Cheyanne Allred was shocked to hear her name called.
Allred, a senior at New Hope High School, was named the overall outstanding senior and recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from the Golden Triangle Development LINK at the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce’s Education Awards Program. The program, held Thursday afternoon at the Lion Hills Center, recognized students and teachers from public and private schools throughout Lowndes County.
Thirty students representing eight high schools in the county, including Allred as the 12th grade representative for New Hope High School, received recognition for high GPAs. Fifteen students each received $500 scholarships from corporate sponsors, and the Chamber recognized one outstanding senior from each school.
Allred, speaking to The Dispatch, said she was surprised to receive the award, given the caliber of students represented at Thursday’s program.
“It’s really such an honor because so many of these kids that were selected as outstanding seniors from other schools are so prestigious and they’ve done so much,” she said.
Allred, who is planning to attend Mississippi State University, is active in and out of school in everything from the rocketry club and cheerleading to teaching Sunday school at Mount Vernon Baptist Church.
She said she’s always tried to be involved in her school and community, though it can be tough. The most important part, Allred said, is finding a way to stay balanced.
“The most important thing has been continuing to stay grounded in myself and creating time for just for me and to spend time with my family and my friends,” she said. “It can get a little stressful, it can get a little tough, but I always have those people to fall back on.”
Educator award
Summer Walker was recognized as the Chamber’s elementary teacher of the year. She was one of five teachers recognized, along with Leah Shackelford of Annunciation Catholic School, Toni Caldwell of Heritage Academy, Don Rodney Vaughan of East Mississippi Community College and Tammie McCoy of the Mississippi University for Women.
Walker teaches second grade at Sale Elementary and has worked all of her 16-year career with the Columbus Municipal School District, including 14 years at Cook Elementary before she started at Sale. She’s a Columbus native and has attended school, from grade school to college at MUW, in Lowndes County.
“It was a humbling honor,” Walker said. “I was in shock when I got it because I really just go in there to do my job, teach the kids, and I don’t expect recognition for it. I just feel that’s what I’m meant to do.”
Teaching comes with its challenges, Walker said, but the moments where she can see the effect she’s had on her students — such as when they say they’ll miss her and her class before a break — help keep her motivated.
“And then to see students that I’ve taught up here receiving awards and thinking maybe I had a little something to do with that (makes a difference),” she added.
Walker said she’s learned over the years that teaching as much about connecting with students on a personal level as it is conveying material to learn.
“It’s about making a personal connection and they will just connect with you, and want to do the best for you,” she said. “You can get more out of them when they feel like you know them and they know you and you respect them. They respond back in a positive way.”
Lowndes County School District Superintendent Lynn Wright said he was happy for all of the students and teachers who received recognition Thursday.
“We’re just proud of all the students from throughout the county–from the public and private schools,” Wright said. “We’re so proud of the Chamber for doing these awards and recognizing these kids. This is their reward for all of their hard work, and for them to get this reward means something for all of us, and to them and their parents especially.”
Chamber President Lisa James also said she was happy to see the students awarded.
“We’re just really proud to give these students the pat on the back, the gold star and the encouragement and boost they need to go into the community, pursue their college education and beyond, and come back and make Lowndes County proud,” James said.
Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.
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