Avrionna Shelton, left, Shontina Darden, right and Shavondra Watkins, not pictured, teamed up on their senior project on the various aspects of fashion.
(Photo by Lisa Voyles)

OHS seniors complete semester projects

OKOLONA – For seniors at Okolona High School, the last semester of school was no time to slack off in Ms. Genevieve Turkett’s class.
Turkett, in her first year at OHS, assigned a semester-long senior project and students showed off their creations and the results of their reserach May 8 in the cafeteria where their projects were evaluated and judged by other faculty members.
Turkett said the idea was part of preparing students for post-secondary education and outfitting them with skills for life.
“This was a college-level project,” Turkett said. “I think it’s really important that they’re getting this experience.”
The students completed a 10-12 page research paper and added a tri-fold board, brochures and other visual aids and media accents for a total presentation.
“The big thing here was learning how to plan and put your materials together,” Turkett said.
The students were free to chose their own subject matter and for most, the choices came from personal background.
Kierra Hopson’s project was on identifying the risks of cancer and preventative lifestyle choices.
“My family has a history of cerivcal cancer,” Hopson said. “And I learned that breast cancer is not genetic, not inherited. I learned the different phases of cancers.”
Vantashia Franklin’s project examined joint replacement and sent her to North Mississippi Medical Center for research.
“My sister is a CNA at North Mississippi Medical,” Franklin said. “I went on a job-shadowing there to learn about joint replacement.”
One aspect of the project was seniors had to present it to others outside their class, whether in the community or through the school. Franklin presented hers to tenth grade students who had an opportunity to use a simulated video program on joint replacement to learn more about the topic.
William Johnson’s project detailed his desire to become an architect and he held an art show for other students in the school to view his drawings.
Turkett said the projects incorporated many aspects of education, including the new Common Core curriculum.
“In Common Core they have to be able to use domain specific vocabulary skills,” Turkett said. “They have to be able to use the vocabulary of their profession. And computer skills were important. They need computer skills. A lot of them (students) got into really good schools, State and Ole Miss, and they need to be able to do projects like this.”
Turkett said preparing them for more projects was a big part of her goal.
“When they get to college, they’ll have to do research papers and projects. But if they can do this, that will not be a problem.”

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My son graduates from Houston High School tomorrow.
I guess it is cliche to say I remember bringing him home from the hospital and softly laying him in that carefully prepared crib.
In retrospect, taking care of a newborn baby was the easy part. Turning that young man loose in the world is the part that has so recently squeezed my heart.
Robert Jacob Ingram turned 18 last month and has recently had to make some very big decisions about his future. At this point in his life we are pleased with the choices he has made.
Raising a child so they can take care of themselves is the role of a parent.
I’ve seen some parents who have done very little preparing their kids for the real world and I’ve seen others who seem to never want to cut the apron strings. I hope Sara and I have been able to strike that happy medium.

Advice to all graduates

So you are ready to be adults?
I hope someone has told you that this milestone in your life does not grant you new freedom, rather it allows you to strap on new responsibilities.
You will pick new friends, buy new cars, land new jobs and move to new places. Yes, spouses, babies, houses and stacks of bills are waiting for you in this bright new world.
Please don’t think I’m being cynical. Graduation Day is one of the most exciting days of your life. But it truly is a new beginning and not an end to 12-years of formal education.
I hope you are thankful for the people who have helped you so far. Parents should top the list.
Somebody has footed the bill for you in the form of keeping you fed, clothed and housed for the past 18 years. We don’t necessarily get in this business for the thank-you’s, but they are appreciated.
I was once told by a parent that you are not an adult until you are capable of financially providing for yourself without anybody else’s help.
I hope you will also thank the teacher or teachers who have had an impact on your education.
For those of you going to college, the professors you’ll have next year will care little for your family, the grade you make or even your general well-being.
The teachers who had the most impact on your life are those who cared.
Maybe they helped you with a difficult concept, maybe they just helped you through a difficult time in your life.
And unlike parents, most good educators are in the business only for a simple thank you from a student they helped along the way.
I also hope you will thank those neighbors, family friends, pastors and former bosses who have nudged you and pushed you to be your best.

Advice to my graduate

They will call out my son’s full name Thursday night.
If you are looking my way you will probably be able to watch my heart burst with pride. There will be no air-horns, rebel yells or whistling, just a big smile and squeeze to my wife’s hand.
Jacob, we are so proud of you.
You have accomplished a lot in the past three-years. Houston High School has suited you well and you’ve thrived in this green and Godly Mississippi rural environment.
Your mother, your teachers, your friends and I have worked hard to help you learn how to spot the truth and reject the lies and deceit of the world.
It’s time to make your own choices and then stand completely responsible for those decisions.
We also hope you realize that your education never stops.
Sure, you’re headed to Tarleton State next fall, but even with a college degree you must set your mind to soaking up all the knowledge you can.
Please be picky about what you put in your brain.
While your mother and I have not always been right, we have always been your mom and dad and we’ve always had your best interests at heart. Let me assure you there are those out there who will try to fill your mind with crap and they could care less where you end up in the world.
Last but not least, be strong and persevere.
If you want something – seek an honorable way to get it and get busy.
Most of the great accomplishments in this world are not attained by intellect or luck. The good things in life are earned by hard work and an unfailing faith that it can be done.
Jacob, you will change more in the next four years than you probably ever will in your entire life.
You will decide what habits you will carry into adulthood. You will decide how hard you want to work for the goals you set. You will make your choices and you will live with them the rest of your life.
Jacob, remember that we are your mom and dad and nothing will ever change that.
Thursday is a big day for a man with big plans. Son, you don’t know how proud we are!

Floyd Ingram is Managing Editor/News for the Chickasaw Journal. He can be contacted at 456-3771 or by email at floyd.ingram@journalinc.com

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HOUSTON – Justice Court Judge Earnest Cunningham found Okolona Assistant Police Chief Romona Robertson guilty of three of four misdemeanor charges in an eight hour trial Monday.

Robertson was found guilty of driving under the influence, speeding and disorderly conduct and will pay a fine of $600 plus court cost. Robertson was found not guilty of possession of a controlled substance. The judge did not impose jail time on any of the misdemeanor charges.

Okolona Police Chief Tommie Ivy said he did not know if Robertson would keep her job as the department’s No. 2 officer. Ivy, who recently lost the election to be Okolona’s next city marshal, did say Robertson was a good officer and he was glad the trial was over.

The charges were filed in District 1 Justice Court on Feb. 5, by Mississippi Highway Patrolman James Burrow. Burrow and Trooper Cindy Searcy stopped Robertson on Dec. 7, on Highway 32 just east of its intersection with Highway 15, prompting the case to be heard in the Houston Justice Court.

Chickasaw County Justice Court Judges, citing the political nature of the case, recused themselves, prompting Cunningham to be brought in from Marshall County to render a verdict.

Chickasaw County Prosecuting Attorney Elizabeth Fox Ausbern and Chickasaw County District Attorney Ben Creekmore prosecuted the case.

“I hope the roads of Chickasaw County will be safer because of this verdict,” said Ausbern.

Creekmore said he would not speculate on why Robertson was not convicted on the possession charge.

Defense attorney Eddie Lancaster felt the judge believed the testimony of Robertson and others over the dash-board video taken of the traffic stop.

A videos shot from Burrow’s dashboard camera of the traffic stop were shown at Monday’s trial. Video shot by Trooper Searcy at Trace Regional Hospital and a third video showing Robertson’s action and demeanor as she was being transported to the hospital by Searcy were also shown.

Burrow and Searcy said Robertson initially asked to take a blood test to prove she was not under the influence. Both officers said Robertson refused the test when they took her to the hospital.

Burrow said he clocked Robertson driving a white Okolona Police Department Challenger at 77 miles-an-hour in a 55 zone and watched her cross the centerline several times. Searcy said she found 18 pills, later determined to be hydrocodone in a blue unmarked bottle in the driver’s door pocket of the patrol car.

Both Searcy and Burrow said they knew Robertson, she appeared to be under the influence and failed to follow their commands and directions during the traffic stop.

Robertson took the stand in her defense and said she had prescriptions for 120 tablets of hydrocodone issued by Okolona doctors in August, September, October and November.

Robertson said the stop was part of a conspiracy and repeatedly said she was not speeding, had back problems that prompted her unsteady walk, dental surgery that prompted her slurred speech and complied with all reasonable requests of both officers.

Robertson appeared at Monday’s trial in uniform, but told the court she had been taken off duty until the trial was over. It is not known if Robertson will keep her driver’s license due to the DUI conviction.

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PHEBA – David Forrester, 83, died Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at his home, in Pheba.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Pheba Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Pheba Cemetery. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Friday at Pheba Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to Pheba Baptist Church, P.O. Box 5, Pheba, MS 39755; or to The Baptist Children’s Village, P.O. Box 27, Clinton MS 39060-0027.

Friends may leave a Memory Message at www.calvertfuneralhome.com.

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HOUSTON – The Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors is looking at different methods of adding security and safety to both Courthouses in the county.
EMA Director Linda Griffin brought quotes to the May 6 meeting for fire alarm systems for the courthouses and panic buttons to be installed in the offices of the Circuit and Chancery clerks and Tax Assessor.
Currently, the Okolona Courthouse has a sprinkler system in case of fire, but the Houston Courthouse does not. None of the clerk’s offices have any type of protection installed at this time.
Griffin explained to supervisors the panic buttons would be similar to those in banking establishments that ring 911 automatically when pushed.
Griffin also requested copies of keys to each courthouse be housed in the city fire stations.
“So they can enter any time an alarm goes off without causing damage,” Griffin said.
The board is looking at options as each courthouse has slightly different needs, but does want to make the improvements to security before they are needed in the event of emergency.
“The reason we’re doing this is because of what happened in Webster County,” said Jerry Hall of the fire that destroyed the Courthouse in Walthall.

Sharing a ride

Supervisors heard from Sheriff Jimmy Simmons and Regional Jail Warden Brand Huffman about vehicle shortages.
Currently the CCRCF has a van to transport inmates but it is not economical to use when moving only one inmate. Huffman has been borrowing an extra car from the county jail, but the county facility uses it as well and scheduling is an issue.
Chief Deputy James Meyers suggested purchasing a new patrol car and moving a patrol car off the road to use at the county facility as a part-time, or back-up car. The current part-time car can then be used by the CCRCF.
Motion was made by Supervisor Russell Brooks to use funds from the Sheriff’s special fund for the purchase and seconded by Hall.
Board President Anderson McFarland requested Huffman, Simmons and Meyers get prices for a new car for the project.

In other matters, the board:
* Heard from Sheriff Simmons that water pressure at the CCRCF is not up to standard and that engineer Ed Springer recommends a new pump at the facility. Brooks recommended forming a plan of action and approaching the Houston city board for assistance.
* Accepted surrendered tags from Tax Assessor Sue Ard.
* Agreed to hire Jonathan Salmon as a certified fire instructor on a contract basis to facilitaty classes intermittently as needed.

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Monday, May 27, is Memorial Day.

One of the early precursors of the present official date occurred in Columbus, on April 25, 1866, when a local women’s group decorated both Confederate and Union graves – a healing as well as a memorial gesture.
Since 1971, the official date has been the last Monday in May. The day is set aside for us to demonstrate our appreciation for our veterans, our service members, and our country and, especially, to remember those who served and are no longer with us.
In the week prior to Memorial Day, May 21 – 25, the Pilot Club will have the Missing Man Table on display at the Carnegie Library.
This is a time when American flags are quite visible throughout our communities as grave decorations, in parades, at public buildings, at Memorial Day programs, and flying proudly from many homes and businesses. As we prepare our flags for display, this is an ideal time to inspect their condition.
As you examine these flags for wear and tear, please replace them if needed. The old flags can be retired with honor at the Flag Retirement Ceremony to be conducted at Joe Brigance Park on June 14. This is a joint effort of the Pilot Club of Houston, American Legion Post 95 and VFW Post 7149.
Boxes will be placed n several locations to collect flags that are being retired. You may bring flags to any of the local banks, the Carnegie Library, Griffin Motors, the Houston Civic Center, Pearson’s Discount Drugs, Rex Sanderson’s Law Office, and the Chickasaw Journal
Many thanks for your continued support of our community flag retirement efforts.
Please plan to bring the family and join us for the Flag Retirement at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 14.
You will be glad you did.

Cara Chisolm is a member of and Patriotism Chair for the Houston Pilot Club.

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Houston Middle School band students awarded for performance and achievement include, clockwise from left, Austin Barfield, Daisy Guevara, Savannah Clark, Anthony Gonzalez, Peyton Brassfield and Harley Nabors. Not pcitured, Carla Coronado and Jaleel Brownlee.
(Photo by Lisa Voyles)

Special to the Chickasaw Journal
HOUSTON – Eight members of the Houston Middle School band were awarded for achievement following the HMS spring concert.
The band is under the direction of William Shirey and Josh Robinson and is comprised of sixth, seventh and eighth grade students.
Students who received awards include:

Beginning band most improved
Carla Coronado, percussion; and Daisy Guevara, percussion

Beginning band Director’s award
Savanna Clark, tenor saxophone; and Anthony Gonzalez, alto saxophone

Intermediate band most improved
Jaleel Brownlee, percussion

Intermediate band Director’s award
Peyton Brassfield, percussion

Advanced band most improved
Austin Barfield, alto saxophone

Advanced band Director’s award
Harley Nabors, bassoon

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OKOLONA – Cherry Ann Wilkinson Word, 86, died Monday, May 20, 2013, at her residence following an extended illness. She was born Jan. 25, 1927, in Memphis to Joseph C. Wilkinson and Mary Halliburton Wilkinson.

After graduating high school she continued her education at Mississippi State College for Women (MSCW) in Columbus. She married Thomas Lawler Word Jr. on April 12, 1947, and worked for many years as a teller for BancorpSouth in Tupelo as well as Okolona before retiring. She was a gracious lady who enjoyed her Bridge Club, cooking, crossword puzzles, reading, watching the cooking channel, and spending time at the beach. She was the last surviving member of her generation of a very large and loving family, known as the “Queen,” and being fun-loving and witty. She was of the Presbyterian faith, attended First Presbyterian Church in Okolona and was a former member of Wren Presbyterian Church.

A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church in Okolona with the Rev. Sandra Sisson and the Rev. Tom Cheatham officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today in the Okolona Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors and from 10 a.m. to service time Thursday at First Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include her son, William Word (Pat) of Houston; daughter, Janice Word Cain of Okolona; daughter-in-law, Suzanne Word of West Point; 12 grandchildren, Thomas Word (Natalie), Amy Bryan (Wilkes), Matt Word (Dayna), Jenny Stubblefield (Earl), Lonny Cain (Kimberlie), Patrick Cain (Amanda), Clay Cain (Jennifer), Beth McArthur (Johnathan), Chad Galloway, Katie Mitchell (Sam), Emily Word and Tara Criddle; 16 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Thomas Lawler Word Jr., who died June 10, 1976; her son, Tommy Word; two brothers and one sister; and her companion, Louie Demoville.

Pallbearers will be Herbert Word, Rodney Hollingsworth, Tom Hollingsworth and David Turner. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 326 W. Main Street, Okolona, MS 38860, First Presbyterian Church, 209 Fourth Street, South, Amory, MS 38821, or LIFE of MS, 1051 Cliff Gookin Blvd., Tupelo, MS 38801.

Condolences may be emailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net.

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MEMPHIS – Hillary A. “Bill” McQuary, 87,  died Tuesday, May 21, 2013. He was born March 3, 1926, in Chickasaw County to Marion Monroe McQuary and Rosa Lee Jennings McQuary. He served in the Navy in the South Pacific during World War II. He attended Mississippi State University and retired from Kimberly Clark Corporation after 35 years of service. He loved to hunt, fish, and grow both flowers and vegetables. His favorite things in the world were kids, horses, dogs and Louis L’Amour western books.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Funeral Home in Houston. Burial will be at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

He is survived by his wife, Jacque Womack McQuary; two daughters, Linda McQuary Schmidt and Alma McQuary Spagnola (Timothy), both of Memphis; three grandchildren, Amy Burkett White (Joel), Thomas E. “Trey” Minga III and Dominic Christopher Spagnola; five great-grandchildren, Laura M. Bryant, Brandon D. White, Jennifer R. White, Clinton S. White and Hayden White; two sisters, Christine Harmon of Houston and Romalette Thatcher of Starkville; in-laws, Dan S. and Sylvia Womack of Mantee, Thomas Verell of Rockwall, Texas, and Betty Weeks; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Rosa McQuary; one son, Michael Paul McQuary; and one grandson, Leon Daniel Schmidt.

Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Funeral Home.

For online condolence visit www.memorialfuneralhomehouston.com.

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