COURTLAND
There were several additional acknowledgments during Monday evening’s Southampton School Board meeting, a practice that has occurred at every board meeting since Dr. Alvera J. Parrish became superintendent.

“We know that you’re here to represent and support the students of Southampton County Public Schools and your children, who have done outstanding jobs and accomplished some achievements. We want to take this opportunity to recognize them,” she said. “We believe it is noteworthy that we give students recognition when recognition is due, and that serves as motivation for them to continue to strive for excellence.”

Students of all ages were in attendance, including those from Capron, Meherrin, Nottoway and Riverdale elementary schools. This group of students was honored for competing in the Odyssey of the Minds challenge.

“They are very creative students who have put their shoulders to the wheel and come up with projects to show off their critical thinking skills.” Parrish said. “Job well done. We’re so proud of them, and we’re very appreciative of our coaches who make sure that their students are prepared for the competition.”

Coached by Sandra Ivey, Capron students included Hannah Key, Mariah Smith, Rachel Jarratt, Ashby Pope, Armonye King, Mary Katherine Cobb and Ben Davis; Meherrin, coached by Sandra Lindsey and Ava Fulp, included Nathan Hand, Michael Overman, Shea Lindsey, Faith Page, Will Butler, Christan Kizer, Josh Jiggetts, Tristan Evans, Kelsey Jarratt, Nekhi Williams, Jordan Rhodes, Madi Brown and Taja Elerbee; Nottoway, coached by Rebecca Johnson and Lyndsay Young, included Stuart Briggs, Jake Fowler, McKynsi Pitts, Jada Brittle, Ralph Anderson, Ada Gardner and Haven Purviance; and Riverdale, coached by Melissa Leinart and Alexis Best, included Armaiya Cannady, Claudia Brinkley, Hunter Darden, Dominic Rigard, Caitlin Bergin, Jasmine Parks and William Bowers.

Parrish also lauded the Southampton cosmetology program for its championship effort at the Virginia Beauticians Association Competition on April 27. Of the possible awards, Southampton students won a total of 18, including eight first-place, four second-place and six third-place awards.

Three culinary arts students were also recognized for their attendance at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America STAR Culinary Arts Competition at the State Leadership and Recognition Conference in Virginia Beach on April 17-18. The students demonstrated skills that they acquired in the school’s two-year culinary program and came away with several awards.

Madison Gibbins won the silver medal for her live job interview, while Skylar Cutchins and Sydney Walton won bronze for their culinary arts exhibits.

Each event in which the students participated was designed to help them develop skills in character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communications, practical knowledge and career preparation.

“I’m expecting to see some of you in charge of some big hotel chains here in the future,” Parrish said, noting that the students won awards for their cake and pastry decorations, including lady fingers, salted caramels and cookies.