Excellence in Education

By Staff
May 23, 2003
Graduation ceremonies at Meridian High School are scheduled for tonight, at 7:30 p.m., at Ray Stadium. The Class of 2003 has three valedictorians and one salutatorian:
Mary Kathryn Covert is a valedictorian. She is the daughter of Mike and Janice Covert.
Kirsten Rosetta Gambrell is a valedictorian. She is the daughter of Dr. Rosalyn Gambrell and the late attorney Andrew Gambrell Sr.
Gambrell's honors and memberships include: student council president, National Achievement finalist and scholarship recipient, Lindy-Callahan Scholarship award, Rosenbaum Scholarship winner, Brian Cole Scholar Athlete winner, WTOK Scholar Athlete finalist and scholarship recipient, volleyball and soccer captain, St. Joseph lector, Eucharistic minister, vice president of Catholic Youth Organization, secretary of the National Honor Society, peer mediator, Teens Against Tobacco Use and physical science award.
Brent McCarty is a valedictorian. He is the son of Van and Robin McCarty.
Rachael Deen is the salutatorian. She is the daughter of Tim and Amy Deen and a member of Central United Methodist Church.
Deen's honors and memberships include: Meridian Junior Miss 2003, president of the Anchor Club, National Honor Society, Meridian High Image Committee, Presidential Excellence Award, Principal's Award, Pilot Club Award, Mississippi Eminent Scholar, Kelly Gene Cook Foundation scholarship recipient and Mississippi State University ACT scholarship.
The faculty and staff at Southeast Middle School recently announced the retirement of Principal Jerry Coleman after more than 35 years of service.
Coleman is a 1964 graduate of Clarkdale High School. He played basketball at East Mississippi Junior College for two years. He attended Livingston University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in social studies and physical education. He then attended Mississippi State University and graduated with a degree in school administration and social studies.
He has been principal of Southeast Middle School for 11 years, and worked at Southeast High School for a total of 24 years.
The elementary students at West Lauderdale Elementary School were rewarded with a fun SUPERKIDS field day on April 15 after raising more than $9,300 to support the work of the American Lung Association of Mississippi.
During the field day, students participated in games such as tug-o-war, relays and potato sack races.
Ashleigh Sullivan, a kindergarten student, collected the most money overall and was recognized as the "Top SuperKid."
Karin Vick, physical education coach, helped coordinate the event.
The American Lung Association of Mississippi thanks these hard-working students and the community for supporting its efforts.
David Naylor of Meridian has been named an All-American Scholar.
The All-American Scholar Award Program recognizes superior students who excel in academic disciplines. All-American Scholars must earn a 3.3 or higher grade point average.
Naylor, who attends Northeast Lauderdale High School, was nominated for this award by Janet Adams. He will appear in the nationally published "All-American Scholar Yearbook."
He is the son of David and Chris Naylor of Meridian. He is the grandson of the late Robert and Rebecca Naylor of Meridian, Sammie Boullage of Meridian and the late Mattie Boullage.