Photo by Sue Watson
Byhalia Elementary students are being introduced to the fine arts. Pictured are third grade teacher Brooklyn Bradley (seated), music teacher Hannah Boyd (standing), and students Hannah Botwinick (foreground) and Jessica Sorg.
Photos by Sue Watson
The Marshall County School District presented plaques of appreciation to three of its retirees. From left are Ella Isom McFadden, James Harris and Bettye Williams, with superintendent Lela Hale.
Marshall County School District Superintendent Lela Hale presents certificates of appreciation for Team Leadership to the board of trustees. From left are Bob Barry, District 2; Terry Cook, president, District 5; Mark Turner, District 1; Janice Wagg, vice president, District 3; and Lela Hale. Not present is Daniel Ables, District 4.
Making music at Byhalia
Byhalia Elementary fifth grade students are receiving music instruction as a part of growing extracurricular activities at the school.
Two student violinists, Jessica Sorg and Hannah Botwinick, performed “Ode to Joy” for the recent Marshall County School District board meeting.
Elementary principal Milony Jenkins said the school is attempting to widen its offerings to students, such as the arts and including the performing arts that encompasses the music club activities at Byhalia Elementary.
Fifth-grade students are receiving music instruction from Brooklyn Bradley, a third-grade teacher; Hannah Boyd, first grade teacher, and Michael Berryhill, music teacher. Bradley and Boyd have been playing with the Germantown Symphony Orchestra for a year and a half.
The school has music, science, art, garden and chess clubs. BES also has a competitive cheer and dance team. The school is working on starting a robotics club.
Jenkins said students really enjoy the music club which meets every Tuesday and Thursday after school. They are excited to have a concert in the spring. Bradley and Boyd are very pleased and inspired by the talent of the students.
“It’s part of the vision this year, which is to tap into and cultivate the diverse talents of our students,” Jenkins said.
Superintendent Lela Hale recognized three retirees, Ella Isom McFadden, Bettye Williams and James Harris.
Harris served 25 years at the bus shop as a mechanic and retired in January.
“I have enjoyed my 25 years at the bus shop, but it was my time to go. God bless,” he said.
McFadden taught 37 years in the district and started out her journey in education as an H.W. Byers first grade student.
She taught grades seven through 12. She taught science and math, and the subjects of chemistry, physics, genetics, and organic chemistry. She is National Board Certified.
“I loved every minute of it,” she said.”I still have Marshall County students at heart. You do it because it is the right thing to do.”
Williams retired in May from H.W. Byers. She is from Waterford.
Williams graduated from W.T. Sims High School, attended Mississippi Industrial College, and then taught at H.W. Byers.
She taught social studies, Mississippi studies, and world history at H.W. Byers. She also taught ninth grade social studies one year at Rosa Fort High School in Tunica.
In Memphis, Tenn., she taught physical education for about six years and then psychology, sociology, geography, U.S. history, government, economics and humanities.
“I love my area. I have a passion for it,” Williams said.
Williams enjoyed a 52.25-year teaching career. She also taught majorettes, cheerleading, leadership and sponsorships.
“I love Marshall County,” she said.
School board members were presented certificates of appreciation for Team Leadership.
February 11-17 was School Board Member Recognition Week in Mississippi.