Browsing: People

For the past 28 years, thousands of Mississippi high school and college athletes have been impacted positively by the words and actions of Scott Carter, the Southeast Director for USA Youth Outreach.

For the first time, professional mermaids worldwide will meet in Switzerland in May for the inaugural Merlympics. Pine Belt native Emily Shaw will be there representing Mississippi. The competition will test the mermaids’ aerobics and strength underwater. 

Uniformed in a chef’s hat and jacket, University of Mississippi freshman Sarah Harmon sat at a special table in the Rebel Market on Nov. 10 decorating cookies. She adorned the treats with words such as “dream,” “love” and “joy.”

These were no ordinary cookies, however, and Harmon is no ordinary baker. Harmon, who has been blind since birth, wrote the words in braille to raise awareness of those with visual impairments.

Amongst thirteen others, Tamira was part of a seven-way kidney swap— making history as the largest kidney swap in the state of Mississippi at UMMC. This swap included a total of fourteen people.

Henry Fletcher is a man who works hard and in his own words, just does his job. And because of that, he was justifiably rewarded.

Dixie Newman owns and manages Jacked Up Coffee Bar in Biloxi. Jacked Up Coffee Bar is a premier coffee shop and bar that proudly serves French Truck Coffee directly from New Orleans.

Andrew L. Pickens, Sr. is a retired U.S. Army veteran with 25 years of service.

He was raised in the small town of Cordele, GA, and enlisted in the Army in Georgia. After basic training at Fort Jackson, SC, and advanced individual training in Supply at Fort Lee, VA, he reported to his first duty station at Fort Campbell, KY. 

Veterans Day is a day for us to slow down, so that we can honor and celebrate the sacrifices of the brave men and women who selflessly serve our nation. There are so many emotions that are tied into this special day, and I’m sure most people would agree; however, the sentiment I feel myself going back to the most is simply gratitude.

Most educators agree that teaching is more than just a career choice; it’s a calling. This couldn’t be more true for Louise Smith, Mississippi Teacher of the Year, now among five educators who will be presented with the Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence in May of 2024. The Horace Mann Award is one of public education’s top honors.

Mississippi is home to many military heroes, but Tupelo resident Colonel Carlyle “Smitty” Harris is one of the state’s finest. 

In Memoriam: Remembering Raymond Tanner

It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Raymond Tanner, a beloved figure in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College community, who passed away on October 28, 2023, at the age of 74.

Did you know that October 22 is International Stuttering Awareness Day? Roughly 1% of the adult population stutters. Emily Blunt, Rowan Atkinson (also known as “Mr. Bean”), and Ed Sheeran are among this percentage. 

Pascagoula native, Wes Dannreuther released his second novel, South Toward Horn, at the end of September. Although it’s not a sequel to his first book, Horn Island Dream, both books explore the mystique of the islands  of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  

Mississippi Gridiron Cathedrals (love the title), by Nash Nunnery, takes us on a journey around the state to view and reminisce about 47 legendary high school football stadiums in Mississippi.

or kids and adults alike, there is nothing much better in life than having the love and support of an entire community – especially during the hardest times of life.

For those who don’t believe that statement, just ask Sadie Downs, a student-athlete from Mooreville High School (MHS) in Lee County. She can speak firsthand about the importance of community.

If you live in Pascagoula, chances are good that you’ve heard the term “bar pilot.” And the chances are even better that you have no idea what a bar pilot is.