Baptist Health Systems Hosts 6th Annual Scholar-Athlete Luncheon April 29

Jackson, Miss. – June 11, 2003— Baptist Health Systems hosted the 6th Annual Scholar-Athlete Luncheon at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

Each year, Baptist recognizes high school seniors from Metro area high schools based on high academic and athletic achievement. Featured guest speaker was James Bell, the new head football coach at Jackson State University.

Students recognized at the 2003 Baptist Health Systems Scholar Athlete Luncheon:

Bailey Magnet School
Cassandra Thomas –Cassandra is the Student Body Vice President and has a 3.3 GPA. She’s a member of the National Honor Society and serves as the Battalion Commander of Bailey Magnet’s JROTC program. In track and Field, Cassandra’s efforts earned her the title of Co-Captain.
Dor Amol – Dor is an exchange student from Africa who has a 3.1 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. He was selected Captain for the soccer team and took home the Sportsmanship Award his Senior season.

Brandon High School
Katie Joyner – Katie is a 4.0 student and was selected Class Favorite, Miss BHS and Homecoming Queen. She participates in FCA and was voted Most Athletic Girl at Brandon High. Katie earned All-District and All-Region honors as an infielder in softball and was a 3-time All-State (5A) tennis player.
John Joiner – John is a member of Beta Club, the Young Republicans Club, and also earned a 4.0 GPA. He was voted Class Favorite and participates in FCA at Brandon High. John competes in baseball, powerlifting, and was a 2 year starter in football, earning Team Captain and All-Region Honorable Mention honors.

Callaway High School
Tiffany Bolton – Tiffany is a 4.0 student and a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, and Who’s Who Among American High School Students. She is a Hall of Fame nominee and was voted Most Intellectual. Tiffany participated in softball as a Senior and lettered three years in basketball, serving as Team Captain as a Senior.

Central Hinds Academy
Christy Granberry – Christy made the National Honor Roll with a 4.2 GPA, and served as Senior Class President. She is a member of Student Advisory Board and participated in the Academic Betterment Competition for Math and Science. Christy competes in basketball, golf, and softball. In softball, she earned the MVP Award as a Junior and was twice named Best Defensive Player and All-Conference.
Tyler Cole – Tyler was nominated for the National English Merit Award and has a 3.3 GPA. He is a member of the track team and the football team, where he served as Team Captain and was voted Honorable Mention All-Conference.

Clinton High School
Mary Bobo – Mary is an Honor Roll Student with a 3.4 GPA . She’s a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, the Mayor’s Youth Council, the Clinton Crown Club and the Attaché’ Show Choir. Mary is a 5-year letter winner in soccer, twice earning the Arrow Award and being named Team Captain. She was also selected All-State and was named a MS Assoc of Coaches – All-Star.
Wes Simmons – Wes is a VIP Student and carries a 3.4 GPA. He’s a member of the Spanish Club and the Art Club and serves as a team leader for FCA. Wes is a three-year starter on the Arrow football team and was twice named Most Christ Like.

Florence High School
Carmen Hayden – Carmen is a National Merit Semifinalist and scored a 30 on her ACT. She is a member of the Student Council, the Mayor’s Youth Council and serves as President of Beta Club and Captain of the Academic Team at Florence High. Carmen lettered 4 years in tennis and 3 in soccer.
Micah Usry – Micah is a 4 year honor roll student with a 95.8 GPA. A standout soccer player, Micah lettered 4 years, picking up All-District honors as a freshman and sophomore, and 2nd team All-State as a junior. He was chosen 1st team All-State as a senior and was also selected to the All-Star team.

Forest Hill High School
Elizabeth Crocker – Elizabeth has a 3.86 GPA and earned Salutatorian honors at Forest Hill. She’s a member of the National Honor Society, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, and Who’s Who Among American High School Athletes. Elizabeth is Captain of the Forest Hill soccer team, where she was named Most Valuable Player 3 straight years.
Lazarus Taylor – Lazarus is a member of the National Honor Society and Who’s Who Among American High School Students and has a 3.1 GPA. Lazarus is a member of the Rebels football team and was named Team Captain.

Hillcrest Christian School
Jamie Halfacre – Jamie made the National Honor Roll with a 92 GPA and belongs to the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Who’s Who Among American High School Students. She also received the USAA National Leadership Merit Award and was selected Class Favorite. Jamie participates in FCA and she’s a member of the Fast-pitch, track, and swimming teams and was selected a UCA All-Star Cheerleader.
Matt Jurgens – Matt has a 97 GPA and is a member of Beta Club, the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, the National Youth Legislature and Who’s Who Among American High School Students. He received the USAA Leadership Merit Award and participated in the Academic Beterment Competition. Matt competes in tennis, soccer, and football, where he recently earned the Most Valuable Linebacker Award.

Jackson Prep
Laurel Miller – Laurel is an Honor Roll Student with a 3.5 GPA. She’s a member of Mu Alpha Theta and Key Club Jackson Prep. Laurel is an MPSA 3A All-Star in basketball, earned the Patriot Award and was named to the All-Tournament Teams in South State and the Hillcrest Invitational.
Wesley Mockbee – Wesley has a 3.8 GPA and belongs to the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Who’s Who Among American High School Students. As a Captain for the Prep basketball team Wesley was named to the AAA State Tournament Team and was named AAA All-Conference and a State- All Star.

Madison Central High School
Heidi Frazier – Heidi is a National Merit Finalist with a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the Beta Club and Mu Alpha Theta. She was nominated for Wendy’s High School Heisman and the Lindy Callahan Scholar Athlete Award. Heidi is a 4-year starter on the varsity soccer team, serving as Co-Captain in her senior campaign. She was a 3-time MS Association of Coaches All District Selection, and First Team All State and All Star selection as a senior.
David Long – David is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, MS Youth Legislature and has a 3.7 GPA. He was voted Junior Class Favorite and is also a member of the Thespian Society and the All Superior MCHS Madrigal Singers. David competed 3 years in track and in basketball, where he made the All-County team as a Senior. In football, David is a 2-year starter for the Jags and earned a scholarship to Stanford University.

Madison Ridgeland Academy
Regan Flowers – Regan is a member of the National Honor Society with a 3.9 GPA and competed in the Academic Betterment Competition. In Hoops, she made the 3A All-Conference Team, the All-Tournament Team, the All-County Team, and was selected to the North 3A All-Star Team.
Wally Cummins – Wally serves as Student Body President, Vice President of Mu Alpha Theta, and has a 3.5 GPA. He’s a Wendy’s High School Heisman Finalist and is a member of the National Honor Society, Young Life, and Who’s Who Among American High School Students and Athletes. Wally was named All-MPSA First Team in football, twice gained All-Conference Awards in football and baseball, and was selected as an All-Star in both sports.

Murrah High School
Julia Schimmel – Julia is a High Honor Roll Student and carries a 3.5 GPA. She’s a member of the National Honor Society and received the Parents’ Association Award. Julia was a member of the varsity tennis team and was captain of the soccer team, where she received the Best Offensive Player Award.
Chavin Johnson – Chavin is a High Honor Roll Student with a 3.4 GPA. He’s a member of the National Honor Society and the National Junior Historical Society. Chavin is also a member of the Mustang Football team.

Northwest Rankin Attendance Center
Laura Eady – Laura is a High Honor Roll student with a 4.0 GPA. She’s a member of Mu Alpha Theta and was nominated for Wendy’s High School Heisman and Who’s Who Among American High School Students. Laura is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and participates in basketball and volleyball, serving as Team Co-captain for both teams.
Mark Begonia – Mark has a 4.1 GPA and is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, Beta Club, Who’s Who Among American High School Students and the National Honor Society. He competes on the Math and Science Team and was nominated for Wendy’s High School Heisman. Mark lettered in football and twice received the Football-Academic Award.

Pearl High School
Amy Watts– Amy is a 3.58 student and belongs to Beta Club, the National Honor Society, Student Council, 1st Priority, and the Mayor’s Youth Council. She was named Pirate of the Month and was the recipient of the Lady Pirate All-Academic Award. Amy competed in basketball after coming back from an injury where she broke both wrists.
Matt Buchanan – Matt is graduating with special honors and carries a 3.75 GPA. He’s a member of Mu Alpha Theta, the National Honor Society, and Beta Club. Matt earned the Academic Award and was named Team Captain in basketball and was a member of the Pirate baseball teams that won the state championship in 2001, the District in 2002 and was District runner- ups this year.

Provine High School
Dyelicia Ball – Dyelicia is a High Honor Roll Student with a 3.5 GPA. She’s a member of Who’s Who Among American High School Students and was awarded the Salute to Scholars Award. Dyelicia was a member of Lady Rams Basketball Team that won the District and finished runner up in North State.
Jeremy Young – Jeremy is also a High Honor Roll Student and has a 3.6 GPA. He earned the Salute to Scholars Award and was named the Exchange Club’s Student of the Month. A standout football and basketball player, Jeremy helped lead the Rams to District titles in both sports and a state championship in basketball. In Football, Jeremy earned All-District, All-Metro, All-State, and Dandy Dozen honors.

Raymond High School
Dale Brewer – Dale is an honor roll student with a 3.1 GPA. Dale competes in football and baseball at Raymond High. In baseball he hit over 400 and was a standout pitcher, striking out 21 batters in a single game vs. South Pike.

Ridgeland High School
Jaime Gonzalez – Jaime has a 3.6 GPA and is a member of the Beta Club, Key Club, Junior Auxiliary Crown Club, and Student Government. She received the National Sojourners Award in Air Force JROTC and served as a member of the color guard. Jaime is also a member of the Dance Team and served as Team Captain for the Lady Titans Volleyball Team.
Jason Powell – Jason is a Boys State Delegate, a member of the National Honor Roll Society, and Who’s Who Among American High School Students and has a 3.0 GPA. He is a 4-year member of the Air Force JROTC, serving as 1st Squadron Commander, Flight Commander, and Flight Sergeant. Jason is a 3 year letterman in football and baseball and helped lead the Titan baseball team to the 4A playoff birth in their first year of play.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
Lauren Cohen – Lauren is a High Honor Roll student, a member of the National Honor Society and has a 3.48 GPA. She is a 4 year letter winner in softball, twice earning the Best Offense Award, the MVP Award ,and All-District honors. Lauren followed a 43-goal season in soccer as a Jr. with a Best Offense Award and 1st Team All-State honors in her Senior year.
Hewitt Jones – Hewitt has a 3.5 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. He’s a 4 year letterman in football and earned All-District honors as a senior. In baseball, Hewitt lettered 5 years picking up the Best Defensive Player Award as a Junior and 2nd Team All-State honors as a Senior. He was also selected to the MHSAA All-Star Baseball game.

St. Joseph Catholic High School
Julia Nicosia – Julia was named Miss St. Joe, she’s a USAA All-American Scholar, and has a 3.7 GPA. She received the All-Star Student Award and is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. Julia was named All-Star Cheerleader and was voted Captain for the squad. She also participates in soccer at St. Joe, earning the Most Valuable Offensive Player Award.
Frank Bradshaw – Frank is a 3.5 student and serves as Editor in Chief of the school news publication, Bear Facts. He’s also the Student Information Director of the St Joseph’s High .com address. Frank is a 4 year letterman in baseball, earning he "Hold the Rope" Award as a Junior and serving as Team Captain as a senior.

Terry High School
Courtney Gray – Courtney has a 3.9 GPA, serves as Class Treasurer, and is a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. She competes in fastpitch and slowpitch softball, twice earning the Best Offensive Player award. In soccer, Courtney was named the Division 5-4A MVP as a Junior, and was a 3-time All Division, Team Best Defensive Player, and Team MVP.
Preston Walker – Preston is graduating with Special Honors and carries a 3.6 GPA. He’s a member of the National Honor Society and Who’s Who Among American High School Students. Preston participates in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a 3 year letterman in football, earning the Bulldog Award, All-District Honorable Mention, and Team Captain honors along the way.

Tri County Academy
Jancsi Ward – Jancsi is the 2003 Class Valedictorian and was voted Miss TCA. She belongs to the National Honor Society, Student Council, and the Youth Legislature. Jancsi participates in Track and earned All-Conference honors in basketball.
Eric Green – Eric earned a 4.08 GPA and was chosen Salutatorian at TCA. He is a member of Who’s Who Among American High School Students, the National Honor Society, Student Council, Madison County Youth Leadership and was a finalist for Wendy’s High School Heisman. Eric is a huddle leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and garnered All-Conference honors for the Rebel Football, Basketball, and Baseball Teams.

University Christian School
Christina Covington – Christina has a 3.4 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society and Student Government. Christina participates in FCA and Cheerleading and was selected a Team Captain for the softball and basketball team.
Jeremy Phillips – With a 4.0 GPA, Jeremy earned Salutatorian honors at UCS and he’s a member of the National Honor Society. Jeremy is a 4 year letter winner in baseball and football and selected Captain for the baseball team.

Wingfield High School
Leanna Johnson – Leanna is a member of the National Honor Society and has a 3.2 GPA. She is an active member of Wingfield JROTC Battalion Staff and earned the N-1-1 Ribbon and the Miss LET II and III . Leanna lettered in basketball and was Co-Captain for the tennis team.
Antonio Fletcher – Antonio has a 3.0 GPA and is also a member of the National Honor Society. He participates in basketball and in tennis where he earned the District title and was named Team MVP three times.

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