
Trauma coordinator for South Central Regional Medical Center Donna Albarado, R.N., presented a dynamic program entitled “Choices for Living” to students at Laurel High School. The program is designed to “empower teenagers with the skills to make informed decisions and engage in healthy behaviors related to safer driving.”
Noting that over 11 million teenagers under the age of 21 drink alcohol, Albarado brought to the students’ attention that after the first year of life, injury leads to more deaths among children and adolescents than all other causes combined, and that for teenagers age 15 to 24 years, fatal motor crashes are the leading cause of death.
Many factors contribute to all automobile crashes such as distractions like cell phone text messaging, changing radio stations or CDs, fatigue, speeding, weather conditions, weaving in and out of traffic, and picking up dropped objects in the car. Albarado reminded students of how important seatbelts are, and how important it is to use both the seat belt and the shoulder strap. She said that they must be used together, and when present, the air bags have to be used in conjunction with the seatbelts, not as substitutes.
“We are in a very desperate need of our young people understanding and believing the horrific consequences of underage drinking, and especially drinking and driving,” said Paula Watkins, Safe and Drug Free School coordinator for the Laurel School District. “We cannot afford to lose one single person in a DUI crash.” |
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| 10/18/07 |
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Laurel High School Elects Homecoming Court |
Laurel High School recently held elections for their 2007 Homecoming Court. Pictured on the front row from left to right are Jillian McNeese, Senior Class Maid; Tabitha Keys, Student Body Maid; Lindsey Robinson, Student Body Maid; and Kiara Keyes, Junior Class Maid. Pictured on the back row from left to right are Tyesha Wolverton, Freshman Maid; Laneshia Jackson, Football Maid; and Rhonda Jones, Sophomore Maid. |
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| 10/08/07 |
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David Hayes talks art with LHS students |
Art students at Laurel High School were introduced to David Hayes, a steel sculptor whose works are currently on display at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. Hayes shared his passion and process with the students. |
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| 8/30/07 |
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LHS to host cheerleading competition |
Laurel High School will host a cheerleading competition on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the LHS gymnasium. Local squads are invited to attend the event. Information and registration packets may be picked up at the school’s office. Deadline for entry is September 14. The cost for registration is $50 per competing squad and $25 per non-competing squad. Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) rules and regulations will be enforced. For more information contact Nicki Leggett at 601-649-4145. |
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| 8/13/07 |
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LHS to host Kiddie Clinic |
The Laurel High School cheerleaders will host “Kiddie Clinic” on August 18, beginning at 8 a.m., with a performance for family and friends beginning at noon. The one-day camp is open to children ages three through the eighth grade. The cost, which includes individualized instruction, keepsake photo and popsicle, is $15 per participant. For more information contact Donna Smith or Nicki Leggett at 601-649-4145 |
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| 7/25/07 |
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Laurel High conducts student registration |
From now to the beginning of school, Laurel High School will be open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. to accommodate students needing to register for the 2007-08 school year. Every student, regardless of being previously enrolled, must register for school. This allows school officials to obtain current information. Principal Carolyn Stone said that students cannot receive a class schedule unless they have completed registration. All ninth graders will receive their schedules at freshman orientation on Monday, July 30 at 6 p.m. |
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| 6/07/07 |
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LHS students advance at national tournament |
LHS students advance at national tournament
Sixteen students represented the Laurel School District at the NCFL Grand National Speech and Debate Tournament held recently in Houston, Texas. Two of the students advanced in the competition, which was the largest NCFL tournament to date. Freshman Verneshia Heidelberg advanced as a quarterfinalist in the category of oral interpretation, while freshman Corbin McDavitt advanced as an octofinalist in the category of original oratory. Laurel High School had more students advance than any other school in the Mississippi districts.
The other students who qualified to attend this tournament were Melvin Richardson, Sierra Byrd, Carl McInnins, Sasha Carpenter, Rebecca Pittman, Zach Green, Roger Powell, Lauree Thomas, Delta Evans, Gabrielle McCarthy, Julie Mauldin, Savanah Heidelberg, Ariele Moradin and Josh Agee. This was the largest number of students to ever qualify for a national tournament from Laurel High School. The group was coached by speech teacher Anita Boyd, who recently retired with over 33 years in education. |
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| 6/05/07 |
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Top of Class |
Laurel High School
Class of 2007
Top Ten
Valedictorian Will Brumley has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors including STAR Student, National Merit Finalist, Frank G. Wisner Chemistry Award, Linday Callahan Scholar-Athlete Award, Sertoma and Exchange club student of the months and the School Leadership Award. Brumley has been a Superintendent’s Scholar and Advanced Placement Scholar with honors. Along with academics, he played soccer for five years and lettered three of those years. During his time on the team, he won the spirit award in 2004-05, most valuable defender in 2005-06 and 2006-07 and served as captain during the 2006-07 season. Brumley also received the character award for this past season. Along with soccer, he played baseball at Laurel High School for four years, while lettering two of those year. He has been involved in the Key Club, where he volunteered at the Salvation Army and served as a bell ringer. He is also a Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout. After graduation he plans to pursue a career in a medical related field. He is the son of Dr. Michael and Lizabeth Brumley. Will Brumley said, “I have had a great high school experience at Laurel. I enjoyed playing sports and having an opportunity to be challenged academically as well. The friends I have made will be my lifelong friends. I wouldn’t trade this experience for any other school around.”
Salutatorian Hannah Pittman has been an active member of the Laurel High School drama department where she has participated in a number of productions including the Wizard of Oz, Grease, Metamorphoses, A Piece of my Heart, The Crucible, Into the Woods and Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. This past year, Pittman served as the captain of the forensics team after four years of involvement. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Teens Getting Involved in the Future, Future Leaders of Jones County, Student Government and the Principal’s Leadership Team. She was selected as a Mississippi Scholar, the Exchange Club’s Laurel High School Student of the Year, All-Star Cast by the Mississippi Theater Association, Sertoma Student of the Month, and she served as a Mississippi Youth Congress delegate and was a member of the Golden Girl Dance team for four years, where she served as captain for the past two years. Pittman is also an active community volunteer. She has participated in the Interact Service Club, World Changers, Jones County Health Fair, Red Ribbon Drug Awareness Week and the Salvation Army’s holiday charities and fund-raisers. She is an active member of First Baptist Laurel’s youth group and was a semi-finalist for the Coca-Cola Scholars. Following graduation, Pittman plans to attend Mississippi State University where she will major in biochemistry. She is the daughter of Chuck and Linda Pittman. Pittman said, “Despite what some people think of Laurel High School, I have loved every part of my high school career. The Speech/Drama Department has been a huge part of my life at LHS. I have learned to think outside the box, and no longer fear public speaking. The honors and advanced placement classes offered at LHS have helped prepare me for my college education. The students, faculty, and environment are great, and I will miss them tremendously next year.”
Historian Eugene Marchand Harlow, Jr. has been a member of the Principal’s Leadership Team for three years. He is also a member of Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, the Key Club and is chairman of the Future Leaders of Jones County. He has received numerous awards such as Sertoma and Exchange Club student of the months, Leadership Award, Principal’s List and Superintendent’s List. He played soccer for five years and lettered four. While on the soccer team, he received the sportsmanship award and most improved player. He also played tennis for four years and baseball this past season. He has also served as a Salvation Army volunteer. Following graduation he plans to attend either Georgetown University or Southern Methodist University. He is the son of Gene and Jan Harlow. Eugene Marchand Harlow, Jr. said, “I would not trade my high school years for anything. They were a great four years. I received a wonderful education – a much better education than I could have received at any other school in Jones County.”
Ranking fourth in class, Jennifer Wilson has been active in a variety of clubs and organizations including Student Council, Interact Club, First Priority, Teenage Republicans, Mu Alpha Theta, Science Club, National Honor Society, Key Club and the Principal’s Leadership team. While at Laurel High School, Wilson received numerous leadership and citizenship awards. She received first place in the reading fair, science fair and in a speech tournament’s novice poetry division. She was even invited to represent Mississippi at the 2005 National Student Leadership Conference. She is also the recipient of both the Sertoma and Exchange Club student of the months. Wilson was nominated for the Wendy’s High school Heisman, and the Lindy Callahan Scholar-Athlete Award. She is a four year letterman in track where she received numerous ribbons. She is a two year letterman in soccer where she received All-District Honorable Mention for the forward position. The past year, Wilson served as captain of the varsity cheerleading squad. Following graduation she plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi. She is the daughter of Michael and Mary Wilson. Wilson said, “I have definitely learned a lot about life, and I know I can take the things I have learned here at Laurel High School and apply it to everything I do. Although high school is almost over, I have lots of memories that I will cherish. I also know that Laurel High School has prepared me for the college experience.”
Ranking fifth in class, Steven Howard has been an active member of the Principal’s Leadership Team, Key Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Student Government, National Honor Society, the Drama Department and Future Leaders of Jones County. Howard has received numerous awards including the Leadership Award, Sertoma and Exchange Club student of the months and was on the Principal’s List for academics. Along with academics, Howard participated in soccer for five years and lettered four, tennis for two years and lettered one and was a one year letterman in golf. Howard has served with several mission organizations such as World Changers and Cast Off. After graduation, he plans on attending Mississippi State University to pursue a degree in electrical engineering. He is the son of Steve and Pam Howard. Howard said, “My experience at Laurel High School has been exhilarating and very fulfilling academically. The education I’ve received here has set the foundation I need to meet all of my short-term and long-term goals. There is not another school in this area that can offer you the level of education LHS can.”
Ranking sixth in class, Luressie Jones has been a member of the Student Council for four years, the Principal’s Leadership Team for three years and Teens Getting Involved for the Future for two years and the Key Club for four years. She has also been active in the Laurel High School Drama Department this past year. Jones received the Leadership Award, Citizenship Award, Outstanding Service Award and TGIF Outstanding in the Classroom. She also played softball for two years and has been an active community volunteer, serving with the Salvation Army, participating in Earth Day and assisting with Magnolia Fest, which raised over $5,000 for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Following graduation Jones plans to attend Mississippi State University and majoring in pre-medicine and biology. She is the daughter of Thomas Jones, Sr. and Patricia Cooley.
Ranking seventh in class, Anastasia Heidelberg has been a member of the Laurel High School gospel choir, marching band, Future Business Leaders of American, Speech and Debate Team, the Drama Department and the Principal’s Leadership Team. Her awards include Laurel High Schools 2006 Most Beautiful, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Award, House of Representatives Award, and she qualified for the national speech and debate tournament. She is a member of Providence Missionary Baptist Church where she sings in the choir. In her spare time, she volunteers at the Christian Food Mission. After graduation she plans to attend Jones County Junior College. Following JCJC, she will pursue a degree in theater and music. She is the granddaughter of Dan and Mattie Heidelberg. Anastasia Heidelberg said, “I’m very thankful for teachers who have done a lot for me. It was the Laurel High School Fine Arts Department that helped me develop my talent.”
Ranking eighth in class, Katie Patterson has been a member of the Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Interact, Student Council, Concert Choir, Show Choir and Mu Alpha Theta. She has been named Who’s Who Among American High School Students, a Mississippi Scholar and was voted most likely to succeed in the 11th grade. She is a member of the cheerleading squad and the First United Methodist Church Laurel where she is a member of the praise team and the youth praise band. After graduation she plans to attend Mississippi State University where she will pursue a degree in music education. She is the daughter of Dr. Donald and Terri Patterson. Katie Patterson said, “High school has helped shape me as the individual I am today – one that is not afraid to stand up for what I believe in. It has also well prepared me for college and life after college. It has taught me not only to study and to be a good student, but has helped me develop my morals and values.”
Ranking ninth in class, Haley Selman was a member of the quiz bowl team, Student Council, Interact, Science Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Teenage Republicans and First Priority. She has received many recognitions such as Superintendent’s Scholar, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, was invited to attend the Congressional Student Leadership Conference and the Hearin Senior Leadership Conference. While participating in soccer, Selman received All-District 4-4A Soccer Team Honors, was captain of the soccer team and the Golden Girl Dance Team and was a Laurel High School Baseball Diamond Darling. She was a member of the Future Leaders of Jones County class of 2006, was an American Legion Girls’ State Representative and volunteered with the Red Cross following Hurricane Katrina. She is a member of First Baptist Church Laurel and served with the World Changers Christian service organization. Following graduation, she plans to attend Jones County Junior College before attending a university. She is considering a career in the medical field. She is the daughter of Scott and Tamara Selman. Haley Selman said, “The past three years were the best I could possibly hope for at Laurel High School. The learning experience was great and the teachers were unforgettable, especially Mr. (Kevin) Stainislaus and Mrs. (Beckie) Thrash.”
Ranking tenth in class, Turan Evans has served on the Principal’s Leadership Team, National Art Honor Society, Key Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Teens Getting Involved for the Future, Student Council and was selected as the student body vice president. He also served as vice president of the Future Business Leaders of America, vice president of Distributive Educational Clubs of America. His awards and honors included the Coca-Cola Achievement award for academics, Zeta Phi Beta’s Outstanding Minority Award, citizenship and leadership awards and was presented the academic achievement award from the state of Mississippi’s House of Representatives by Omeria Scott. Evans participated in track for five years and lettered four. He was the 2006 district champion in the 3200 meter run and the 800 meter run, placed second in the regional and state track meets and participated in the 2006 Mississippi High School Athletic Association’s track championship. Evans was selected to compete in the USA Junior National Basketball Championship. After graduation, he plans to attend Jones County Junior College then Mississippi State University where he will major in graphic design. He is the son of Rev. Marvin and Evelyn Evans. |
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| 6/05/07 |
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Laurel High School says goodbye to retirees |
Laurel High School says goodbye to retirees
On May 22, Laurel High School hosted a retirement reception for two teachers who left a lasting impact on those students who passed through their classroom doors. Virginia Bond and Anita Boyd were presented gifts, hugs and kind words on their last day as teachers at the high school
Virginia Bond began her teaching career at Jones Jr. High in 1971. After leaving for a short time, she returned in 1987 and taught English at Jones until 1998. Since that time, she has been teaching English at Laurel High School. While at LHS, she was a three-time recipient of the STAR Teacher award, and was recently named the Laurel High School 2007 Teacher of the Year. Bond has been in education over 26 years.
Anita Boyd has been employed with the Laurel School District since August of 1974. She began her career as an English teacher at Jones Jr. High, and then moved to Laurel High School in 1983. While at Laurel High School, she taught speech, drama and English. During this time she also served as forensics sponsor, newspaper sponsor and annual sponsor. She has received numerous awards including Triple Diamond National Forensic League honors and was coach of a national champion. She was named a 1985 Association for Excellence in Education Teacher of the Year, 2006 District Teacher of the Year, 2004 Mississippi Hall of Master Teacher finalist, 1997 and 2001 Mississippi Speech Teacher of the Year and 2002 Southeastern Speech Teacher of the Year. As the forensic coach at LHS, Boyd has had numerous students qualify for national tournaments. She has been in education for over 33 years.
Photo: Anita Boyd, Laurel High School Principal Carolyn Stone and Virginia Bond |
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| 5/16/07 |
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Camp of Champions scheduled |
Laurel High School’s 5th Annual Camp of Champions scheduled
Laurel High School’s 5th Annual Camp of Champions will be held June 13-14 at the Laurel High School Gymnasium. The girls’ camp will be on the 13th and the boys will be on the 14th. The cost per camper is $20. Registration forms may be picked up in the office of each Laurel School District elementary school as well as LHS. The camp is for children in grades 3-6. Each camper will receive a T-shirt and a sports sack-pack. With questions please call Coach Ryakko Earnest at 649-4145 or Roslyn Haskin at 428-5312. This year the camps will be sponsored by Howard Industries, Big Buck Sports, and Coca-Cola of Laurel. |
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| 5/16/07 |
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Lady Tornadoes host basketball event |
The Laurel High School Lady Tornadoes basketball team hosted a faculty vs. student basketball game Tuesday afternoon in the school’s gymnasium. The LHS faculty left victorious with a 25-23 win over the students. Josh Garrett, assistant baseball coach, prepares to make a shot. |
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| 5/14/07 |
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Retirement reception scheduled |
Laurel High School will host a retirement reception in the foyer of the school on Tuesday, May 22 for Virginia Bond and Anita Boyd. Both teachers will be retiring following the current school year. The reception will be from 3-6 p.m. |
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| 5/08/07 |
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Mackay accepts scholarship |
LHS student accepts scholarship
Laurel High School senior Adrienna Mackay recently signed a basketball scholarship with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The high school standout was voted Most Valuable Player and was selected All-District both her junior and senior years. She was also nominated as a District 5-4A Most Valuable Player. During the 2006-07 season she averaged 16.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2 assists per game. Seated left to right is LHS Coach Ryakko Earnest, Adrienna Mackay, Gulf Coast Community College Coach Melanie Stone and standing left to right is Adrienna Mackay’s family Patrice Mackay, Lula Bounds and Vickie Mackay. |
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| 4/30/07 |
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Laurel High announces STAR Student, Teacher |
Laurel High announces STAR Student, Teacher
Laurel High School senior Will Brumley will soon walk across a stage to receive his diploma knowing that he has made the most of his high school years. Throughout his senior year, Brumley has been recognized for his outstanding educational achievements and his dedication to academic and athletic success.
Will Brumley was named STAR Student at LHS because of his score of 33 on the ACT. With the honor of being named STAR Student, Brumley was allowed to choose a teacher who had contributed to his academic success, and for Brumley, that teacher was Keith Rushing. Rushing is in his fifth year at LHS as an advanced placement calculus, physics and algebra teacher.
“To me being chosen for an honor like this by a student is the best, because that is who I am here to reach, and when I’ve done that, it makes me proud,” Rushing said.
Brumley said that being in Rushing’s classes is fun and exciting.
“He (Rushing) is very personal. He works one on one with students in answering questions,” Brumley said. “I think he is a good teacher and deserves this honor.”
Rushing was just as impressed with Brumley, and his eagerness to learn.
“Will is really sharp. He is one of the best students I have had,” Rushing said. “You don’t find many students who are interested in calculus and physics.”
Along with being named STAR Student, Brumley was selected as a 2007 National Merit Finalist. He was chosen as a finalist because of his excellent grade point average, his outstanding SAT score and his involvement in leadership and community activities.
Brumley was also selected as a District 5 recipient of the Lindy Callahan Scholar-Athlete award. The award, given by the Mississippi High School Activities Association, was presented based on his dedication to soccer and baseball while still maintaining his first in class rank.
Through his tenure at Laurel High School, Brumley has received countless awards and honors such as being named a Superintendent’s Scholar and receiving the School Leadership Award, Sertoma student of the month, Exchange Club student of the month and Frank G. Wisner Chemistry Award. After graduation, Brumley plans to pursue a career in a medical related field.
Will Brumley is the son of Michael and Lizabeth Brumley, and has two siblings, Brandon, 20, and Bonnie, 15.
Photo: Laurel High School’s STAR Student Will Brumley and STAR Teacher Keith Rushing. |
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| 4/27/07 |
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Laurel’s track teams bound for South State |
Laurel’s track teams bound for South State
The Laurel High School track teams have led and impressive season thus far, with both the girls’ and boys’ teams placing first overall in the District 5-4A meet. Both teams will compete in the South State meet Saturday in Gulfport.
Laurel’s district winners for the boys’ track team were Turan Evans (1st) in the 3200 meter; Justin Semmons (2nd) in the 3200 meter; William Veasley (1st) in shot put; Keyord Rogers (2nd) in shot put and (3rd) in discus; Gary Hampton (1st) in the high jump; Scottie Milsap (2nd) in the high jump and (2nd) in the 400 meter dash; Johnathon McCurtis (1st) in discus; Akeem Davis (1st) in the triple jump; Len Armstrong (2nd) in the triple jump and (1st) in the 110 hurdles; Clifton Pollock (1st) in the 100 meter dash and (1st) in the 200 meter run; Demareay McDonald (1st) in the 400 meter dash; Michael Page (1st) in the 1600 meter run and (1st) in the 800 meter run; Turan Evens (2nd) in the 1600 meter run and (2nd) in the 800 meter run; Robert Jones (3rd) in the 300 meter hurdles; and Thomas Gosha (3rd) in the 200 meter run.
The boys’ team also placed first in the 4x200 relay, 4x100 relay and 4x400 relay.
Laurel’s district winners for the girls’ track team were Rhonda Jones (3rd) in the 3200 meter; Amber Husband (2nd) in discus; Yamesa McCurtis (2nd) in shot put; Adrienna MacKay (3rd) in the high jump; Jakendal Arrington (2nd) in the long jump; Joanie Beamon (3rd) in the triple jump and (2nd) in the 300 meter hurdles; Porsche Moultrie (2nd) in the 100 meter dash and (3rd) in the 200 meter run; and Elenora Jackson (2nd) in the 400 meter dash.
The girls’ team also placed first in the 4x200 relay and 4x400 relay and third in the 4x100 relay.
Photo:
Pictured are (front row) Akeem Davis, Thomas Gosha, Len Armstrong, William Veasley, Clifton Pollock, Gary Hampton, Scottie Milsap, Demareay McDonald, Johnathon McCurtis, Josh Bolton, Michael Page, Justin Semmons and Jarvis Byrd.
Photo:
Pictured are (front row) Joanie Beamon and Adrienne MacKay, (middle row) Jakendal Arrington, Quantayla Quinn, Krysten McCullum, Porsche Moultrie, Jasmine Jones, (back row) Marteesa Rogers, Marchell Keys, Kaya Durr, Rhonda Jones, Jasmisha Knighton, Robyn Gant, Elenora Jackson, Amber Husband, Mary Walker and Leslie Mosely. |
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| 4/26/07 |
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LHS student accepts scholarship |
LHS student accepts scholarship
Laurel High School senior Joshua Bolton (front right) accepted a scholarship from Wabash College on Thursday. The academic scholarship, totaling nearly $35,000 per year, was presented by Lee Cline (front left), a representative of the college, which is located in Indianapolis. Bolton’s mother Denise Bolton and Milton Smith, LHS assistant athletic director and head football coach were on hand to congratulate Joshua Bolton on his accomplishment. Bolton plans to participate in football and track at Wabash College. |
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| 4/25/07 |
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LHS students give to others |
LHS students give to others
Students in the Laurel High School Interact Club stuffed Easter baskets with lots of goodies for the Laurel Housing Authority to distribute to local children. LHS senior Hannah Pittman (left) and juniors Alexa Owens, Sasha Carpenter and Lindsey Smith fill a few baskets with prizes. |
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| 4/23/07 |
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Laurel High honors AEE adopters and Principal’s Scholars |
Laurel High honors AEE adopters and Principal’s Scholars
To show appreciation, Laurel High School hosted a luncheon on April 11 for its Association for Excellence in Education adopters and for its students who were on the principal’s list for the third nine weeks. The meal was prepared by the vocational students in the culinary arts program. Those who attended the AEE appreciation luncheon were Kaye Gaskin (left), AmSouth Bank; Twyla King, Sanderson Farms; Zandra Marks, AEE school coordinator; Martiel Bullock, Sanderson Farms; and Tommy Temple, Western Sizzlin. Not pictured are AEE adopters Masonite Corporation and Oilfield Services and Supply. |
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| 4/18/07 |
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Drama teacher of 33 years to direct last play before retirement |
Drama teacher of 33 years to direct last play before retirement
Anita Boyd entered the first grade in the Laurel School District in 1959, graduated years later and then went on to the University of Southern Mississippi before returning to the district as a student teacher and then licensed teacher at Laurel High School. Boyd has spent a good portion of her life as an active part of the Laurel School District, as both a student and drama teacher. Boyd will retire from Laurel High School in May with 33.5 years.
On Sunday, April 22, Laurel High School hosted an encore production of the Andrew Lloyd Weber musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream coat.” The show was Boyd’s last production before retirement. |
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| 4/17/07 |
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Brumley recognized by school board |
In honor of his many achievements, Will Brumley, a senior at Laurel High School, was recognized by the Laurel School Board on April 10 for being selected as a 2007 National Merit Finalist. Brumley was selected as a finalist because of his excellent grade point average, his outstanding SAT score and his involvement in leadership and community activities.
Will Brumley was recently honored at a reception in Jackson as a District 5 recipient of the Lindy Callahan Scholar-Athlete award. The award, given by the Mississippi High School Activities Association, was presented based on his dedication to soccer and baseball while still maintaining his first in class rank and being named a National Merit Finalist and STAR Student.
“Without question, this young man has done great things in our school district,” said Laurel School District Superintendent of Education Dr. Glenn McGee. |
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| 4/17/07 |
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Basketball team recognized by school board |
With the confidence to win, Laurel High School boy’s basketball Coach Jason Williams led his team to an impressive victory. When school began in August, the basketball teams were without one important element of playing the game – a gymnasium. Then in November, over a year following Hurricane Katrina, the basketball teams had an impressive new gym that was ready for success.
The boys’ basketball team’s success came in the form of a third place win in the South State Basketball Tournament and an invitation to participate in the state tournament held in Jackson. The invitation was the first received by the team since 1994. For their hard work and perseverance, the Laurel School Board recognized Williams and his players at the board meeting on April 10. |
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| 4/10/07 |
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Musical scheduled |
Laurel High presents musical
The Laurel High School Fine Arts department will end its season with the Andrew Lloyd Weber musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The show, which will be directed by guest director Chris Wooten and veteran drama teacher Anita Boyd, will run April 13 and 14 at 7:30 P.M. and April 15 at 2:00 P.M. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $6.
The show is loosely based on the biblical story of Joseph and his family, which tells of Joseph’s journey from poor shepherd to Pharaoh’s right-hand man. Playing the part of the narrator will be Anita Boyd, who is retiring from Laurel School District this year after 33 years. Freshman Josh Agee will play the part of Joseph, while Chris Wooten will play the part of the Pharaoh, which just happens to resemble Elvis. Pianist Sue Bush has served as music coordinator.
Completing the cast of brothers will be Jeremy Brown, Zach Green, Arielle Moradin, Christian Garcia, Delta Evans, Julie Maudlin, Caroline McNeil, Roger Powell, Sasha Carpenter, Katie Patterson, Lindsey Smith. Greg Read will portray Jacob, while Melvin Richardson and Sarah Robinson will play the parts of Potiphar and his wife.
Chorus members include Hannah Pittman, Rebecca Pittman, Sierra Byrd, Jody Balius, Rosa Collier, Josalyn House, Alyse McGee, Brittany Counts, Chelsea Jensen, Verneshia Heidelberg, and Lauree Thomas. Hannah Pittman choreographed the dances with the assistance of Rebecca Pittman. Julie Mauldin has served as stage manager. Serving as graphic artist is Lindsey Smith. The show will be presented with live orchestra, which will be conducted by Tamiko Bridges, LHS band director. Rounding out the children’s chorus will be Taylor McGowen, Tyler Heidelberg, Lily Boyd, Meredith Mauldin, Brianna Read, and Austin Read.
Photo information:
Clockwise from center bottom: Delta Evans, Caroline McNeil, Alyse McGee, Christian Garcia, Kalya Hupp, and Julie Mauldin |
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| 2/27/07 |
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Student Essay Published |
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| 2/05/07 |
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Students of the Week Feb 5 |
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| 2/01/07 |
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Laurel High School Mourns the Death of Mr. James Cox |
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| 1/12/07 |
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LHS Scholars List, 2nd Nine Weeks, 2006-2007 School Year. |
Superintendent’s List: A’s in all subjects and all A’s in citizenship.
9th Grade: Bonnie Brumley, Brittany Counts, Savana Heidelberg, Verneshia Heidelberg, Sarah Hosey, Lauree Thomas.
10th Grade: Mary Grace Fisher, Rebecca Pittman.
11th Grade: Keyanna Abney, Ariele Morandin.
12th Grade: William Brumley, Chynna Carmichael, Latonya McDonald, Haley Selman.
Principal’s List: A’s and B’s in all subjects and all A’s and B’s in citizenship.
9th Grade: Joshua Agee, Jordan Burnes, Zakkiyah Coleman, Brittany Counts, Delta Evans, Ashaki Falkner, Camisha Knighton, Julia Mauldin, Caroline McNeil, Ashley Richardson, Ben Sanderson, Walter Smilth.
10th Grade: Jody Balius, Iesha Barnett, Jazz Carmichael, Andrew Cockrell, Tiffany Husband, Leah King, Roger Powell, Joshua Seabrook, Brittany Trotter, Robert Valentine, Miya Woodland.
11th Grade: Tyson Attaway, Catherine Booker, Hannah Burson, Lindsey Crowe, Kalissa Hinton, Demetric Martin, Katreshia McGill, Brett Perry, Shardae Pulliam, Jeremy Purdum.
12th Grade: Denotra Clayton, Annie Collier, Khloe Conner, Mandy Dixon, Hunter Ford, Chand Harlow, Thomas Hils, Steven Howard, Luressie Jones, Jamera McDonald, Nicole McQueen, Dontrelle Moore, Kevin Morgan, Radhiya Reed, Shanika Trotter, Kerisha Waters, Jennifer Wilson.
Honor Roll: A’s and B’s in all subjects except for one C. The C must be balanced out by an A in another academic subject. All A’s and B’s in citizenship.
9th Grade: Tyler Armond, Robert Collins, Camry Dotson, Renee Hardy, Chelsea Jensen, Rhonda Jones, Demetrius Ramsey, Marissa Satcher, Brock Zadrozny.
10th Grade: Byron Arrington, Ethan Barrow, Latorie Brown, Tinika Cooley, Savannah Keeler, Mark Lelli, Cadarius Price, Brianna Tillery.
11th Grade: Jessica Barnes, Stevens Bateman, Ricky Beck, Macassa Bolton, Micah Green, Laken Henderson, Brad Kirkham, Nataphon Kriangprapapaki, Darryl McGilberry, Shamen McGowen, Deantra McInnis, Savannah Newell, Luke Pevey, Lindsey Robinson, Sam Sanderson, Lindsey Smith, Carla Trotter, Mary Beth Weber, Hunter Wyrick.
12th Grade: Joshua Bolton, Caleb Collier, Kaya Durr, Taja Hunter, Bryan Jones, Lakeshia Knighton, Quenzada Lane, Adrienne Mackay, Chasiti McDonald, Sheria Moffett, Hannah Pittman, Sarah Robinson, Stephanie Robinson, Takeyla Strickland, Tina Taylor, Tinesia Ulmer, Kristal Whitlock.
Class 58
Superintendent’s List: A’s in all subjects. All A’s in Citizenship
Tacarra Davis, Ronnell Keys, Marcus Moss, Antwain Sanson, Kimberly Williams.
Principal’s List: A’s and B’s in all subjects. All A’s and B’s in citizenship.
Raymond Huggins, Jeremy Smith.
Honor Roll: A’s and B’s in all subjects with one C. The C must balanced out by an A in another academic subject.
Tiffany Chapman
Class 78
Superintendent’s List: A’s in all subjects and all A’s in citizenship.
Lakisha Cooper.
Honor Roll: A’s and B’s in all subjects except for one C. The must be balanced out by an A in another academic subject.
Jakayla Atkins, Shikela Cooley, Candice Dotson, Kristy Keys. |
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| 12/07/06 |
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Vocational Open House, Monday, December 11, 5:30 until 6:30. |
All vocational students and their parents are invited. |
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| 12/06/06 |
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LHS Drama Receives Top Three Show Award at Festival |
The cast and crew of the Laurel High School drama festival production Into the Woods are headed to the Mississippi Theatre Association state festival in January. The forty-eight member cast and crew received top three show at the Southeast festival recently held at USM, qualifying them to participate at the state level.
The show was also awarded Best Scenic Design for Guest director Chris Wooten’s creative set design. Wooten, Human Resources Manager at Sanderson Farms, has directed Laurel’s show for the past four years. Two of those years Laurel was awarded Runner up Show at MTA. Drama teacher Anita Boyd is the show’s producer, while music teacher Jimmy Cox is the musical director.
Other honors at Southeast state went to senior Melvin Richardson, who received the award for best Actor of the entire festival. Senior Anastasia Heidelberg and junior Sierra Byrd were chosen as All-Star cast. |
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| 12/01/06 |
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Laurel High School to Present Christmas With The Arts, Monday, Dec 11, 2006 |
Featuring: Art, Band, Drama, Gospel Choir, and Show Choir. The performance will start at 7:00 p.m. in the LHS Auditorium. Donation $2.00 or 2 canned goods. |
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| 11/29/06 |
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LHS Interact and HOSA Sponsor Free Diabetes Screenings |
In honor of November being American Diabetes Month, the Laurel High School Interact and HOSA clubs sponsored a free school wide and community diabetes screening in conjunction with South Central Regional Medical Center in the lobby of the school. Each person screened had their name placed in a drawing for a $100 grand prize, $50.00 second prize, $25.00 third prize and $25.00 fourth prize.
South Central Regional Medical Center is an AEE (Association for Excellence in Education) Adopter for LHS HOSA.
Susan Rayner is the sponsor for HOSA and Beckie Thrash is the sponsor for Interact.
Pictured left, LHS student, Jeremy Hosey, gets tested for diabetes by right, Amanda Hester, LPN II. To the right of Hester is Greg Stueve, RN Diabetic Educator for SCRMC. |
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| 11/29/06 |
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LHS HOSA and United Blood Services Have Blood Drive |
The Laurel High School HOSA club held a blood drive at the school recently in November at the school. Sixty-three units of blood were gained, with another blood drive being slated for February.
The Laurel High School HOSA sponsor is Susan Rayner.
Pictured right, LHS student, Hannah Pittman, donates blood for the LHS HOSA Club Blood Drive. |
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| 11/28/06 |
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Laurel School District Unveils New 2.2 Million Dollar Gym at LHS |
Everyone in attendance was excited as Dr. Glenn McGee, Laurel School District Superintendent, and Dr. John Harper, Assistant Superintendent, unveiled Laurel High School’s new 2.2 million dollar gymnasium facility to the community. The event took place on Monday, November 27th and guests were welcomed by music and cheers by the Laurel High School award winning band and cheerleaders.
Dr. John Harper Assistant Superintendent cut the grand opening ribbon as Superintendent Glenn McGee, LHS Principal Carolyn Stone, School Board Members, Gregory Brown, Mike Axton, Miranda Beard, and Walt Leggett looked on. Also in attendance were Mayor Melvin Mack, Councilwomen Willie Evans and Felecia Breland, Councilmen Ed Smith and George Carmichael, Supervisor Johnny Barnett, Jacqueline Pierce and Mitch Stennett of the Laurel Economic Development Authority, Jones County Miss Hospitality Brooke Knight, and Barbara Johnson, EDA Ambassador, along with other members of the community.
After the ribbon cutting the guests viewed the beautiful new gymnasium and enjoyed a program including the National Anthem sung by Teresa Wilson, LHS teacher, a performance by the LHS Gospel Choir, and comments by Carolyn Stone, Dr. McGee, Dr. Harper, Johnny Barnett, and Miranda Beard.
The program ended with the audience watching basketball scrimmages with the Laurel Tornado and Lady Tornado Basketball Teams.
“This new gym will give our young people something to be very proud of,” Dr. McGee stated. “I feel they will work very hard towards winning championship banners to hang in the facility.”
The new gym has a seating capacity of over 1,200 people and was used for the first time on Tuesday, November 28th for the home basketball game against Oak Grove.
The original gym suffered major damage from Hurricane Katrina in August, 2005. The Laurel High School students, faculty and staff have been without the use of their gym for over a year. |
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| 11/27/06 |
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LHS Gym Grand Opening 4 PM |
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| 11/17/06 |
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LHS Industrial Students Create Masterpieces |
Laurel High School Industrial Maintenance students worked with Mr. Mark Brown from the Lauren Rodgers Museum of Art to learn how useful scrap materials are. Using pieces of scrap that normally would be discarded, the students created works of art. Pictured working on a potential masterpiece are Chris Burgess, Nic Broome, Mr. Mark Brown, Michael Miller, Josh House, Darius Sullivan, and Ricky Beck. |
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| 11/14/06 |
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LHS Shines in Oak Grove Speech and Debate Tournament |
The Laurel Speech and Debate Team has been busy this fall with tournaments back to back. After hosting a tournament at their school recently, they competed the following weekend in the Oak Grove Speech and Debate Tournament with sixteen other schools.
Verneshia Heidelberg won first place in Novice Poetry and third place in Novice interpretation. Rebecca Pittman won 2nd place in Storytelling and seventh place in oratory. Melvin Richardson won 3rd place in Storytelling, while he and his partner Sierra Byrd were 5th in Duo Interpretation. Carl McInnis was a semi finalist in Varsity Lincoln Douglas Debate.
Semifinalists included Sasha Carpenter in Dramatic Interpretation; Carl McInnis is Impromptu Speaking, Hannah Pittman in Storytelling, Gabrielle McCarthy and Corbin McDavitt in Novice Interpretation, and Sierra Byrd in Varsity Prose.
At the St. Andrew’s Tournament just before hosting their tournament the team placed the following students. Verneshia Heidelberg won 1st place in Novice Poetry and 3rd Place in Novice Prose. Sasha Carpenter was 6th Place in Dramatic Interpretation, while Corbin McDavitt was 6th Place in Novice Interpretation. Melvin Richardson was 4th in Storytelling. Semifinalists included Delta Evans and Josh Agee in Expository Speaking, Julie Mauldin in Novice Poetry, Gabrielle McCarthy in Novice Interpretation, Sarah Robinson in Storytelling, and partners Julie Mauldin and Sarah Robinson in Dupo Interpretation.
Pictured, front row from left: Melvin Richardson, Rebecca Pittman, Sierra Byrd, Verneshia Heidelberg, and Carl McInnis. Second row: Corbin McDavitt, Rebecca Pittman, Sasha Carpenter, Kayla Hupp, Walter Smith. Josh Agee, and Burgandie McLaurin. Top row: Zach Green, Roger Powell, Savanah Heidelberg, Ashaki Faulkner, and Gabrielle McCarthy. |
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| 11/13/06 |
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LHS Students Learn Math and English Skills by Carving Pumpkins |
Students attending Laurel High School in Mrs. Dawn Ishee’s Job Skills Math Class and English I class sharpened their math and English skills by carving pumpkins. To help with math skills students figured the circumference, diameter, and radius of the pumpkins. They also used weight conversion and grafting skills to carve the pumpkins. They used their English skills to write specific directions detailing how to carve a pumpkin.
Pictured left to right, Ledirick Grady and Raymeshia Jackson carve a pumpkin and learn a great deal about math at the same time. |
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| 11/08/06 |
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LHS Horticulture Class Beautifies Campus |
Students in the horticulture class at Laurel High School taught by Wanda Sullivan and Charles Davis have been working hard beautifying the LHS Campus. Students taking this class learn skills that will prepare them for employment in the area after graduation.
Pictured left to right are LaTonya McDonald, Brandon Pierce, Raymeshia Jackson, and Chris Jackson. |
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| 11/08/06 |
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LHS Transition Students Attend Job Search Presentation |
Some of the transition students at Laurel High School recently attended a workshop at the WIN Job Center in Laurel. The workshop was designed to help seniors who want to find jobs learn about opportunities available after high school. The workshop was hosted by Mrs. Pam Brownlee and Mr. Daniel Williams. The instructor was Mrs. Yeulanda Beverly.
Pictured at the workshop are: First table, Yeulanda Beverly, Janet McCurdy, Tamika Norman, Billy McCurdy. Second table, Raymond Huggins, Larry Davis, and Randall Amos. Third table, Raymeshia Jackson, Latonya McDonald, Starkeshia Keller, Victoria Davis, Brandon Pierce. Standing is Brenda Bolton, LHS Assistant Teacher. |
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| 11/08/06 |
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LHS Daily Living Skills Class Celebrates Fall |
Nicki Leggett’s Daily Living Skills Class at Laurel High School has been studying about fall and Halloween. The class has discussed science topics including the reasons for differences in the weather. They have also studied the history of Halloween and the use of pumpkins for Halloween and for Thanksgiving representing a fall harvest. The students created fall decorations and displayed them in the hallway in front of their classroom. Raymond Huggins, student, designed and created pictures himself depicting scenes before, during, and after Halloween.
Top picture, kneeling left to right, Tacarra Davis, Antwain Sanson, Kimberly Williams, and Maurice Keys. Standing left to right, Larry Robertson, Nicki Leggett, teacher, Domonique Pettis, Christoper Chapman, Raymond Huggins, and Brenda Bolton, Assistant Teacher. |
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| 11/08/06 |
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LHS Band Receives Superior Ratings at Recent Competitions |
The Laurel High School Band recently attended the Regional State Marching Festival at Meridian High School in Meridian, Mississippi, and the Hoover Marching Band Invitational in Hoover Alabama, where they received Superior and Excellent ratings for their performance.
In marching festivals, ratings are given by judges based on points. Much like academic grades, points are deducted based on execution of fundamentals, playing and marching ability, and overall effect of the show. Judges in all categories rate the bands based on points received with Superior (I) denoting high levels of precision and accuracy in the execution of the show, Excellent (II), and Good (III).
At the Regional State Marching Festival in Meridian, the band received all Superior (I) ratings for their Earth, Wind, and Fire show. In addition, Drum Major, Jillian Bender, the Golden Girls dance team, the Percussion section and the Color Guard received Superior ratings. The LHS band received these scores competing with area bands including South Jones High School, West Jones High School, Northeast Jones High School, and Wayne County High School.
The band also traveled to Hoover Alabama and participated in the Hoover Band Marching Festival which included bands from Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and an exhibition performance by the Mississippi State Maroon Band. Laurel High School competed in the class AA competition for bands with 41 – 70 wind instruments and received Excellent ratings (II) along with the Drum Major, Golden Girls, and Percussion section. At this competition the Color Guard received Superior (I) ratings.
Assistant Band Director, Zach Rose stated, “I would like to congratulate the entire band, the Percussion, the Golden Girls, and especially the Color Guard. This marching season was outstanding and the level of performance and musicianship keeps growing. We have had a great competition season that we can be very proud of.”
“We would also like to thank our wonderful Band Booster Organization for their hard work and for providing the band with what we needed to be successful including food, equipment, and loving support. We would also like to thank all the parents and friends of the Golden Tornado Marching Band for their hard work, support, and dedication, and the LHS football coaches, Mr. Elvin Ulmer, and the field maintenance crew for their cooperation and preparations during the season. a big thanks goes out to the transportation department as well, for providing us with safe travel,” Rose said.
The Laurel High School Marching Band Staff includes Tamiko Bridges, director, Harold Martin, assistant director, Zachary Rose, assistant director, Nathan Mercer, student teacher (USM), Kalea Thigpen, Color Guard instructor, and Jenny Parker, Golden Girls sponsor.
Picture caption: LHS Band Drum Major, Jillian Bender, salutes the judges. |
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| 11/07/06 |
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Laurel High School Scholars, First Nine Weeks, 2006-2007 School Year |
Superintendent’s List: A’s in all subjects and all A’s in citizenship.
9th Grade: Bonnie Brumley, Savana R. Heidelberg, Sarah Hosey.
10th Grade: Mary G. Fisher, Rebecca D. Pittman.
11th Grade: Ariele Morandin.
12th Grade: William H. Brumley, Bryan Jones, Jamera McDonald, Haley E. Selman.
Principal’s List: A’s and B’s in all subjects and all A’s and B’s in citizenship.
9th Grade: Joshua Agee, Jordan Burnes, Brittany Counts, Delta Evans, Ashaki A. Falkner Verneshia Heidelberg, Camisha Knighton, Julia Mauldin, Benjamin Sanderson, Walter Smith, Lauree E. Thomas.
10th Grade: Jody Balius, Iesha Barnett, Andrew Cockrell, Iesha Cox, Shekeke Heidelberg, Summer Kanan, Mark Lelli, Roger Powell, Joshua Seabrook, Brittany Trotter.
11th Grade: Taylor Booker, Hannah Burson, Laken Henderson, Christopher Hilliard, Kalissa N. Hinton, Shaman McGowen, Porsche Moultrie, Brett Perry, Jeremy Purdum, Samuel Sanderson, Mary Beth Weber.
12th Grade: Chynna Carmichael, Denotra Clayton, Timothy Dainty, Mandy Dixon, Hunter Ford, Chand Harlow, Steven Howard, Luressie Jones, Robin McNeil, Nicole McQueen, Dontrell Moore, Kevin Morgan, Hannah Pittman, Tineasia Ulmer, Kiara Williams, Jennifer Williams, Jennifer Wilson, Joshua Wise.
Honor Roll: A’s and B’s in all subjects except for one C. The C must be balanced by an A in another academic subject. All A’s and B’s in citizenship.
9th Grade: Zakkiyah Coleman, Breanna Evans, Burgundie McLaurin, Caroline McNeil, Marrissa Satcher.
10th Grade: Ethan Barrow, Jazz Carmichael, Tiffany Husband, Savannah Keeler, Kylan Pollard, Brianna Tillery, Robert Valentine.
11th Grade: Tyson Attaway, Kaley Ball, Stevens D. Bateman, III, Ricky Beck, Constance Bunch, Chanin Dace, Jasmine Gressett, Brad Kirkham, Nataphon Kriangprapaki, Oceona Landon, Demetric Martin, Darryl McGilberry, Katreshia McGill, Terry Moffett, Alexa Owens, Luke Pevey, Lindsey Robinson, Lindsey Smith, Hunter Wyrick.
12th Grade: Marvin Anderson, Lakeshia Barlow, Shunquetta Bester, Tyler Caldwell, Tramain Cocroft, Annie Collier, Caleb Collier, Khloe Conner, Kaya Durr, Turan Evans, Robyn Gant, Anastasia Heidelberg, Tomas Hils, Jeremy Hosey, Taja Hunter, Bilal D. Jones, Chasiti McDonald, Katie Patterson, Melvin Richardson, Stephanie Robinson, Shanika Trotter. |
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| 10/31/06 |
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LHS Holds Fall Craft Advisory Committee |
Laurel High School Vocational School had their fall Craft Advisory Committee meetings for 2006-2007 on Monday, October 16. Each department of the vocational program met with business leaders and other educators to share ideas as well as accomplishments. The purpose of the Craft Advisory Committee is to help business leaders be aware of the many exciting educational opportunities in which our students are participating. It is also an opportunity for the teachers and administration to discover what skills are most needed in the workplace or in higher education. Pictured is the advisory committee for the LHS Business, Computer, and Technology class which is taught by Mrs. Devon Malone Sellers.
The committee members pictured include Dr. Stephen C. Bushardt, University of Southern Mississippi; Jennifer M. McDonald, Dunn Roadbuilders; Leslie Dean, Manpower; Beverly Ulmer, Masonite Corporation; Dr. Cheryl Dale, William Carey University; and Willie Lavonne Evans, Councilwoman for the City of Laurel. |
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| 10/30/06 |
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Pizza for Breakfast? |
Dr. Glenn McGee, Laurel School District Superintendent held a special breakfast for all of the students in the district who were named Superintendent’ Scholars for the first nine weeks of the school year. The breakfast was held in the Gardiner Administrative Office Cafeteria at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, October 27th. To be named a Superintendent’s Scholar, the student must have A’s in all of their subjects and all A’s in citizenship. Approximately 130 students from all six schools feasted on pepperoni pizza for breakfast, and ice cream sandwiches for dessert. The cafeteria was brightly decorated with colorful Halloween piñatas which were given away as door prizes. Students were also given a special gift inscribed with the Laurel Tornado’s logo, and plenty of candy and surprises.
The highlight of the breakfast was when Dr. McGee turned the microphone over to the students to entertain each other. The attendees had a great time singing songs, telling jokes, and just offering words of encouragement to each other.
Dr. McGee holds his Superintendent’s breakfast after every nine weeks period throughout the school year. |
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| 10/25/06 |
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Laurel High School and Jones Middle School To Offer Explore Test |
Laurel High School will administer the Explore Test on February 19, 2007 at the school. All interested ninth grade students should sign up with Mr. Cannon, LHS counselor, before December 15th, 2006 and all 8th grade students should contact Sandi Creel, Jones Middle School Counselor. The cost of the test is $10.00 which can be paid by check or money order.
If your child is planning to take the ACT test in his/her junior or senior year, taking the Explore Test is a great way to prepare them because it covers the same content as the ACT Test including English, Math, Reading, and Science.
For more information please call Mr. Cannon at LHS, 601-649-4145 or Ms. Creel at JMS, 601-428-5312. |
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| 10/24/06 |
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Laurel High School - Wayne County Football Tickets on Sale Wednesday, October 25 |
Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, October 25th for the Laurel High School vs. Wayne County Football game. Tickets can be purchased at the Laurel School District Central Office at 303 West 8th Street between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or at Wayne County High School. Reserved seating is $7.00 and general admission is $5.00. Tickets can also be purchased at the Laurel High School Stadium beginning at 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 27, when the gates open. The practice field across from the LHS stadium will be open at 12:00 noon for tailgating.. For more information, please call the Laurel School District Administrative Office, Gardiner Building, at 601-649-6391. |
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| 10/24/06 |
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Laurel High School to Participate in Red Ribbon Week October 23rd through 27th |
Laurel High School will be participating in Red Ribbon Week October 23-October 27. Pictured are some of the students who will be helping with the scheduled activities.
Back Row, left to right: Sasha Carpenter and Lindsey Robinson. Front Row, left to right: Mary Grace Fisher, Mary Beth Weber, and Jillian McNeese. |
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| 10/24/06 |
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Masonite Employees Visit LHS BCT II Scholars |
Laurel High Vocational School BCT II Scholars were privileged to welcome Beverly Ulmer and Katrina Smith of Masonite to their classroom. The purpose of the visit was to educate the students on the importance of OSHA in the work place and to discuss employment skills needed in the business world. Mrs. Ulmer and Mrs. Smith also spoke to the scholars about the importance of education and taking pride in individual accomplishments that help prepare students for success in the business world.
Pictured are Joshua Bolton, Russell Breland, Lindsey Counts, Katrina Smith, Safety Engineer, Beverly Ulmer, Employee Relations Manager, Demetric Martin, Ricky Dotson, and Steven Nixon |
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| 10/24/06 |
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LHS Industrial Maintenance Gets Spooky |
Mr. Ralph James and his Laurel High Vocational School Industrial Maintenance students are getting into the Halloween spirit. Recycled Freon canisters have never looked spookier! The students are having fun and learning about safety in the workplace while creating metal jack-o-lanterns with a cutting torch and orange paint.
Pictured painting the jack-o-lanterns are from left to right Scottie Milsap, Charles Keys, and Chris Rice |
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| 10/19/06 |
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LHS Allied Health II Holds Health Fair for Nora Davis GOAL |
As part of their unit on careers and healthy lifestyles, the Nora Davis Magnet School GOAL students attended a mini health fair held by the Allied Health II students at Laurel High School.
Susan Rayner, teacher, and her students took the children’s height,, resting and active pulse rates, blood pressure, and tested their vision in the Nora Davis Library. Each student received a sheet with their results that will be laminated and turned into a bookmark.
Nora Davis GOAL teachers are Tommie Lowery and Diann Wolf.
Picture caption: Left, LHS Allied Health II teacher, Susan Rayner, takes the pulse of Nora Davis student, Antoine Lockhart. |
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| 10/02/06 |
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LHS Fine Arts to Open With the Crucible |
The Laurel High School Fine Arts Department will open its performance season with The Crucible. Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Arthur Miller based this drama on the Salem witchcraft trials. The show, under the direction of veteran drama teacher Anita Boyd, will be presented in the Black Box Theatre of Laurel High School. It has a large cast of students chosen from the performing arts classes with senior Sarah Robinson as student director.
Performing the role of John Proctor is junior Micah Green. His wife Elizabeth is double cast with senior Hannah Pittman and junior Hannah Burson. Portraying the mischievous Abigail Williams is junior Lindsey Robinson and freshman Verneshia Heidelberg. Junior Hunter Wyrick takes on the role of the conflicted Reverend Hale. Sophomores Zachary Green and Roger Powell take on roles of Reverend Paris and Judge Danforth, while Junior Lindsey Smith and sophomore Mary Grace Fisher share the role of the shy and tormented Mary Warren. Senior Anastasia Heidelberg and junior Courtney Agee will play the role of Tituba, while Corbin McDavitt, Josh Agee, and Kaley Ball take on the roles of the aging Giles Corey, Francis Nurse, and Rebecca Nurse. The other town girls are portrayed by Alexa Owens and Taylor Booker as Mercy, Rebecca Pittman and Jillian McNeese as Betty Parris, Sasha Carpenter as Suzanna, and Lauree Thomas as Ruth. Choral director James Cox will play the role of Judge Hawthorne, Sierra Byrd and Jeremy Brown will portray Ann and Thomas Putnam. Steven Howard and Christian Garcia will play the roles of Willard and Cheever. Rosa Collier will portray the character of Sarah Good.
Working as lighting technicians are Jeremy Purdum and Stevens Bateman, while crew manager is Nicole McQueen. Others assisting are Caroline McNeil, Ariele Morandin, Katy Thomas, Mary Beth Weber, Kaya Durr, and Carl Mcinnis.
The show kicks off a full season for the award-winning group. Guest director Chris Wooten will direct Into the Woods later in the fall for drama festival, while James Cox will direct the Red and Gold Revue in February. Cox and Boyd will then team up for the spring musical Little Shop of Horrors.
Patron and season memberships are available for the season. Interested persons may call Anita Boyd at 601-649-4145. Tickets for The Crucible are now on sale and may be purchased at the school or by calling the number above. Performance times are October 14th at 7:30 P.M. and October 15th at 2:00 P.M. |
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| 10/02/06 |
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LHS Fine Arts Department Memberships Available Now |
The Laurel High School Fine Arts Department now has Patron and Season Memberships available for the season. Interested persons may call Anita Boyd at 601-649-4145. Tickets for The Crucible, which will be performed in the black box, are now on sale and may be purchased at the school or by calling the number above. Performance times are October 14th at 7:30 p.m. and October 15th at 2:00 p.m.
Additional shows scheduled this school year for this award winning group includes Into the Woods directed by Guest Director Chris Wooten, the Red and Gold Review directed by James Cox, and Little Shop of Horrors directed by Anita Boyd and James Cox. |
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| 9/28/06 |
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Laurel School District Contributes to American Heart Association |
Faculty, staff, and students from the Laurel School District recently raised money for the American Heart Association in honor of the American Heart Walk which was held Saturday, September 23rd at Sawmill Square Mall.
The Allied Health Department at Laurel High School and their teacher, Mrs. Susan Rayner raised over 100.00 dollars for the American Heart Association by selling hearts for a dollar to LHS students and staff.
Mason Elementary School teachers and staff sold and purchased hearts and displayed them in their school raising over 50.00 dollars.
Stainton Elementary School teacher Missy Johnson helped her school to raise over 80.00 dollars towards this very worthy cause, and Laura Lyon of the Laurel School District Central Office sold raffle tickets and hearts to raise over $25.00 from her office.
Pictured is Stainton Elementary Teacher, far right, Melissa Johnson with left to right, Jakeria McGilberry, Moses Mitchell, and Zhaquan Knight, displaying all of the money they collected for the American Heart Association. |
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| 9/27/06 |
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Brumley Named National Merit Semi-finalist |
William Brumley, a senior at Laurel High School, has been selected as a 2007 National Merit Scholarship Semi-finalist. This honor represents less than one percent of high school seniors in Mississippi.
Will was selected as a finalist because of his excellent grade point average while at LHS, and his outstanding PSAT score. He was also recommended for this honor by his school principal, Mrs. Carolyn Stone.
Will has a chance to be chosen as a merit finalist by submitting a detailed application for scholarship and by writing a self-descriptive essay. He will also be judged on his participation in leadership and community activities which include being a LHS soccer team captain and baseball player, a member of the Principal’s Leadership Team, and involved in the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Key Club. Brumley currently has a 3.9 academic grade point average.
He will find out if he has been selected as a National Merit Finalist in the spring of next year.
Brumley is a product of the Laurel School District attending Nora Davis Magnet School, Jones Middle School, and Laurel High School.
Picture caption: Laurel High School student, William Brumley, has been named a 2007 National Merit Semi-Finalist, |
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| 9/27/06 |
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LHS Early Childhood Education Students Stress Importance of Handwashing |
Laurel High School’s Early Childhood Education students have been completing a unit on handwashing as part of the curriculum on health and safety.
As part of their studies the students made posters and used the Internet to design flyers displaying the importance of handwashing in the prevention of infection and disease. The students then posted flyers and posters to educate other students throughout the school.
Picture caption 1: Left to right, Erica Morgan and Latoya McGill design posters about the importance of handwashing. |
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| 9/25/06 |
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Kelvin Lyon August 12, 1966 - September 20 2006 |
Laurel High School’s beloved assistant defensive football coach, Kelvin Lyon, dies of a sudden apparent heart attack at the young age of 40.
There is no one who loved football more than Coach Kelvin Lyon. Since his youth, football has been a part of his life. Graduating from Neshoba Central High School, Coach Lyon went on to play football at East Central Community College. After two years, he went to Emporia State University in Kansas where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and later obtained a Masters of Education from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Upon graduation, he went on to pursue a career as a football coach. His career took him back to East Central Community College. He had a two year stint in the arena league as a coach for the Mississippi Firedogs, previously at Hancock High School and later at Abramson High School in New Orleans as a head coach. His final run down the field was as the assistant defensive coach at Laurel High School leading the tornadoes for two seasons.
Being more than just a man on the field, Coach Lyon has impacted many lives on the field of life with family and friends that span from one corner of the region to the other. He leaves behind a virtuous and loving wife, Sheila Lyon; two sisters, Bonnie Lynn Brownlee (Archie) and Delphine Howard (John L); and three brothers, Mac Arthur Lyon (Lodaris), Dennis Andrew Lyon (Maxine), and Delvin Lyon. He is preceded in death by his mother, Luevertis Lyon, his father, Dennis Lyon, and his siblings, Dixie Norfleet, Matthew Lyon and Douglas Lyon. He also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Coach Lyon will be greatly missed.
A memorial service was held for him at Laurel High School on September 24, 2006. The Laurel High School Gospel Choir provided a musical tribute at the beginning and end of the service. Remarks were made by Carolyn Stone, LHS Principal and Dr. Glenn McGee, Laurel School District Superintendent. Latasha Gates, Savannah Keeler, and Tiffany Husband, LHS students, read poetry and fellow LHS football coach, Mike Barlow, reminisced about his dear friend. William Veasley, LHS football player gave a team tribute, and LHS Head Coach Milton Smith gave a Coach’s tribute.
Coach Lyon will be laid to rest on Wednesday, September 27th, 2006, at 11:00 at Mount Ary Baptist Church Cemetery. |
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| 9/22/06 |
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Important Reminder. Homecoming Game vs. South Jones, Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. instead of 7:00 like previous home games. |
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| 9/22/06 |
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Laurel School Superintendent Holds Straight A Breakfast |
Dr. Glenn McGee, Laurel School District Superintendent, held a straight “A” breakfast on Friday, September 15th. Ninety six students attended, who had all made straight A’s the last nine weeks of the 2005-2006 school year.
“I don’t want students to quit trying to make all A’s the last nine weeks of the school year because they know there won’t be a reward. I think this straight A breakfast which celebrates achievements from the last school year, is an excellent way to kick off the new school year. I believe it reminds students to set high goals for themselves and to realize how much they can achieve,” McGee stated.
Students were bused to the Central Office and treated to biscuits in the brightly decorated cafeteria full of red and gold balloons. The highlight of the breakfast was when students from each school voluntarily performed songs, skits, and jokes, for the rest of the attendees. Student performances are a breakfast tradition, and everyone always has a fantastic time watching each other perform and just act silly.
At the end of the breakfast, twenty four students won door-prizes which were popcorn buckets filled with popcorn, cokes, and decorated with balloons. All students were also given a Laurel School District personalized megaphone and cup as a memento.
Superintendent Glenn McGee’s straight A breakfast is held every nine weeks of the school year following report card time. To attend, the students must have A’s in all subjects and all A’s or G’s in citizenship. The breakfasts are so much fun; many students work extra hard so they can attend. |
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| 9/22/06 |
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LHS Recognizes Homecoming Court |
Laurel High School held a special homecoming pep rally to honor their homecoming court on Friday, September 22 in the auditorium.
A homecoming tradition includes the senior football players choosing sweethearts to walk across the stage with during the pep rally. The sweethearts are also honored during the halftime show at the homecoming game, where they are escorted by a male family member.
The Laurel High School Homecoming game was played Friday, September 22nd at 7:30 p.m. at Laurel High School “between the bricks”.
TOP PICTURE
FRONT ROW: LEFT TO RIGHT:
LAKESHIA KNIGHTON, LAQUANDA DORSEY, ROSHONDA BARNES, ADRIENNE MACKAY, AMBER HUSBAND, SHAKIRA YOUNG, ANASTASIA HEIDELBERG, ANNA MCCRAY, LURESSIE JONES
BACK ROW: MARTEL MASON, TRAMAINE COCROFT, JONATHON MCCURTIS, JEREMY LINDSEY, KEYORD ROGERS, TERRY HOLLOWAY II, DONTRELL MOORE, JOSH BOLTON
MIDDLE PICTURE:
FRONT ROW: LEFT TO RIGHT:
KAO MCLAIN, SHERIA MOFFETT, BENONCIA MANN, WHITNEY ARMSTRONG, SARAH WILLIAMS, SAVANNAH KEELER, BREANNA EVANS, JAMERA MCDONALD, ARNISHA DEAN
BACK ROW:
TARIS HASBERRY, DEMAREAY MCDONALD, DONALD PUGH, MARCUS RUFFIN, TYLER CALDWELL, WILLIAM VEASLEY, TRAVIS WILLIAMS, LEN ARMSTRONG, KERRY CARTER
BOTTOM PICTURE
HOMECOMING MAIDS:
FRONT ROW: LEFT TO RIGHT:
RHONDA JONES, FRESHMAN MAID; JYVILLE HUSBAND, SOPHOMORE MAID; COURTNEY DARBY, JUNIOR MAID; COURTNEY AGEE, STUDENT BODY MAID
BACK ROW:
KRYSTAL WHITLOCK, FOOTBALL MAID; JENNIFER WILSON, SENIOR MAID; CHYNNA CARMICHAEL, STUDENT BODY MAID |
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| 9/20/06 |
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LHS BCT Class Shows Personality |
Recently the scholars in Mrs. Devon Sellers’ BCT (Business Computer Technology) class learned the importance of standing out from others by simply decorating a plain brown paper bag. The students decorated the bags to reflect their individual personalities, character, and goals.
Pictured are the students showing their creatively decorated bags. |
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