Category Archives: Youth

Parish scholars shine: Honoring our Valedictorians and Salutatorians

Posted on by

Editor’s note: As another school year comes to a close, we offer our heartfelt congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 2025. Whether you are stepping into college, a career, or new adventures, know that your parish community is proud of your achievements and prays for your continued growth in wisdom, faith and service. May the foundation you’ve built carry you confidently into the future. Well done, graduates!

BAYOU ACADEMY

VALEDICTORIAN:
AVA COSUE
GPA: 4.483 – ACT: 30

From her speech: As I look out at my classmates tonight, I don’t just see graduates.
I see God’s handiwork. Each person designed for a special purpose that they don’t even know about yet.
I see athletes, future doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, artists and leaders. I see people who will go out and change lives – not because of who they are on their own, but because of who they are in Christ. And I’m so proud to have been able to know each and every one of them.

Church: Our Lady of Victories, Cleveland

Favorite service project: My favorite service project has been the “Tutus and Dancing Shoes” project that the seniors of Leslie’s Dance Company came up with and executed. The seven of us did a donation drive for old dance costumes and shoes, and afterwards, we donated them to the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland. Not only did we make a donation, but we also spent time with them by hosting a dance class. This has been my favorite service project because it felt so heartwarming to see my old dance shoes – objects that held the memories of my growing love for dance – be repurposed and passed down to younger girls. I not only got to help foster the love for this art for girls who had never gotten to experience it, but most importantly, I got to make them feel special. Dance, choreographing, kids and teaching are all things I love, and this service project perfectly encompassed them all.

Plans to attend: University of Mississippi

Plans to study: Double major in Biology and Psychology (Pre-Med Track)

Awards/honors: Faculty Scholar Award; 4-year Math Award; 4-year English Award; 4-year Science Award; 4-year History Award; Hall of Fame; Kossman Outstanding Junior Award; Dr. James Robinson Award; Dr. Granville Scholarship; Chamber of Commerce Finalist Award; Exchange Club Student of the Month Award; Junior Auxiliary Scholarship; Forever Colt Award; MAIS All-Star Cross Country Runner; Outstanding Senior Leadership Cross Country Award; 2x All-American Cheerleader; Rookie of the Year Cheer Award; Most Dedicated Cheer Award; 2x Lead Soloist in local production of The Nutcracker; “Step-Up” Dance Award; 11x Highest Average Award in different subjects; Eminent Scholar; and Delta Honor Graduate

Activities: Community Service Club (president); Future Medical Professionals Club (vice president); Leslie’s Dance Company (captain of Elite Troupe); Fellowship of Christian Athletes (devotion leader); Internship with nonprofit organization (The RISE League); Bayou Academy Ambassador; Catholic Youth Organization; Cross Country Team; Cheerleading Squad; National Honors Society; Mu Alpha Theta; Mock Trial Team; Decorating Committee; Finance Club; Cleveland Cotillion Club; ACT 25 and Above Club; and Bolivar County Relay for Life Team

Favorite subject: Science

CLEVELAND CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

VALEDICTORIAN:
RACHEL TIBBS
GPA: 4.0 – ACT: 35

From her speech: Another piece of advice I want to give you all comes from my Dad. Whenever I’m having a particularly bad day, he always leaves me with these words: “let the rough edge drag.” I never really understood exactly what he meant by this, but I always interpreted it as to simply go on about your life, and the difficulties of your journeys will pass on.

Let your hardships run their course, and don’t spend all your time dwelling on them. Live your life day by day, and everything will come together in the end, as Romans 8:28 reads: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.”

Church: Our Lady of Victories, Cleveland

Favorite service project: My favorite service project is Teddy Bear Tea with the Cleveland Junior Auxiliary. I loved being able to interact with all the kids and help make their Christmas special.

Plans to attend: University of Mississippi

Plans to study: Business and then advance to dental school

Awards/honors: Valedictorian; and Star Student

Activities: Working at La Michoacana; Beta Club; National Honor Society; and Mu Alpha Theta

Favorite subject: Math

Youth

Posted on by

Announcement of Pope Leo XIV at Catholic Schools across the diocese

The election of a new Pope is a momentous event in the Catholic Church, and it reflects the unity and diversity of the global community. It was heartwarming to see students come together to witness this historic moment, share their thoughts, and discuss what it might mean for our faith and the world.

SOUTHAVEN – The level of excitement at the announcement that the newly elected pope was an American was evident in the faces of many students at Sacred Heart School. Left to right, front: Sergio Aurioles, Lucas Delgado and Benjamin Baskin. (Photo by Bridget Martin)
JACKSON – St. Richard students applaud at the annoucement of Pope Leo XIV. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)
GREENVILLE – Principal Craig Mandolini awaits announcement of the new pope along with St. Joseph students during lunch. (Photo by Nikki Thompson)
JACKSON – Pre-K students at Sister Thea Bowman School await the announcement of the next pope. (Photo by Christopher Payne)
MADISON – St. Anthony third graders didn’t want to miss a historic moment while on a field trip to the Petrified Forest, so they viewed the announcement of Pope Leo XIV from their teacher’s cell phone! (Photo by Anne Cowger)
NATCHEZ – Cathedral School second grader, Jack Ryan jumps up in applause for Pope Leo XIV – the first American pope. (Photo by Brandi Boles)
MADISON – Students at St. Joseph School eagerly await the announcement of the new pope on Thursday, May 8. Many students of Catholic schools throughout the diocese followed the papal conclave awaiting white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. (Photo by Dr. Dena Kinsey)
COLUMBUS – Middle school students at Annunciation took lunch in classrooms so they could hear the moment that a new pope was announceed to the world. (Photo by Jacque Hince)

Youth

Posted on by

Cognia Accreditation visit for Diocesan Catholic Schools

Editor’s note: On Wednesday April 9, diocesan schools in the metro Jackson area received on-site visits from Cognia Accreditation. Accreditation by Cognia ensures that a school meets rigorous educational standards and is committed to continuous improvement, providing credibility and quality assurance for students, parents and educators.

MADISON – (Top) Dr. Michael Bratcher of Cognia observes Patricia Holder’s classroom at St. Anthony School. (Right) Thomas Caskey chats with Dr. Bratcher about how much he loves St. Anthony School. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King)

JACKSON – St. Richard Principal, Russ Nelson and Dr. Michael Bratcher enter into a STEM class taught by Melissa Muñoz. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
MADISON – Dr. Bratcher conducted interviews with students at each area school. Pictured is his interview with middle and high-school students at St. Joseph School. (Photo by Madelyn Johnson)

JACKSON – (Above) Sister Thea Bowman School fifth grade students, Khamari Stevenson and Harry Chia greet Dr. Michael Bratcher before they took him on an informative tour of the school. (Right) All students pointed to the state of Kentucky where Dr. Bratcher is from. (Photos by Tereza Ma)

JACKSON – St. Richard students, Jonah Grant, Levi Ward, Jones Carr, Marilee Nelson, Raegan White and classmates observe chemical reactions during a science experiment. Students put the scientific principle that oil and water don’t mix to the test. (Photo by Mrs. Foggo)
PEARL – Several youth assisted in leading a Palm Sunday procession at St. Jude parish. Pictured: Mary Rose Wolf, Abbygale Roberts, Mary Lynn Brannon and Alex Tucker, with Deacons Mark Bowden and John McGregor and Father Cesar Sanchez following. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
PEARL – The youth group at St. Jude in Pearl led the Stations of Cross on Friday, April 4. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

FEATURE PHOTO: … Bruin News WOW! …

Posted on by
MADISON – St. Joseph Catholic School’s high school, student-produced newscast “Bruin News Now” was named the state’s Newscast of the Year and the seventh-grade student-produced newscast “JV Bruin News Now” was named the state’s Middle School Newscast of the Year. Both awards were among 25 that St. Joe received at the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association spring convention Friday, March 28, 2025, on the campus of the University of Mississippi. Pictured, back row from left: Elizabeth Vanderloo, Colby Jones, Mary Alice Foster and Amari Alexander. Fourth row: Macon Ogburn, Audrey Young, Davis Hammond and Emma O’Brien. Third row: Camp Hlavac, Jason Paul Buckley, Sawyer Helms, Jonathan Warnock and Luke Jones. Second Row: Turner Brown, Alex Hood and Noah Sanders. Front row: Landry Erwin, Sofia Liberto, Thierry Freeman, McKenzie Cummings, Kaitlyn Evans and Addyson Russell. (Photo courtsey of school)

Youth

Posted on by
COLUMBUS – Annunciation third grade students Lyle Rosenblatt, Louisa Wills and Levi Struber watch anxiously as their teacher Cory Sanders tests their vehicle created to keep their egg inside safe from cracking! (Photo by Jacque Hince)
SOUTHAVEN – The entire cast of “Firefly create” theater group dance under the flag they expertly moved into position. The group, made up of youth between 11-15 years old, performed “Schoolhouse Rock” for first through fifth graders at Sacred Heart School. (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph student, Minnie Kate Greco receives ashes from Father Gabriel on Ash Wednesday. (Photo by Nikki Thompson)
JACKSON – During Read Across America Week, first graders worked together during centers to build a tower of cups, while focusing on balance, weight, height, gravity and teamwork. Pictured: Federico Diaz, Jones Carr and Thomas Morisani. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)
FLOWOOD – The St. Paul Early Learning Center “older-2’s” students paint shamrocks. Pictured: Holt Foster, Carson Fede, Harlin Rae Barnett and Tucker Watts. (Photo by Susan Irby)

DCYC

Posted on by

Diocesan Catholic Youth Confence

VICKSBURG – The highland cow grand prize for the “Mascot Showdown” is pictured with youth from Holy Savior Clinton. (Photos by Madelyn Johnson)
A fun game of “Pocket, Purse or Person” requested gum for winning game points for one of the “Mascot Showdown” competitions. Pictured are representatives from each youth parish presenting their gum for points.
The youth group from Holy Family Jackson socialize at St. Paul Parish in Vicksburg during the DCYC weekend.
During small group sessions Jesus’ love was present … even in a tote bag.
The parish youth group from St. Anne Carthage were all smiles during the annual DCYC Conference in Vicksburg.
St. Francis of Assisi, Madison
St. Anne, Carthage
Click here for more DCYC Photos on Zenfolio

Youth

Posted on by

Reading Across America and Around Diocese

FLOWOOD – Pre-K 4 students at St. Paul in Flowood have carpet time to learn about the Cat in the Hat. (Photo by Susan Irby)
SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart School student Sophia reading a Dr. Seuss book to Pre-K 3 students Brooklyn and Anna as part of Read Across America. (Photo by Mary Evelyn Stonestreet)
MADISON – ST. Francis of Assis Attorney General Lynn Fitch reading to the Pre-K 2s and Pre-K-4s for Read Across America.
MADISON – ST. Francis of Assisi Ryleigh Isacc and Father Albeen – Ash Wednesday. (Photos by Latoya Kelly and Chiquita Brown
PEARL – St. Jude Youth group enjoying Bingo night on March 5, Mr. Jose Varela and Father Cesar Sanchez checking the rules of the game. (Photo by Lauren Robers)

VICKSBURG – (left) 1st and 2nd graders performed their music program, Sing a Song of Folklore. (Photo by Hannah Hinson.
(above) Our 100+ member cast performed 6 sold-out showings of Disney’s The Little Mermaid as our spring musical. (Photo by Anna Griffing)

JACKSON – St. Richard Early Learning Center students pose for a photo. (Photo by Monjenae Jackson)

Youth

Posted on by

Mardi Gras and more

CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth students show Mardi Gras spirit during their annual parade. (Photo by Mary Evelyn Stonestreet)
FLOWOOD – The PreK-4 and 5 classes are masked for Mardi Gras at St. Paul Early Learning Center. Pictured: MaryAtly Smith, Jonathan Speights, Nora Wallace, Barrett Stomps and Emery White. (Photo by Susan Irby)
JACKSON – St. Richard students enjoy some fun during their annual Mardi Gras parade. (Photo by Rita Melson)
COLUMBUS – Annunciation Megan McCoy and her son Mason dance during the annual Annunciation School Mardi Gras parade put on by the Kindergarten class. (Photo by Jacque Hince)
HOLLY SPRINGS – Seventh and eighth grade students from Holy Family School took a field trip to Ole Miss to study nanobiotechnology. They enjoyed a lecture, toured research laboratories and completed their own experiments. (Photo by Cynthia Dixon)
SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart Kindergarten student, Saint puts the finishing touches on his Ash Wednesday portrait. (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)
MADISON – Sydney Beard lights the altar candle for Father Albeen Vatti’s 25th anniversary Mass on March 3 at St. Francis of Assisi parish. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
PEARL – St. Jude parishioners and the parish youth group celebrated the Jubilee Year of Hope with an illuminated rosary in Mary garden on Feb. 26. (Photo by Lauren Roberts)
NATCHEZ – Pictured is Hollis Hughes of Cathedral School after the PreK class presented firefighters with a banner of appreciation. Students were mesmerized by all of the gadgets of the firetruck. (Photo by Brandi Boles)
MERIDIAN – Fourth grade student, Anna Harper portrays Sister Thea Bowman as her classmates listen during St. Patrick School’s Black History Month Program on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. (Photo by Helen Reynolds)
SOUTHAVEN – The Cat in the Hat visited the Pre-K and Kindergarten classes at Sacred Heart School as part of Read Across America activities. (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)

Youth

Posted on by

Annunciation School happenings

COLUMBUS – Annunciation seventh grader Celine Vu assists PreK student Sydney Graham to create a Mardi Gras mask for our the school’s “A Night of Bids and Beads” fundraiser.
Nolan Langston experiments with static energy. (Photos by Jacque Hince)
Jack Everett Milstead pretends to be a postman delivering valentines to friends on Feb. 14.
Avynn Clapper observes a live frog in STREAM class.

SOUTHAVEN

SOUTHAVEN – Each year during Catholic Schools Week, Sacred Heart School students raise money for a special need in the community. The funds raised this year will go to the Dehon Village Summer Camp. Each link in the chain pictured represents 25 cents. The students raised over $900 which is close to 4,000 links total. On Feb. 5, the “Hope Chain” was taken from the walls of each classroom and brought to Mass, as a symbol of the students care for those in need. (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)

MACON

MACON – Youth engaged in various activities to strengthen their faith throughout the Confirmation Retreat weekend Jan. 25-26 at Lake Forest Ranch. Pictured are youth from St. James Tupelo, among others fully engaged in their faith. (Photo by Michelle Harkins)

Youth

Posted on by

Around the diocese

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick kindergarten students have been learning about the sacrament of baptism. Pictured: Father Augustine Palimattam, center, explains baptism to St. Patrick School kindergarten students on Tuesday, Jan. 14. (Photo by Helen Reynolds)
CLARKSDALE – (Right) Bishop Kopacz asked each deanery to designate at least one church to serve as a dedicated pilgrimage site for the Jubilee Year of Hope. On his word, deanery four selected St. Elizabeth Church and St. Joseph in Holly Springs. On Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, the parishioners of St. Elizabeth braved the cold weather for a beautiful liturgy outside the church doors, dedicating St. Elizabeth for this purpose. Pilgrims will be eligible to receive a holy year plenary indulgence by visiting, participating in Mass or adoration, praying for the intentions of the Holy Father, and receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation within eight days of visiting the pilgrimage site church. St. Elizabeth is honored and blessed to serve in this way and welcomes all pilgrims to visit and participate in Mass and/or adoration. Weekend Mass times are Saturdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Daily Mass is offered Tuesday-Friday and adoration on Wednesdays. Please visit stelizabethclarksdale.org for details and times. (Photo by Catelin Britt)
HOLLY SPRINGS – Holy Family Students listened intently as Sacred Heart Southern Missions’ Food Coordinator Ralph Howard and Director of Administration Carla Crockett answered questions about their work in the community. (Photo by Laura Grisham)
SOUTHAVEN – During Sacred Heart School’s grandparents program, first grader Riley Burks gets a hug from her grandmother after lighting a candle together as a reminder of the light that our grandparents bring to our lives. (Photo by Laura Grisham)
JACKSON – St. Richard School sixth graders – Holt Wright, Anthony Ramsey, Eli Williams and Judah Hill – visited the St. Richard ELC for story time during Catholic Schools Week. This was in celebration and thanks to our Community. St. Richard School values every piece of our “community.” The toddlers at the ELC and St. Richard students were able to really interact with one another and had a wonderful time together. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)
MACON – Youth from around the diocese gathered at Lake Forest Ranch in Macon on Jan. 25-26 for the annual High School Confirmation Retreat coordinated by the Department of Faith Formation. Pictured are youth from Crystal Springs roasting s’mores over a bonfire. (Photo by Yvette Howard)
STARKVILLE – College students from across the diocese gathered for a day of fellowship, prayer and more at the “Embracing Joy” winter retreat held at St. Joseph Church in Starkville on Saturday, Feb. 1. (Photo by Amelia Rizor)
MACON – Youth engaged in various activities to strengthen their faith throughout the Confirmation Retreat weekend Jan. 25-26 at Lake Forest Ranch. Pictured are youth from St. James Tupelo, among others fully engaged in their faith. (Photo by Michelle Harkins)