Mississippi State University football standout Grant Harris was the featured guest speaker at the annual D.A.R.E. Graduation held at Louisville Elementary School, this past Friday morning.
Harris spoke to the students about the importance of education, stating that it is everything, relating a story of when he was a high school football player, and his mother calling him out in front of the team and coaches, announcing that he would not play any more football until he got his grades up.
Harris also spoke of applying oneself to reach their goals, and reminded that the students that we are ‘all equal in God’s eyes’
The ceremony was opened by Mistress of Ceremony, Louisville Police Sergeant, and D.A.R.E. Officer, Tonya McWhirter, who mentioned that this was a special class. McWhirter thanked Louisville Police Chief L.M. Claiborne for being good boss through the years. Claiborne will retire from Louisville Police Dept. at the end of June. McWhirter also thanked the Louisville Municipal School District, the City of Louisville Board of Aldermen, but especially the parents and teachers.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by D.A.R.E. students Joshua Ammons, Wynn Ewing and Artryanna Haynes, followed by the National Anthem which was sung by Winston Academy senior and former D.A.R.E. student, Chandler Wells. Louisville Mayor Pro-Tem Eugene Crosby was on hand with remarks, in the absence of Mayor Will Hill.
Fifth-grade students in all county schools except Grace Christian School participate in the D.A.R.E. program, and awards were given out in several categories as follows:
ESSAY WINNERS:
Noxapater Schools:
Mrs. Monk: Emma Creeman
Mrs. Stalcup: Alandrius Staten
Louisville Elementary Schools:
Mrs. Bailey: Jabari Young
Mrs. Britton: Amaury Young
Mrs. Fondren: Aniya Pernell
Mrs. Bonkowski: Abigail Chamerlain
Ms. Winters: Zytavious Pledge
Mrs. Sharp: Janiaya Hudson
Mrs. Hood: Kaydon Walch
Mrs. White: Shakari Byrd
Nanih Waiya Schools:
Mrs. Roeland: Karley Watkins
Mrs. Watkins: Maddielynn Roberson
Winston Academy:
Mrs. Goldbeck: Mariella Ornelas
STAR STUDENTS:
Noxapater Schools: Mackenzie Bealis
Louisville Elementary: Madilyn Mitchell
Nanih Waiya Schools: Richard Sanchez
Winston Academy: Rett Hatcher
STUDENTS OF THE YEAR:
Noxapater Schools: Chance Curtis
Louisville Elementary: Jayden Porter
Nanih Waiya Schools: Emerson Misso
Winston Academy: Chase Allman
GRAFFITI WINNERS:
First Place:
Mrs. Roeland’s Class; Nanih Waiya
Drugs Will Suck The Life Out of You
Second Place-Tie:
Mrs. Britton’s Class; Louisville Elementary
Mrs. Britton’s Class Dares You to Be Courageous
Mrs. White’s Class; Louisville Elementary
Don’t Let Drugs Pull You Down
Third Place:
Mrs. Hood’s Class; Louisville Elementary
Don’t Throw Away Your Dreams
Honorable Mention:
1. Mrs. Bonkowski’s Class; Louisville Elementary
Say Yes To Life
2. Mrs. Monk’s Class; Noxapater
Jump Aboard the DARE Express
3. Tie: Mrs. Fondren’s Class; Louisville Elementary
Team Up Against Drugs
Mrs. Watkins Class; Nanih Waiya
Choose Your Side
CLASS STICKER WINNERS:
Mrs. Bailey’s Class Samantha Eiland
Mrs. Britton’s Class Jayshun Beasley
Mrs. Fondren’s Class Kamauri Macon
Mrs. Bonkowski’s Class Gemerrion Hoskin
Mrs. Winter’s Class Caleb Hughes
Mrs. Sharp’s Class Christian Hoskins
Mrs. Hood’s Class Markeveya Clemmons
Mrs. White’s Class Mkaila Gill Nunn
Mrs. Roeland’s Class Harley Egger
Mrs. Watkins’ Class Christina Bobo
Mrs. Monk’s Class Mackenzie Bealis
Mrs. Stalcup’s Class Chance Curtis
Mrs. Goldbeck’s Class Carsen McAdory
