Current issue Fall 2013 - East Mississippi Community College

PRIDE

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LIONS’

A publication of East Mississippi Community College

Volume 13, No. 1, Fall 2013

Marching with the big boys The Mighty Lion band is in the midst of an exciting transformation

Pages 16-17

McConnell’s donations create new archives in library Page 13 “Bull” Sullivan documentary set for release this fall Page 18

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Lion Hills

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East Mississippi Community College • 2331 Military Road • Columbus, Mississippi 39705 • 662-328-4837

Open to the Public!

Lion Hills Restaurant

Sunday Brunch 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday Night Dinner 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Membership and Fees All Memberships include cart Corporate (4 people) Family (all outside access) Single (all outside access) Single, golf only EMCC Employees (Family, all outside access) EMCC Grad (Family, all outside access) Active Military, with ID, Single, Golf only EMCC Students, Golf only Mulligan’s Pride, Pool & Tennis only

Annually $6,000 $1,800 $1,500 $1,200 $1,200 $1,500 $1,000 $250 $500

Green Fees All Green Fees include cart General Public General Public, Before 11 am EMCC Grad Active Military, with ID Guest Rate (playing with Member) EMCC Student Rate Employee Rate

18 / 9 $45 / $30 $35 $42 / $28 $42 / $28 $42 / $28 $25 $40 / $25

Lion Hills Golf Course is open Tuesday through Sunday. Pool Hours (Through Labor Day) 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Reservations Accepted for 6 or more 662-328-4837

Lunch Buﬀet 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday Short Order Menu 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday

The best venue in Columbus for Wedding Receptions, Rehearsal Dinners, Class Reunions, Civic Club Meetings Room Rentals and Full Catering Menu Available Civic Clubs Are Welcome!

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PRIDE LIONS’

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Larry Bell Charles Rigdon Billie Dickson Kathy Dyess, Chair Tim Heard Teresa Hughes Linda Jackson, Secretary Rupert L. “Rudy” Johnson Robert McDade Ed Mosley Jim Murray, Vice Chair Bob Marshall, Board Attorney

ADMINISTRATION

Dr. Rick Young, President Nick Clark, Vice President for Institutional Advancement & Alumni Affairs Debby Gard, Vice President for Business Operations and Lion Hills Center James Gibson, Vice President for Financial Aid Dr. Andrea Scott Mayfield, Vice President for Scooba Campus Dr. Paul Miller, Vice President for Golden Triangle Campus Melissa Mosley, Chief Financial Officer Dr. Raj Shaunak, Vice President for Workforce and Community Services Mickey Stokes, Vice President for Student Affairs and Athletics Dr. Thomas Ware, Vice President for Instruction

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Jason Green, President Kate Cherry, Vice President Lisa Briggs, Secretary

FOUNDATION BOARD Charlie Studdard, President Philip Busbee R.B. Davis Dikki Dyson Johnny Fisher Ike Hopper Teresa Hughes Max Johnson Linda Malone Dr. Andrea Mayfield Carles McComb Mark McPhail Dr. Paul Miller Melissa Mosley Michael Shelton Cheryl Sparkman George Spinks Mickey Stokes Marcus Wilson Dr. Rick Young

Volume 13, No. 1 Fall 2013

THAT BIG BAND SOUND Steve Stringer has been tasked with turning the Mighty Lion Band into one of the nation’s elite programs. Find out how he plans to make that happen.

PAGES 16-17

INSIDE

From the Director’s Chair..................................2 Dr. Young Re-ups...........................................2-3 Lion Diary.......................................................4-9 25-Year Plans.............................................10-11 Campus News.................................................12 Living History: Mrs. Thelma McConnell...................................13 Alumni Events.................................................14

Homecoming 2013..........................................15 Major Players: Mighty Lion Band Expands........................16-17 The Ballad of Bull Sullivan ..............................18 Sports.........................................................19-25 Philanthropy................................................26-31 In Memoriam...................................................32

The Lions’ Pride

The Lions’ Pride is the official publication of the East Mississippi Community College Development Foundation/Alumni Association. It is published by EMCC’s Public Information Office.

Project manager: Jason Browne Editors: Jason Browne, Nick Clark, Gina Cotton, Rocky Higginbotham, Suzanne Monk, David Rosinski Contributing writers: Jason Browne, Nick Clark, Gina Cotton, Jason Green, Rocky Higginbotham, Paul Jones, Suzanne Monk, David Rosinski

Contributing photographers: Lee Adams, Stan Beall, John Bowen, Jason Browne, Mitch Deaver, Chris Ellis, Craig Fry, Paula Merritt, Suzanne Monk, Clint Scrivener, Bob Smith, Kerry Smith, Chris Todd, Ben Watts, David Allen Williams Design and layout: Rocky Higginbotham Cover Photo: Jason Browne and JUCO Weekly

East Mississippi Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Dr. Andrea Scott Mayfield, Vice President for the Scooba Campus Davis Administration Building P.O. Box 158 Scooba, MS 39358 (662) 476-5000 [email protected]

Fall 2013 The Lions’ Pride

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FROM THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR

Nick Clark Since 1927, some truly amazing people have passed through the hallowed halls of EMJC/EMCC. I am humbled and proud to be in the company of so many great Americans. Practically the entire male student population at EMJC was called up to serve in the Korean War at one time! The LPGA Hollywood Lakes Open was won by an EMJC graduate in 1968 and she was runner-up in the 1969 LPGA US Open. One of our oldest active alumni, Thelma Briggs McConnell, recently donated her historical collection to EMCC (see page 13). The next time you are on the Scooba campus, please go by the Tubb-May Library and visit the Thelma Briggs McConnell Archives. Did you know that when you buy a dozen eggs in the grocery store, they were most likely produced by an EMJC graduate? That is correct; the largest producer of shell eggs in the USA is an EMJC Alum. You would likely be dealing with an EMJC graduate if you rented an apartment in the southeastern part of the U.S., or bought health food supplements. Also, if you needed the assistance of an international sales consultant or the top lobbyist in Mississippi, you would likely be talking to an EMJC graduate. The foremost authority on archeological digs in the South is an EMJC graduate, and the list goes on. Did you know that on any given Saturday or Sunday you are very likely to see an EMCC graduate on TV? In addition to Bo Wallace at Ole Miss and Denico Autry at MSU, there are 10 more football players who will likely start at BCS schools this fall, several in the pros, and many at regional universities. The storied EMCC athletic past has far too many highlights to include in this article. Speaking of our storied athletic past, the long awaited documentary on the life of legendary Coach “Bull Cyclone” Sullivan will be out this fall. We have had film crews on campus two times in the past month or so finalizing the film. Watch for it on a major TV network, perhaps ESPN! Truly, we have much to be thankful for at EMCC. As Alumni we have much to be proud of as well. There are, of course, many investment opportunities for our Alumni and Friends at EMCC. Dottie Smith Boring has established a challenge gift in support of a much needed band facility. Buster and Jeanie Orr also have established a fund for a building that will house our Foundation/Alumni offices. Our long range plans include dormitories, a student union at Golden Triangle campus, as well as additional athletic and academic facilities. I trust you will find something that interests you at EMCC and put support into that effort. If buildings are not your thing, then scholarships and tuition guarantee are vital to our continued success. No gift is too small! I hope you will call on me when I can be of assistance. Take care, Nick Nick Clark is EMCC Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Alumni Affairs

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Dr. Rick Young renews contract, will continue to serve EMCC as president

As with any team of All-Star veterans, there’s no need to rebuild if the team is still winning. And EMCC recently re-signed its most recognizable player. Dr. Rick Young has agreed to extend his contract as president of EMCC. His expiring contract has been renewed, allowing him additional time to guide the sweeping improvements already realized during his tenure, as well as more time to stump for increased funding at the county and state levels. “What we’ve been able to accomplish as a team has been nothing short of phenomenal. But without the support and guidance of our board of trustees and the excellent job of our senior staff to implement real and positive change, none of what you see now would be possible. I consider myself blessed to play an important part in the process, but I couldn’t do it without the people around me,” said Dr. Young. Expansion of EMCC’s facilities and services have greatly accelerated during Dr. Young’s nine years at the helm. The list of greatest hits is long and familiar (and succinctly summarized in Dr. Young’s 2013 President’s Report, see sidebar below). It includes the establishment of a district-wide tuition guarantee fund, the development of the Center for Manufacturing Technology Excellence at the Golden Triangle campus and placing a satellite campus in West Point following the closing of Sara Lee - a move poised to pay dividends as Yokohama Tire of Japan readies the construction of a plant in Clay County in 2015. But EMCC witnessed an explosion in growth in just the past three years in educational programs, facilities and public profile. The Scooba campus saw the construction of two anchor facilities:

EMCC’s 2013 President’s Report was published in June. You can find a link to the report on the EMCC website under the “About” tab. Look for it under “President’s Message.”

SPEED AHEAD

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In the photo: President Dr. Rick Young, front and center, surrounded by the EMCC Board of Trustees and senior administrative staff at Sullivan-Windham Field.

the F.R. Young Student Union and Sullivan-Windham Field, where the Lions began their undefeated 2011 NJCAA national championship football campaign in the stadium’s inaugural game. At the Golden Triangle campus, the Associate Degree Nursing program returned from a 28-year hiatus. And nearby in Columbus, EMCC turned the bankrupt Columbus Country Club into the Lion Hills Center, an educational and recreational facility which doubles as home to two career-technical programs and the Lion golf team. Yet, much remains to be done. And the team is gearing up for another winning season. “We’re really fortunate Dr. Young decided to stay on with us to carry through some of these projects he’s undertaken. With a new student union at the Golden Triangle campus in the works, a four-story dorm planned for the Scooba campus and getting Lion Hills off the ground, it’s great to have him committed to the school as strongly as he is,” said Lowndes County trustee Charles Rigdon. The current to-do list also includes a new basketball coliseum, athletic administration building and combination alumni museum/Development Foundation office building, all in Scooba. “We are aware Dr. Young is getting to the point in his life that he has

other things he wants to do,” said Kathy Dyess, Clay County trustee and board chairman. “But we’re in the middle of the road with these plans and to change lanes now would be very difficult. “We felt a combination of thrilled and relieved that he agreed to return.” Dennis Morgan, former 23-year Lauderdale County trustee and board chairman who stepped down in June to tend to business at Morgan Plant Farm, credits Dr. Young with pressing for vast improvements at the right time. He said Dr. Young sought to build rapidly on the strong foundation he inherited in order to take the school from “good” to “best.” “He came in wanting to see some big changes and talking about what we can do to make Scooba a better place for students and athletes to come. He felt like athletic success would encourage students to get more involved and increase enrollment. And it’s done exactly that,” said Morgan. “I came onto the board at a time when the state was talking about closing Scooba down. And a few of us on the board have watched us go from the bottom to the top. And I’m proud to have been a part of that success and work alongside Dr. Young. He had a dream and we helped him fulfill it.”


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Lion Diary

There’s always something going on at East Mississippi Community College. Here’s a look at just a few of those events. More information and photos about many of these items are available at EMCC’s website, www.eastms.edu, or on the college’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/East.Mississippi.Community.College October 20: U.S. Bands Mississippi Regional Sullivan-Windham Field at the Scooba campus hosted the U.S. Bands Mississippi Regional. Nine high schools participated and the Mighty Lion Band closed the day-long competition with a special performance.

October 29: Lion Hills Member Meeting EMCC administrators hosted a reception for then-Columbus Country Club members to invite them to remain on as members of the newly rebranded Lion Hills. EMCC assumed control of the former country club in November.

In the photo: Lt. Col. Richard “Gene” Smith Jr. greets the Navy flag bearer at Proud To Be An American Day at the GT campus.

campus. A Tribute to Veterans program was also held Nov. 6 at the Scooba campus. The EMCC choir performed at both events and EMCC physics instructor Larry Gibson of DeKalb, a former Marine Corps pilot, read a passage from his memoir “Recollections of a Marine Attack Pilot" at the Scooba event. Smith is a former Air Force pilot who was shot down during the Vietnam War and spent two years as a prisoner of war in the Hanoi Hilton. In the photo: Hotel-Restaurant Management students prepare hors d’oeuvres for the reception in the kitchen at Lion Hills. Students prepared all food served at the reception.

October 30: “Mississippi JUCO” Screening in West Point A screening for “Mississippi JUCO: The Toughest Football League In America” was held at the Ritz Theater in West Point. The documentary film follows several Mississippi community college football teams, including EMCC, through the 2011 football season. A screening was also held at the Mississippi State University Riley Center in Meridian. Copies of “Mississipp JUCO” are available for $12 at the EMCC book store.

November 7: Proud To Be An American Day Lt. Col. Richard "Gene" Smith Jr. of West Point was the guest speaker for Proud To Be An American Day at the Golden Triangle

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November 9: Boy Scout Camporee Hundreds of Boy Scouts spent a weekend at EMCC’s Golden Triangle campus for the Pushmataha Area Council Camporee. Scouts hailed from towns all over north Mississippi. They took merit badge classes taught by EMCC instructors in subject areas like: Art, Automotive Maintenance, Computers, Citizenship, Drafting, Electricity, Electronics, Engineering, First Aid, Law, Photography, Pottery, Pulp and Paper, Radio, Robotics, Salesmanship, Welding and Woodworking.

November 30: Alpha Delta Nu Induction The Associate Degree Nursing program inducted its first members into the Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society of Nursing during a ceremony at the Golden Triangle campus. The ADN program was revived at EMCC in 2009 after a 28-year hiatus and held its first graduation since 1981 in December 2011. The program received National League of Nursing accreditation in March of last year.

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February 1: Scholar’s Olympiad

Hundreds of students from area schools gathered at the Golden Triangle campus to test in a broad range of subjects including both academic and career-technical categories. Scholarships were awarded to students who placed in the top three in each test. Columbus High School earned overall honors with 13 top-three placements. More than $50,000 in scholarships was awarded. Participating high schools included: Caledonia High School, Central Academy, Columbus High School and McKellar Technology Center, Heritage Academy, New Hope High School, Oak Hill Academy, Starkville High School and Millsaps Career & Technology Center and West Point Career and Technology Center.

February 5: Beauty & Beau Pageant Raegan Simpson of Weir was crowned “Most Beautiful” during the Beauty & Beau Pageant. An annual tradition, the pageant is held at Stennis Auditorium on EMCC’s Scooba campus. In the photo: Members of the Mighty Lion Band’s Eastern Belles Dance Team enjoy the Scooba Christmas parade.

December 11: Scooba Christmas Parade EMCC and the Mighty Lion Band participated in Scooba’s Christmas parade. The procession also included EMCC’s new athletics 18wheeler equipment truck.

December 13: ADN Graduation Twenty eight Associate Degree Nursing students graduated in a pinning ceremony at the Golden Triangle campus.

December 15: Fall Graduation EMCC’s Golden Triangle campus spring graduation, which included graduates who completed their studies during the previous summer and winter, grew too large. So last year the first-ever fall graduation ceremony was held at the GT campus. And the GT campus Lyceum was nearly at capacity even for the first fall graduation.

January 30: All Things Money The Golden Triangle campus hosted the All Things Money Conference for Entrepreneurs in conjunction with Mississippi University for Women’s Center for Creative Entrepreneurship. Blake Wilson, president and CEO of the Mississippi Economic Council, was the keynote speaker for the event. Multiple speakers touched on topics such as funding programs, grants, tax obligations, credit resources and wealth management.

In the photo: Students from Columbus High School show off the first-place trophy following EMCC’s annual Scholars’ Olympiad.

In the photo: The Top 10 beauties in the 2013 Beauty & Beau Pageant were, seated from left, Bria Blunt of Steens, Rachel Clay of DeKalb, Elizabeth Robison of West Point, Shelbi Horn of Carthage and Lauren Powell of Mendenhall. In the second row are Samantha Colyer of Meridian, Maci Peoples of Columbus, “Most Beautiful” winner Raegan Simpson of Weir, Chasidy Wade of Mendenhall and Kayla Barnett of Philadelphia.

February 12: Three In A Row at Culinary DECA For the third consecutive year, the EMCC Culinary Arts team, represented by Quintin Hall and Joey Hansford, both of Starkville, took top honors at the Mississippi Collegiate DECA Culinary Arts Competition in Raymond. During the timed competition, the pair was asked to conceive a recipe using a meat (pork chops) revealed at the beginning of the contest, prepare one meal large enough to serve six customers, use less than $15 worth of ingredients per individual and develop a marketing strategy for the meal. In the photo: Joey Hansford, second from left, and Quintin Hall, fourth from left took the top spot. The team of Arica Jackson, far left, and Angelina Rios, far right, earned fifth place. Dr. Linda Farrar, center, is the instructor for EMCC’s Hotel & Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts programs.


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February 22: Women In Science and Technology Conference Around 250 female students from 10 high schools in and around EMCC's district attended the Women In Science and Technology (WIST) Conference at the Golden Triangle campus. Dr. Keisha Walters, associate professor and graduate coordinator at the Swalm School of Chemical Engineering at Mississippi State University, was the guest speaker.

In the photo: Brooklynn Mauss, 1st Lt. USAF AETC 14 FTW/CCE, and Lauren Hickerson, 2nd Lt. USAF AETC 37 FTS/DOT, of Columbus Air Force Base lead a question-and-answer session on transportation and aerospace engineering.

February 24: William Winter Awards Golden Triangle campus instructor Kelly Cantrell and student Benjamin Stephens, and Scooba campus instructor Catherine Penick and student Christopher Broom, were all recognized as William Winter Scholars for their contributions to the humanities division. An award ceremony was held in Natchez to recognize recipients from colleges across the state.

February 25: Womanless Beauty Revue The first Womanless Beauty Revue was held at the Scooba campus as a fun way to recognize the less fair gender. Many members of the Lion baseball team and other young men dressed *ahem* up for the event.

In 2007, state legislators promised to fund the colleges at the “MidLevel” point – per-student funding half-way between what K-12 schools and the regional public universities receive. But community colleges are only getting 52 percent of the promised funds. EMCC President Dr. Rick Young said Capitol Day is one way to remind lawmakers about the needs of community colleges.

In the photo: : Members of the Mississippi Army National Guard Band act out a skit during a performance at the Scooba campus.

March 4: Army Band Visits Scooba The Mississippi Army National Guard Band visited Scooba and gave a special performance in the Stennis Hall auditorium.

March 20: The Biggest Loser EMCC staged its own version of the popular television weight loss competition at the Scooba campus with students, faculty and staff participants. Student Dennis Parker of Daleville and public information/ marketing associate Rocky Higginbotham of Preston lost the highest percentages of body weight.

February 28: Capitol Day Mississippi community college students, including EMCC students, flooded the State Capitol in Jackson to ask their legislators to increase financial support for their campuses.

In the photo: Zakk Berryhill, Rachel Clemmons and Austin Gillis participate in an interactive art project at the Golden Triangle campus during Pine Grove.

March 28: Pine Grove Arts Festival In the photo: EMCC’s Capitol Day delegation, which included more than 40 students, instructors and administrators, is shown on the floor of the Mississippi House of Representatives following the Capitol Day press conference.

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The annual celebration of the arts was held March 23-28 at our Scooba and Golden Triangle campuses. Activities included art exhibits, musical performances, a crawfish boil, a hotdog cookout, interactive demonstrations, inflatable games and more.

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In the photo: The cast of “Interference.”

April 4: “Interference” Theater and public speaking instructor Don Vaughn wrote and directed this play which was performed by students at the Golden Triangle campus. It was the first-ever theatrical production at the GT campus..

April 11: Awards Day The Golden Triangle campus held its Awards Day to recognize outstanding students in all programs on the same day as its National Technical Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremonies. Phi Theta Kappa is the national academic community college honor society. The Scooba campus held its Awards Day and inductions April 25.

In the photo: The GT campus’ inductees to Phi Theta Kappa.

April 23: Relay For Life The 2nd annual Scooba campus Relay for Life event raised $5,000. And the top team, "Staying Alive," raised $1,783. Overall, 12 teams and hundreds of guests participated.

April 24: Industry Appreciation The 24th Annual Golden Triangle Campus Industry Appreciation Luncheon recognized PACCAR Engine Company with the Director’s Award and Royal Trucking Company of West Point, Weavexx of Starkville and Nammo Talley of Lowndes County with Best Practices Awards. A Special Recognition was awarded to the Tri-County Regional Development Steering Committee.

CAMPUS NEWS

In the photo: Representatives from PACCAR accept the Director’s Award. Pictured from left are EMCC President Dr. Rick Young, Pat Thompson, plant manager Lex Lemmers, Lance Walters, George Kerekes, Cliff Kjelgaard, Victor Ross and EMCC Vice President of Workforce Services Dr. Raj Shaunak.

April 25: LINK Award Golden Triangle history instructor Kelly Cantrell was named EMCC’s 2013 Golden Triangle Development Link Post-Secondary Educator of the Year. She was honored with fellow educators from Golden Triangle schools during a ceremony in Columbus.

May 1: East Mississippi Job Fair The annual job fair at the Golden Triangle campus again drew representatives from some of the area’s biggest industrial employers and thousands of eager job seekers. Plus, informative seminars led by the Golden Triangle Development Link were offered throughout the day to equip job seekers with perspective and strategy to assist in their search.

In the photo: Vashawndelia Henry of Severstal speaks with Jaycee Stennis and Samson Edmond.

May 8: Appreciation Picnic Mississippi Power hosted a picnic at the Scooba campus to thank workers from Tennesse Valley Authority, AT&T, 4 County Electric Power Association, East Mississippi Electric Power Association, Kemper County law enforcement agencies and others for assisting in the transport of many huge pieces of equipment on their way to Mississippi Power’s new Kemper County lignite plant. The transportation of the often very tall and heavy equipment required power lines to be raised or moved at multiple points along the route. Law enforcement frequently escorted the slow-moving convoys.


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May 9: Help From The MHP

May 16: Lion Hills Tour

Two Mississippi Highway Patrolmen from Troop H in Meridian received certificates of recognition from East Mississippi Community College as thanks for providing guest lectures to classes on the Scooba campus. The patrolmen delivered lectures on the dangers of texting and driving to instructor James McMullan’s Juvenile Justice and Introduction to Corrections classes.

Faculty and staff members were treated to a tour of EMCC’s newest campus, Lion Hills. The tour included the newly renovated clubhouse, the pro shop, swimming pool and a golf cart tour of the golf course.

June 4: ABE Awards Reading, writing and science instructor Melissa Wilson and math and social studies instructor Geneva Atkins were both named North Mississippi Teacher of the Year at the annual Mississippi Adult Education Summer Conference. They are the first pair of instructors to share the honor.

In the photo: Master Sgt. Jeffrey Willis, second from left, an MHP investigator and EMCC alum, and Sgt. Jason Jimison, third from left, were presented certificates at the Scooba campus by Social Science and Business division chairman and instructor Marianne Stuart and instructor James McMullan. In the photo: Geneva Atkins and Melissa Wilson with their awards.

May 15: Workforce Summit The Golden Triangle hosted representatives from a host of member schools of the Mississippi Corridor Consortium for the 2013 Workforce Summit.

June 7: Super Friday SuperTalk Mississippi returned to the Golden Triangle campus for a radio remote as a summer registration drive began.

In the photo: Golden Triangle campus Vice President Dr. Paul Miller, J.T. of the J.T. Show, and Vice President for Workforce Services Dr. Raj Shaunak conduct an onair interview during the “Super Friday” event with SuperTalk Mississippi.

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In the photo: The Cosmetology Class of Summer 2013.

June 21: JourneyEast A new orientation program was instituted to allow students the chance to complete orientation during the summer. The program included presentations for students conducted by rising EMCC sophomores as well as seminars for parents.

In the photo: Student facilitators for JourneyEast.

June 27: GED Graduation Forty-five Launchpad ABE students received their GEDs during a ceremony at the Golden Triangle campus.

June 28: SkillsUSA National Winners In a field of more than 6,000 competitors from across the country at the 2013 National SkillsUSA competition in Kansas City, Mo.,

EMCC walked away with two first place finishes. Automotive students Dale Brand of West Point and Devonta Brown of Columbus clinched the Job Skills Demonstration Open category and the Job Skills Demonstration A category, respectively.

In the photo: Dale Brand and Devonta Brown show off their first place medals and the custom-made props they used to win at SkillsUSA.

July 1: Cosmetology Graduation Sixteen Cosmetology students finished the program with a ceremony at the Golden Triangle campus.

July 11: PN Graduation Thirty Practical Nursing students completed the program with a pinning ceremony at the Golden Triangle campus.


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SCOOBA’S NEXT 25 YEARS

Above: A rendering of a new four-story residence hall for the Scooba campus.

With the F.R. Young Student Union and Sullivan-Windham Field fully functional, baseball and softball fields fully renovated and a rodeo horse barn and practice pen completed, the Scooba campus has turned its attention to band (see pages 16-17) and basketball. KeyesCurrie Coliseum, current home of our basketball Lions, will become the Currie Intramural Court & Wellness Center while a brand-new coliseum rises into the skyline across from Sullivan-Windham Field. Adjacent to the football field, we will build a new administrative sports

complex. A four-story residence hall also tops the priorities list. And we’ll pay homage to athletes and coaches from years past with a sports museum displaying our historic memorabilia and documentation of our athletic accomplishments. Later phases of development call for an EMCC-Kemper County Event Center, a nine-hole golf course and club house built around Lions’ Pride Lake, a police station just inside the “Scooba arch” and a new physical plant across Highway 16 from the main campus.

Above: A 25-year master plan for the Scooba campus, as provided by Pryor & Morrow Architects of Columbus

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GOLDEN TRIANGLE: A 25-YEAR PLAN

Above: A rendering of the new student union at the Golden Triangle campus.

It all starts with the Student Union. With construction set to begin within the year, faculty, staff and students are working with Pryor & Morrow Architects to decide what EMCC needs from the building. Currently, the two-story Student Union is expected to include a full-service cafeteria, a bookstore, a computer lab, a commons area, study rooms, offices, meeting rooms, facilities for the Board of Trustees and an outdoor sports court.

We believe the addition of the Student Union will set off a chain reaction that will increase enrollment, eventually necessitating residence halls and more instructional space for academic and career-technical programs. Supporting facilities such as a new library, assembly auditorium, physical plant and security building will follow. Down the road a bit, but still part of the Golden Triangle campus, a Regional Corpo-

rate Service & Allied Health Center will be built on 12 acres of land donated by retired architect Wayne Fishback. The site is adjacent to the Golden Triangle Global Industrial Aerospace Park in Lowndes County. The multi-story facility will house our nursing and health care programs, serve community needs and offer meeting and office space for corporate and industrial partners.

Above: A 25-year master plan for the Golden Triangle campus, as provided by Pryor & Morrow Architects of Columbus


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Corps contribution

Above: Pictured from left are PACCAR Assistant Plant Manager Lance Walters, EMCC Golden Triangle Campus Vice President Dr. Paul Miller, EMCC Commercial Trucking Program instructor Bob Weining, EMCC President Dr. Rick Young, PACCAR Plant Manager Lex Lemmers, EMCC Assistant Dean of Instruction Napoleon Jones, PACCAR Plant Controller Pat Thompson and PACCAR Human Resources Manager George Kerekes.

SCOOBA – A team of young National Civilian Community Corps members put in weeks of hard work at the Scooba campus this summer. Seven young men and women representing AmeriCorps NCCC arrived at EMCC’s Scooba campus May 23 and immediately set to work on a long list of infrastructure and landscaping projects, completing mandatory eight-hour work days punctuated by breaks for special recognitions at campus events before departing June 10. “College campuses are such a great fit because we have these young people yearning to make a difference. And community colleges, with their satellite campus system, help us reach

more deeply into Mississippi communities,” said David Mallery, executive director for Volunteer Mississippi, speaking to the AmeriCorps volunteers, EMCC administrators and special invited guests during a reception at the F.R. Young Student Union. The AmeriCorps NCCC team, whose members range in age from 19 to 25 and hail from communities across the country, is working at several locations around the South participating in community service projects. The team formed in February at the Southern region AmeriCorps campus in Vicksburg and will continue its service mission until December.

Keep on trucking

COLUMBUS – On May 15, PACCAR Engine Company donated its second diesel engine cab in six years to EMCC. The Peterbilt 386 was presented to EMCC President Dr. Rick Young and a small entourage of EMCC administrators at PACCAR’s Lowndes County plant. PACCAR donated a Peterbilt 387 to EMCC in November 2007 while PACCAR administrators were sharing space in EMCC’s Center for Manufacturing Technology Excellence at the Golden Triangle campus as the company’s 400,000-square-foot plant was under construction. PAC-

CAR has donated engines and other materials to EMCC in the past to aid the Workforce Services division in developing a curriculum to train potential PACCAR employees. “It’s important to recognize the close collaboration between EMCC and PACCAR. “We benefit from EMCC’s basic manufacturing skills and machining programs and decided we could help out by donating a truck to support EMCC’s commercial driving program and diesel engine maintenance lessons,” said Lex Lemmers, manager of PACCAR’s Lowndes County plant.

Literally the best

For full text: Search for “literary magazine” at www.eastms.edu

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Above: Team members Jesse Brammer of Columbus, Ohio, and Kirsten Riley of Canton, Ohio, assemble underpinnings for student housing cottages.

Fall 2013

INDIANOLA – Student authors and poets added a new state title to EMCC’s list this year: Best Literary Magazine. “Syzygy,” EMCC’s annual collection of poems, short stories, plays, essays, art work and various writings, took the top spot at the Mississippi Community College Creative Writing Association’s 2013 State Competition in March. In addition to earning the overall award at the ceremony held at Mississippi Delta Community College’s Indianola campus, EMCC students took the top two spots in the poetry category and the top spot in

the one-act play category. Benjamin Stephens of Columbus penned the top one-act play “A Chance Meeting.” Jennifer Dott of Cedar Bluff earned first place in poetry with her piece “Tide.” And Dane McCulloch of Eupora earned second place in poetry with “War and Piece.” At left: East Mississippi Community College Creative Writing students Benjamin Stephens, Dane McCulloch, Taylor Durrett, Charles Thomas Salazar and Hannah McCulloch visit the B.B. King Museum in Indianola after attending the Mississippi Community College Creative Writing Association Awards Banquet.

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THE ALUMNI REPORT

ALUMNI NEWS

Giving vs. Receiving What is the correct order? I recently reconnected with a roommate from EMCC and, like any reunion, we began reflecting on the “good ole days!” I would hope that many of you would agree that the years spent in Scooba were some of the best years of our lives and the friendships created at EMCC have continued to grow. I extend an invitation to all alumni to join us at Homecoming 2013 and, with the help of social media, invite your classmates! For those that have not visited in recent years, you will be amazed and proud of the new facilities and appearance of the campus. To Dr. Young and the administration, the alumni association is grateful for your efforts to continue “Lion Pride!” As I was reflecting, it became clear that without scholarship assistance these memories would have Jason never occurred. Green I and most of my classmates were benefactors of academic, leadership or athletic scholarships. And at that time, the question “Where did the funds come from?” never crossed my mind. I was definitely receiving before I was giving, and to those gracious benefactors - I owe much gratitude. All of this came to light after the recent death of a family member and a subsequent conversation with my mom. He was a successful mathematician and engineer with patents and designs still being used in shipbuilding and it all started with a scholarship to a junior college in 1958. He was from a single parent household and without that scholarship it is doubtful that his dream of graduating from college would have ever happened. He, too, received before giving until a portion of his estate was returned in scholarship form to the junior college as a way of saying “Thank you” and also to give future students the same opportunity. I am proud to say that I have made arrangements to give back to EMCC so that I can return the same gratitude that was offered to me more than 20 years ago. I challenge each of you to consider this simple gesture. Please contact Nick Clark or Gina Cotton in the EMCC Development Foundation office for assistance or questions. Remember – most of us received before we gave, and now is the time to remember that “It is truly better to give than to receive!” Our gifts will better our future! Jason Green President, EMCC Alumni Foundation

Pictured: After years of donations, the archives room at the Tubb-May Library on the Scooba campus is now officially the Thelma Briggs McConnell Archives

Thank You, Mrs. Thelma

Thelma Briggs McConnell is a piece of living history in the Scooba community, largely due to her quest to preserve Scooba history. So it’s fitting that EMCC’s tribute to McConnell revolves around history, much of which she collected herself. The archives room at the Tubb-May Library on the Scooba campus is now officially the Thelma Briggs McConnell Archives following a Sept. 6 ceremony at the library. The designation had already been made and the sign hung in the library weeks prior. But Thelma McConnell Day on the Scooba campus signaled the official change, along with EMCC’s official “thank you” celebration of McConnell’s gifts. EMCC head librarian Donna Ballard said McConnell has donated and loaned an incredible amount of materials to EMCC over the years. The list includes documents, books and photographs depicting Kemper County through the decades as well as the EMCC campus back when it was still Kemper County Agricultural High School. McConnell lived through most of what she’s documented through the years. Born in 1918, her family moved to Scooba in 1923. She graduated from Kemper County Agricultural High School in 1936, nine years after the school began sharing a campus with East Mississippi Junior College. She began substitute teaching at the

Margie B. Aust Elementary School on the EMJC campus (now Aust Hall, EMCC’s art facility) in 1951 and soon became a permanent faculty member after completing her elementary education degree by taking night classes at (yep!) EMJC before finishing her degree at Mississippi State University. She would teach in Scooba for 31 years. Through the decades, McConnell has been as instrumental in making history in Kemper County as she has been in preserving it. In 1937 she was a charter member of the Woman’s Society of Christian Service, now the United Methodist Women. She was an original member in the Scooba Barbecue Club. Through five decades she maintained membership in the Twentieth Century Book Club, which she describes as “the most prestigious club in the history of Scooba” and a forerunner to the Kemper County Library System. The Kemper County Historical Association organized in 1982 and McConnell has served as president and chaired a Pictorial History of Kemper County Committee in 1999. She was named Citizen of the Year in 2005 by the Kemper County Chamber of Commerce and featured as one of the Meridian Star’s Unsung Heroes that same year. The Kemper County Messenger presented her an appreciation award for writing Scooba news for more than 20 years.


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ALUMNI NEWS

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MORE CHANCES TO SUPPORT LION COUNTRY! WILD GAME DINNER & AUCTION

The “Bull” Sullivan Committee invites you to join us at Lion Hills in Columbus on March 7, 2014, for the 11th annual EMCC/Billy Joe Cross Wild Game Dinner & Auction. The social hour begins at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. Any company wishing to partner with EMCC as a presenting sponsor for this event is welcome to contact Gina Cotton in Alumni Affairs by telephone at (662) 476-5063. Pictured: EMCC 2013 graduate and then Old Waverly wait staff member Mary Catherine Nash shows off a rifle up for bid at the 10th EMCC/Billy Joe Cross Wild Game Dinner as Nick Clark serves as auctioneer.

SPORTING CLAYS CHALLENGE CUP

The Sporting Clays Challenge Cup will celebrate its sixth year on May 16, 2014. The tournament will be held at Burnt Oak Lodge in Crawford. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and a complimentary lunch follows the competition. First Place Individual Shooter for the 2013 competition went to John Brown of the Tem’s Food Market and Deerbrook Farms Team. Tem’s and Deerbrook Farms took the top spot at the competition with an overall score of 347 on the course. The presenting sponsor of this event is Pryor & Morrow Architects of Columbus, which has partnered with EMCC on many successful building projects at the Scooba and Golden Triangle campuses. Pictured: First place in 2013 went to the Tem’s Food Market and and Deerbrook Farms team. Pictured from left are EMCC Alumni Foundation volunteer Jimmy Kibe, shooters Lee Dubois and John Brown, sponsors Robert Temkovits and Jay Chancellor, shooters Will Chancellor and Trey Chancellor and EMCC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Affairs Nick Clark.

EMCC OLD WAVERLY GOLF CLASSIC

The 18th EMCC Old Waverly Golf Classic will be held Oct. 14, 2013. The tournament is a four-person scramble. Registration begins at 10 a.m. A complimentary lunch will be served at noon. Tee time is 1 p.m. Players and guests can stay for a 6 p.m. dinner for a small additional charge. Last year, the Old Waverly Golf Classic was held Oct. 22 in West Point. The presenting sponsor was C Spire. The First Place Gross went to the team of Clay Stafford, Zak Holloway, Charlie Pilkinton and Danny Hicks. First Place Net went to Al Wiygul, Frank Chailland, Keith Peel and George Rutledge. Pictured: EMCC Old Waverly Golf Classic 1st Place Net winners Al Wiygul of Saltillo, Frank Chailand of Tupelo, Keith Peel of Beldon and George Rutledge of Saltillo.

For more information about fees or sponsorship opportunities, call Gina Co on of Alumni Aﬀairs at (662) 476-5063

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The Lions’ Pride

Fall 2013

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ALUMNI NEWS

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Pictured from left: Langston Rogers, Cubby Harris, Chip Wells and Bill Buckner. Rogers and Buckner, already members of the EMCC Sports Hall of Fame, were inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in August. Wells and Harris will be honored with EMCC’s Distinguished Service Award and Alumnus of the Year honors, respectively, during 2013 Homecoming ceremonies.

2013 EMCC Sports Hall of Fame We will honor our 2013 EMCC Sports Hall of Fame inductees with a reception and banquet on Friday, Sept. 27 in the F.R. Young Student Union. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. The banquet and induction ceremony follows at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required to attend.

Nolan Atkins of Columbus Football 1954-55 Allen Bruton of Wahalak Track/Football 1962-63

Steve Hull (Deceased) of Chunky Men’s Basketball Coach 1995-2001

Dick McSpadden of Panama City, Fla. Baseball/Football 1957-59, assistant football coach 1958 Jim Murray of Montpelier Basketball 1970-72

Fred Stoops of Celina, Tenn. Football 1956-57

Robert Temkovits of Brooksville Football 1966-67

Dora Strickland Vaughan of New Hope Basketball 1973-75

Tentative 2013 Homecoming Schedule Friday, September 27 Sports Hall of Fame Reception, Student Union Sports Hall of Fame Banquet, Student Union Reservations Required (662-476-5063)

5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

Saturday September 28 Foundation Board Meeting, Student Union Alumni Registration and Coffee, Stennis Hall Lobby Memorial Prayer, Korean War Memorial Tailgating Areas Open, TBA

9:00 a.m.

9:15 a.m.

Korean War Veterans’ Meeting, Stennis Hall 120

10:00 a.m.

Alumni/Foundation Joint Meeting, Stennis Hall Auditorium

11:15 a.m.

Alumni/Friends Luncheon, Student Union Alumnus of the Year and Distinguished Service Awards

2:00 p.m.

EMCC vs. Coahoma, Sullivan-Windham Field

First Quarter

Recognize the Golden Oldies—Class of 1963

Halftime

Recognition of Sports Hall of Fame Alumnus of the Year, Cubby Harris Distinguished Service Award Recipient, Chip Wells Homecoming Court Presentation

Post-Game

Continue to enjoy the day Student Union open for alumni/friends Shuttle service will be available. In case of rain, halftime activities will be held in Stennis Auditorium immediately after the game.


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“Everyone wants it done yesterday ... If we grow too fast, then the foundation isn’t there, the support system isn’t strong enough. If we went from 25 members to 200, that would disintegrate overnight.” – Steve Stringer, Mighty Lion Band Director

Pictured: East Mississippi Community College Mighty Lion Band Director Steve Stringer leads his “Eastern Belles” dance team and the school’s marching band onto the field prior to the 2012 season-opener at Sullivan-Windham Stadium. Under the guidance of Stringer, the EMCC band has grown from about 25 members to more than 120 members in five years. The Mighty Lion Band is now enjoying a newly-renovated, 7,000-square foot facility and is scheduled to take part in the nation’s oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in Philadelphia, Pa.

Forward March

Growth of Mighty Lion Band right on pace with high expectations

The question seemed innocuous. Typical job interview fodder. “The first time I met with Dr. Young, he asked me about my vision for the band,” recalls Steve Stringer, director of the Mighty Lion Band. He could have played it safe and offered some cliché about “carrying on the good work” or vaguely promised to make the band “the best it could be.” Instead, Stringer’s answer reflected his personality, ambitious and direct. “I said we can grow the band to be a worldclass organization. It can’t be overnight, but we can be competitive with anybody, anywhere, anytime,” he said. That answer is probably the reason Steve Stringer is band director at East Mississippi Community College. When Stringer came to EMCC in 2009 following a stretch as band director at Meridian High School, President Dr. Rick Young was enacting plans to guide EMCC into the realm of the nation’s elite community colleges. To that

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The Lions’ Pride

end, over the past three years the Scooba campus has seen the construction of a first-class football stadium, which served as home base for the Lions’ second state championship and first national title, and completed a sprawling student union. Now the Mighty Lion Band is next in line to get an upgrade.

A Mighty Lion Den The former student activities building on the Scooba campus, which houses the student health center, athletic weight room and coaches’ offices, was renovated this summer to offer the band a 7,000-square-foot performance space, sound-insulated practice rooms and storage space. Stringer and the band moved into the new facility by the time classes began in August. Over the course of the next several years, an athletic complex is slated for construction adja-

Fall 2013

cent to Sullivan-Windham Field on the Scooba campus to house the coaches and the weight room, thus freeing more space for the band. But, it’s not like the band has been neglected. With the full support of administration, Stringer has quintupled the size of the band in four years. “We had about 25 people on the field when I first got here, and we were in the old music building, which held 25 students comfortably. After the first year we doubled in size and moved to Aust, which also houses the art facilities. “We’ve been in Aust for three years now and you have to go outside to change your mind,” said Stringer. “This new building will be one of the nicest band buildings anywhere.” While the new facility will create a spacious atmosphere for the existing 120 members of the Mighty Lion Band, the intention is to use it as a catalyst for growth. The new band hall will host the East Missis-

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Pictured above: Steve Stringer with (from left) Chris King, Katie Fulton, Maegen Anderson and John Morgan. The EMCC staff and performance and practice facility (as seen in the transformation here from left to right) have grown right along with the Mighty Lion Band.

sippi All-Star Band Camp each summer, as well as an honors band clinic where high schoolers audition for a spot on the Mighty Lion roster. Those events, coupled with state-wide competitions like the Region 3 MHSAA Marching Festival hosted at Sullivan-Windham Stadium each October, will keep a steady flow of high school musicians and their parents on the Scooba campus each year to show off what EMCC has to offer. And the word is already out.

The New Deal “There’s a lot of shakeup in the state about EMCC. We have kids coming from Gulfport and Biloxi to audition. We do not recruit outside our district. They contact me,” said Stringer. Interest in the band is coming from up north, too, from the Golden Triangle campus. This year EMCC rolled out a new trio of band scholarships available to Scooba resident students and commuter students from the Golden Triangle campus in Mayhew. A bus will run between the campuses each day to shuttle band students to practice and events. The primary band scholarship covers tuition and fees at either campus. Advanced band scholarships provide tuition and fees plus $500 toward room and board for Scooba students or books for GT students. And the honors scholarship raises the award to $1,000 for room and board at Scooba or books at GT. “With Pell grants more and more limited, the ability to get financial aid through a band scholarship has become one of the best options for our students,” said Stringer. “And there’s

nothing like this at any other school. Nobody can touch those scholarships.” All of this is happening according to plan. Stringer and Dr. Young began their relationship on the premise that the Mighty Lion Band could be one of the premier community college bands in the country. But both understood the growth had to be gradual to be sustainable.

according to Dr. Young. “We don’t shoot for second best in anything that we do,” said Dr. Young. “We fielded the best community college football team in the country two years ago. And one of our next goals is fielding the best band in the country.”

Built To Last

A bit of national exposure is in the works this fall as the Mighty Lion Band will be one of 17 bands to march and perform in the Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia, Pa. More than 300 bands sent in audition packets to march in the parade, which is the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the country, eclipsing even Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Marching in a national parade, as it turns out, was another topic broached during Stinger’s interview with Dr. Young as a response to what a community college band can do to garner national exposure. “Most of the things on that bucket list from when I first talked to Dr. Young, we’re doing,” says Stringer. That list also includes turning a one-dimensional band program into a robust music and dance curriculum. “We’ve got ensembles to meet needs and desires for all our students. There’s the marching band, the concert band, jazz band, rock band, spring color guard, spring dance class, indoor percussion, basketball pep band. Eventually we want a steel drum band, but we need a grant for the equipment,” Stringer said. “If you’re a musician, we have something for you. We have as many or more ensembles than anyone.”

“Everyone wants it done yesterday. But everything is on schedule. If we grow too fast, then the foundation isn’t there, the support system isn’t strong enough,” said Stringer. “If we went from 25 members to 200, that would disintegrate overnight.” Stringer’s staff has also kept pace with the growing band. After starting as the lone director, Stringer brought on full-time assistant director Chris King last year. This year he was given the go-ahead to promote percussion director John Morgan, who will also instruct speech at the Scooba campus, from part-time to full-time. Color Guard instructor Katie Fulton and Dance Line instructor Megan Anderson, both part-timers, round out Stringer’s “Dream Team.” He says administration has granted every request he’s submitted, whether for staff or equipment, as long as he could justify its necessity to the goal of improving the band. “I’ve never been told ‘No. You can’t have that.’ Dr. Young, (Scooba campus vice president) Dr. Andrea Mayfield, (Vice President for Instruction) Dr. Thomas Ware, no matter who I’m talking to, if we can justify it, we get what we need,” he said. And that’s no coincidence,

National Exposure

The Mighty Lion Band through the years 2008-09

2011-12

2009-10

2010-11

Fall 2013 The Lions’ Pride 2012-13

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ALUMNI NEWS

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The Bull Sullivan Show

Documentary of legendary EMJC football coach to be released soon The renaissance of Coach Bull Sullivan is coming to television. Almost thirty years after his story garnered national attention in the longest cover story in Sports Illustrated history, the legend of former East Mississippi Junior College football coach Robert “Bull” Sullivan will be documented on film for a new generation, remembered by the generation he inspired. “Bull Cyclone and the Lions of Scooba, Mississippi” is currently in production for Frasco Films. Under the direction of Mike Frascogna Jr., author of the 2010 book “Bull Cyclone Sullivan and the Lions of Scooba, Mississippi,” the documentary depicts the mercurial coach through the eyes of his players, his children, his students and the Scooba campus where his legacy is anchored. Producer Mike Frascogna III, who co-authored the “Bull Cyclone” book and practices law in Jackson with his father, said the two-hour film is wrapping up postproduction now and hopes it will be available for purchase on DVD by the time the Lions play their home football opener Sept. 5 in Scooba. Frasco Films intends to pitch the documentary to ESPN in hopes of re-introducing Sullivan’s story to a national audience. “We’re in negotiations with ESPN right now,” said Frascogna III. Frascogna Jr., who was inspired to write the “Bull Cyclone” book after reading the 1984 Sports Illustrated article by famed sports writer Frank Deford, also included EMCC and Sullivan’s story in his first film project, “Mississippi JUCO: The Toughest League In America” in 2012. For a portion of “Mississippi JUCO,” the story behind Sullivan’s original Five Star jersey design is narrated by former Mississippi State University sportscaster Jack Cristil. Following his reemergence via book, movie and spoken word formats, Sullivan recently reappeared in three dimensions on the Scooba campus in the form of a 7-foot-2inch bronze statue unveiled during last year’s Homecoming ceremony. The statue sits along the en-

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Pictured: Camera crew members for a documentary on legendary EMCC football coach “Bull” Sullivan take shots of the Sullivan statue during a day of filming on the Scooba campus which included interviews with (inset, from left) Vice President of Alumni Affairs Nick Clark, EMCC President Dr. Rick Young and head football coach Buddy Stephens.

tranceway at Sullivan-Windham Stadium, with the hulking coach facing the field while examining plays on his clipboard. The film, like the statue, is intended as a testament to Coach Sullivan – to allow those who knew him to reminisce, but more so to preserve Sullivan’s legacy as experienced by the direct inheritors of his influence. “I look forward to the story being told of a very interesting and significant part of our state’s history and the lives of a great many people,” said Dr. Tommy Davis, a former Sullivan player at EMJC who eventually rose to president of EMCC. Davis is one of more than 50 people interviewed on camera for “Bull Cyclone” who combined to produce more than 40 hours of raw footage. The bulk of that footage consists of former Sullivan players, some of whom are counted among the 31 junior college All-Americans produced by EMJC during

The Lions’ Pride

Fall 2013

Sullivan’s 16 years and all of whom count their memories of Coach Sullivan among their most treasured. “Bull was the type of guy who worked on your mind. He got physical if he had to. But it was mostly mental,” said Ernie Moore, who played for Sullivan in 196768. Moore offered producers a glimpse of both sides of Bull’s mental tactics. How he would instruct his team to try crazy trick plays in a game if they had a comfortable lead, which they usually did. And how he once pulled out a shotgun at practice and threatened to shoot a wide receiver if he dropped a pass. “I wish he would have dropped it. I believe Bull would have at least shot the gun,” said Moore. Charlie Studdard, whose freshman season playing for EMJC in 1968 turned out to be Bull’s last, said Sullivan was memorable for many reasons which combined to make him legendary. There was Sullivan’s size and

demeanor. “The first time I saw him he scared me to death,” recalled Studdard. There were the Coach’s forward-thinking offensive schemes. “Back when everyone was running a pro set, he had folks running around everywhere. He was an offensive genius,” said Studdard. But more than anything, Sullivan will be remembered for the example he set for his men. “I’m still in awe of a lot of those guys (Sullivan coached). He touched a lot of people who went on to be true successes in life. Being one of his players is just a fraternity, a bond that really means a lot,” said Studdard. That’s a concept Moore and Davis co-sign readily, agreeing that the world deserves to again hear of Coach Bull Sullivan. “I think he is much more appropriate than many of the people who have had documentaries made about their lives,” said Davis.

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FOOTBALL

SPORTS

Lions crave return to championship By Paul Jones

The 2012 football campaign produced EMCC’s fourth MACJC North Division title in five years and a fifth consecutive berth in the MACJC state playoffs. However, after seeing their school-record, 20-game winning streak snapped in the regular-season finale, the Lions look to the 2013 football season with perhaps more hunger than ever before. That mindset has come about due to the standards and expectations being raised on the Scooba campus under the guidance of head coach Buddy Stephens, who directed EMCC to the NJCAA National Championship two years ago. Under his leadership, the Lions have posted an impressive five-year composite record of 4410, including a 27-3 division mark. Dating back to the 2008 season, only five NJCAA football programs nationally have produced more total victories than EMCC. “We were highly ranked going into last season coming off the national championship, but we shot ourselves in the foot two straight games at the end of the year and didn’t play as well,” Stephens recalled. “When it comes down to the expectations of the program, we not only compete for championships but now expect to win championships. “That is the difference in the way we approach things. We now have a bullseye on our back that we have to live with. Last year, we felt entitled and took too much for granted. So, we have to finish games and outwork people no matter who we play against.” Stephens and his staff again return a bevy of talent while adding several impact transfers and signees. On offense, the Lions welcome back quarterback Dontreal Pruitt under center, while former Olive Branch product Todd Mays has transferred from Arkansas State. “They are two different quarterbacks with different styles,” Stephens noted. “Dontreal is a

Above: Lakendric Thomas, shown scooting around the end against Holmes last year, will return to the EMCC backfield in 2013. Below: Highly-touted lineman Avery Gennesy is part of what head coach Buddy Stephens calls “one of the most athletic offensive lines I’ve been associated with in my coaching career.”

guy who commands the pocket. Todd can have an impact at quarterback, running back or receiver.” The offensive skill players exhibit plenty of talent and experience. Lakenderic Thomas returns to EMCC’s backfield, while the Lions’ receiving corps includes sophomores C.J. Bates, Terrance Barron and Justin Mack. Antoinne Adkins also returns at receiver after missing last year with a knee injury. Up front, the Lions have an experienced group as well led by sophomore offensive linemen Avery Gennesy and Kenney Averhart. Louisiana-Monroe transfer Jamal Danley will also look to make an immediate impact. “This may be one of the most athletic offensive lines I’ve been associated with in my coaching career,” Stephens admitted. “We also have a lot of depth on the offensive line.” The secondary will be paced by a sophomore group of defen-

sive backs featuring Byerson Cockrell, A.J. Stamps, Allen Sentimore and Ken Breland. On the defensive line, Jarran Reed and Jimmie Gipson return to the trenches, while sophomores Christian Russell and C.J. Shepherd will lead a group of experienced linebackers. The Lions’

defensive front will benefit from the additions of University of Alabama transfer D.J. Pettway and South Carolina native D.J. Jones. “I think our back seven (linebackers and secondary) on defense will be the strength early on and give our defensive line time to grow and get better,” Stephens added. “If we see considerable growth up front, we can be very good defensively.” Last year’s abrupt finish to an otherwise successful 8-2 season should provide enough motivation for this year’s collection of players and coaches to return and stay in the national limelight for years to come. “We have to understand that we will get everybody’s best game,” Stephens stressed. “This program is where we want it to be, and that is consistently competing for championships.” Paul Jones is a freelance writer who lives in Starkville.


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SPORTS

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MEN’S BASKETBALL

Lions eyeing fifth straight crown By Paul Jones

The drive for five awaits head coach Mark White’s EMCC men’s basketball program. The Lions will tip off the 2013-14 hoops campaign looking to extend their current streak of four consecutive NJCAA Tournament appearances that have evolved as a result of four straight NJCAA Region 23 Tournament championships as well as four MACJC North Division titles in a row. A balanced group of experienced veterans and talented newcomers aim to make another run at the NJCAA Tournament. Another visit to Hutchinson, Kan., would put EMCC in rarified air as the first junior college men’s basketball program to reach a fifth straight national tournament since Southeastern (Iowa) accomplished the rare feat from 1963-67. “As with any sport at any level, once we started winning, our guys played with so much confidence,” said White, who is entering his seventh season at EMCC’s helm. “Now, our kids expect to win no matter what the situation is.” Along with a loaded roster, White will enter the much-anticipated 2013-14 campaign with a talented, new coaching staff. Utah native Shelby Lindley comes on board after serving as interim head men’s coach at NJCAA-member Central Wyoming College a year ago. White also nabbed former Mississippi State staff member Drew Bernd. Although six players return from last year’s 20-8 squad, there are some big shoes to fill for the Lions. First-team NJCAA All-American Jarekious Bradley committed to Western Kentucky and was still mulling Division I offers this summer, while fellow graduated sophomores Trey Brown (Alcorn State), Micah Walker (University of New Orleans) and Earnest Hunter (Jacksonville State) have also signed with NCAA Division I programs.

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Above: Head coach Mark White and his Lions celebrated a fourth consecutive NJCAA Region 23 championship last March in Clinton. Among the returnees for the 2013-14 season (below) is point guard Nick Giles of Kemper County.

Returning is former Starkville High School standout Jacolby Mobley, who averaged 13.6 points as an NJCAA All-Region 23 guard last season. Playmaker Nick Giles of Kemper County High also returns to the EMCC backcourt with athletic wing player Mack Foster. Other returnees include Brandon Moss, Justin Kinsey and Adrian Edwards, who is back healthy this year after tearing his ACL midseason a year ago. “This should be our best team yet because of the experience factor,” White admitted. “We lost some games last year we normally don’t lose and that was attributed to a lack of experience. It’s the opposite this year because we have so much experience back.” The Lions will also benefit from having a trio of first-year players who have been with the program since December. Former Wayne County “Dandy Dozen” player Avery Woodson transferred

The Lions’ Pride

Fall 2013

turned after originally signing with Tougaloo College. Former Biloxi High School standout Davon Ester also sat out last season for the Lions. Another “Dandy Dozen” performer, Dennis Miles of Meridian, should have an immediate impact on the MACJC this season. The 6-foot-6, 215-pound frontcourt stalwart will be joined by Louisiana playmaker Donald LeBlanc and fellow guard Jason Tate, who excelled in AAU ball for Columbus-based Team Elite Mississippi. “The keys are always the same for us – buying into playing defense and rebounding,” White admitted. “Our team chemistry will also need to be as good as it has been. We have a lot of talented players returning and coming in, too, so we must have the right balance.” from Southeastern Louisiana University, while Meridian High School product Antonio Finley re-

Paul Jones is a freelance writer who lives in Starkville.

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WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

SPORTS

Top four scorers slated to return By Paul Jones

A return to success is the mindset for EMCC women’s basketball coach Sharon Thompson heading into this season. Coming off back-to-back 7-16 seasons, Thompson and first-year assistant coach Michael Morgan return the team’s top four leading scorers from a year ago, including MACJC All-North Division performers Takera Mitchell and Savannah Kimmons. In the backcourt, Mitchell earned first-team all-division honors last year after averaging 10.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. Kimmons, a post player, was a second-teamer with her 9.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per contest. Wilma Davis, a 19-game starter a year ago, Nockeyia Qualls and Charmane Tims are also back in the fold along with Jaylen Cox, who sat out last season for the Lady Lions. “This is the most sophomores we’ve had back in a while,” Thompson recalled. “We've been so young in the past, but we are very optimistic about this sophomore group. Last year, we lost all of our out-of-state players due to illness, and two of those girls were sophomores. So, we ended up with a lot of youth last year, but they learned a lot of lessons that will make us better this season.” The Lady Lions have also added several new faces to the roster with the arrival of impressive signees and transfers. From Class 1A powerhouse H.W. Byers High School, EMCC inked guard Precious Rogers and post player Kyra Gulledge, who is a former Furman University transfer. Also grabbing headlines in this year’s EMCC recruiting class are wing Dana Gettis, considered one of the top players in the Chicago area, and point guard Lashyra Butler of Oldsmar (Fla.) Christian School. Closer to home, the Lady Lions have also added Starkville native Brittany Brown, who transferred from division rival Itawamba.

Above: 19-game starter Wilma Davis is one of four key sophomores set to return for EMCC women’s coach Sharon Thompson (at right).

“Lashyra and Kyra already look like they will contribute and have an impact right away,” Thompson noted. “Seeing them in skill workouts, Lashyra could be one of the best point guards in our league, and Gettis looks to be one of the top wing players. I also believe Kyra has a chance to be one of the best post players in the state.” With speed in the backcourt and athleticism on the wings, Thompson expects a fast-paced game on both ends of the floor. “We have a lot of athletic wings, so we are going to get up and down the floor,” Thompson added. “Of course, we are always going to bring it defensively for 40 minutes.” With depth at all positions, the Lady Lion coaches are hopeful of bringing back the success that saw the EMCC women’s program claim a pair of division titles during a recent three-year span.

“I am very optimistic about our depth,” Thompson said. “We can go just about anywhere with the starting lineup and rotate things out. The key is to get everyone on

the same page and buying into the team aspect.” Paul Jones is a freelance writer who lives in Starkville.


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BASEBALL

Rose, Lions hoping to turn corner By Paul Jones

Entering his fourth season on the Scooba campus, EMCC head baseball coach Chris Rose is counting on this year’s squad to turn the corner for the Lions’ baseball program. After breaking EMCC’s postseason baseball drought in his first year (2011) at the helm, Rose’s last two Lion clubs have battled until the final week of the regular season before succumbing to various factors down the stretch that have kept them from returning to postseason play. “We need for our maturity level and leadership to be our strengths this season,” Rose noted. “Last year, we definitely fell short leadership-wise. “This sophomore class seems determined to not let that happen again.” With a talent-laden roster featuring as many as 15 sophomores, the Lions welcome back their entire starting infield and outfield for 2014. And with the addition of another solid recruiting class, they could very well be back in postseason contention. “Our sophomore class is a group of very talented players,” Rose said. “The open state in recruiting has really paid dividends for us these past two years. We just need to turn that into more wins on the field.” EMCC’s infield appears solid at the corners with the return of NJCAA All-Region 23 third baseman Tyler Odom and the MACJC’s top fielding first baseman a year ago, Trent Waddell, on first. Up the middle, the Lions feature veterans Philip Tice at second and Drew Standland at shortstop. Odom, who led EMCC with a .390 batting average last year, also figures to again be a key factor on the mound after posting a 3-1 pitching record. He and sophomore teammate Colton Caver (.389) are the top two returning hitters in the

22

At far left: EMCC head baseball coach Chris Rose is hoping the leadership of his returning sophomores will be a difference-maker for the Lions in 2014. Among those key sophomores are infielder/pitcher Tyler Odom (above) and outfielder LeDarious Clark (at left).

MACJC this season. On the hill, the Lions are also counting on the healthy return of former transfers Chase Reeves (Ole Miss) and Chase Cameron (Montevallo) to help make up for the loss of pitching ace Smokey Ethridge, who posted a 12-3 career mark for the Lions. Other veteran pitchers returning to the mix are Nick Brooks, who tossed a no-hitter a year ago, along with Conner Burton, Hunter Floyd and sidearm stopper Brock McKnight. Rose will also have the luxury of two former pupils assisting him on the field this season. Pitching

The Lions’ Pride

Fall 2013

coach Garrett Harris is back for his second EMCC season, while former Mississippi State standout Jarrod Parks joined the Lions’ staff this past summer. Both previously played for Rose at Meridian Community College. With Reeves (.290) likely penciled in as an everyday starter in the outfield, the former Hamilton standout looks to be joined by returning sophomores LeDarious Clark (.310) and Caver. Highlighting EMCC’s group of newcomers will be all-state hurlers Andrew Crane and J’Daylin Jackson and transfer left-hander Josh Griffis, a Florida native. Both

Crane (Class 5A Pascagoula) and Jackson (Class 1A Greenville-St. Joseph) helped lead their respective high school teams to the state championship series this past year. Newcomers Hunter Gasaway and Dylan Vuncannon will compete for the starting catcher spot. “We are talented offensively and should be able to score runs,” Rose added. “We’ll need to play solid defense, pitch it consistently and do the small things in order to be a serious contender.” Paul Jones is a freelance writer who lives in Starkville.

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SOFTBALL

SPORTS

White, Lady Lions will be balanced By Paul Jones

Finding the right mix and balance on a roster for any sport at the junior college level can be a challenge. Lady Lion softball coach Kyndall White, however, found the even blend in just her second year as a head coach. “Our roster is really balanced with 10 sophomores returning and 11 signees coming in,” noted White. “That is a solid foundation there with our sophomore group, and we want to bring along the freshmen as we go and have an even bigger year. You always want to keep building off what you did the year before, and I think our sophomore class has those intangibles.” That’s a good sign for a program coming off a solid 24-19 campaign a year ago, including an MACJC North Division runner-up showing and the program’s fifth consecutive MACJC State Softball Tournament berth. Leading EMCC’s sophomore group for the 2014 season will be catcher Abby Roberts, who collected NJCAA All-Region 23 honors last season. She’ll be joined by Halie Green, Taylor Hackney and Corey Dawkins, who collectively helped the Lady Lions garner NJCAA Academic Softball Team of the Year accolades last season for having an NJCAA-best 3.59 cumulative team grade point average. Green, a Louisiana product, and Hackney will look to again split time in the infield and the pitching circle for the Lady Lions. Dawkins should see action at shortstop as well as behind the plate. “Hitting was a key for us last year and we were strong at the plate,” White said. “We had a lot of girls hitting over .300 last year and they got a lot of key hits. I think our hitting will be just as strong this year. Plus, we have more position players coming in this year, which should improve our defense.” In the circle, the Lady Lions will have to overcome the loss of

Above: Head coach Kyndall White (center) posted a winning record and a division runnerup finish in her first season of guiding the EMCC softball program. Ten sophomores return, including Abby Roberts (left) and Corey Dawkins below.

their top two pitchers in out-ofstate hurlers Amelia LaVergne and Kendra Wilson, who combined for 13 of the team’s 24 wins a year ago. Along with Green and Hackney having teamed for 10 combined victories last season, a healthy Tori Seymour is expected to contribute as a sophomore lefthander. “Finishing runner-up in the division last year, the season played out better than we thought it

would,” White recalled. “But to be in a position to win the MACJC’s North Division with a week left in the regular season was a testament to the girls and what we’re trying to accomplish as a program. That will not only help us build for this season but will hopefully provide motivation for the entire team.” EMCC’s balanced roster of returning sophomores and freshman newcomers for White and second-

year assistant coach Taryn Gray will look to provide the winning combination as fall workouts lead into the spring season. “Last year was awesome even though we fell short of winning the division,” White admitted. “We made a lot of noise and expect again to be one of the top teams in the division and the state.” Paul Jones is a freelance writer who lives in Starkville.


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RODEO & GOLF

Rodeo program continues to grow By Paul Jones

Every year it seems the EMCC rodeo program adds something new. Last year it was a practice facility at the Scooba campus and hosting its first rodeo in West Point. This year the program hopes to add two new competitive categories in an effort to boost its composite score. “It was a good season and we started off well,” head coach Morgan Goodrich said of the 2012-13 campaign. “We hung around that third-place range for most of the year, but we were hurt by not having rough stock (saddle bronc and bareback riders). This year we’ve recruited for those events, and that will hopefully pay off this season.” The EMCC men’s team finished fourth in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s Ozark Region standings while the women’s squad posted a sixth-place finish. There was also continued individual success for the program during the 2012-13 campaign. Freshman Riley Grisham advanced to the

College National Finals Rodeo and placed fourth in the team roping competition to score the program’s highest individual national finish ever. Along with marking the third consecutive season for a member of EMCC’s rodeo contingent to advance to the CNFR, the men’s team also posted a second straight top-40 team finish at nationals. Along with Grisham, the men’s team returns Martin Walker, Shane Overby, Tyler Watt and Lucas Jones. On the women’s side, Goodrich looks to return sophomores Hayley Knox, Micah Windham, Lauren Powell, Hannah Collins and McKenzie Tomlinson. With that sophomore group and the large group of newcomers, the EMCC rodeo program expects to field its largest and most competitive team to date. “Our goal since starting this program has been to take our entire team to the College Nationals Rodeo Finals,” Goodrich admitted. “The top two teams in the region get to go to Casper and, while it is a challenge, I believe we have our best shot this coming season.”

Lions again finish as state runnerup

Above: Martin Walker competes in calf roping for EMCC during an event last season at West Alabama.

Paul Jones is a freelance writer who lives in Starkville.

By Paul Jones

For the third straight season, the EMCC golf team finished as runners-up in the MACJC State Golf Tournament in 2012-13. That’s good. But it gets better. Under the guidance of veteran head coach Dale Peay, EMCC also continued to make school history by producing a record three MACJC All-State golf performers, including the program’s first-ever NJCAA All-American. This past spring, Miles Respess tied for 17th at the NJCAA National Championship to make NJCAA All-American Second Team. The Arkansas native also earned MACJC All-State Second Team honors along with Alabama native Nick Davis based on season stroke average totals, while fellow sophomore Caleb Westmoreland collected first-team all-state laurels. “The three straight runner-up finishes speaks volumes about where the program is,” said Peay. For the 2013-14 campaign, the Lions signed five golfers who all placed among the top six individual finishers during their respective high school state championships this past year.

24

The Lions’ Pride

Above: The 2012 Lion golf team, pictured at the MACJC tournament, included, from left, head coach Dale Peay, Miles Respess, Caleb Westmoreland, Matt Belk, Nick Davis and Chase Smith.

That group includes Steven Eilders of Ridgeland, who claimed Mississippi’s Class 5A state medalist honors as a senior. Hunter Harmon of Calhoun Academy also inked with the Lions after capturing the MAIS Class A state title. The additions of Trent Humber from Caledonia and Brucel’s W.D. Newlin round out EMCC’s in-state signees; while signee Chase Chitwood of Jessieville (Ark.) was a two-time all-state selection in high school. “On paper it is probably the best recruiting

Fall 2013

class EMCC has ever had. I believe these guys will have a chance to compete for championships,” said Peay. EMCC also returns Chase Smith and John Pittman. This season, the Lions will also have their own home golf course after EMCC purchased the former Columbus Country Club property to give rise to the renovated Lion Hills. Paul Jones is a freelance writer who lives in Starkville.

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SCHOLAR-ATHLETES

SPORTS

Academic honors pour in for athletes

Personal discipline? Pressure from coaches? Superior faculty? Nothing better to do in Scooba? Whatever the reason, the 2012-13 season proved that academics do not take a backseat to athletics at EMCC as all six athletic teams earned Academic All-State honors for the third straight year and the Lady Lions earned national Softball Academic Team of the Year honors. The state accolades were handed down by the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges while the softball team was recognized by the National Junior College Athletic Association. In earning the top NJCAA softball spot with a 3.59 cumulative GPA, second-year coach Kyndall White’s squad also earned its fourth consecutive NJCAA All-Academic Team honors, carrying on the work begun by former coach Kate Neely McCarty. More than 360 community college softball teams are included in the annual rankings. “Earning the highest team grade point average among all NJCAA softball teams is a tremendous accomplishment for our program and a true indicator of EMCC’s commitment to academic excellence,” said EMCC Vice President/Director of Athletics Mickey Stokes. “We’re extremely proud of Coach (Kyndall) White and Coach (Taryn) Gray as well as our student-athletes for their diligence and dedication throughout the academic year.” With 16 of their 19 players this past season posting composite grade point averages of 3.41 or higher, White’s Lady Lions bettered the 3.55 cumulative GPA marks compiled by fellow MACJC member Copiah-Lincoln Community College and Rend Lake (Ill.) College. The Lion golf team, under the direction of coach Dale Peay, also garnered NJCAA AllAcademic status for the third straight year. Individually, eight EMCC student-athletes collected NJCAA Academic Awards for posting cumulative grade point averages of 3.60 or higher, including a school-record three sophomores achieving Pinnacle Award status with perfect 4.00 GPAs. Lion pitching ace Smokey Ethridge (West Lauderdale High School), starting offensive lineman Tyler Stanley (Meridian High School) and reserve softball player Sarah Dudley (Kemper Academy) all posted identical 4.00 GPAs throughout their academic careers on the Scooba campus. Also picking up Superior Academic Achievement accolades for East Mississippi were women’s basketball player Brianna May (East Rankin Academy) and linebacker D.J. Jordan (Starkville High School) with cumulative GPAs of 3.92 and 3.91, respectively.

Above: A school-record three student-athletes won the Pinnacle Award by achieving perfect grade-point averages of 4.0 during the 2012-13 school year. Pictured, clockwise from top are: Baseball pitching ace Smokey Ethridge, softball first baseman Sarah Dudley and football offensive lineman Tyler Stanley.

In addition to Dudley, three other Lady Lion sophomore softball players were honored individually by the NJCAA. Former Clarkdale High School teammates Alex Smith and Amber Spann earned Superior Academic Achievement ratings with respective grade point averages of 3.89 and 3.82, while Haley Tutor (New Hope High School) followed with a 3.72 GPA for Exemplary Academic Achievement. Though freshmen don’t qualify for individual NJCAA academic honors, Corey Dawkins

added a 4.00 GPA for the Lady Lion softball team, followed closely by rookie teammates Taylor Hackney and Abby Roberts at 3.94 and 3.91, respectively. EMCC featured 17 MACJC Academic AllState individual recipients for the third straight year, highlighted by a school-record seven student-athletes who achieved MACJC Distinguished Academic All-State status for having composite GPAs of 3.80 or better on a 4.00 scale for at least 45 semester hours.


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PHILANTHROPY

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Foundation Club $25,000 - up Mr. and Mrs. Fred Adams, Jr. Anonymous AT&T Mrs. Oneta Pearce Baker Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Boring Mr. and Mrs. T. L. Cloar, Jr. C Spire Wireless The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia Dr. and Mrs. Tommy Davis Ikie E. Ethridge Mr. and Mrs. Henry "Buddy" Faulkner Mr. and Mrs. Mike Frascogna Mr. and Mrs. Rick Garner Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hopper Elizabeth M. Irby Foundation Ms. Pansy Light Lowndes Co. Board of Supervisors MS Power Education Foundation, Inc. Meridian Coca-Cola Mr. and Mrs. Buster Orr Pryor & Morrow Architects and Engineers Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rigdon President's Club $10,000 - $24,999 Dr. and Mrs. Louis T. Anderson AT & T Foundation BankFirst Financial Services Cadence Bank Mrs. Leola Knight Cowart The Create Foundation East MS Electric Power Assn. Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Fisher Mr. J. W. Furr Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Gray Mrs. Peggy Harbour Henderson Steel Mr. and Mrs. Ike Hopper Mr. Wade Lunday Mrs. Elizabeth B. Mitchell Renasant Bank Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith Sodexo, Inc. Sports Specialty Mr. Chip Wells Dr. and Mrs. Rick Young Super Lion King $5,000 - $9,999 Mr. John Apple EMCC Alumni Association Johnny H. Baker BanCorp South Betty Morgan Benton Al and Brownie Briggs Bounds Carolyn D. Bourrage Bessie Ann Cherry Briggs Mr. and Mrs. Nick Clark EMCC Forestry Club Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Dyess Electric Mills Wood Preserving Encore Rehabilitation, Inc.

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In the photo: Mighty Lion Band Director Steve Stringer presents an award to the drum major and section leaders from West Lauderdale High School during the U.S. Bands Mississippi Regional competition in Scooba last October. Founders Federal Credit Union Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Galloway Hoot Gipson Mr. Jimmy Gray Hollis Roofing, Inc. Mrs. Jimmie G. Hopper Mr. and Mrs. James Hunter Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Jeffries Mr. Max H. Johnson Dr. and Mrs. Scott Jones Mr. Judge Little Liberty Fuels Company, LLC Mrs. Linda Eldridge Marsh Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. McDade Mr. John Meacham Mr. and Mrs. Hu Meena Richard Price Mr. and Mrs. Randy Rigdon Mr. and Mrs. Pete Rowell Mr. and Mrs. Andy Salmon Mr. Buddy Sauls Scooba United Methodist Church Mr. and Mrs. Charles Secrest Mr. and Mrs. Kline Shepherd Chuck Simpson Mr. Roy Simpson John and Marjorie Briggs Solomon Eddie Al and Cheryl Sparkman Mr. and Mrs. William T. Stovall Charles and Marjorie Studdard Mr. Milton Sundbeck Mr. and Mrs. Cecil R. Vaughan Mr. Bobby Westmoreland Lion King $2,000 - $4,999 American Eurocopter Anderson Regional Medical Center

The Lions’ Pride

Fall 2013

Clay Armstrong Ken and Sheila Aust Bill Baldner Baptist Memorial Hospital Mr. and Mrs. Eddie J. Briggs Greg and Janet Briggs Browder & Sons Veneer Co. Billy and Frances Brown Mr. and Mrs. George W. Bryan Louis E. Bryan Bill and Patti Buckner Brasfield and Gorrie, LLC Burnt Oak Lodge Albert Clark Dr. and Mrs. John Clay Century Construction Corbett Legge & Associates Columbus Bank Assoc. Columbus Orthopaedic Clinic Commercial Bank of Meridian Andrew and Christine Couch David E. Crawley, III Mr. and Mrs. Dana Dunbar Mr. and Mrs. Don Edwards Mr. and Mrs. Billy Charles Eskridge Jimmie Evans Mr. and Mrs. Rick Farr Kevin Flaherty Jack Forbus IBM International Foundation Bill and L.L. Gates Mike Godfrey Mr. and Mrs. Paul Green Ms. Rufina Gully Gun Dog Supply Bunk Harpole Mr. and Mrs. Hiawatha Harrison Mr. and Mrs. Elmer J. Higginbotham Mr. and Mrs. Carl M. Hildreth

Mr. and Mrs. Gert Hill Rick Hodges Pete Hodo Garry V. Hughes Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hunter Joe Jackson Jon Jackson Mr. Tommy Johnson Coach William Jones Mrs. Mary Lou Kitchens Jim Koutroulis Edward J. Lee Van E. Lee Danny and Carolyn Lipscomb Mrs. Martha Marion Richard and Dawn McCann Mr. and Mrs. Carles F. McComb Jay McCrary Mr. and Mrs. Mark D. McPhail Mr. and Mrs. Dick McSpadden Glenn Miller Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church Molpus Forest Products, Inc. MS Organization for Associate Degree Nursing Mr. and Mrs. Gene Murphy Mr. and Mrs. Jim Murray Noxubee Baptist Association Old Waverly Golf Club Frank Portera Clyde Pritchard Al and Anna Puckett Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ross Mr. and Mrs. Bill Russell Lanelle Brown Russell Bruff and Melanie Sanders Scooba Presbyterian Church Mr. and Mrs. James A. Skipper Carolyn Smith N. James Smith Mr. and Mrs. Jesse R. Sparkman, III Dr. and Mrs. Earl Stennis Buddy and Robyn Stephens Flint Tedder Robert H. Temkovits Mr. and Mrs. Matthew "Bulldog" Turner Underwriters Group, Inc. Billy D. Walton Weyerhaeuser Coach Mark White Yvette Wilkerson Margaret S. Womble Pride Leader $1,000 - $1,999 4-County Electric Power Assn. Tommy & Janith Abston Tom Adkins Joel Alexander Mr. and Mrs. Greg Andrews Joyce Craig Aust Mrs. Phyllis Aust Liberty Baptist Mr. and Mrs. David H. Barge Big Oak United Methodist Church Mr. and Mrs. Charles Edwin Box

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Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Briggs, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Terry W. Brown Bradley Joe Bryan Martin and Joanne Buchanan Donald E. Canada John and Jeanette Chancellor Terry and Kate Cherry Briggs Chapel Memorial Church DeKalb Assembly of God Church Shuqualak Baptist Church Circle M Plantation Mr. and Mrs. Conner Clark Blanche Clay Peoples Bank & Trust Co. Charles "Bulldog" Coggins Dr. David Cole Bobby Collins Community Bank Panola Construction Coy Methodist Church CPI, Inc. Billy Joe Cross Dr. Ed Davis Patricia W. Dehmlow DeKalb Baptist Church Commercial Bank of DeKalb Dr. and Mrs. Conrad DiMichele Lance and Phyfa Eiland Mr. Leon Ellis Dr. John Featherston Carol P. Floore Exxonmobile Foundation Jerry & Cris Hayes Foundation Sam's Club Foundation Patrick and Debra Gard Hoot Garriga Gator Athletics, Inc. GCM Insurance Mr. and Mrs. Wink Glover Jack Gordman Marie V. Gordon Green-Save, Inc. Pillar Sales Group Bubba Hampton Karl Hansen Phil Harris Mr. and Mrs. Tim Heard Bobbye May Henderson Wayne Henson Mr. and Mrs. Chris Holbrook Darwin Holliman David Hopper Rudy Johnson Jimmy and Jo Ann Kibe Dr. Anne Marie Lamb Starkville Civic League Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Limerick Greater Columbus Lions Collinsville Chevron LLC Fabricators Supply, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Bob Marshall Thomas Mayberry J. Roy McComb Tony and Ruby McCullough Ben McDade Mildred Cade Mickler Mitchell Automotive Center Charlie and Pam Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Chris Morrow Doug Moulds Dr. David F. Mullins Jack Newell Northeast Metal Processors, Inc. Jason Pepper Peggy Persons Dr. and Mrs. Glenn Peters

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PHILANTHROPY

In the photo: ADN graduates recite an oath near the end of the winter pinning ceremony at the Golden Triangle campus last December. Billy W. Phillips Richard Poole Richard Powell Will Raiford Mac & Betty Robinson Robbie Robinson Langston Rogers Mr. and Mrs. Chris Rose Frances Rush Tom and Audrey Scarborough Structural Steel Services Dr. and Mrs. Kimble Shepherd Mr. and Mrs. Lester Smith Lori M. Smith Slay Steel, Inc. Dr. Jackie Stennis Mr. and Mrs. Mickey Stokes Rea, Shaw, Giffin, and Stuart Mr. and Mrs. Joe Studdard Dan Sullivan Robert Cooper Sullivan Kemper County Board of Supervisors George Taylor Lucent Technologies Charles A. Temkovits The Commercial Insurance Agency, Inc Coach Sharon Thompson Moody Land & Timber, Inc. Digital Sports Video Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth R. Waddell Steve and Lynn Waddle Wal-Mart West Brothers Construction, Inc. Barbara (Bobbie) S. Young Lion $200 - $999 Boyce Adams Paul K. Adams Coon Agency Robert and Margie Agnew Doug and Jane Aldridge Mark Alexander Tim Allen Alply, Inc. Bank of America Mr. and Mrs. Lester Amick

Amsouth Bank Marcus & Nelia Anderson Jose and Rosa Arellano Jason Armstrong Trey Askew DeKalb Christ Assembly Neshoba County Gin Assn. Golden Triangle Golf Assoc. Lowndes Count Cattleman's Assoc. Kemper County Baptist Association Southeastern Pro Rodeo Association Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Atwell West Point Livestock Auction Dan Augustine June and Bubba Aust Kemper County Economic Dev. Auth. Automotive Machine Company, Inc. George Nick Autrey James L. Bailey, Jr. Kevin L. Baird Bobbie Neal Baker A Touch of Home Bakery Guaranty Bank Ann Barefield Mr. and Mrs. Richard Barge Charles Barnett Jackie C. Barrett John A. Barron Brenda Barton Barry & Karen Beach James Bearden Romie Bearden Glynn Beasley Jerry L. Beavers Harry Bell Mr. and Mrs. George Belvin Benefits Management Group, Inc. Angela Bennett Tommy Bennett Billy F. Benton Dawn Best Jennifer Bible Rick Bishop Barry and Margaret Black Stevan Black J. L. Blankenship Jerry W. Boatner Danny Bohon David Boteler

Beth Boyd Bounds Mr. Sean Bowie Kelby Bowman Timothy and Laura Bowman Larry Box Andy and Sherry Boyd David Boyd Ruth Hutcherson Boyd Sharon Boyd Sherry Boyd Stephen H. Boyd Randall Bradberry Mike and Suzanne Brady Community Bank of Brandon Hines & Linda Brannan James T. Briggs John Lyle and Lisa Briggs Mary Ruth Briggs Tommy and Polly Briggs C.B. Bright H.D. Brodnax Williams Brothers, Inc. Dr. James Brown Tanzie Brown Robert Brownlee Donna C. Bruce Mr. and Mrs. Allen D. Bruton David and D. D. Bryan Minnie Bryan Mr. and Mrs. Wilkes Bryan Builders Sunday School Class H.D. Bullock Kemper County Farm Bureau Kimberly Burk Diane Burnham Jon Burt Johnny and Beverly Burton Mr. and Mrs. Phillip H. Busbee Mr. and Mrs. Jack Bush Jerry & Gayle Butler Jim H. Butler Larry & Joann Butler Bobby Cade Mrs. C.M. Cade Mrs. C.A. Cade Gary A. Cagle Joseph A. Cammaleri Chip Campbell James Cantrell Mary Caraway Carl Hogan Automotive Inc. Gayla Carpenter Roger Carr Janelle Carter Mr. and Mrs. John P. Caskey Mr. and Mrs. Paul Caskey Cathy Castleberry Tracey K. Caver Barbara R. Cavey Golden Triangle Dental Center Univ. Miss. Medical Center Frank Chailand William R. Chambers Will Chancellor Eka Chemicals Marion Chevron Tina Chick Calvary Baptist Church Coy & Lynville Methodist Church Dekalb Methodist Church Hebron Methodist Church Scooba Baptist Church Jim Clark Young Adult Methodist SS Class Lauren Clay Dianne Cleveland Mrs. W.D. Clifton


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PHILANTHROPY

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Greater Meridian Health Clinic Falcon Contracting Co., Inc. Prince Oil Co. Inc. Clay County Co-Op Capital Bolt & Screw Co. Graham Roofing Co. Sanderson Construction Co. Sunbelt Wholesale Supply Co. Philip A. Coco Mr. and Mrs. Derek Cody Mr. and Mrs. Billy Coleman Cliff Collins Bill Colloredo Dodie Colvin Kemper Chamber of Commerce Dialogic Communications Newell Paper Company T. E. Lott & Company Gulf South Piling & Construction McAdams Consulting Henry Cooley Herman Cooper Will Cooper Fred Corley Chris Cornett Cooper Marine & Timberlands Corp Hall Management Corporation Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Cotton Mr. and Mrs. Dan Cotton Mississippi Beef Council Jerry Wayne Covington Rachel M. Covington Elonda Cox William Crozier E.B. Culpepper Glen Cunningham Marvin D. Cunningham David Curtis Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy P. Daniels Jim and Pauline Darby W. T. Davis, Jr. Rebecca Davis Vanessa A. Davis Pres Dawkins Mr. and Mrs. Wilmer Daws Railroad Center Daycare Gary Dedeaux Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dennis Porter & Singley Family Dentist Mr. and Mrs. Billie Dickson Ken Dill Boykin-Coleman Dirt Portia Dooley Norman Downey Carol Driskill Ben and Mary H. Dudley Robert D. Dugan Mr. and Mrs. Todd Dupre Jerry V. Dyess Bonnie Edwards Mike Edwards Springer Engineering, Inc. Contract Services and Equipment Pump & Equipment Watt Equipment Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Erby Lance Eskridge Amy Esslinger Jim Ethridge Mr. and Mrs. Billy E. Ezelle Barefield Poultry Farm Debbie Farmer Cub Lake Farms Mrs. Emmett Farrar Linda L. Farrar Karen Farrow Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church

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In the photo: Hotel-Restaurant Management graduate Erica Williams hugs her instructor Dr. Linda Farrar during the fall graduation ceremony. John Files Casey Finch Truman D. Finchum Tom Fisher Betty Carol Thompson Flanagan Bill Fleming Dr. Clint Fletcher Mattson Flowers Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Floyd Hubert B. Scrivener Fndn. Marilyn Young Ford Dennis Foster Frank Foster Mark and Karla Foster Doug Fowler Grace H. Franks Steve Fredrickson Sharon Frey Charles Friend Michael D. Fulton Gregory J. Fuselier Eugene M Futato Edward Garrard John Garrison Mrs. Delane George Susan George Mr. and Mrs. Gary Gibson Jerry Gibson Jerry Gibson Jim Gibson Kim Gibson Larry and Grace Gibson Rebecca Gibson Mrs. Tim Gibson Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Gibson Robbye Gilbreath Mary Nell Gill John Gilliam Doris W. Gipson Hampton W. Glover, III Coye Assembly of God Tom G. Goode Walter Leslie Goode, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Don Goodwin Paul Goolsby Eddie Gore Rev. and Mrs. James Granger Lucas Grantham Bill T. Gray

The Lions’ Pride

Fall 2013

Gene Gray Robin Gray Jason D. Green Janie R. Gregg Miller Griffin Bryce Griffis Insurance Advisory Group Scooba Focus Group Taylor Group Daryl Guest, M.D. Eddie Haddock George L. Hailey Wade Hailey Judy Beazley Hairston Cynthia Hall Peter Hankinson Sherry Harbour Bobby & Thretha Harcrow Phillip's Hardware Michael Hardy Viola W. Harper Caroline Bryan Harrell James (Cubby) E. Harris Daniel Harrison Mr. and Mrs. Houston Harrison Carolyn Hay Mr. and Mrs. Billy Hays Thomas and Stacy Hays Philip and Lynn Brooks Head Donald Hefner Mr. and Mrs. Shane Hegwood Mr. and Mrs. James Henders Retha Hand Henderson Perry S. Hendrix Roger Henry Brian and Mary M. Henson Kelly Herrington Danny Hicks Judy Stokes Higginbotham Veranice R. Hill Laura E. Hines Whitney Hodges Gains A. Holder Brian Hollis Mr. and Mrs. Richard Holloman Zak Holloway Angela Holmes Seven Oaks Funeral Home Skelton Funeral Home

Renee Hood Bobby Hooks Gail Hopper Janice Hopper Mary and Dennis Hopper Rush Foundation Hospital Waffle House George E. Hubbard Betsy Hubbuch Joe Hudnall Shelia Hudnall Bob Hudson Jimmy Hudson Henry B. Hudspeth Teresa Hughes Dewayne and Lucy Hull Earline Hull Les Hull Teresa Hull Nelda D. Humphries Ed and Tonya Hunt Chad Hunter Zachary M. Hutchens Mr. and Mrs. Otis Hutcherson Wood Carriers Inc. Boyles Moak Insurance Snowden Forestry Investments Southern Outdoor Investments Leland and Glynese Irby Sandra Irby Bessie Jackson Charles and Linda Jackson Ethel B. Jarvis Phil Jenkins Hal Johnson John K Johnson Kim Johnson Thomas Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Mike Jolly Ben Jones Billy and Judy Jones Bryan Jones Colbert and Debbie Jones Garry and Rhonda Jones Jim Jones Kandice Jones Napoleon Jones Wes and Renee Jones Jeff Jowers ETA Upsilon Chapter Phi Theta Kappa Tina Keenan Diane Keith L. C. Kellogg, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Kelly Lamar Kemp Bill Kennedy Foster Kennedy A. J. Kilpatrick Marilyn Klaus Claude Pat K. Knight Cletius Knight Mr. and Mrs. Richard Knox Sylvia Lackey James Randal Lagergne Jason Laird Steve Landwehr Mr. and Mrs. Earnest Lang Bob Langford Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Langston Roy Lanier Jack Larmour Kemper County Civic League Jane Lee Lindy Lee Michael Lee Mable Lester

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Walter F. Lewis EMCC Library Wanda Lilly Mr. and Mrs. Sammy Lindsey Mr. and Mrs. Travis Lindsey Prairie Livestock Mr. and Mrs. Gene Livingston E. G. Johnson Enterprises, LLC Harrison, Jackson, and McGowen, LLC Lawrence Motors, LLC Oil Mop LLC Local Express#2 Brenda Pilgrim Lockley Sam Logan Danny Martin Logging Dr. Chester Lott Charles Love Benpak, LTD Corey Luke Timothy Luke Mr. and Mrs. David Lummus Zelton Mabry Greg Malatesta Mail Managers Phillip Maples T & D Mini Market Hubbard Maroney Don R. Massey Richard Mathis Belinda McKee Matlock Gary Matlock Genevieve Maxon-Stark Ann Maxwell Linda May Jana Mayatt Dr. Andrea Mayfield Alma McAlister Rocky McBride Kate and Josh McCarty Angela McCollum Dwight McComb Thelma Briggs McConnell Wesley and Linda McCool Lynn McCoy Grindle McCray Mrs. Dodie McCrory James McCulloch Mr. and Mrs. Dwight N. McDaniel Nelson McDaniel April McDougle Price McGiffert Mr. and Mrs. Michael McGrevey Donald McKee Robert and Tonia McKee Jim McKern Prentiss C McLaurin Barbara P. McLauring Marcille McLendon Sue Meacham Mercier Electrical and Mechanical Inc. Patterson Co. Medco Ed Medley Mars of Meridian Joe Miller Timothy G. Miller Jacob Mills Prestage Farms Mississippi, Inc. Cora T. Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Mitchener Mr. and Mrs. John C. Mitchener Mr. and Mrs. Tony Montgomery Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Moore Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie Moore Rosemarie Moore Tammy Moore LaPari Morant

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PHILANTHROPY

In the photo: Employees of various electric companies and law enforcement agencies help themselves to fried fish and sides during an appreciation picnic hosted by Mississippi Power on the Scooba campus in May. Bobby and Becky Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Morgan Tim and Susan Morgan Morgan Construction Company Dr. Larry Morris Debra Morrow Bobbie Mosley E.T. & Nellie Mosley Mitch Mosley Donna Moulder Marlan Theodore Murphy George and Leisa Neel Lee Wayne Neely Mr. and Mrs. James R. Nester Deanna Newell Jacqueline Newton Richard E. Newton Irene Nichols Elmer Nielsen Northeast MS Coca-Cola Sales & Distribution Sallie Oglesby Doug Olinger OmniBank T's The Big One Grayson's Optical Manuel Orman James C. Ott A.J. Oubre Break Away Outdoors Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Overstreet Terri Pace David Palmer Mr. and Mrs. Pete Papas Tammy Parkes NAPA Auto Parts Ken Pate Robert A. Patrick, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bill Pearson Van Pearson Janell Perkins Dr. John F. Perry Kiyomi E. Persons Mitzi Phelps Clyde Pierce Rhen W. & Nell M. Pierce Pilgrim Foodliner Charlie Pilkinton

Henry Pilkinton Tracy and Pam Pitcher Glynn Pittman Terisa Pittman Hill's BP Truck Plaza Bank Plus Gerald D. Poole Oscar Poole Donald Pope Dudley Ann Pope Betsy Porter Mrs. Valcus Porter Mr. and Mrs. Ron Posey Beth Powell Mrs. Kathy Powell Diana Pruett Harry Puckett Paula Rainey Bob Ramage Chris and Deana Ramey Melissa Ramsey Larry Taylor Ray Linda H. Reed Donna J. Richards Wayne Richards Clay H. Richardson Doug Richardson Angie Rigdon Hollis Risley Thomas L. Rivers Ricky and Lynn Roberson Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Paul Roberts Nina Roberts Bobbie J. Robinson Gail Rolison Rita Rushing George Rutledge Victor Rzepecki Turner Shaw Fence Sales, Inc. Boswell's Golf Car Sales John Sampietro Sanders, Inc. Charles and Barbara Sanders Glen Sanders Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Sanders Joe Charles Sanders, Sr. Rita Satcher Thomas F. Scarbrough

Bobby and Melinda Sciple Teresa Louise Sciple Fred Scoggins Subway of Scooba Charles Scott Jim Scribner Randy & Michele Scrivner Tina Seals Noxubee Tire Service Shamrock Medical & Office Supplies LLC Stanley Shannon Steve Sharp Dr. Raj Shaunak Dorothy W. Shaw Herman Shaw Thomas and Jean Sheffield David C. Shelton Robert and Kathleen Shine Stanley Shows Galen Shumaker David E. Skelton Bettye Bounds Sledge Bud Smith John and Beth Smith Nelson Smith Dr. Todd Smith Dr. W.S. Smith Dusty Snider Southwire Chase B. Spencer Lisa Spinks Louie Spinks Mr. and Mrs. Douglas K. Sproat EMCC Faculty & Staff John W. Starr Ed Staten David Stephens J. Steven Stewart Wayne Stewart Macon Stockyard, Inc. Charlene Stokes Don and Sue Stokes Sara Stokes David and Marilyn Stowe Gerald Stuart Marianne G. Stuart Laws Stained Glass Studios, Inc. Tammy Sudduth Auzie Sullivan Bobby Sullivan Mr. and Mrs. Vic Sullivan Kemper Co. Farm & Building Supply Noxubee Farm Supply Leann Swafford Homer F. Swain Steve Swedenburg Gary Bradley Swink Mr. and Mrs. Charles Swoope Warren "Oop" Swoope Larry Tabor Mr. Dale Tate Dawn Tate Dr. Jim Taylor Jim Terry Forever Green Plants & Things Suzanne Thomas Larry & Nancy Thomason Larry Thompson Donnie Pat Thornton Bobby F. Thrash Central Miss. Land & Timber Leslie Touchstone On Time Transportation Meridian Coach & Travel Bill Travis Deborah Treloar


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PHILANTHROPY

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David J. Triplett Trustmark Bank Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Underwood Mark Underwood Union United Methodist Church Triangle Federal Credit Union Debbie Upton Mr. and Mrs. Joe Utsey Don Vaughan Sam Vaughn Korean War Veterans David and Brenda Vowell W. G. Yates & Sons Construction Co. Wade, Inc. Donna R. Wade Delita and Don Waldron Mr. and Mrs. Bob Walker Dr. Joyce and Mr. Ricky Walker Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Walker Mr. and Mrs. Sparky Walker Steve Walker Michael Wallace Lance & Carol Walters Pete Ware Dr. Thomas Ware Emily Warren Mr. Bubbles Car Wash Mike Waters Linda Weatherly Mr. Don Weaver Woody and Cathy Webb Earl and Siglinda Weeks C. H. Welch Jonathan Wells Bill West Nikita Whitaker Charlie White Patten Whitten Felix Wicks Mr. and Mrs. R. Lamar Wilbourn David Wilder Prairie Wildlife Jerry Wilkerson Mr. and Mrs. John C. Williams Randy Williams Shane Williams Wayne & Sandra Wilson Al Wiygul WLS, Inc. Mrs. R. S. Wofford Scarlett Wolverton Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Wood Peter Wood Mr. and Mrs. Bill Young Johnny Young Russell Young Lee Younger Cub $25 - $199 Mr. and Mrs. Frank Alford Mr. and Mrs. Stanley W. Allred Mr. and Mrs. Donald Allsup Mr. and Mrs. Dempsey Amacker, Jr. Russ and Lisa Andreacchio Rob Armstrong Cassie F. Arnold James W. Arnold Diane Asbridge Tosh and Missy Atkins Mr. Bobbie W. Attkisson Adventure ATV Lee and Lin Bagwell Dr. and Mrs. Francis Baird Ole Country Bakery Mr. and Mrs. Dale Barham

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In the photo: A visiting Boy Scout practices soldering during a camporee on the Golden Triangle campus last November. Hundreds of Scouts took merit badge classes taught by EMCC instructors in nearly two dozen areas. Mr. and Mrs. William D. Barham Billy and Patricia Barr Sheryl Bazemore Mr. and Mrs. Bill Bell James H. Bennett Jenny Bennett Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Berry Paul and Betty Jo Bishop Mr. and Mrs. Charles K. Black Mr. and Mrs. Bryant Blackmon Lisa S. Blackwell Joseph C. and Julie Boswell Fred Boudreaux Rev. and Mrs. Frankie Boyette Marnie M. Boyles Benny Bozeman, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jehu Brabham Larry Braddock Maris B Braddock Bill and Linda Bradford Barbara Branning Johnny Brock Mr. and Mrs. Bill Brown Donnie and Lura Brown Gary Brown Rodney Buchanan George and Linda Budinich Georgia Budinich Larry and Peggy Bullion Mr. and Mrs. James Bush Billy Joe Carter Auto Parts Center Susan Chamblee Mr. and Mrs. Jessie Chavez, Jr. Green Chapel Baptist Church Sunflower Baptist Church Jay and Julie Clark Thomas Clark Kemper County Animal Clinic G & O Supply Co., Inc. Lann Chemicals and Supply Co. R. Scott Cole James Collins Mary Collins Sherry Collins Fairway Ice Company Donahoo Heating and Cooling Shay Cooper Tim and Tara Cooper

The Lions’ Pride

Fall 2013

David and Susan Cordes Gerry Corso Classy Couture, Inc. Mark and Sharon Cox Karen Cummins George Curtis Cliff Daniels Sarah and Evan Dauterive James Dawkins Brittany Dedwylder Mr. and Mrs. James Dempsey Jean Dendy Art Department Sassy Designs Octavia Dickerson Dinsmore's Central Heat and Air Diane Dismuke Jeffrey Duckworth John Dudley Sarah H. Dudley Thomas and Michelle Easterling Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Eaton Laverne Eaton Community Bank of Ellisville Hancock Equipment Mr. and Mrs. James Estes Ruth Johnson Ethridge Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Falkner Allen Farms Watt Farms Ryan Felker Billy Ferguson Barbara Finton Ame Fletcher 77 Gas and Food Fairway Foods, Inc. Dr. F. Norman Ford Mr. Jimmie Fortune Gail Hopper Garrett Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Gee Mr. and Mrs. James R. Gibson Larry Goodson GrassMasters Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Greene Kenny Griffis Cooper Grocery Prater's Grocery Richey's Gun H & H Residential of Meridian LLC

Wiley and Melinda Haab Neill Haas Marjorie G. Hackney Michael Hackney Clara Hampton Bubba Hannah Hank Harrington James Harrington Billy H. and Lisa F. Harris Margaret Harris Tammy J. Harris Cynthia Hatcher Marc Hautot Neely Hester Danny Hill Janet Holden Robert Barham Family Funeral Home Dr. Victor Horn Till-Newell Animal Hospital Cheryl Hubbard Hudson Law Firm LLC Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hughes Mary Grace Hurt Danny & Joanie Hutcherson Days Inn Sonic Drive Inn Choctaw Investments Kathryn Alison Irwin Dwight Jackson Rodger D. James William D. and Linda James David C. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Johnson Scottie Johnson Martha Jones Nancy M. Jones Tommy and Kay Jones Susan Kennedy David Kilpatrick Deborah Knight Doug and Mary Ann Lambeth Steve Lampton Steven and Jene Landrum Brian and Janet Lewis Beaver Dam Lodge Vicki Love Mr. and Mrs. John Lee Lyles John Marley Edwards Storey Marshall Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Massey Ricky Mauldin Gene McBrayer Virginia McBrayer Kim McClure Mr. and Mrs. Bob McCrory Michelle McKelvaine Mr. and Mrs. William D. McKnight Betty McNeel Mr. and Mrs. Lee McNeel Mattox Feed Mill, Inc. Scott Mills Chuck and Shannon Mitchell John B. Mitchell Brooks and Addie Moore D. B. Moore Stephen and Stephanie Moore Boots and More Mr. and Mrs. Ed Mosley Sunbelt Motors Sabe Nicholson Terrell W Odom Hass Outdoors, Inc. James E. and Hazel Owens J. Britt McCarty, DMD, PA Norbert Vaughn Painting Scott Parenteau George Auto Parts

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Acorn Pediatrics, P.C. Garrett Pearce Shannon Pendergrass Tony and Robin Phillips Hurtt Plumbing La Fiesta Brava of West Point Ginny Poist Anytime Shirt Printz George Prisock Parker Prisock Howard M. Rambo Matt and Tanya Ramey Nancy Ramsey Flying C Ranch Mr. and Mrs. James T. Reel Event Rentals Chris and Tammy Rigdon Janice Riser Bobby Roberts Barbara Ruffin Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ryon Cuttin-Up Salon Chuck Sanders James B. Sanders Mr. and Mrs. Billy Sanford Ms. Lynn Sazera Christina Sciple Mr. and Mrs. Newton Sharp Michael Shelton Ronald Shirley Roger Short Randy Shults Frank B. Silver Shelby Silver Mr. and Mrs. Hilton L. Simmons, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Skelton Cindy P. Smith Cynthia Smith Dean M. Smith Faye Smith Kenneth and Judy Smith Neil and Jennifer Smith Wendy Smith William D. Smith Shirley Snell Red Roof Spirits Alicia Sprouse-Garner Clay Stafford James and Carol Standland Jimmy Standland Travis and Sue Stewart Melanie Stokes Algoma Country Store

PHILANTHROPY

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In the photo: A workforce summit convened in the Center for Manufacturing Technology Excellence at the Golden Triangle campus in May, hosting representatives from member schools of the Mississippi Corridor Consortium. Paul and Sandra Stowers Mr. and Mrs. Billy Stubbs Bobbie Sullivan Reeder Farm Supply Ernest E. Sutherland Brenda Taylor Carolyn Butchee Taylor Kevin and Mary Beth Taylor Lois Taylor Mary Linda Taylor Taylor Machine Works Andy Tentoni James M. Thomas Keith and Lorrie Thomas Amy Thurmond Jeremy and Jennifer Tillman

Jack Treloar Triple J Farms Inc. Poston Trucking Baine Turnage Vicki Turnage Charlie & Patty Turner Mr. and Mrs. Derwood L. Tutor Michael Unruh Joe VanDevender Mr. and Mrs. L. Norman Waddell Courtney Waggoner Amanda R. Walker Felder Eugene Wallace Louis Watt, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Sidney Weatherford, Jr. David Lee Webb

GES Welding, Inc. Wilder's Welding Wally Wesley Faith and Lawrence Westby Dr. Terry Westmoreland Greg and Robin Wheat Joe L. White, Jr. Tracy Whitt Amanda Williams Billy Williams John L. Williams Janice P. Wilson Ken and Bonnie Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Wade Wood Henry and Regina Yeager

Absolutely! I will help EMCC to enrich its future. I understand my gift is tax deductible. I/We pledge a total amount of $_______ to the EMCC Development Foundation Annual Fund. I/We will give $_____ beginning in _______ (month) of _______ (year). Please send a reminder ___ monthly ___ quarterly ___ annually OR Enclosed is my/our annual fund gift of $________ (Please make check payable to EMCC Development Foundation)

____ Foundation Club ____ President’s Club ____ Super Lion King ____ Lion King Development Foundation P.O. Box 158 Scooba, MS 39358 662-476-5063

$25,000 and up $10,000 - $24,999 $5,000 - $9,999 $2,000 - $4,999

____ Pride Leader ____ Lion ____ Cub

$1,000 - $1,999 $200 - $999 $25 - $199

I will support EMCC with a gift of $ _______ for the following: ___ General Support ___ The Chapel in the Pines ___ Athletics ___ Annual Scholarships ___ Classroom/Laboratory, Golden Triangle Campus ___ Fine Arts ___ Virginia’s Garden ___ Student Services Building, Golden Triangle Campus ___ Endowment of Scholarships ($5,000 in lump sum or over 5 years) When mailing a contribution, please include this form, and your name, complete mailing address and phone number.


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The EMCC family remembers these Lion alumni who passed away between October 2012 and June 2013. Mary Ruth Adams

Willie James Edward Hood, Jr.

DeKalb, Miss. June 3, 2013

Columbus, Miss. May 18, 2013

Lawrence W. Cherry

Sara Maxine Hodge

Meridian, Miss. June 5, 2013

Clinton, Miss. June 6, 2013

Robert Louis Cook

Polly L. Hubbard

Meridian, Miss. November 10, 2012

Brandon, Miss. October 22, 2012

Marilyn Scoggins Doolittle

John D. Hunter, Sr. Carthage, Miss. April 10, 2013

Megan LeAnn Ladner Poplarville, Miss. December 1, 2012

John Roy Prewitt Bardstown, Ky. April 26, 2013 Starkville, Miss. May 31, 2013 Former Business Tech Instructor and Phi Beta Lamda Advisor

Jamie Furr Philadelphia, Miss. October 5, 2012

Helen Green Garrison

Dr. T. Glen Reeves Starkville, Miss. December 23, 2012 Class of 1979

Judy Lynn Roberson Starkville, Miss. May 22, 2013

Barbara Caperton Sanders Daleville, Miss. January 19, 2013

Elaine Quarles Sorrels DeKalb, Miss. April 4, 2013

Austin, Texas October 31, 2012

Rachel Flora Greer Memphis, Tenn. March 24, 2013

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Dustin Wayne White Caledonia, Miss. November 3, 2012

Fall 2013

Hunt Aust

Owens Cross Roads, Ala. May 15, 2013 Hunt Aust was described by his friends as a “true southern gentleman.” Born in Laurel and raised in Scooba, he spent the first quarter of his life at or around EMJC. And he spent his entire life giving whatever he could, hosting friends and family whenever he could. After attending high school on the EMJC campus, he attended college classes in 1953 and 54 before joining the Army. He married his wife, Phyllis, in 1957 and the couHunt ple lived in Alabama, where Aust Hunt worked and retired from Bell & Howell Data Tape in Huntsville. Aust was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer, but his true “addiction,” according to his wife, was football. According to Phyllis, “His heart was the Mannings, from Archie down to Eli.” Aust is survived by Phyllis, daughter Melissa, two granddaughters and three grandsons.

Warren Earl Hummer Macon February 4, 2013

Warren Earl Hummer represented local education in every way. Raised on a farm in Prairie Point in Noxubee County, Hummer would attend EMJC in the mid30s. After serving in the Air Force during World War II, Hummer returned to his family farm to raise and grow everything from bees to trees. He further expressed his dedication to local education by serving as a member of the Noxubee County School Board for many years. He also served on the Soil and Water Conservation Board and was a member Warren Earl of the Noxubee Historical SoHummer ciety. He and his wife left their Prairie Point farm in 2003 to move to Louisville. He is survived by his wife, the former Edith Ware McLeod of Macon, their daughters Nancy, Ann and Alice, seven grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren.

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REDEEM YOUR POINTS TO FEEL GOOD. OR DO GOOD. C Spire PERCS Rewards gives you PERC Points for doing all the things you already do, like downloading apps and paying your bill online. You can redeem your PERC Points for gift cards, discounts or to support a charity you select through PERCS with a Purpose.

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ALUMNI OFFICE P.O. BOX 158 SCOOBA, MS 39358

Stay on top of the game by watching all of our teams on

Airing Sundays this fall on WGBC-Meridian at 5 p.m., and WCBI-Columbus at 11:30 p.m. Also catch our show on our EMCCathletics YouTube channel and on www.emccathletics.com