Where Are They Now? Pride of the South – University of Mississippi Marching Band
Eleven graduates of New Albany High School were members of this year's Pride of the South Band. Pictured are
Front Row (L-R):
Jamie Benefield, Flute, Sophomore; Parker Hill, Clarinet, Sophomore; Kayla Condon, Guard/Clarinet, Sophomore; Bronson Lang, Trumpet, Freshman.
Back Row (L-R):
Tyler Thomas, Percussion, Sophomore; Kyle Hickey, Drum Major/Trombone, Senior; Sharonda Hale, Trombone, Senior; Keat Johnson, Percussion, Sophomore; Dylan Van Zyle, Saxophone, Junior.
Not Pictured:
Donovan Boyd, Trumpet, Senior & Emmanuel Jones, Trombone, Sophomore.
Where Are They Now?: Al Campbell, CFO of the Year
Al Campbell
The New Albany School District is pleased to announce that Al Campbell, a 1985 graduate of W.P. Daniel High School (New Albany), recently received the distinction of being named Memphis Business Journal’s CFO of the Year in the Public Company category.
The Memphis Business Journal, along with several business sponsors, hosts an annual program to recognize CFO’s in the area, with several categories across company size and structure. “It was an honor to be named, but it has much more to do with the tremendous growth and success of our company over the last few years and with the success of the great team I have supporting me,” Campbell said.
Campbell works for Mid-America Apartment Communities (MAA) which is a publicly traded real estate company focused on developing, owning, and operating multifamily communities. MAA currently owns communities containing about 50,000 apartment homes across the southeast. Campbell has been at MAA for 15 years, but took on the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer three years ago. His responsibilities include overseeing the areas of accounting, treasury, risk management, financial planning, and management information systems for the company. Since Campbell took the CFO role three years ago, MAA has acquired over $1 billion in new assets, so a large part of his focus is on supporting the tremendous company growth.
While at W.P. Daniel High School, Campbell played football and tennis and was involved in student government, FBLA, National Honor Society, and many other organizations. He graduated from Mississippi State University, Magna Cum Laude, in 1989 with a Bachelor Degree in Accountancy and later earned a Certified Public Account certificate.
Campbell is the son of Milton and Deloris Campbell of New Albany and the brother of Lisa Mitchell, who works for the New Albany School District.
“My career has given me the opportunity to work with many people from around the world, many with high pedigree educations at both the high school and collegiate level, but I have never felt unprepared or unsupported by my education,” Campbell stated. “I am very proud of my education from both W.P. Daniel High School and Mississippi State University, which gave me the building blocks necessary for success in today’s business world.”
Note: The New Albany School District is proud of all its graduates. If you know of a graduate who has recently received an honor, please e-mail Melanie Shannon, Public Relations at mshannon@newalbany.k12.ms.us.
Where Are They Now? NAHS Alumni Receive Doctorate of Pharmacy Degrees
The New Albany School District is pleased to announce that at least four of its recent graduates have received Doctorate of Pharmacy degrees from the University of Mississippi in the past two years.
Katy Anna Grisham Richardson
Katy Anna Grisham Richardson, a 2002 graduate of NAHS, received her Doctorate of Pharmacy in 2011. Richardson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology in 2006 and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Science in 2009 from the University of Mississippi. During her time at the University of Mississippi, she was a Women’s Council Scholar and was a member of Phi Mu Sorority, Golden Key National Honor Society, Order of Omega, Student Alumni Council, Rho Chi Honor Society, American Pharmacists Association, and National Community Pharmacist Association. She completed a PGY1 residency at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo and is currently employed at North Mississippi Medical Center as a clinical pharmacist in the emergency room. Richardson is the daughter of David and Charlotte Grisham. She and her husband Josh reside in New Albany with their child, Kellianne.
Whitney Carr Harris
Whitney Carr Harris, a 2004 graduate of NAHS, received her Doctorate of Pharmacy in 2011 from the University of Mississippi. Harris earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Mississippi in 2009. She completed a post-graduate residency program in Community Pharmacy with the University of Tennessee and Kroger Delta Division in Memphis and also received a teaching certificate through the University of Tennessee. Harris is employed as the Patient Care Specialist for Kroger Delta Division covering Memphis and North Mississippi. She is also the Preceptor for the University of Tennessee Community Pharmacy Residency Program and a faculty member at the UT College of Pharmacy. She is the daughter of Charlie and Lisa Carr. Her husband is Matt Harris, who is an attorney for Schwed, Adams, Sobel, and McGinley, PA in Memphis.
Martin Crotts
Martin Crotts, a 2005 graduate of NAHS, received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and his Doctorate of Pharmacy in 2012 from the University of Mississippi. While at the University of Mississippi, he was a Women’s Council Scholar. He is currently working as a Pharmacist for Walgreens in the northeast Mississippi area. He is the son of Shane and Barbara Crotts. His wife Erica Ormon Crotts, teaches fourth grade at New Albany Elementary School.
Christopher Davis
Christopher Davis, a 2006 graduate of NAHS, received a Bachelors of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2010 and a Doctorate of Pharmacy in 2012 from the University of Mississippi. Davis is currently completing a pharmacy residency at Baptist Memorial Hospital- North MS in Oxford. During this residency, he works in the hospital, at various clinics, and also helps teach in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Mississippi. Davis is the son of James Ray and Camille Davis.
“We are extremely proud of these graduates and their successes,” said Jackie Ford, Superintendent. “Their success lies within their hard work, determination, and commitment, as well as support from their families.” Ford added, “We are pleased that we were able to play a small part in their educational success and we certainly wish them well in their careers as pharmacists.”
Note: The New Albany School District is proud of all its graduates. If you know of a graduate who has recently received an honor, please e-mail Melanie Shannon, Public Relations at mshannon@newalbany.k12.ms.us.
Where Are They Now? Willie Brewster, Teach for America Program
Willie Brewster
The New Albany School District is pleased to announce that Willie Brewster, a 2008 graduate of New Albany High School (NAHS), has been accepted into the Teach for America Program.
While at NAHS, Brewster served as Student Body President, was Drum Major for the Pride of New Albany, and was selected to the NAHS Hall of Fame. He will be graduating with honors in May 2012 from Mississippi State University (MSU) earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Broadcasting as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Law. During his time at MSU, he has been a member of the Shackouls Honors College, a President’s List Scholar, a MSU Orientation Leader, and a MSU Roadrunner.
The Teach for America program places recent graduates, graduate students, and professionals in underserved urban or rural public schools for two-year teaching stints. In 2011, the organization had 48,000 applicants apply for the program; however, they only had an 11% acceptance rate. For 2011, the incoming teachers had an average GPA of 3.6 and all of them had held some sort of leadership position in college, according to Teach for America. Twenty-two percent are the first in their family to earn a college degree, nearly a third received Pell Grants and more than a third are racial minorities. Schools that produce large numbers of Teach for America Corp members are: Harvard, Johns Hopkins, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Duke, Yale, Vanderbilt, Emory, Stanford, and Boston College.
Brewster has been assigned to teach elementary education in Jacksonville, Florida. He is uncertain as to the specific grade level and subjects he will be teaching. He will be inducted in Jacksonville from June 13-16, attend training in Chicago from June 17- July 21, and will begin his teaching duties July 30. Benefits of the program include: full teacher salary, full teacher benefits such as health insurance and retirement, and $10,000 AmeriCorps scholarship to go toward either student loans or graduate school.
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.
NAHS Alumni Pursuing Careers in Physical Therapy
The New Albany School District is pleased to announce that two of its graduates are currently pursuing careers and education related to physical therapy.
Jack Ballard
Jack Ballard, a 2003 graduate of New Albany High School (NAHS), received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in May 2011 from Tennessee State University in Nashville. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology from Mississippi State University in 2007. Ballard has passed the National Physical Therapy Examination and is licensed to practice. He is employed as a staff Doctor of Physical Therapy with BenchMark Physical Therapy in Knoxville, Tennessee. BenchMark has outpatient locations in East Tennessee and North Georgia and focus primarily on orthopaedic related dysfunctions. His goal is to become an Orthopaedic Certified Specialist and will be taking the board examinations this spring. His wife, Ali, works as a Doctor of Physical Therapy at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. Ballard is the son of Robert and Nannette Ballard.
Sam Kitchens
Sam Kitchens, a 2005 graduate of NAHS, is enrolled in Physical Therapy School at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He will earn his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in May. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a concentration in Clinical Exercise Physiology from Mississippi State University in 2009. Kitchens is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and will be taking his board examinations in July to become a licensed Physical Therapist. His wife, Sara, is employed at the Family Resource Center in Tupelo where she works as a Forensic Interview Specialist. Kitchens is the son of David and Trisha Kitchens.
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.
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
‘WHERE ARE THEY NOW? HUNTER KITCHENS, ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY, KING & BALLOW LAW FIRM, NASHVILLE
Hunter Kitchens, a 2003 graduate of New Albany High School (NAHS), is currently an Associate Attorney at the King and Ballow Law Firm in Nashville, Tennessee.
Kitchens is the son of Charles and Bev Kitchens. He was an honor graduate and was inducted into the NAHS Hall of Fame. Kitchens earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Mississippi in 2007. Immediately following college, Kitchens interned with Senator Trent Lott in Washington, D.C. and it was that experience that led him to eventually pursue a career in law. Kitchens was associated with the Pickering Architectural and Engineering Firm in Memphis from 2007-2008.
Kitchens earned a Juris Doctorate from the Mississippi College School of Law. He completed internships with the Mississippi’s Attorney General’s Office; the United States’ Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in Washington, D.C.; and the Madison County Public Defenders’ Office.
King and Ballow, founded in 1969, specializes in a wide array of legal sects. Kitchens’ practice areas are construction, labor & employment, and intellectual property. Kitchens is licensed to practice in Mississippi and Tennessee and before the USPTO. “I wanted to work in a mid size to small firm that offered an opportunity for me to practice construction and intellectual property law so to utilize my engineering degree with my USPTO license as a patent attorney,” Kitchens explained.
Kitchens says that there were several influential experiences at NAHS that helped cultivate his college experiences and his young career. Kitchens gives much credit to current NAHS teacher Alicia Robinson and the experiences he learned from Speech & Debate and Mississippi Youth Congress. “This was the first time I tested out my ability to research and give an opinion on real, pressing issues,” Kitchens said.
He also credited retired high school educators Carolyn Houston and Pete Cobb. “Mrs. Houston emphasized diligent preparation, review, and perfection, while Mr. Cobb requiring students to think and answer for themselves.” He noted the lessons learned while participating in high school football, soccer, and baseball such as leadership, determination, tolerance, and social skills have been valuable to him throughout college and starting a career.
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.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
CLAIRE DUFF & TAYLOR KITCHENS
WHO’S WHO AMONG STUDENTS, UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI
Claire Duff and Taylor Kitchens, both 2007 graduates of New Albany High School, were recently selected into the 2010-2011 University of Mississippi’s Who’s Who Among Students.
Each year the University of Mississippi honors students who have made significant contributions to their campus in the area of scholarship, leadership, and student activities by selecting them to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.
Claire is majoring in Managerial Finance with a minor in Marketing. She will receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration this month. She is a Lucky Day Scholar and a University of Mississippi Ambassador. Claire is the daughter of David and Jami Duff.
Taylor will also graduate this month with a major in accounting and a minor in finance. He is on the Student Alumni Council and is a Senior Class Executive. Following graduation, he plans to attend Graduate School. Taylor is the son of Charles and Bev Kitchens.
“Students who have contributed significantly to the University are selected,” Kitchens said. “It is a really honor for us to be included. Only 500 students from the senior class were nominated for the honor and approximately 150 students were selected to be included in Who’s Who.”
Where Are They Now? Jeffrey Gammel, U. S. Army
Jeffrey Gammel is a 1990 graduate of W. P. Daniel and attended New Albany Middle School '81-'85. He has served in the U.S. Army since 2003 specializing in helicopter electronics. He served one tour in Iraq with 25th Combat Air Brigade. His second tour to Iraq was with 1st Air Cav Brigade. He is currently stationed at Ft. Hood in preparation for a tour to Afghanistan.
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