Athletes and administrators recognized at board meeting

Published 7:00 am Wednesday, December 11, 2019

The last Poplarville School Board meeting of the semester celebrated student athletes and outgoing administrators.

Outgoing superintendent Carl Merritt was recognized for his 42 years in education.

“It’s all been a blessing. There’s nothing bad about being with children everyday,” Merritt said.

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Assistant Superintendent Konya Miller will be replacing Merritt as superintendent in January.

School Board President Tommy Strahan was also recognized for his nine years on the Board and one year as Board president. According to previous coverage, Strahan is leaving the Board and the Poplarville Board of Aldermen plan to appoint his replacement later this month.

Poplarville High School Principal Jon Will recognized the school’s athletes from summer and fall.

Two members of the school’s rodeo team were recognized for winning at the Mississippi High School Rodeo Association State Championship: Gavin Lee won in bareback horse riding and Pacey McBride won in steer wrestling and was named all around cowboy. Brice Graves and Kason Davis were also recognized for being National High School Rodeo Association World Champions in team roping. Will said the rodeo club at the high school has a “rich tradition” and produces champions every year.

Will recognized the girl’s cross country team for placing ninth at the State Cross Country Championships. Evelyn Kimball was recognized for placing fifth in state out of 148 runners.

The boys cross country team was also recognized for being district champions.

The high school’s football coaches and players were recognized for receiving the South State Championship title. Head Coach Jay Beech said he appreciated the support of the district’s administration and the Poplarville community.

“It’s a special place to play football here at Poplarville,” Beech said.

Aside from athletics, high school student Kat Adcox was recognized for serving on the Mississippi Department of Education State Superintendent Advisory Council.