Browsing: People

Pete Taggard never expected skateboarding to save his life.  But when a doctor warned that Type 2 Diabetes was threatening…

When we talk about the founding of Mississippi, the conversation often drifts to riverboats, cotton empires, or Andrew Jackson’s infamous duels. But tucked quietly into the folds of early American history is a name that deserves far more recognition: David Holmes—a statesman, a gentleman, and the man often called “The Father of Mississippi.”

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) recently presented General Joe Spraggins with the 2025 Friendship Oak Award at its annual awards day ceremony held on the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach, in recognition of his ongoing dedication and support of critical projects to advance marine research and sustainability. As the executive director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR), Spraggins’ commitment and partnership with Southern Miss and the Mississippi Gulf Coast have been invaluable.

So, the 2025 NEMCABB All-Star Baseball Games took place this past Saturday, May 31, at the Corinth High School Baseball Field in Corinth, Mississippi.  

In case you are unfamiliar with the history behind NEMCABB, it all started in December of 1989 at an ICC Baseball Clinic, the college’s first annual camp, actually. Several area baseball coaches discussed the need for their best senior baseball players from North Mississippi to garner more scouting exposure and recognition, outside the statewide all-star games already held annually in Jackson. 

Chef Jon “JD” Davis of City Grocery in Oxford, Mississippi, claimed the title of 2025 King of Mississippi Seafood.  

Each year, states across the nation host their seafood cook-offs, and the winners from each state travel to New Orleans in August for The Great American Seafood Cook-Off. Mississippi Seafood hosts its statewide contest each year in Gulfport, Mississippi. 

When Morgan Freeman’s deep, commanding voice graces a film, audiences across the world pause to listen. Yet beyond his unmistakable tone and iconic screen presence lies a deep-rooted connection to a place as soulful and resilient as the actor himself: Mississippi.

Holly Allgood was in her classroom at Tupelo’s Early Childhood Education Center with her student, Bowen Dorr, when the phone call came—she was a match.

“I am not a teacher, but an awakener.”

These words from Robert Frost aptly describe one of my family’s favorite teachers, Holly Bailey. 

Currently a career coach with Create Foundation’s Toyota Wellspring, Holly Bailey taught various levels of science to students at Tupelo and East Union for over three decades. 

Petal native, Cole Blalock has been practicing magic for over 20 years. Like many, his passion began as a hobby.…

Kellea Newton has been an educator for 21 years.

After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mississippi, she began her career at Resurrection Catholic School (RCS) where she taught 5th grade and up. She is currently the 6th grade math teacher at Trent Lott Academy in Pascagoula.

Genesis Larsen of Pascagoula has been a teacher for over two decades. She started her career in education in 2002.…

Teachers are not just educators but mentors, guides, and role models who profoundly impact students’ lives. For many teachers, the educator profession feels more like a calling, a strong internal motivation to work to have a positive and lasting impact on students’ lives. Not all teachers understand that calling until life allows them to experience the impact potential.

Tatum Elise Brown has only been a teacher for two years but already she has found her calling. She is the 2nd grade reading comprehension teacher at Holly Springs Primary School in Holly Springs, Miss.

Special Education teacher Amanda Black of Pascagoula has been teaching within the Pascagoula-Gautier School District for 13 years.

The truth is that every single day is the day for teacher appreciation. After all, every other job is made possible, in part, by a teacher. So, yes, we should always be thankful for our amazing Mississippi teachers.

Today, let’s begin by thanking one family that truly is filled with teachers: Jeff and Lisa Tally have literally spent a lifetime teaching and loving on the students of Mooreville, Mississippi. 

A national organization of landscape professionals is honoring a Mississippi State University landscape architecture and environmental design faculty member.