True Blue Update

Your go-to source for the latest news, events, and achievements from the Meridian Public School District. In this edition, we’re celebrating student successes, highlighting upcoming activities, and keeping you informed on important district updates. Stay connected and show your Wildcat pride!

Meridian, MS – February 19, 2025 – The Meridian Public School District (MPSD) proudly recognized its outstanding educators during the February 18, 2025, MPSD School Board Meeting, held on the campus of Meridian High School. The annual recognition highlights the dedication and excellence of teachers who have made significant contributions to student success and academic achievement.

In addition to celebrating the teachers, MPSD also recognized G.W. Carver Elementary Principal Amanda Shadwick as the 2025 District Administrator of the Year. Shadwick’s leadership and commitment to student growth and faculty support have fostered a strong academic environment across the district.

Among these exceptional educators, Marti Pulido of Ross Collins Career & Technical Center was honored as the 2025 Meridian Public School District Teacher of the Year. Pulido’s dedication to innovative teaching and student engagement has set a high standard for excellence in education.

West Hills Elementary School proudly hosted its annual Black History Month Program on Friday, February 21, 2025, celebrating the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Americans.

In honor of Black History Month, Meridian Community College (MCC) held a powerful and educational event titled "Education, Liberation, and the Future We Create." The program, which took place on February 13 at 11 a.m. in the McCain Theater, featured an enriching lineup of speakers, performances, and reflections on the contributions of Black leaders and the significance of education in shaping the future.

Throughout February, the Meridian Public School District is proud to honor Black History Month by spotlighting influential African Americans who have shaped history, culture, and progress. Each week, we'll highlight trailblazers in civil rights, science, sports, literature, and beyond—sharing their stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership.

The Meridian Public School District is thrilled to announce that Sherrod Miller has been selected as the new principal of Meridian High School for the 2025-2026 school year after the MPSD Board of Trustees approved the hiring during its monthly school board meeting on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

Mr. Miller brings a wealth of experience in education, leadership, and community engagement. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and student success, he is eager to continue building a positive and inclusive school environment where every student can thrive.

February 17-21, 2025, was School Board Member Recognition Week, and we wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the dedicated individuals who serve on the Meridian Public School District Board.

Their leadership, commitment, and passion help shape the success of our students, teachers, and schools every single day.

We were so excited to recognize our amazing students, teachers, and community partners during our favorite part of the School Board Meeting each month! Here are our recognitions for the February 18, 2025, meeting.

The Little Wildcat Pre-K Academy was the 4th Ranked Pre-K Program in the State for the

2023-2024 academic year!

The Meridian Public School District is thrilled to announce that Pre-K Screening Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is NOW OPEN! 🐯✨

Parents, it’s time to secure your child’s spot for an exciting journey of learning and fun! This year, registration is completely online for your convenience. To qualify, children must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2025.

Here are a few reminders to help your scholar be successful:

• Be present and on time for school. Testing begins promptly at 8:30.
  
• Ensure your child gets a good night’s rest.
  
• Create positive vibes for your scholar on test days and encourage them to do their best.
  

Meridian Community College Dental Hygiene students spoke to first graders at Poplar Springs Elementary on the importance of brushing, flossing, and taking care of their teeth! It’s never too early to start learning about good dental habits!

Fifth graders at West Hills Elementary enjoy the Dare Program which teaches the scholars the dangers of drugs and alcohol. It also promotes self-esteem, decision-making skills, and how to handle peer pressure. Thank you Chief Parks and SRO Harris for pouring into our scholars.

Selected 7th and 8th grade students participated inThe Mississippi Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) Middle School Math Tournament.

The top two 7th grade and top two 8th grade students from each school will move on to the district/ regional level. The district/ regional competition will be hosted at Meridian Community College.

Congratulations to our Math Tournament Winners:

8th Grade: 1st Place David Curry, 2nd Place Aiden Williams, 3rd Place TraShawn Davis

7th Grade: 1st Place Kristian Hyman, 2nd Place Tyler Betts, 3rd Place Bennett Tyler

Congratulations to the following MHS students for their outstanding achievements in the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards! Check out the information on these talented young artists and writers.

This month, we celebrate the power of hands-on learning and career and technical education at Ross Collins Career and Technical Center!

Ross Collins' 13 CTE programs equip students with real-world skills, industry certifications, and pathways to success in high-demand careers. Thank you to all of our educators, students, and industry partners who make Ross Collins a vital part of the future!

Health Science students at Ross Collins Career and Technical Center recently competed in HOSA (Future Health Professionals) District Competition and placed in the top 10 to be eligible for HOSA State Competition in March! Congratulations to these students!

Job Seeking Skills - Taquiunna Rush

CPR/First Aid - Williow Harris and Mariah McAboy

Dental Science - Shaniyah Eason

HOSA Bowl - Kerri Williams, Ashiya Dixon, Jazmine Pace, and Jolia Brassfield

Medical Law and Ethics - Autumn Hampton

Medical Reading - Serenity Reed and Briana McCain

Medical Spelling - Ashlyn Wright

Nursing Assisting - Ce'Riyah King

Physical Therapy - Evelyn Gutierrez-Garica

Research Poster - Delaina Moore and Juliana Garcia

We are so proud of our students! Special thanks Ms. Moore and Mrs. Collins-Killen for preparing our HOSA students!

We couldn’t be more proud of our students for their incredible accomplishments at our state Educators Rising Conference!

Congratulations to these students on their hard work:

Ethical Dilemma- Jr Varsity - 1st place: Kyla Grace and Tyler Hopson

Ethical Dilemma- Varsity - 1st place: Kaitlyn Latimer, Brooke Matthews, Lyric Sims, Isaac Yates

Lesson Planning and Delivery- Jr Varsity - 1st place: Katelyn Lundy

Children’s Literature- Prek-K- 1st place: Ken’Niah Payne

Children’s Literature- K-3, 10th place: Makayla Johnson

Interactive Bulletin Board, 10th place: A’miaya Russell

Congratulations to all! Your hard work does not go unnoticed! Mrs. Patterson, thank you for all that you do for our future teachers!

Students in Mr. Murphree's Collision Repair Class are putting in the work! From bodywork to paint prep, they're tackling multiple projects in the shop with skill and dedication.

Mr. Pickard's construction students participated in hands-on learning! Students mastered the miter saw to make precise cuts in lumber and put their skills to the test by building hunting blinds! It's all about learning real-world skills that can be used on the job and at home!

Three MHS football players as each of them signed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the next level. Senior Wildcat football players Jarmarik Leggette, Malachi Atterberry, and Anthony Brown made their future plans known before family, coaches, and friends during a signing ceremony held in the MHS Multipurpose Building on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

Congratulations to MPSD's Brittany Roberts and Terrance Steele, Sr., on being named to this year's class of "TOMORROW'S 25".

On February 11, 2025, the Mississippi Association of Coaches (MAC) and the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA), in partnership with the University of Mississippi’s School of Education, announced the 25 Coaches who were selected for participation in Mississippi’s 2024-25 “Tomorrow’s 25” class.

Congratulations to Meridian High School seniors Jazlynn Sulton and Caitlyn Williams on signing to continue their academic and athletic careers January 29, 2025, at the MHS Multipurpose Building.

Congratulations to the students who made the inaugural Meridian High School Girls' Flag Football team. MHS is fortunate to be one of 12 schools picked to have a Flag Football team.

The New Orleans Saints, in collaboration with the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA), announced today the official sanctioning of Girls High School Flag Football in Mississippi.

This groundbreaking initiative is set to begin in the Spring of 2025, with the inaugural season slated to kick off in late March. This historic partnership marks a significant milestone in expanding access to girls' sports in the state, creating new opportunities for young student-athletes to engage in flag football while encouraging leadership, teamwork, and personal development.