NAHS Alumni Accepted Into Medical School
The New Albany School District is pleased to announce that the top two students from the New Albany High School Class of 2008 have been accepted into medical school.
Logan Fair
Logan Fair, the 2008 Valedictorian and Hall of Fame member, will graduate from the University of Mississippi in May with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biochemistry. He is a student in the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and a member of the Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board, and Order of Omega honor societies.
Fair has been accepted to both the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. He is currently undecided as to which school he will attend and what specialty area he will enter. He is the son of Larry and Valerie Fair.
Benjamin Googe
Benjamin Googe, the 2008 Salutatorian, STAR Student, and Hall of Fame member, will receive his degree in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland in May.
Googe has been accepted to the University of Mississippi Medical School and will specialize in the field of Plastic Surgery. He is the son of Dr. Jim and Lisa Googe.
NASD Announces Provence Endowment Winners
New Albany High School Endowment Winners
New Albany Middle School Endowment Winners
NASTUC (Alternative School) Endowment Winners
The Dean Provence Endowment for Excellence in Education recently announced the allocation of funds totaling $12,932.00 to teachers in the New Albany School District (NASD). In an effort to maximize the effectiveness of the awards, grants were directed to New Albany High School, New Albany Middle School, and NASTUC Alternative School. Endowment funding will be used for equipment and materials in the classroom that are not normally covered by the school budget.
The Endowment for Excellence in Education was begun in 1986 as the vision of School Board member Dean Provence. Provence, a New Albany native, was an active volunteer in both school and community activities. Through his volunteer efforts, he recognized the need for additional funding in the schools for projects and classroom materials, and was instrumental in establishing the endowment fund. Following his death, the locally supported endowment fund was renamed in memory of Provence and has continued to provide needed funding to classrooms in the New Albany Schools for more than twenty years. Since 1986, the Endowment has provided approximately $293,000 in support to the NASD.
The endowment is funded through individual and corporate contributions and fundraising events sponsored by the Endowment Board. Contributions to the Dean Provence Endowment for Excellence in Education are accepted throughout the year and may be mailed to 301 Hwy. 15 North, New Albany, MS 38652.
New Albany High School
Teacher(s) Allocation
*Jana Edwards Clickers
*Kimberly Langley Cricut Expression
*Tamara Waldrop Nook Color e-readers/books
*English Department Novels
(Day, Ball, Garrett, King, Rodgers, Trout)
New Albany Middle School
Teacher(s) Allocation
*Melissa Luna Library Books/Printer
*Lauren Labella Interwrite Pad
*Miller, Ranager, Gillean, Dry Erase boards/erasers
Stacy, Dunn, Moody, Horn
*Tracy Vainisi Encyclopedia Reference Books
*Melissa Tate 5 Apple IPads
NASTUC (Alternative School)
Teacher(s) Allocation
*Minerva Graham & Brad Gray Scantron Scanner
NAHS School News
Emilee Bennett, NAHS School Reporter
Welcome back to school New Albany High School students! I’m sure you are all excited to be back! Okay, maybe not, but just think, school is halfway over. Hard to believe a whole semester has already come and gone. I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas break! Many of you spent Christmas at home or traveled out of the area to visit with family. With New Years resolutions fresh in our minds, and the thrill of finally making it to the anticipated year 2012, we can say good-bye 2011 and hello 2012! Over the break, the boys’ basketball team traveled to Lafayette, Louisiana to compete in the Sunkist Shootout. Tuesday NAHS Basketball played Pontotoc at home. They will be in action Friday at home against Rosa Fort. Be sure to come to this important division game and cheer them on as we hope for a victory! The NAHS soccer team also had a game Tuesday at Saltillo. Report cards come out Friday. The cast and crew of Suessical the musical will be practicing in preparation of their production weekend February 3-5. Anchors don’t forget that you need to get community service hours! Otherwise you will not be able to attend Anchor Ball. January 16 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day so students will be thankful for another day off. The deadline for the February 11th ACT is January 13th so do not forget to sign up or you will have to pay a late fee.
NAHS School News
Ryli Brown, NAHS School Reporter
Hello New Albany! Students, you have made it to your last week of school before the Christmas break! So far our basketball and soccer teams have done a great job in their seasons. Let me update you on a few things New Albany students have been up to this past week.
Over 40 second and fourth grade EXCEL students from NAES visited the Career and Technical Center last week on Wednesday to participate in several different Christmas activities with high school students. Students worked with Mrs. Alison Moore's classes to make a Christmas power point, Mrs. April Voyle's class to learn proper hand washing techniques, Mrs. Anita Alef's class to make ice cream snowballs and Mrs. Lee Ann Thompson's class to make Christmas ornaments.
On Tuesday of last week, Mrs. Anita Alef's Culinary Arts classes catered a luncheon for the First United Methodist Church "Flock" at the oldest home in New Albany. Students prepared rib eye steaks, green beans, salads, desserts, rolls and wild rice for a crowd of over 70. On Friday, 48 NAES Pre-K and Special Needs students visited the Culinary Arts classes to have Breakfast with Santa. The event was a fundraiser for the FCCLA competitions in the spring, students paid to have their picture made with Santa and enjoy muffins, sausage biscuits and fresh fruit prepared by the Culinary Arts classes and children were assisted by Early Childhood Development classes.
Operation Warm Heart is in full gear with 17 adopted children being taken care of this Christmas. Students and teachers at NAHS have been buying clothes, shoes, coats and toys for needy children in the school district. Gifts will be delivered to their families next Friday. Thanks to the Junior Auxiliary of New Albany and Helping Hands of Union County for helping us with getting these kids, it's always awesome to see students sharing at this time of year. The Early Childhood II and the Allied Health II classes went to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital on December 1. The class took a tour of the hospital and delivered Christmas presents to more than 25 patient rooms.
This Friday New Albany will have a basketball game at the Memorial Gym against North Pontotoc. The soccer team will have a game at the Kitchens field also this Friday. Girls will start at 4 p.m. and the boys start at 5:30. The girls basketball team will also have a game Saturday at the Columbus Classic. December 27-28, the boys basketball team will have a game at the Biloxi Christmas Tournament. The girls basketball team will have a game December 29-30 at the Renasant Tournament. The Soccer game will have a game December 29 at Kitchens field against South Pontotoc. The girls start at 1 p.m. and the boys start at 2:30. Students will return to school Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Have a very Merry Christmas and a happy new years!
Our students, faculty and staff appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers, which have been sent our way concerning the recent tragic events involving Coach Price and his wife, Amanda. We greatly appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. A college fund has been set up for Molly Addison Price at Renasant Bank. Donations can be made at the bank or can be mailed to the following address:
Renasant Bank Molly Addison Price College Fund P.O. Box 724 New Albany, MS 38652-0724 Please share this information with anyone who you think may be interested.
NAHS School News
Quintasia Brown, NAHS School Reporter
“Reloaded…the Season” DVDs are now on sale from the journalism class. These DVDs will feature all of the highlights and special videos of the football season, including all pep rallies and videos shown in pep rallies. The cost of the DVD is $10 and these will ready before Christmas break. If you want to order one, please send your money to the office or drop it off in Mrs. Thompson’s room. The last of the homecoming DVDs are also ready, if you ordered one late, you can pick those up, too.
The second edition of this year’s Maroon and White newspaper will be ready for delivery next week before Christmas break. Thanks so much to Caroline Tate, Editor and her staff for all of their hard work creating this each nine weeks.
Musical practice for “Seussical the Musical” is in full gear. Principal characters, as well as the full cast have already begun their preparation for the February 3-5 production. Make plans now to attend this colorful and lively show based on familiar Seuss stories.
The Spanish I classes of Senorita Minnick will be having a chocolate con churros activity on Wednesday! They will be enjoying Mexican hot chocolate (has a cinnamon flavor to it) and students will be preparing churros (fried dough cinnamon goodness) for extra credit. Sounds like a great time!
Congratulations to Michael Christian who has been selected as manager for the All-Star game in Montgomery, Alabama. The game is the best forty players in Mississippi against the best forty players in Alabama. Michael was the manager for the 2011 season of the NAHS football team. Some of his most important duties included Friday night games where he first set up everything on the field, then ran to the press box and and filmed all the games, put the footage on a DVD, and gave it to the coach for study purposes. If you were wondering where our highlights were coming from for the pep rally videos, he was the man above the stands filming it all! Our videos would be nothing without his contributions! Good luck and thanks to Michael for everything!
NAHS Celebrates 50 Years in Current Location
NAHS Campus 2011
This fall celebrates the 50th year of New Albany High School (NAHS) in its current location. The previous location for the high school was on Apple Street, the current site of New Albany Middle School. At that time, the junior and high school students were housed in a common building.
Crowded conditions at the Apple Street location convinced members of the School Board that a separate high school building was needed. Discussions for the new high school began in the late 1950s. The new high school campus would be located on Highway 15 and include classrooms, an auditorium, a cafeteria, and a practice gymnasium. It was decided in May of 1960 that the high school be named W. P. Daniel High School in honor of Mr. Daniel who eventually became the longest serving superintendent of the school district with more than thirty years of service. A home for the superintendent was also built on the high school campus during this time.
The school was not completed when classes began for the 1961-1962 school year. Due to the delay in construction completion, classes met in First Baptist Church and First Methodist Church. Former New Albany School District Administrator James Bryson recalls teaching math in a Sunday school room in the Methodist church and moving into the new high school building in late fall of 1961. “Mr. Percy Daniel bought the seats in the auditorium on credit from Mississippi School Supply since the money for the building had all been used,” he remembered. The building was formally dedicated in April 1962. The Class of 1962 was the first graduating class to graduate from the high school located on Highway 15. Fifty-eight students graduated from W.P. Daniel High School on June 3, 1962.
Since that time, the high school has experienced many renovations and additions to accommodate larger student bodies. In 1969, a wing of classrooms was added that now serves as the English Wing at the high school. The cost of the addition was approximately $82,000 with Union Lumber Company serving as the contractor and B.A. England as the architect.
In the late 1960s school officials from the New Albany School District (NASD) and the Union County School District joined together and began efforts to create a vocational center on the campus of W.P. Daniel High School. The total cost of the project was approximately $400,000 with 80% of the funding coming from the Vocational Education Act and Appalachian Act Funds. The local contribution of the NASD was 20%. Classes began there in 1971 and the Career & Technical Department of NAHS has continued to offer career, vocational, and technology courses to prepare students for higher education and real work experiences.
Discussions for a new stadium and athletic field began in the Spring of 1969. There was a bond election for the athletic project held in May 1970. The bond was defeated with 56% of the voters against the bond and 44% for the bond. Although the bond was defeated, many volunteers kept the dream alive to provide an athletic field and track for the youth of New Albany at no cost to the school district. Hundreds of individuals, businesses, and civic groups donated time, money, supplies and equipment to make the football field a reality. What was believed to be a $150,000 facility at that time cost about $50,000 to cover the expenses of fencing, lightning, the press box, and other needed supplies.
At the recommendation of then School Board Member Joe K. Robbins, Jr., the field was named Kitchens Field in honor of Ben Allen Kitchens and Poodle Kitchens who provided equipment, oversaw the day to day operations of the clearing and construction of the football field, and made sure that a completed field became a reality.
At the October 25, 1975 homecoming ceremonies, the current football facility, Kitchens Field, was dedicated to Ben Allen and Poodle Kitchens. In addition to the Kitchens men, Bobby Coltharp, Joe K. Robbins, Jr., and James Criddle were recognized for their contributions to the building of the field. Kitchens Field continues to serve as a reminder that the New Albany Schools and its athletic programs are certainly supported by our community.
In the early 1990s, then Superintendent Kenneth Quinn and members of the school board envisioned a state of the art Science and Math Complex at the high school. School Board Member Dr. Bruce Bullwinkel approached local banker Bo Collins to lead the capital campaign to raise $300,000 for the furnishing and equipping of the building. Collins contacted the Stephens families of New Albany to see if they would be interested in serving as a matching donor. The Stephens families agreed to match $1 for every $3 the committee raised up to $100,000.
Collins and his committee of twenty members recruited families to give $1,000. Many of the 100+ families who contributed this amount chose to have their bank accounts drafted at $42 for 24 months or $84 a month for 12 months. In addition, the committee recruited industries and individuals to donate $15,000 to furnish a science lab or $10,000 to furnish a math lab. Science lab contributors included HMC Technologies, Piper Impact, Hillcraft Furniture, and Charlie and Lisa Carr. Math lab contributors included CREATE, Northeast Mississippi Coca Cola Bottling, the children of Herbert Graham Rogers, Jr., and Bank of New Albany. Bank of New Albany was the second highest donor contributing funds for two math labs.
In August of 1994, an open house was held to showcase the 8,700 square foot state of the art building that added four science combination laboratory-lecture rooms to the high school. In addition six former science classrooms were converted into a modern math complex. The capital campaign committee had raised over $360,000 to furnish and equip the Science and Math Complex.
“We are fortunate to live in a community that supports our school system,” Collins said. “The efforts of the committee and the generosity of so many individuals, industries, and businesses proves the outpouring support of and dedication to the New Albany Schools.”
In 2002, significant renovations and reconstruction at the high school campus included the addition of a counseling suite, a media center, a new band hall, a science lab, and several classrooms. The football stadium was renovated during this time as well. Funding for this renovation project came partly from public school building money and from the approximately $10 million dollar bond issue that was used to construct New Albany Elementary School and make major renovations to New Albany Middle and NAHS.
Over the past 50 years, NAHS has enjoyed many successes in the areas of academics, athletics, and extra-curricular activities. In fact, NAHS has the distinction of being accredited through the Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools for more than 100 years. NAHS was the third school in the state to receive SACS accreditation in 1907.
“We are very proud of the accomplishments that our high school has made in each of its 50 years at its current location,” said Dr. Charles Garrett, Superintendent. “And we are extremely proud of the small role the high school has played in the successes of so many graduates over the years.
W.P. Daniel Class of 1962
New Albany School District Receives Lantern Award
Front Row L-R: Dr. Charles Garrett, Jackie Ford, Bernice Bailey, Dr. Susan McClelland, Lecia Stubblefield; Back Row L-R: Fred Rogers, Jerry Tate, Bobby Gault, Dr. Jason Dees, Bob Gault
Thirty-seven Mississippi school districts were recognized for high student achievement by the Mississippi School Boards Association (MSBA) on November 16 in three categories in the MSBA Lighthouse School Leader Awards Program. The MSBA program, co-sponsored by PREPS (Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools), applauds student performance based on standards set in the state’s accountability system.
District leaders were recognized at the MSBA Lighthouse School Leader Awards Luncheon, held during MSBA’s Fall Leadership Conference. More than 400 school board members, superintendents and other school administrators from across the state attended the Lighthouse School Leader Awards Luncheon, where the districts were spotlighted for their students’ achievement on tests administered last spring.
The MSBA Lighthouse School Leader Awards Program was established by MSBA at the beginning of the 2003-04 School Year, in recognition of the unsung efforts of school districts to meet more rigorous state and federal accountability standards.
The following criteria were used in determining the 2011 awards categories:
BEACON
• The district was rated as a “Star” school district by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE).
LANTERN
• The district was rated “High Performing” by MDE.
TORCH
• High poverty district where 90 percent or more students qualify for free/reduced lunch
• The district had at least one school rated “High Performing” or “Star” by MDE.
The New Albany School District was among the Honorees for the Lantern Award.
The Mississippi School Boards Association (MSBA) is a professional nonprofit organization committed to ensuring quality school board performance through Advocacy, Leadership Training, Technical Assistance and Information Dissemination. Members of the association consist of the Board of Trustees of all public school districts in Mississippi.
Gault Chosen as School Board Member of the Year
School Board Member of the Year Bobby Gault with his son, Bob.
New Albany board president Bobby Gault is the third recipient of the Mississippi School Boards Association's Board Member of the Year Award, recognizing extraordinary board member leadership on behalf of children’s education. Gault was presented the award Tuesday, November 15 during the MSBA Lighthouse School Leader Awards Luncheon, held in conjunction with the MSBA Fall Leadership Conference in Jackson.
The names of 18 board members from across the state were submitted to MSBA for consideration in the prestigious award program. A selection committee made up of board members from each of the congressional districts examined the documentation for each nominee and selected Gault.
The “MSBA Board Member of the Year” honors a current school board member who has exhibited distinguished leadership during his or her tenure, as demonstrated by effective efforts in: Advocating for children, Increasing student achievement, Understanding school board governance, and Involving the community in the children’s’ education.
Gault has been a member of the New Albany School Board of Trustees since 1976. He retired from Mohasco Industries after 35 years as vice-president of Administration and went right back to work as vice president of operations and partner in his company, Gault Office Products.
A former FBI investigator, he attended Northeast Mississippi Community College and Strayer College of Accounting in Washington, D.C. He is active in his church, serving as a deacon, and is a member of the New Albany Kiwanis Club. He also is a Mason and a Shiner. He was married to the late Ruth Gault, and has three sons, Bob, Phil, Dave and nine grandchildren.
At the state level, Gault has been a member of the MSBA Board of Directors since 2005, and was elected secretary-treasurer and recently elected as vice president of the association. As vice president, he will represent MSBA on committees of the National School Boards Association and the NSBA Southern Region, as well as at NSBA’s Leadership Conference and Federal Relations Networking conferences.
“Anyone who is in Bobby’s presence for more than a few minutes knows that he’s all about children’s education,” said MSBA Executive Director Michael W. Waldrop. “He has been able to have statewide and even national influence on behalf of children’s education as he has served faithfully on the MSBA Board of Directors for the past several years.”
Support letters on behalf of Gault’s nomination as 2011 Board Member of the Year included sentiments from the current superintendent of the New Albany School District, fellow board members and community members in the area.
A New Albany community member noted: “The level of involvement that Mr. Gault has maintained throughout his service is a testament to his dedication. Whether it’s an open house, a ball game, or an academic awards banquet, Mr. Gault is an ever-constant presence. The entire New Albany community is aware of his level of engagement and is quick to reach out to him with concerns or compliments. This level of openness is a strong part of the success that our district enjoys.”
NAHS Alumni Pursuing Medical Careers
The New Albany School District is pleased to announce that at least six of its graduates are currently enrolled as medical students in various medical schools across the Southeastern United States.
Tabetha Simpson, a 1999 graduate of NAHS, is in her final year at Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and will graduate in May 2012. She is a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, a national organization which honors medical students, residents, role-model physician teachers and other exemplars recognized for demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion and dedication to service. In 2004, she graduated from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry. Simpson is applying for her Residency in Family Medicine. She is the daughter of Valerie Kennedy and Tony Simpson.
Joel Duff, a 2004 graduate of NAHS, is a first year student at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson. His plans include pursuing an area related to Pediatrics. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He is the son of David and Jami Duff.
Savannah Duckworth, a 2006 graduate of NAHS, is currently a second year student at UMMC. She is a Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholar, a Evers Society member, and is interested in pursuing a medical career in Family Medicine. Duckworth is 2010 honor graduate of Mississippi State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. She is the daughter of Glenn and Robbie Duckworth.
Chelsea Lindley Ragland, a 2006 graduate of NAHS, is currently enrolled in her second year of medical school at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. She graduated from Mississippi State University in 2010 a degree in Biological Engineering. Chelsea was a 4.0 graduate and was inducted into the Bagley College of Engineering Hall of Fame. She is married to Chandler Ragland and is the daughter of Dr. Giles and Lisa Lindley.
Brittany Simpson, a 2007 graduate of NAHS, is in her first year of medical school at UMMC. She earned the UM Culley Scholarship and is a representative for the Pediatric Interest Group. Simpson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of Mississippi in 2011. She is the daughter of Tony Simpson and Wanda Simpson.
Amber Bailey, a 2008 graduate of NAHS, is currently a first year medical student at the UMMC. She plans to complete her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholar and an Evers Society member. Bailey earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2011. She is the daughter of Steve and Tina Bailey.
“We are extremely proud of these graduates and their successes,” said Dr. Charles Garrett, Superintendent. “Their success lies within their hard work, determination, and commitment, as well as support from their family.” Garrett added, “We are so excited that we were able to play a small part in their educational success and we certainly wish them well in their medical careers.”
Note: The New Albany School District is proud of all its graduates. If you know of a graduate who has received an honor, please e-mail Melanie Shannon, Public Relations at mshannon@newalbany.k12.ms.us.
Tabetha SimpsonJoel Duff at White Coat Ceremony
Joel Duff at White Coat Ceremony
Savannah Duckworth
Chelsea Lindley Ragland
Brittany Simpson at White Coat Ceremony
Amber Bailey
NAHS School News
Emilee Bennett, NAHS School Reporter
What has been going on this week for New Albany High School? Definitely a lot of sport related activities! Many events will be taking place as we wind down to Thanksgiving break. Friday night was the second round of playoffs as the football team played against Cleveland at Cleveland. The score was 21-24. As you can tell it was a close game! Even though Friday was a hard night for many, the team had an incredible season that will be remembered! On Saturday, the boys basketball team played Jackson Prep at Oxford coming up short with a loss. On the bright side,the girls beat Corinth at Kossuth the same day. Both teams also played Baldwyn on Tuesday. On Friday at the Memorial Gym, NAHS basketball will play against Cleveland. Girls start at 6:00. The boys game to follow.Saturday, the soccer team played Pontotoc at Pontotoc and then boys played Desoto County at the Tupelo tournament. Thursday there will be a soccer game, NAHS vs. Center Hill at Kitchens Field. Girls play at 5:30 and boys play at 7:00. Come out and support our basketball and soccer players! Those of you who are part of the FRA continue with your school spirit and boost the basketball teams! In other news unrelated to athletics, Tuesday the FFA (Future Farmers of America) and FCCLA had the opportunity to go to the Tupelo Buffalo Park. The juniors took the PLAN test on Wednesday. Seniors will take a trip to Northeast Thursday as they make the decision on if they plan to attend this community college. Graduation may seem far away, but the time will pass faster than you think! Juniors and seniors don’t forget about your prom deposit. Bring $20 by Friday if you plan on attending the prom! Also seniors have until December 5th to bring $80 deposit for Balfour. Need a break from school? Well thankfully we have Thanksgiving Break next week, the week of the 21-25! We will however have to go back to school the 28th. Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!
Twitter Feed
- naschoolupdates: NAMS welcomes Mr. Lawrence Crawford, CEO of Diversity-Vuteq. He is speaking to the 8th grade social studies classes today. January 24, 2012
- naschoolupdates: First Round of Soccer Playoffs Tuesday, January 24. NAHS Girls & Boys Travel to Lewisburg. Girls play at 5:30; Boys play at 7:00 January 23, 2012
- naschoolupdates: NAMS Boys Basketball Team will be playing in the 5 County Tournament Tuesday, January 24. They will play Iuka at 6:30 p.m. January 23, 2012
- naschoolupdates: SEUSSICAL Show times: February 3 @ 7:30; February 4 @ 7:30; February 5 @ 2:00 January 23, 2012
- naschoolupdates: NAHS presents SEUSSICAL on February 3-5. Reserved Tickets on sale now for $10. Call NAHS at 534-1805 for ticket information January 23, 2012
Recent Posts
- NAHS Alumni Accepted Into Medical School
- NASD Announces Provence Endowment Winners
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