These ladies recently recreated their CHA graduation picture as they all graduated from the University of Mississippi. Those pictured are:

Grace Mae Pinnix - Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications

Isabel Mashburn - Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a Minor in Chemistry

Sarah Kerr - Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry with a Minor in Biology

Claire Strong - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Kinsley Windham - Bachelor of Science in Law Studies with Minors in Criminal Justice and Psychology

We love seeing our Cougars accomplishing great things!

Luke Barlow, a 2023 Central Hinds Graduate and captain of the Shotgun Team, was recently recognized by the 345th Training Squadron at Fort Gregg Adams in Virginia Distinguished Aerial Porter for the U.S. Air Force Mississippi Air National Guard. Luke says "I am an aerial porter for the 172nd Contingency Response Flight. Our mission is rapid deployment where we open air fields in austere locations or augment active enemy airfields to move troops and equipment into combat zones. Our state side job is helping with natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, etc." When asked about this award Luke says "it showed me that I am where I need to be. Due to this award I have already instructed countless members of my team on Aerial Port operations which have helped our mission greatly. It is also teaching me how to be humble while still knowing that I can do it. It will also help my career greatly in the future when I have young airmen like myself under my command." When asked about the path that has led him to this point in his career he says "The mindset taught to me by Coach Bobby Barrett which is that as long as when you mess up it's at 110% effort. you will never truly fail. I took that ot heart and now I do everything to the absolute best of my ability and that has led me to be in the position I am in today." He also mentions that so many of his teachers from the cougar community have made an impact on him all the way from the very early years such as: Brandy Cannon, Leigh Lawler, Ashely Hales, Monty Williamson, Melissa Nix, Vicki Smith, Rhonda Dent, Brandi Teasley, Amanda Hearn, Tyanne McCoy, Alejandra Trevino, Bobby Barrett, Stacy Fancher, Sam Vincent, Michael Bagly, Josh Wren and Mrs. Logan. He would also like to add "As for anyone who is looking for a path with meaning behind it and a way to learn how to lead a good, honest and respectful life, the military has shown me what it means to be a wingman. I have the backs of men and women every day that I may or may not know. I put my life in the hands of strangers but it also taught me one very important lesson. Faith is only as strong as you allow it to be. Meaning you control the faith you give people and that you give the Lord." Please join us in congratulating Luke in his recent recognition and pray for him as he continues in his career and making the cougar community proud.

Colton, a 2024 CHA graduate and Alpha Omega student, has recently enlisted in the Coast Guard and completed basic training at the Coast Guard Training Center at Cape May, New Jersey. This training will allow Colton to pursue his desire to attend college and work towards a Criminal Justice degree so that he can eventually seek out a job in federal law enforcement. His experience with the Coast Guard will also be great hands-on experience for his future career. While at CHA, Colton mentions teacher Jerry Craig as a cougar staff member who impacted his time on campus and since. He says that Mr. Craig was someone he could go to, throughout his senior year especially, for life advice and for any help that he needed. Colton is currently stationed in Vicksburg with the coast guard. We want to thank Colton for his service as he begins this new phase of his life serving our country. Please join us in celebrating Colton and his recent accomplishments. We hope that more cougar alumni will fill out our alumni forms so we can find more alumni to celebrate.

Ovid Vickers is a 2022 graduate of Central Hinds Academy with strong ties to our school as he is the son of our current STEM teacher Mary Vickers. Ovid also mentions Coach Barrett as a Cougar Faculty member who impacted him because he taught him that "preparation is the key to success"Ovid is currently completing his senior year at Ole Miss. When he graduates he will have his degree in Exercise Science. After graduation he will continue his education at Life University in Marietta, Georgia where he has already been accepted into the Doctor of Chiropractic program. This will give him the education he need to complete his career goals of becoming a practicing chiropractor. Join Central Hinds in wishing Ovid much success in this new chapter of his life. We know that Ovid will continue to make the Cougar community proud.

Hanna Allen is a 2024 graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi. She has excelled in both the classroom and on campus. She was recently awarded Who's Who which is considered the highest leadership honor for Southern Miss students as these seniors have exhibited campus leadership, academic achievement and service to their college. She also received the Best Citizen Award which is given to the two seniors who exemplify servant leadership and outstanding dedication to their various roles throughout their time at Southern. Lastly, but not least, she also was awarded the William H. Hatcher Award in Political Theory which is given to the top student in Political Theory Classes at the college. We at Central hinds are so proud of Hanna and can't wait to see what she accomplishes as she continues her journey!

Join us in congratulating two Cougar alumni who were recently recognized by the University of Mississippi.  Sarah Kerr, class of 2021, is a junior at Ole Miss majoring in biochemistry and following the pre-dental track.  Anna Kate Shaw, class of 2020, is a senior majoring in Dietetics and Nutrition with a minor in Chemistry.  Both girls were recently awarded the Who’s Who award which is based on campus involvement, leadership, academic achievement, and service activities.  Only 201 students from the university were awarded with this recognition.  Anna Kate also has received the prestigious Taylor Medal.  It is awarded to no more than 1% of the student body at Ole Miss.  Students are nominated for outstanding scholarship (GPA of 3.90 or higher) in their particular field combined with superior work in all of their other subjects.  We are so proud of our cougar alumni and can’t wait to see more of their future success!