May 2017
Hello Again Firebird Alumni!
As we are rapidly approaching the conclusion of another school year, and the Class of 2017 is eagerly awaiting graduation ceremonies, it’s time to take a few moments and reflect on what has been an amazing spring semester for the students and staff of Southern Nash High School.
Southern Nash has always made every attempt to improve our community by fostering close-knit relationships with local businesses that will benefit our students and our school. The latest example of this philosophy is the SNHS Farm Bureau Animal Facility that officially opened May 1 with a dedication ceremony that included members of the Southern Nash FFA chapter, NRMPS Superintendent Dr. Shelton Jeffries, Nash County Farm Bureau Board President Greg Bunn, and Principal Dr. Mark Cockrell, among others. The on campus facility was needed due to the growth of the FFA and agricultural programs at Southern Nash and was made possible by generous donations of local businesses. Please take an opportunity to come check out the new facility, which is located just behind the softball field and tennis courts.
Southern Nash sports teams are wrapping up another successful semester as well. Junior Nadir Thompson, the 2016 3-A State Champion in the 200 Meter Dash, added another state championship to his resume winning the 300 Meter Dash at the Indoor State Track Meet. Cassidy Pennington, also a junior, recently won the 300 Meter Hurdles at the Eastern Regional Track Meet in Swansboro. Cassidy will compete in the upcoming 3-A State Meet in Greensboro. Our varsity baseball and softball teams also had successful seasons as each finished third in the always competitive Big East Conference and qualified for the state playoffs. The baseball team also hosted its first annual alumni game recently as over 35 former players came home to compete and re-live old memories. The event included lunch, a home run derby, and the game itself. If you are interested in participating in next year’s game, please contact Chris Pace for further information.
Extra-curricular activities have also been in full swing as the school year winds down. The fifth annual Southern Sizzlin BBQ Showdown was held in April and a great time was had by everyone involved. The event, which included a 5K Color Run, yard sale, and a 50/50 Cow Chip Bingo Contest, proved once again to be a great way to unite our school and the surrounding community. The BBQ Cook-off featured six pigs cooked by local masters of the grill and was won for the third consecutive year by Southern Nash Athletic Director Robbie Kennedy. The spring semester also saw the Firebirds Science Olympiad team return to action for the first time in many years. Led by Southern Nash graduates Catherine Melle and Melissa Mitchell, the team competed at East Carolina University in regional competition and also had an opportunity to visit local elementary schools for Science Day. The chorus recently competed at King’s Dominion and won several awards, including Grand Champion of the competition, and our band is growing in numbers and already making preparations for another successful season next year. For a full list of the band’s accomplishments this school
year, make sure to visit the school’s website.
Prom was celebrated the weekend of May 6th, and events such as Awards Night and Senior Picnic are on the horizon as the Class of 2017 points toward a June 10th graduation date. As you can see, it has been a busy, but very successful semester. The students and staff of Southern Nash High School have done a tremendous job of displaying Firebird Spirit and being “ALL IN.”
Before closing we would like to thank you for your continued support of Southern Nash High School, its students and staff, and the Firebird Alumni Association. Please take a moment and renew your Alumni Association dues and encourage all Southern Nash graduates to join as well! We always welcome you to come back and visit school functions to check out the next generation of Firebirds in action because once a FIREBIRD, always a FIREBIRD!
Until next time…