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Harris Caps Record Season With Blue Mountain Signing
By David Howell
Editor
For WVHS senior Lailah Harris, signing day was more than just putting pen to paper when she committed to Blue Mountain College. It was the result of careful thought, hard work and a decision that balanced both her academic goals and her passion for powerlifting. “It really means a lot,” Harris said. “I’ve worked really hard, and it took me a lot to weigh out my options. I was set up to do something different, and then I had this opportunity. Not everybody gets this opportunity, so why not take it? ”That “different” plan originally had Harris headed to Ole MS, where she had already been accepted in the Trent Lott Leadership Institute and planned to double major in policy and nursing.
“I was not thinking about powerlifting,” she said. “I had applied way back and just said I was going to see how my season goes, but I probably wasn’t going to go this direction.”
Instead, Harris kept her options open as her senior year progressed. The turning point came after a visit to Blue Mountain, where she and a teammate were extended an offer. “He said, ‘I’m going to send out an offer. You have 30 days to respond,’” Harris recalled. “I was really hesitant, really nervous about it. At the same time, I was very excited. ”Rather than rush the decision, Harris took a deliberate approach. She reached out to her contacts at Ole Miss to make sure the opportunity would not close the door on her long-term plans. “I said, ‘This opportunity has come up. I’ve already been accepted, but before my 30 days is up, I want to know — if I go here, can I come back and still pursue this degree at the Trent Lott Leadership Institute after graduating from Blue Mountain?’” she asked. The answer was yes. That confirmation made the decision clear. Just minutes later, she committed.
“That same morning, about 15 minutes later, I texted and said, ‘I’m going to take this opportunity. I’m going to commit,’” she said. Harris will attend Blue Mountain College, where she plans to major in nursing. She will then enroll at Ole Miss to pursue a master’s degree in policy. “I really want to go to Ole Miss, and I really love lifting,” she said. “I didn’t want to sit in one school thinking I’m missing out.” That mindset has defined her approach, both in the classroom and in competition. Harris began powerlifting as a freshman, not expecting it to become a major part of her life. “I just tried it out,” she said. “Immediately, it became my favorite sport.” At the time, she was involved in four sports. She eventually narrowed her focus to powerlifting and band. “I really loved band, and I’m grateful for that,” she said. “But I fell in love with powerlifting.” Her results speak for themselves. Harris qualified for the state meet all four years of high school and medaled three times. “I’ve fallen in love with it,” she said. “It’s my favorite sport now.”
WVHS Powerlifting Coach Clint Faust said Harris capped off her senior season by breaking 3 state records in her weight class and finishing as the overall state champion at 148 pounds. He said she set new marks in the bench press at 155 pounds and the squat at 325 pounds. “She broke a record that had been standing since 2010,” Faust said. Faust called Harris the strongest female athlete he has coached and said her senior season was the result of steady progress after reaching the state meet the year before. Blue Mountain coach Jerrell Howell, who recruited her, said Harris had been on his radar since that earlier appearance. “I was very impressed, especially with the turnaround from her junior year to senior year,” Howell said. “She flipped a switch.” Howell said Harris’ focus and determination set her apart and will translate well to the next level.
“She has her eyes set on goals,” he said. “That makes it easy to coach.” He also described her as thoughtful and deliberate, noting her ability to gather information and make informed decisions — traits that stood out during the recruiting process. Harris credits the environment around the sport as the biggest reason for that passion. “No sport, to me, has the environment that powerlifting has,” Harris said. “Everybody supports you. Everybody is rooting for you. Even if you’re competing against someone, they’re still telling you that you can do it.” That level of sportsmanship stood out to her compared to other sports she had experienced.“ You see competition in basketball and football, but powerlifting is different,” she said. “Other coaches will still root for you. That’s my favorite thing about it. ”Her start in the sport came simply from taking a chance. “One of my friends mentioned it, and I saw tryouts posted,” she said. “I signed up, tried out, made the team and just kept going.” Looking back on her journey, Harris said she is grateful for the opportunity and the people who helped along the way.
as published in the North MS Herald on April 22, 2026.
photo credits: David Howell
By David Howell
Editor
For WVHS senior Lailah Harris, signing day was more than just putting pen to paper when she committed to Blue Mountain College. It was the result of careful thought, hard work and a decision that balanced both her academic goals and her passion for powerlifting. “It really means a lot,” Harris said. “I’ve worked really hard, and it took me a lot to weigh out my options. I was set up to do something different, and then I had this opportunity. Not everybody gets this opportunity, so why not take it? ”That “different” plan originally had Harris headed to Ole MS, where she had already been accepted in the Trent Lott Leadership Institute and planned to double major in policy and nursing.
“I was not thinking about powerlifting,” she said. “I had applied way back and just said I was going to see how my season goes, but I probably wasn’t going to go this direction.”
Instead, Harris kept her options open as her senior year progressed. The turning point came after a visit to Blue Mountain, where she and a teammate were extended an offer. “He said, ‘I’m going to send out an offer. You have 30 days to respond,’” Harris recalled. “I was really hesitant, really nervous about it. At the same time, I was very excited. ”Rather than rush the decision, Harris took a deliberate approach. She reached out to her contacts at Ole Miss to make sure the opportunity would not close the door on her long-term plans. “I said, ‘This opportunity has come up. I’ve already been accepted, but before my 30 days is up, I want to know — if I go here, can I come back and still pursue this degree at the Trent Lott Leadership Institute after graduating from Blue Mountain?’” she asked. The answer was yes. That confirmation made the decision clear. Just minutes later, she committed.
“That same morning, about 15 minutes later, I texted and said, ‘I’m going to take this opportunity. I’m going to commit,’” she said. Harris will attend Blue Mountain College, where she plans to major in nursing. She will then enroll at Ole Miss to pursue a master’s degree in policy. “I really want to go to Ole Miss, and I really love lifting,” she said. “I didn’t want to sit in one school thinking I’m missing out.” That mindset has defined her approach, both in the classroom and in competition. Harris began powerlifting as a freshman, not expecting it to become a major part of her life. “I just tried it out,” she said. “Immediately, it became my favorite sport.” At the time, she was involved in four sports. She eventually narrowed her focus to powerlifting and band. “I really loved band, and I’m grateful for that,” she said. “But I fell in love with powerlifting.” Her results speak for themselves. Harris qualified for the state meet all four years of high school and medaled three times. “I’ve fallen in love with it,” she said. “It’s my favorite sport now.”
WVHS Powerlifting Coach Clint Faust said Harris capped off her senior season by breaking 3 state records in her weight class and finishing as the overall state champion at 148 pounds. He said she set new marks in the bench press at 155 pounds and the squat at 325 pounds. “She broke a record that had been standing since 2010,” Faust said. Faust called Harris the strongest female athlete he has coached and said her senior season was the result of steady progress after reaching the state meet the year before. Blue Mountain coach Jerrell Howell, who recruited her, said Harris had been on his radar since that earlier appearance. “I was very impressed, especially with the turnaround from her junior year to senior year,” Howell said. “She flipped a switch.” Howell said Harris’ focus and determination set her apart and will translate well to the next level.
“She has her eyes set on goals,” he said. “That makes it easy to coach.” He also described her as thoughtful and deliberate, noting her ability to gather information and make informed decisions — traits that stood out during the recruiting process. Harris credits the environment around the sport as the biggest reason for that passion. “No sport, to me, has the environment that powerlifting has,” Harris said. “Everybody supports you. Everybody is rooting for you. Even if you’re competing against someone, they’re still telling you that you can do it.” That level of sportsmanship stood out to her compared to other sports she had experienced.“ You see competition in basketball and football, but powerlifting is different,” she said. “Other coaches will still root for you. That’s my favorite thing about it. ”Her start in the sport came simply from taking a chance. “One of my friends mentioned it, and I saw tryouts posted,” she said. “I signed up, tried out, made the team and just kept going.” Looking back on her journey, Harris said she is grateful for the opportunity and the people who helped along the way.
as published in the North MS Herald on April 22, 2026.
photo credits: David Howell
REED EARNS HINDS SCHOLARSHIP
WATER VALLEY — Water Valley senior Aiden Reed signed to attend Hinds Community College on April 15, earning a basketball scholarship after a standout senior season.
First year Blue Devil head coach Leon Harris Jr. said Reed’s impact went far beyond the stat sheet.
“He’s a great kid, a delight to coach this year,” Harris said. “I got him at the tail end of his career, but if it wasn’t for Aiden, we wouldn’t have made the run we did this year.”
Harris described Reed as one of the hardest workers he has coached.
“He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever had,” he said.
For Reed, the signing marked the payoff of years of work.
“It’s big,” Reed said. “I’ve been working all my life, just playing basketball and waiting on this moment. It means everything.”
Reed said his connection with Hinds began early in his high school career through head coach Jon Nevol.
“He saw my film on Twitter, and after that we just started talking,” Reed said. “We’ve been close for a long time. When I get down there, I feel like that connection is already there.”
During his senior season, Reed focused on leadership as the Blue Devils made a deep postseason run.
“I was just trying to lead my team,” he said. “We came in every day working and believing we could make a run.”
Reed credited his development to a strong foundation at Water Valley, beginning with former coach Dexter Ross and continuing under Lamichael Knighten and Harris.
Blue Devil senior Aiden Reed signed last Wednesday, April 15, to attend Hinds Community College, where he was awarded a basketball scholarship. He is pictured with his parents, Terance Carr and Ingrid Reed; and (back row) coaches Lamichael Knighten and Leon Harris, Jr.
as published in the North MS Herald on April 22, 2026
David Howell, editor-in-chief
Photo credits: David Howell
WATER VALLEY — Water Valley senior Aiden Reed signed to attend Hinds Community College on April 15, earning a basketball scholarship after a standout senior season.
First year Blue Devil head coach Leon Harris Jr. said Reed’s impact went far beyond the stat sheet.
“He’s a great kid, a delight to coach this year,” Harris said. “I got him at the tail end of his career, but if it wasn’t for Aiden, we wouldn’t have made the run we did this year.”
Harris described Reed as one of the hardest workers he has coached.
“He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever had,” he said.
For Reed, the signing marked the payoff of years of work.
“It’s big,” Reed said. “I’ve been working all my life, just playing basketball and waiting on this moment. It means everything.”
Reed said his connection with Hinds began early in his high school career through head coach Jon Nevol.
“He saw my film on Twitter, and after that we just started talking,” Reed said. “We’ve been close for a long time. When I get down there, I feel like that connection is already there.”
During his senior season, Reed focused on leadership as the Blue Devils made a deep postseason run.
“I was just trying to lead my team,” he said. “We came in every day working and believing we could make a run.”
Reed credited his development to a strong foundation at Water Valley, beginning with former coach Dexter Ross and continuing under Lamichael Knighten and Harris.
Blue Devil senior Aiden Reed signed last Wednesday, April 15, to attend Hinds Community College, where he was awarded a basketball scholarship. He is pictured with his parents, Terance Carr and Ingrid Reed; and (back row) coaches Lamichael Knighten and Leon Harris, Jr.
as published in the North MS Herald on April 22, 2026
David Howell, editor-in-chief
Photo credits: David Howell
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Class of 2026
Senior Spotlights
Senior Spotlights
The Water Valley Archery team competed at the State Championship in Starkville today. Even though they had a 2 week+ loss of practice time this season they shot a good solid 3138. Nice shooting team! We are proud of you.
Teachers of Year for Davidson Elementary School and Water Valley High School were awarded during Monday night's board meeting.
Congratulations to Casey Baker and Roxsann Kennemore.
Casey Baker has been named Teacher of the Year at Davidson Elementary School in recognition of her dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to student growth. Her journey into education reflects both determination and a clear sense of purpose. She began her career as a teacher assistant in Charleston, serving from 2006 to 2012, before stepping away from the field to focus on raising her family. In 2021, she returned to education, joining the Water Valley School District as a Classroom Teacher Assistant at Davidson Elementary School, where her passion for working with young learners was immediately apparent.
In 2024, Mrs. Baker earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and was subsequently promoted to a Kindergarten classroom teacher. She now serves as the Lead Kindergarten Teacher, where she demonstrates strong instructional leadership and a commitment to excellence in early childhood education.
Mrs. Baker has been a resident of Coffeeville for 25 years and maintains strong ties to the community. She and her husband, Craig Baker, who serves as pastor of First Baptist Church, have two children who attend Water Valley High School: Addi, a junior, and John Daniel, a seventh grader.
Known for her organization and preparation, Mrs. Baker ensures her classroom environment is structured to provide every student with the best opportunity to succeed. Her love for teaching is evident in her words: “I love the little ones, and I always have. I love seeing the growth—academically and in their personalities. The little ones have so much love to share.” She also expresses genuine pride in her work, stating, “I love my job with Water Valley School District.”
Principal Lee Gray states, “I am extremely proud of Mrs. Baker and the growth she has shown the last 3 years. From assistant to Teacher of the Year in such a short time is remarkable and is indicative of the hard work she has shown. I couldn’t be prouder for her and for DES. We couldn’t have asked for a better person recipient for our Teacher of the Year award!”
Mrs. Baker’s dedication, positive impact on students, and passion for early childhood education make her a truly deserving recipient of this honor of Davidson Elementary School 2025- 2026 Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations Ms. Kennemore on how you have quietly and faithfully shaped lives for 25
years in the Water Valley School District.
Teacher of the Year is not just a title. It is a reflection of impact, of dedication, and of the
countless moments that happen behind the scenes—moments that often go unnoticed, but never
unfelt.
Ms. Kennemore embodies a strong work ethic in its truest form. Day in and day out, year after
year, she has shown up—not just physically, but fully present, fully committed, and fully
invested in the success of every student they serve. There are no shortcuts in her work, no half-
measures—only excellence, consistency, and care.
Patience is often spoken about in education, but rarely is it lived out as authentically as it is by
this individual. In a world that moves fast, she slows down for students who need it most. She
meets challenges not with frustration, but with grace. She understands that progress looks
different for every child.
Compassion is not something she can turn on and off—it is who she is. For 25 years in special
education, she has been a steady, unwavering presence for students who need not only
instruction, but understanding, advocacy, and belief.
And perhaps one of the most remarkable qualities—she never complains. In a profession that can
be demanding, emotional, and at times overwhelming, she chooses gratitude, resilience, and
purpose.
But above all, what sets this educator apart is their gift—the ability to make every student feel
seen, heard, and respected. In her classroom, students are not invisible. Their voices matter.
Their stories matter. Their dignity matters. And because of that, lives are changed.
For 25 years, Ms. Kennemore has not just taught— she serves as a mentor, a co-teacher, a friend,
and has one of the best sense of humors around. She has uplifted, empowered, and inspired. She
has been a difference-maker, a champion, and source of light for so many. And she will retire in
May-Enjoy your retirement and most of all thank you my precious Kenny.
Congratulations to Casey Baker and Roxsann Kennemore.
Casey Baker has been named Teacher of the Year at Davidson Elementary School in recognition of her dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to student growth. Her journey into education reflects both determination and a clear sense of purpose. She began her career as a teacher assistant in Charleston, serving from 2006 to 2012, before stepping away from the field to focus on raising her family. In 2021, she returned to education, joining the Water Valley School District as a Classroom Teacher Assistant at Davidson Elementary School, where her passion for working with young learners was immediately apparent.
In 2024, Mrs. Baker earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and was subsequently promoted to a Kindergarten classroom teacher. She now serves as the Lead Kindergarten Teacher, where she demonstrates strong instructional leadership and a commitment to excellence in early childhood education.
Mrs. Baker has been a resident of Coffeeville for 25 years and maintains strong ties to the community. She and her husband, Craig Baker, who serves as pastor of First Baptist Church, have two children who attend Water Valley High School: Addi, a junior, and John Daniel, a seventh grader.
Known for her organization and preparation, Mrs. Baker ensures her classroom environment is structured to provide every student with the best opportunity to succeed. Her love for teaching is evident in her words: “I love the little ones, and I always have. I love seeing the growth—academically and in their personalities. The little ones have so much love to share.” She also expresses genuine pride in her work, stating, “I love my job with Water Valley School District.”
Principal Lee Gray states, “I am extremely proud of Mrs. Baker and the growth she has shown the last 3 years. From assistant to Teacher of the Year in such a short time is remarkable and is indicative of the hard work she has shown. I couldn’t be prouder for her and for DES. We couldn’t have asked for a better person recipient for our Teacher of the Year award!”
Mrs. Baker’s dedication, positive impact on students, and passion for early childhood education make her a truly deserving recipient of this honor of Davidson Elementary School 2025- 2026 Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations Ms. Kennemore on how you have quietly and faithfully shaped lives for 25
years in the Water Valley School District.
Teacher of the Year is not just a title. It is a reflection of impact, of dedication, and of the
countless moments that happen behind the scenes—moments that often go unnoticed, but never
unfelt.
Ms. Kennemore embodies a strong work ethic in its truest form. Day in and day out, year after
year, she has shown up—not just physically, but fully present, fully committed, and fully
invested in the success of every student they serve. There are no shortcuts in her work, no half-
measures—only excellence, consistency, and care.
Patience is often spoken about in education, but rarely is it lived out as authentically as it is by
this individual. In a world that moves fast, she slows down for students who need it most. She
meets challenges not with frustration, but with grace. She understands that progress looks
different for every child.
Compassion is not something she can turn on and off—it is who she is. For 25 years in special
education, she has been a steady, unwavering presence for students who need not only
instruction, but understanding, advocacy, and belief.
And perhaps one of the most remarkable qualities—she never complains. In a profession that can
be demanding, emotional, and at times overwhelming, she chooses gratitude, resilience, and
purpose.
But above all, what sets this educator apart is their gift—the ability to make every student feel
seen, heard, and respected. In her classroom, students are not invisible. Their voices matter.
Their stories matter. Their dignity matters. And because of that, lives are changed.
For 25 years, Ms. Kennemore has not just taught— she serves as a mentor, a co-teacher, a friend,
and has one of the best sense of humors around. She has uplifted, empowered, and inspired. She
has been a difference-maker, a champion, and source of light for so many. And she will retire in
May-Enjoy your retirement and most of all thank you my precious Kenny.
The 11th grade students of Law and Public Safety had the opportunity to visit the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman. They went to the chapel where they met with some of the prison’s ministry team who openly and honestly shared their stories about the bad decisions that they’d made that led them to serving prison sentences and how to avoid the same pitfalls they fell into along the way. Later in the day they took a guided tour around the prison property and then returned to the chapel for lunch.
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School Board Meeting
April 20, 20266:00 PM
https://oagendas.com/meeting/detail/62911
Congratulations to Aaden Reed as he signed to attend Hinds Community College on an athletic scholarship on Wednesday . A complete article will be posted at a later date.
WATER VALLEY — For the first time in school history, a Water Valley High School powerlifter is taking the next step in the sport.
Senior Drake Mabary has signed a letter of commitment to attend Blue Mountain College, where he will compete on the school’s powerlifting team — becoming the first powerlifter from Water Valley to accept a college scholarship and the first student-athlete in the sport to compete at the collegiate level.
For Mabary, what started as a way to replace another sport after moving to Water Valley quickly turned into something much bigger.
“This means a lot to me,” Mabary said. “Originally, I started this sport my freshman year as a hobby… and it grew into a passion. I never thought it was possible, but I just kept working and grinding every day, trying to get stronger.”
His path wasn’t without setbacks. Mabary said early struggles, including a meet where he scratched out, forced him to take a different approach.
“Me failing that one year made me work twice as hard,” he said. “Before, it was more about myself. Then I realized I had to rely on God. That junior year, just trusting and building my faith, that’s what led me to that championship.”
That breakthrough came during his junior season, when he won a state championship in the 148-pound weight class — a moment that helped open the door to college opportunities.
Water Valley coach Clint Faust said Mabary’s development has been as much about discipline and character as it has been strength.
“He’s a kid that does all the things that we ask him to do the right way,” Faust said. “Pound for pound, he’s probably the strongest kid we’ve got in the room. He benches around 250 and can deadlift and squat the house.”
Faust said Mabary’s ability to bounce back from disappointment in this year’s finals showed what kind of competitor he had become.
“We talked after north half when he was upset,” Faust said. “I told him, ‘You’ve been a state champion. You know what it takes.’ And I think he realized he still had an opportunity to compete at the next level if he wanted it.”
That opportunity came through Blue Mountain College, where head coach Jerrell Howell said Mabary had been on the program’s radar for more than a year.
“He actually popped onto our radar as a junior,” Howell said. “I started watching film, went to a couple of meets he didn’t know I was at, and I really liked what I saw.”
“He was very down-to-earth, very respectful,” Howell said. “He gave me the sense of being an athlete of character, which is what we look for.”
“We don’t look for the strongest — it’s our job to make you strong,” Howell said. “We look for the best fit.”
Howell said opportunities for powerlifters at the college level are still limited, making Mabary’s signing significant not only for Water Valley, but for the sport in Mississippi.
“There’s not very many powerlifting opportunities in this state,” Howell said. “To help athletes continue their education while doing something they love — that’s something special. We want to help grow the sport and give more athletes that chance.”
At the collegiate level, Mabary will face a new set of challenges, including different competition standards and the adjustment to college life.
“The first year is usually the toughest,” Howell said. “They’ve got to adjust to college, adjust to the pace, and build a strong foundation. But we think he’s capable of doing that.”
Mabary said he understands the work ahead and is ready for it.
“It’s not just going in there, lifting and leaving,” he said. “You’ve got to train right, diet right, and stay in your weight class. It takes a lot of discipline and patience.”
He has competed primarily in the 148-pound class, where strict weight limits and conditioning are key. Even a small increase can push a lifter into a higher class with stronger competition.
Looking ahead, Mabary said his goals go beyond personal success.
“No matter what it looks like, I want it to show God’s glory,” he said. “I just want to work as hard as I can and keep that door open for Water Valley — for other lifters and maybe even other sports.”
He also offered advice to younger athletes considering the sport.
“Try not to be discouraged,” Mabary said. “You’re not going to get every weight, but you’ve just got to keep working so one day you can.”
as published in the North Mississippi Herald, April 15, 2026
David Howell, Editor in Chief
Senior Drake Mabary has signed a letter of commitment to attend Blue Mountain College, where he will compete on the school’s powerlifting team — becoming the first powerlifter from Water Valley to accept a college scholarship and the first student-athlete in the sport to compete at the collegiate level.
For Mabary, what started as a way to replace another sport after moving to Water Valley quickly turned into something much bigger.
“This means a lot to me,” Mabary said. “Originally, I started this sport my freshman year as a hobby… and it grew into a passion. I never thought it was possible, but I just kept working and grinding every day, trying to get stronger.”
His path wasn’t without setbacks. Mabary said early struggles, including a meet where he scratched out, forced him to take a different approach.
“Me failing that one year made me work twice as hard,” he said. “Before, it was more about myself. Then I realized I had to rely on God. That junior year, just trusting and building my faith, that’s what led me to that championship.”
That breakthrough came during his junior season, when he won a state championship in the 148-pound weight class — a moment that helped open the door to college opportunities.
Water Valley coach Clint Faust said Mabary’s development has been as much about discipline and character as it has been strength.
“He’s a kid that does all the things that we ask him to do the right way,” Faust said. “Pound for pound, he’s probably the strongest kid we’ve got in the room. He benches around 250 and can deadlift and squat the house.”
Faust said Mabary’s ability to bounce back from disappointment in this year’s finals showed what kind of competitor he had become.
“We talked after north half when he was upset,” Faust said. “I told him, ‘You’ve been a state champion. You know what it takes.’ And I think he realized he still had an opportunity to compete at the next level if he wanted it.”
That opportunity came through Blue Mountain College, where head coach Jerrell Howell said Mabary had been on the program’s radar for more than a year.
“He actually popped onto our radar as a junior,” Howell said. “I started watching film, went to a couple of meets he didn’t know I was at, and I really liked what I saw.”
“He was very down-to-earth, very respectful,” Howell said. “He gave me the sense of being an athlete of character, which is what we look for.”
“We don’t look for the strongest — it’s our job to make you strong,” Howell said. “We look for the best fit.”
Howell said opportunities for powerlifters at the college level are still limited, making Mabary’s signing significant not only for Water Valley, but for the sport in Mississippi.
“There’s not very many powerlifting opportunities in this state,” Howell said. “To help athletes continue their education while doing something they love — that’s something special. We want to help grow the sport and give more athletes that chance.”
At the collegiate level, Mabary will face a new set of challenges, including different competition standards and the adjustment to college life.
“The first year is usually the toughest,” Howell said. “They’ve got to adjust to college, adjust to the pace, and build a strong foundation. But we think he’s capable of doing that.”
Mabary said he understands the work ahead and is ready for it.
“It’s not just going in there, lifting and leaving,” he said. “You’ve got to train right, diet right, and stay in your weight class. It takes a lot of discipline and patience.”
He has competed primarily in the 148-pound class, where strict weight limits and conditioning are key. Even a small increase can push a lifter into a higher class with stronger competition.
Looking ahead, Mabary said his goals go beyond personal success.
“No matter what it looks like, I want it to show God’s glory,” he said. “I just want to work as hard as I can and keep that door open for Water Valley — for other lifters and maybe even other sports.”
He also offered advice to younger athletes considering the sport.
“Try not to be discouraged,” Mabary said. “You’re not going to get every weight, but you’ve just got to keep working so one day you can.”
as published in the North Mississippi Herald, April 15, 2026
David Howell, Editor in Chief
The 1st year students of Law and Public Safety had a guest speaker
from the Mississippi Crime Lab come to WVHS and do a presentation.
Jamie Richardson, the Fingerprint and Impression Evidence expert for
the crime lab, gave the students a small mock “crime scene” and had
the students locate, document, and recover evidence. After each team
was through working their crime scene, the teams rotated and had to
recreate another team’s crime scene using only the notes and diagrams
left by the original team. She also demonstrated and taught the
students how to use a dental stone mixture to pour a cast of a shoe
print impression for comparative analysis
from the Mississippi Crime Lab come to WVHS and do a presentation.
Jamie Richardson, the Fingerprint and Impression Evidence expert for
the crime lab, gave the students a small mock “crime scene” and had
the students locate, document, and recover evidence. After each team
was through working their crime scene, the teams rotated and had to
recreate another team’s crime scene using only the notes and diagrams
left by the original team. She also demonstrated and taught the
students how to use a dental stone mixture to pour a cast of a shoe
print impression for comparative analysis
Positive encouragement for our kids at DES 💙
On Wednesday, our WVHS students proudly competed in the Special Olympics Area 4 Track and Field Games!
They had an incredible experience being supported and encouraged by athletes from Ole Miss football and track & field teams, who helped make the day even more special.
From start to finish, our students showed determination, joy, and true sportsmanship—and most importantly, they had a wonderful time!
They had an incredible experience being supported and encouraged by athletes from Ole Miss football and track & field teams, who helped make the day even more special.
From start to finish, our students showed determination, joy, and true sportsmanship—and most importantly, they had a wonderful time!
Congratulations to Drake Mabary as he signed to attend Blue Mountain College on a powerlifting scholarship today. A complete article will be posted at a later date.
photo credits: David Howell, Editor in Chief, North MS Herald
photo credits: David Howell, Editor in Chief, North MS Herald
Students at WVHS had a busy week of dying eggs and hunting eggs. They have truly enjoyed their week. Thank you to all who participated and thought of us to celebrate before the holiday break
The annual WVHS Reading Fair was held on April 2nd. Pictured here are (top row) Yonnah Carothers and Ja'carla Phillips, 1st place, nonfiction category; Emalee Chapman, 2nd place, solo category; Julianna Myers and Nick St. Romain, 1st place, group category; (bottom row) Rylee Tucker, 1st place, solo category; Sophia Bray and Lynnleigh Barr, 2nd place, group category; Yonnah and Ja'carla speaking with the judges, Lynnleigh and Sophia in the background. Congratulations, students!
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