French Camp Today Winter 2023

TODAY

Volume LXVIII No.4 www.frenchcamp.org WINTER 2023

In this Issue: • A New Season • Walking with Jesus • Holiday Reflections

French Camp Academy, a Christ-centered home and school, exists to serve young people and families for the glory of God.

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A New Season for Two Siblings It was mid-summer, and the Mississippi heat was hitting record highs. Stewart and Rebecca Edwards were headed to an appointment when the car directly in front of them stalled to a stop in the busy highway. The lady driver proceeded to get out and start pushing the vehicle toward the side of the road. “Stewart, we have to help her!” Rebecca said. Putting their car in park with the flashers on, they both began pushing the larger vehicle with help from another man when suddenly, Rebecca saw two small heads pop up in the back seat. “There are young children in the back. We’ve got to get them off this highway!” Rebecca exclaimed. Eventually the car was pushed to safety and all three got in Stewart’s truck for some quick relief from the grueling heat.

“My car ran out of gas!” was the caregivers reply. After a short drive to a gas station and Stewart talking the cashier out of her pickle jar, the car was fueled and ready to go. After lending a hand, they learned that the newly relocated family had lost their home and was living out of a hotel room. To make matters worse, the children’s new school situation was challenging, as well.

What do young people need to thrive in this world? The basics, for sure, food, clothing, shelter, and a safe environment. The young mother was working full-time but still having difficulty providing those basic needs. It was obvious that something needed to change.

Sometimes parents in difficult situations need time to get on their feet. French Camp Academy is a place that a parent like this young mother can trust to not only provide the basics, but so much more—a comfortable home with three healthy meals a day. Solid education from an accredited school helps address academic needs.

Horses, swimming, fishing, sports, and lots of outdoor activities and space to play is needed to help children explore their world, their gifts, and abilities. Healthy play helps create healthy children who grow up to be healthy adults.

The two young children in this story will enjoy Christmas at French Camp Academy this year. The story of Christ coming into our world to save a people living in darkness will be shared and lived out among them. The mother has expressed deep gratitude for these opportunities and French Camp Academy’s new role in their life.

By God’s grace and through the generosity of people like you, young people of different backgrounds and experiences like these two young siblings are experiencing life changing, life shaping opportunities at French Camp Academy. What a wonderful season we celebrate! v When little children become adults, they hope and reason and talk like men and women with a future. We endeavor to point them to lives of service in the kingdom of God. “…the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Matthew 4:16

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President's Perspective

French Camp TODAY

Faith that Counts How can we have faith when we need it most? Faith is not just a feeling but a decision that leads to action. A few examples of faith in action are when Abraham left everything and followed God’s call to an unknown land. Esther risked her life to approach the king and save her people. Abraham obeyed God and was willing to sacrifice his son on Mount Moriah. Noah built an ark in the desert, trusting God’s promise of a flood.

I was sitting behind the bench of the other team at a basketball game last night. I had a funny idea that when the coach looked F. Stewart Edwards, Jr. for new players on the bench, I would point at myself and get up as if I was going to join the game. That would have been amusing but it would have been a very unrealistic hope. In fact, I know for sure that would NEVER hapFaith is the result of God working in us. It is not pen no matter how much I hoped it would. about how much faith we have, but the object (person) we place our faith in. Jesus is the one who has done The bible, speaking of faith says, “It is the assureverything for us. ance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Unlike my silly hope of joining the game, true I’m a boat guy. Alexandria, the ancient port of hope is based on something or someone who has alEgypt, was known for its ship tearing reefs that treach- ready done everything I need. Jesus’ work of faith on erously surrounded the entrance to the port. my behalf is fully complete. Nothing can be added to or taken away from this gift of love that He offers all Navigating this port was so dangerous that they as- who will trust in Him. signed a smaller vessel to meet the larger one at the entrance for the purpose of taking the larger ships’ anSo here is a question for you. Where is your faith chor into the rock infested waters to securely set the resting? What is your faith producing? Is it leading anchor for the ship. This smaller boat was called you toward faithful convictions? And if so, what acthe projemos or forerunner. The author of Hebrews tions are being lived out of those convictions? called Christ our forerunner, a term that his readers and listeners would have easily understood because of Our prayer for you from all of us serving at French this famous port.

Camp Academy would be that during this season of Christmas your hearts and minds would rest fully on The bible teaches that Christ has gone where we the perfect and complete work of the one who came to cannot go and accomplished what we can NEVER do. save us. And may this faith in Him produce a fruit of Just as a dead man can do nothing to save himself, righteousness for His glory.

Christ’s sinless life, obedience even unto death, and his bodily resurrection has secured a SURE ANCHOR FOR OUR SOUL! Jesus is the anchor for our soul, the One we place our faith in. Nothing can ever reverse the work that He has already accomplished. What great news in a day and age when it seems as if Andy and Barney left Mayberry with Otis in charge.

French Camp TODAY (USPS 210-100) is published quarterly in March, June, September and December each year by French Camp Academy, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Periodical postage paid at Hattiesburg, MS and all additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to French Camp TODAY, One Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745-9703.

There is no subscription charge for French Camp TODAY; it is financed by voluntary contributions from friends of the Academy and is printed by Roberson Advertising Services LLC, Bogalusa, LA. Graphics/photographs/text by FCA staff and students. The mailing list of French Camp TODAY is confidential and is not shared with other organizations.

To receive French Camp TODAY, send names and complete addresses. To change or correct your address or to be removed from the mailing list, tear off the mailing label (needed because of code numbers) and return it with the correct address. You may use the enclosed envelope OR call 1-800-565-7132.

If you are receiving more than one copy of French Camp TODAY, please return all mailing labels and indicate which one is the correct address.

Reporting in French Camp TODAY is intended to inform readers of the life and work of French Camp Academy, a Christ-centered home and school serving young people and their families for the glory of God. French Camp Academy is accredited by the State Department of Education, Jackson, MS. We desire to hear from you. Please direct correspondence to Lance Ragsdale, Vice President of Development.

French Camp Academy One Fine Place French Camp, MS 39745-9703 662-547-6482 or 662-547-9464 www.frenchcamp.org BOARD OF TRUSTEES Sharkey Burke..................................Brandon Scott Castleman..................... Ocean Springs Dave Fair............................................ Oxford Vivian Farris....................................... Oxford Glenn Galey, Secretary............... Hattiesburg Toxey Hall III..................................... Canton G. Carey Hauenstein........................... Laurel Lee Lampton, Vice Chairman........... Jackson Chuck McBride................................Madison Brooks Mosley.................................. Jackson Tommy Peaster, Vice Chairman............ Flora Hugh Potts, Jr., Chairman.............Kosciusko F. Stewart Edwards, Jr., FCA President

Mission Statement

French Camp Academy, a Christcentered home and school, exists to serve young people and families for the glory of God.

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Staff Member Focus Randy and Joy Martin—For the past 15 years the Martin’s have served as house parents in Taylor Home. Randy and Joy both graduated from Columbia International University. Randy currently teaches a class at FCA called Christian Family Living, serves as a counselor/mentor to our male students, and helps lead other house parents in his role as Assistant Director for Discipleship in the Student Life department. Joy is a gifted teacher and enjoys teaching New Testament and organizing girls’ Bible Studies and mentorship.

She is a talented quilt artist and is sponsor of the FCA Art Club.

Randy and Joy have 4 children—Ty, Gray, Eden, and Brighton. v

Growing up at French Camp Academy opens a child’s world. The newness of youth and the fascination of old things are important contrasts; those values are worth protecting. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4-5

Leave French Camp in your Will A gift to FCA through your will is simple. You can include language in your will or trust making a gift to members of your family, friends, or to your favorite charity.

Your bequests can be • A specific asset • A gift of the balance of your estate • A gift of a specific amount • A percentage of your estate • A contingent gift when the primary beneficiary predeceases you.

To make a gift to French Camp Academy from your estate you should contact your attorney. Your attorney can help you include a gift in your estate documents. If you need specific language to assist you and your attorney to help write your bequest to French Camp Academy, reach out to Lance Ragsdale at lragsdale@frenchcamp.org. He’ll send statements that are commonly used by people leaving FCA in their will.

Please contact us if you have any questions about how to make an estate gift to French Camp Academy, or to request an estate planning guide. If you have included French Camp Academy in your will, we would love to know. We would like to thank you and recognize your gift. For will and estate planning purposes, our legal name and address is below. v French Camp Academy • One Fine Place • French Camp, MS 39745 (662)547-6482

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House Parenting—A Unique Calling Serving at French Camp Academy as a house parent is much more than a job—it’s a unique calling that requires you to invest your life with young people. We like to say, “Life on Life ministry” to describe the highly relational aspect of what we do. A house parent couple joins a team of other house parents, support staff, and teachers that live, work, and worship together with students. We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment in which our students can grow into the men and women Christ made them to be.

A Rural Setting French Camp is located a little north of central Mississippi in Choctaw County. It’s a small town located on the Natchez Trace Parkway, 90 miles north of Jackson and 80 miles south of Tupelo. French Camp Academy is a 900-acre community making a big impact in a small space.

God Gives Guidance

Find out more about employment opportunities at www.frenchcamp.org/contact#employment-panel

or scan QR code to explore more.

From the beginning of the application process, we ask the Lord for direction and wisdom regarding each applicant and the decision-makers of French Camp Academy.

We understand the truth that “unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” As you consider possible ministry at FCA we ask you to join us in praying that God’s will is accomplished.

God may be calling you to share your life with young people in a residential setting. Your journey can start today by exploring frenchcamp.org and prayerfully beginning a conversation with us.

What makes our houseparents special?

Our houseparents understand the brokenness of humanity but are passionate about loving others as Christ loves us. They thrive in relationships, understand open communication, and have a strong and growing understanding of Biblical marriage, family, and parenting.

Are you considering becoming a houseparent?

Houseparents feel called to serve the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of children and teenagers in a residential environment.

They are Christ-centered couples who are prepared to meet our students where they are, providing a safe and structured home life.

The Gospel produces knowledge, godliness, persistence, kindness, and love. These qualities are encouraged throughout French Camp Academy. “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.” II Timothy 3:14

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Walking with Jesus

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Holiday Reflections

As we celebrate the birth of Christ, those of us serving at French Camp Written in early November for FCA Today are also mindful of the life He lived among His followers. He came into By Lacy Wilson-Ross, Class of 2024 the world as a baby, but He also showed us how to walk with others in Fall is finally here, and you know what that means—THANKSGIVlove and truth.

ING! Thanksgiving is an exciting time to spend with family, friends, and He traveled with His disciples, teaching them about His kingdom other people you love. Of course, we cannot forget about warm blankets and His mission. He shared their joys and sorrows, their questions and and pumpkin spice lattes. In fall the leaves change, the weather is finally doubts, their hopes and fears. He taught them how to pray, how to for- cooling down, and it can be what you want it to be. On the other hand, give, how to serve, and how to love. He was not just a teacher, but a we can get so wrapped up in our own worlds that we forget to stop and friend and a brother. As time went on, they also learned that He was their think about what we’re grateful for. Many people are grateful for basic things, such as food, water, shelter, family, and of course God. God and King.

At FCA, we want to follow the example of Jesus and walk with young people in their journey of faith pointing them to Him. We provide a place where they can grow in their relationship with God and with others. We offer them guidance, instruction, support, and encouragement.

We are not just staff, but mentors and role models. FCA is more than a school and a home. It is a community of grace and truth that seeks to build up children and teenagers in Christ.

Why don’t we think deeper? Why must we always go for the general answers? I know that deep inside I’m grateful that I don’t have to worry about walking to school with shoes that don’t fit. I’m grateful that I can wake up every morning and have the opportunity to brighten someone’s day. What are you truly grateful for? When you sit around the table eating turkey, ham, stuffing, and maybe even your grandmother’s homemade mac and cheese, what do you think about? Think about what you are truly grateful for.

The activities you see sprinkled throughout this paper are our attempt Here in French Camp, MS the Thanksgiving traditions are typical. In to show your investment in action. Think of it as our ‘missionary newsletter’ to you reporting on the various activities we employ to evangelize our residential homes most house parents cook early Thanksgiving meals for us. Since we are on break for Thanksgiving, house parents make an and disciple a generation for Christ. effort to celebrate Thanksgiving traditions with us. Christmas traditions If you ever have any questions about FCA’s work with young people, are observed also. While the entire town of French Camp is covered in please feel free to give Lance Ragsdale a call at 662-547-6482. Better yet, colorful lights, Christmas traditions bring cheer in our homes as well. set up a time to come see us so we can show you all the wonderful things Customs like hanging ornaments on the Christmas tree, playing Christmas music, having stockings hung by the fireplace, and even watching God is doing because of you faithfully walking with us. v the classic Christmas movies, produce a warm and safe feeling. As a boarding student myself, my personal favorite Christmas memory is the Christmas Banquet that the Academy hosts. I am able to hang out with friends, eat good food, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Give a Gift Online

A gift from you in December would make our year complete! Trusting God’s provisions, we count on people like you who love the ministry of French Camp Academy to provide the resources needed to provide a safe and structured place for children and teenagers to live and learn.

The QR code on the right can be scanned by your smart phone device using the camera application. Once the website opens, you can follow the directions to give a gift in December. Thank you for helping the young people at French Camp Academy! v

What are your Christmas traditions?

Maybe you listen to Christmas music after Thanksgiving, or maybe you’ve been playing it since November 1st. Either way Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birth and to celebrate the love He has for us. God loved us so much He was willing to send His only son for us, and Jesus loved us so much He was willing to step down from glory and join us on this death-ridden Earth. As we go into Thanksgiving and Christmas, let’s remember the true reasons why we celebrate these holidays. v

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2023 Homecoming

Playing is an important part of growing up. Our recipe is love, learning, and old-fashioned fun in the country. “From infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” II Timothy 3:15

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Mission Trip

A team from FCA went to Fort Worth, Texas, to serve the homeless with Beautiful Feet Ministries, as they have done for the last 15 years before Thanksgiving. The team had trained for weeks before the event, learning how to perform skits, puppet shows, share testimonies, and do other activities that show the gospel. A memorable part of the trip was giving hygiene packs to the homeless people who lived on the streets in their own shelters. It reminded us of how Christ came into our world and lived among us. He is the light of the world who gives life to everyone who accepts Him. v

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Athletic Team photos courtesy of Holly Wright

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Panther Sports Sports and athletic competitions have biblical references, which is one of the reasons we love to compete at FCA. The Bible draws several analogies of the Christian life from the sports world: the author of Hebrews compares the Christian life to a race (Hebrews 12:1), and Paul admonishes us to “run in such a way to win the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24, CSB).

The FCA Cross Country Team (girls) worked hard and had fun competing this year. Led by senior and team captain, Averie Jane Gundy, they finished 3rd in the State.

The FCA Cross Country Team (boys), a group with a majority in the 10th grade or younger, were some of the fastest Coach Watkins has had during his coaching tenure. Led by junior Josiah Dwyers, they were the 1A Region 3 Champions this year.

FCA Panther Football worked hard to compete in the first-round of 1A playoffs but was not able to advance to the next level. The competition was extremely challenging this year with teams in the division showing impressive records. Regardless, FCA had some rising stars who are looking forward to next year. v

Scan the QR code to watch a video highlighting the FCA athletic program.

Celebrating Senior Night - 1st row: Chloe Tharp, Allie Cheser, Jolie Ebeling, Emma Claire Thomas, Eden Box, Emalee Browning, Savannah Staszefski.

2nd row: Avery Summers, Noah Dew, Cason Shurden, Silas Hodge, Conner Privitt, John Moore, Reese Churchill

Cross Country Seniors Martha Ferguson and Averie Gundy

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Shepherding Sheep

A Heavenly View

Written by Sheila Stone—Faithful Donor and Friend The sheep are asleep on the grassy hillsides overlooking Bethlehem. They snuffle little sheep sighs as they sleep, at complete peace because the shepherds are near. The shepherds, however, knowing night with its cloak of darkness can easily provide camouflage for wolves as they lurk in and out of the shadows are alert. Knowing that the wolves are ever on the watch for that one stray lamb that waked in the night, and missing its mother, had set out to find her. This lamb, as do all the others in the flock, needs care and attention. It not only needs the nearness of a nurturing parent but also the watchful eye of the shepherd. Even the shepherd's rod on its back is welcome because it assures the lamb that the shepherd is near.

The ringed giant Saturn and its amazing secrets were revealed to a group of boys from campus who visited Rainwater Observatory. The boys also enjoyed informative exhibits and a constellation planetarium show. To say the least, they left starryeyed! v

There are so many children who, like that lamb, have temporarily lost their way. They need a reassuring hand, a quick hug and a kiss to know that they are loved, watched over, and nourished. They come from all walks of life, and they need shepherding. They need the lesson those shepherds learned so long ago when the heavens were spangled with light and angels sang the very first Christmas carol.

Many like those shepherds do take the angels’ message to heart and are wonderfully changed by that ancient miracle of God come to the earth clothed in flesh.

Like the shepherds, they are changed, never to be the same again. Like the lamb guided by the shepherd, they find their way to a place of peace and safety. So, on this night of nights, the stars shine brightly over French Camp, a home for lambs, just as they did over those hills of Bethlehem so many years ago. v

Honor Gifts

Honor gifts show appreciation to a living person­–such as teachers, pastors, parents, etc., while helping students at FCA. To make an Honor Gift, you may use the form/envelope provided, designating the type of gift you are making. The honoree will be notified of your thoughtfulness. Amounts of gifts are never divulged.

July

ALLEN, POLLY, Ethel, MS Mr. and Mrs. Michael Joseph Quayle AUSTIN, MR. AND MRS. TOM, Fair Oaks Ranch, TX Ms. Mary Alice Waldrop BEARD, GERALD AND MARIE, Ridgeland, MS Mrs. Martha Godfrey Vance BROWN, SUE, Bay Springs, MS Mr. and Mrs. David Lee Thornton BROWNING, CARRIE, French Camp, MS Miss Mary Michaela Parker BYRAM, DWIGHT, Nauvoo, AL Mr. Joey Clingan CHAMBLESS, KAYE, Hattiesburg, MS Mr. and Mrs. James S. Chambless CHUCK BENTLEY FAMILY, French Camp, MS Mr. and Mrs. John Hutchinson COCKRELL, JOHN ROBERT AND PEGGY, French Camp, MS Mr. and Mrs. Michael Joseph Quayle EDWARDS, STEWART AND REBECCA, French Camp, MS Rev. and Mrs. Paul L. Nasekos FOSTER, BUZZ AND JOYCE, Beaverdam, VA Dr. and Mrs. Vander Warner, Jr. GODFREY, DREW AND MANELL, Madison, MS Mrs. Martha Godfrey Vance GRANGER, ED AND CONNIE, Sallis, MS Mrs. Martha Godfrey Vance

LAYNE, HELEN, Signal Mountain, TN Ms. Mary Alice Waldrop LONG, MR. AND MRS. DONALD, Soddy Daisy, TN Ms. Mary Alice Waldrop MORGAN, DENNIS, Dublin, GA Mr. Joey Clingan RICH, CHARLES, French Camp, MS Mr. and Mrs. Michael Joseph Quayle RODDEY, TRESIA, Laurel, MS Mr. and Mrs. David Lee Thornton SARTAIN, ARTHUR, Ethel, MS Mrs. Polly Allen SMITH, NANCY, The Villages, FL Ms. Joyce Edmunds TAYLOR, MARTHA MCKEE, The Woodlands, TX Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lynn Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Cowley TRIMBLE, JO, Chattanooga, TN Ms. Mary Alice Waldrop VINCENT, MR. AND MRS. DAVID, Brandon, MS Mr. Samuel Clemons WALDROP, MR. AND MRS. LAKE, Tupelo, MS Ms. Mary Alice Waldrop WALKER, JR., ROBERT E., Goshen, VA Ms. Mary Alice Waldrop WARNER, BETSY LUNDY, Delray Beach, FL Mrs. Ruth Lundy Switzer WHITE, BEULAH, Huntsville, TX Mr. Edward Garrett Taylor

August

ALLEN, JOHN MICHAEL AND CARRIE M., Terry, MS Mrs. Polly Allen BRASWELL, JIMMY Mr. and Mrs. Michael Joseph Quayle CHUCK BENTLEY FAMILY, French Camp, MS Mr. and Mrs. John Hutchinson GIFFIN, REBECCA T., Louisville, MS Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Fair, III HUGHES, CARSON, Starkville, MS Mr. and Mrs. Harold Dillon POTTS, MR. AND MRS. ROGER, Saltillo, MS Mr. and Mrs. Ralph C. Henderson SORENSEN, KEVIN, French Camp, MS Mr. Doug McAllaster

September ALLEN, JOHN MICHAEL AND CARRIE M., Terry, MS Mrs. Polly Allen ALLEN, JOHN MICHAEL, Terry, MS Mr. Samuel Clemons ALLEN, NORMAN PAUL, Maitland, FL Mr. Samuel Clemons ALLEN, POLLY, Ethel, MS Mr. Samuel Clemons

AYRES, VICTOR AND BOBBYE Mr. and Mrs. William Stanley Ayres BARLOW, GLEN and RITA, French Camp, MS Rev. and Mrs. Charles S. Carroll BATTE, JOY, Ridgeland, MS Mrs. Elizabeth Parry CHAIN, BUDDY AND BARBARA, Oxford, MS Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Black CHUCK BENTLEY FAMILY, French Camp, MS Mr. and Mrs. John Hutchinson DONALD, SUSAN, French Camp, MS Ms. Sunny Francois FAUGHN, EDWIN, French Camp, MS Mr. and Mrs. Philip R. Faughn HARRIS, PEGGY, Satartia, MS Ms. Sue S. Nowell JONES, BILL, Okolona, MS Farned Farms LACEY, DUDLEY, Dallas, TX Mrs. Kimberly Judin LAND, BRO. AND MRS. ART, Kosciusko, MS Ms. Patricia Barr LLOYD, ZOE ROSE Mrs. Antonia Stubbs Mrs. Donna Gonzales RUTLEDGE, BILL AND GAYLE, New Albany, MS Dr. and Mrs. Joe D. Pegram SETTLEMIR, CHRISTIE, Kosciusko, MS Ms. Patricia Barr

SHAW, J. D., Oxford, MS Dr. Kitty Mann SORENSEN, KEVIN, French Camp, MS Mr. Doug McAllaster TAMOR, KEITH AND STACY, Summit, MS Mrs. Mattie Rials THE CHILDREN Mr. Charlie Holland

Scan to Donate to French Camp Academy

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Memorial Gifts

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We strive to answer memorials and notify relatives as quickly and accurately as possible after they are received. When you send in a memorial, please include the name of the deceased, the complete address of the person you wish notified and your complete address. Important: IF YOU DO NOT INCLUDE A NAME and ADDRESS OF A RELATIVE OR FRIEND OF THE DECEASED, WE WILL BE UNABLE TO NOTIFY ANYONE OF YOUR GIFT. Follow the same procedure for honor gifts. (A blank form and envelope appear in this issue.)

July ADAMS, MARIANNE, Mathiston, MS Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Fulgham ALLEN, JOHN SAMUEL, Ethel, MS Mr. and Mrs. Michael Joseph Quayle ANDERSON, GRAYSON W., Houston, TX Mrs. Speight W. Anderson BATTLE, CHARLOTTE TIMBERLAKE, Chapel Hill, NC Mrs. Geri Graeber Pitts BLOSSMAN, JOHN R., Ocean Springs, MS Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Brodowicz BORING, ETHEL, Starkville, MS Judge and Mrs. John C. Love, Jr. Mrs. Pam Morgan BREAZEALE, DAVID PYBAS, Philadelphia, MS Mr. Wade Breazeale BROOKS, JIMMIE, South Hill, VA Mrs. Athena B. Davies BROWN, ROSEL SEIPP, Harlem, GA Mr. Edward L. Brown BYERS, LEE LOGAN AND LOU ELLA Mr. and Mrs. George G. Byers CARSON, THOMAS GORDON, Kosciusko, MS Mrs. Jo Ann Carson CARTWRIGHT, JR., CECIL JOHN, Yazoo City, MS Mr. and Mrs. Lea C. Black Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Swayze Bumpus Trucking Inc Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Marting, Sam, Jr. and Chris Mr. and Mrs. Bounlieng Sodachanh CHATHAM, JR., GERALD, Hernando, MS Mrs. Elizabeth Jenkins CLARK, EDWARD, Needham, AL Mr. and Mrs. Sam Goodwin COGGINS, HUBERT AND SADIE Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Record COLE, TIMOTHY LEIGH, Hattiesburg, MS Mr. and Mrs. Del E. Tichnell COOK, MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM, Jackson, MS Miss Helen Elizabeth Cook COPELAND, JOHN T., Starkville, MS Mrs. Lou Wallace CORBETT, KAREN Mrs. Patricia Kay Turnmire CREEINK, JOHN, Starkville, MS Mrs. Janice W. McSpadden DEAN, STANLEY, Hot Springs Village, AR Mr. and Mrs. Michael Reece Mr. and Mrs. Walter L. Fuquay Mr. and Mrs. Charles Reece DOUGLAS, ONA EARL Mrs. Frances Ramsey Gardner ELLISON, CHARLES Mr. and Mrs. Mason Wheeler FLAUTT, SR., HENRY, Greenwood, MS Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Bardin Redditt FORD, MARY LOU Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Pound FOREMAN, LEE BROOKS, Grenada, MS Mr. Jeffrey Mark Scobey FRACCHIA, JOHN Ms. Helen T. Derryberry FULCHER, JR., LUTHER HARRISON, Jackson, MS Mrs. Jane W. Lord Dr. and Mrs. Allen R. Yates GARNER, BETTY, Charlotte, NC Dr. and Mrs. George T. Bates GEORGE, LOUISE FAIRMAN Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy W. Tyrone GILMORE, ROSA LEE VIRGINIA Mr. and Mrs. Richard Maurice Johnson GINN, MORRIS AND OPAL Ms. Libby Johnson Mrs. Elizabeth McKinley GREGORY, CLAIRE, Okolona, MS Ms. June Oglesby Hause GRIFFIN, VIRGINIA TAYS, McComb, MS Mrs. Janice W. McSpadden GUTHRIE, JR., NOEL WEBSTER, Ridgeland, MS Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Swayze HARRIS, BETTY, Green Cove Springs, FL Mr. and Mrs. James Merle Jent HATTEN, MARYANN, Jackson, MS Mr. and Mrs. Michael Joseph Quayle HAUN, FREIDA B., Brandon, MS Mrs. Betty Anne Hays HERRING, DOUG, Louisville, MS Mrs. Marion Herring Stoute HERRING, JR., DANIEL A., Ellisville, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Gary L. Herring HERRING, MARION, Louisville, MS Mrs. Marion Herring Stoute HILL, CARL MILTON JP Petrie Associates, Inc. HINDS, RICHARD LAWSON, Wilmington, NC Mrs. Rachel C. Martin HOLMES, MARY, Salida, CO Mr. and Mrs. Sam Goodwin Mrs. Betty S. Allen HUNT, ANITA Mr. and Mrs. Andy H. Perry JENKINS, JOAN, Vestavia, AL Mr. Harrell Lee Jenkins JENKINS, SWEP Mrs. Elizabeth Jenkins JOHNSTON, TERRY Mr. and Mrs. Michael Joseph Quayle JONES, EMILY BRADDOCK, Starkville, MS Dr. and Mrs. James E. Long KEA, DORIS Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Kea KIRK, BENADINE, Olathe, KS Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lee Kirk KNOWLES, JR., MEDFORD, Nettleton, MS Mrs. Mary Payne Hairald LINK, MARTIN TURNER, Bentonia, MS Mrs. Nora Deen Link Maloy MARSH, ELIZABETH Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Furlow Mr. and Mrs. Fred G. Davis MARSHALL, BARRY JOE, Brandon, MS Mr. and Mrs. James O. Sparks MITCHELL, JR., CHARLES G., Lexington, KY Mrs. Elizabeth M. Mitchell MONTGOMERY, SR., CHARLES JOSEPH, Greenwood, MS Mrs. Pauline M. Strain Mr. and Mrs. William Lee Mattox Dr. and Mrs. John A. Smith NABORS, LOUIS, Columbus, MS Dr. and Mrs. James E. Long NATIONS, DANIEL KENT, Sontag, MS Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Kent Nations NUNAN, T. RUSSELL, Decatur, GA Mrs. Virginia Johnson OTWAY, SANDRA C., French Camp, MS Mr. and Mrs. Michael Paladino Ms. Barbara Nickels Mr. and Mrs. Charles Price Mr. and Mrs. Steven Lane Mr. and Mrs. Edward G. Maehlmann Mrs. Jane E. Beswick Ms. Jamie W. Senyard Mr. and Mrs. John Mike McCollum Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Sinquefield Mr. and Mrs. Kevin O’Brien Mr. and Mrs. James Hill PARKER, ROGER, Purvis, MS Mrs. Nancy Barton PARKES, LARRY Mrs. Margaret M. Davis PATTERSON, SAM, French Camp, MS Mr. and Mrs. Michael Joseph Quayle PERRY, MARY JO FERGUSON, Memphis, TN Mrs. Geri Graeber Pitts POWELL, MR. AND MRS. C. E. Mr. James Powell PUTMAN, JR., HARVEY Mr. David Putman RECORD, BILL AND EDNA Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Record RHEA, ARTHUR WAYNE, Lexington, MS Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Harris, Jr. RICE, MIKE, Chesterfield, MO Mrs. Janice W. McSpadden ROBERTSON, JOSEPH TAYLOR, Kensett, AR Mrs. Geri Graeber Pitts ROGERS, KHRISTI LYN LONG, Holly Springs, MS Mr. Ralph W. Rogers ROSENBLATT, ELISABETH G., Ridgeland, MS Mr. and Mrs. George R. Fair SEWELL, BILLY, Starkville, MS Mr. and Mrs. Hubert E. Hunter SMITH, WILLIAM, Greenwood, MS Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Gene Cooper SORENSEN, GUNNAR Mr. and Mrs. William McElroy, Jr. STEELY, TOM, Fort Mill, SC Mr. and Mrs. George R. Fair STONE, JO ANN The Graeber Family of Marks, MS

STRINGER, PAT, Durant, MS Ms. Sue S. Nowell TATUM, MARIWOOD CRADY, Brandon, MS Mr. Robert L. Koestler TENNANT, JOHN, Weir, MS Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Gene Cooper TOOLE, LOTTIE MAE BLAKELY, Enid, MS Mr. Jeffrey Mark Scobey VANTREASE, JR., DAVID Mrs. Irene M. Vantrease VANTREASE, JR., JAMES F. Mrs. Irene M. Vantrease VANTREASE, SR., JAMES F. Mrs. Irene M. Vantrease WALKER, C. W., Greenwood, MS Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Bardin Redditt WILLIAMS, JERRY, Starkville, MS Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Fulgham WILLIAMS, RUTH ANN ORR, Raymond, MS Ms. Julie Lampley WILLIFORD, JOYCE WHITE, Jackson, MS Mr. and Mrs. John R. Bise, IV Mrs. Jane M. Baird Ms. Susan Collins Mrs. Dorothy B. Ward Mr. and Mrs. Haden Hughes WISE, EDWINA MORRIS, Ackerman, MS Dr. Michael Dale Morris Mr. and Mrs. Jim Jarrett WOODWARD, MABEL CLAIRE, Louisville, MS Mr. and Mrs. Hubert E. Hunter WRIGHT, MARY LEE, Vardaman, MS Mr. and Mrs. Willie M. Blaine

August

ANDERSON, GRAYSON W., Houston, TX Mrs. Speight W. Anderson BARLOW, DEBBIE DEE DOSTER, French Camp, MS Mrs. Linda Parker BARTON, JOHN T., Purvis, MS Mr. W. A. Payne, Jr. United Presbyterian Church Ms. Faye Evans Mrs. Nancy Barton BRAMUCHI, BETH Ms. Mary Cathy Bramuchi BROWN, ROSEL SEIPP, Harlem, GA Mr. Edward L. Brown BYERS, LEE AND LOU ELLA Mr. and Mrs. George G. Byers CHAPMAN, AILEEN R. GRAFTON, Madison, MS Mr. William James Chapman CHATHAM, JR., GERALD, Hernando, MS Mrs. Elizabeth Jenkins CLEMANDOT, ANDRE, Durham, NC Mr. and Mrs. Sam C. Barry COATS, EARL, Raymond, MS Couples Sunday School Class COGGINS, HUBERT AND SADIE Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Record COPELAND, ETHEL Dr. H. Duane Stokes CROWDER, JR., GARY DAVID Dr. and Mrs. Tom Dewey DEAN, JR., STANLEY Mr. Donald N. Dodson DELGADILLO, JAMES HICKS, Memphis, TN Mrs. Geri Graeber Pitts DIXON, MARTHA FRANCES HARDISON, Senatobia, MS Mr. and Mrs. William Graeber DUBARD, DONALD CLINE Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey W. James DUKE, FRANCES OSWALT Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey W. James ETHRIDGE, SUMMER RAE Mrs. Martha Gayle Watson EVANS, HELEN KENNEDY Mrs. Shirley Tyler Stafford FIELDER, ELEANOR WASSON Leland, MS Mrs. Ellen Walker GARDNER, NORMA, Starkville, MS Mr. William H. McGee GILMORE, BOBBIE SUE, Brandon, MS Brandon Presbyterian Church GINN, MORRIS AND OPAL Mrs. Elizabeth McKinley Ms. Libby Johnson GUTHRIE, JR., NOEL WEBSTER, Ridgeland, MS Ms. Barbara K. Hammond HALL, WILLIAM NELSON, Meridian, MS

Mr. Richard Hall HARRIS, DANIEL, Henderson, NV Mr. and Mrs. Michael Harris HARTLEY, CINDI P., Oxford, MS Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey E. Hartley HATCHER, R. AL, Columbus, MS Dr. and Mrs. James E. Long HENDERSON, JAMES KENNETH, Lucedale, MS Mr. Ben L. Sanford HERRING, DOUG, Louisville, MS Mrs. Marion Herring Stoute HERRING, MARION, Louisville, MS Mrs. Marion Herring Stoute HESTER, ANNA, Pickensville, AL Mr. and Mrs. Larry Fulton HILL, MICHAEL SCOTT, Sturgis, MS Mrs. Joyce A. Hall Tim & Joan Hall Clark J. J. & Patti Hall HILL, OLIVIA MARION, Tupelo, MS Charityvest Inc. HODGES, DAVID LAWRENCE Mr. Joseph C. Coker, III HUTCHISON, ARNELL Mr. and Mrs. Kip B. Zacharias JENKINS, SWEP Mrs. Elizabeth Jenkins JOHNSON, MARK, Brandon, MS LTC and Mrs. William D. Brandon JOHNSON, SR., JAMES KENNETH Mr. and Mrs. Larry Fulton JONES, JR., WILLIAM EVERARDE, Greenwood, MS Mrs. Nora Deen Link Maloy JONES, MONTFORT, Kosciusko, MS Mrs. Nora Deen Link Maloy KEA, DORIS Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Kea KERSEY, ISKA, Southaven, MS Mrs. Rita Kersey KINTON, SUSAN, Carthage, MS Mr. and Mrs. David Herrington KNIGHT, JUDY MAE The Blakely Bunch LAWSON, PATRICIA PETERSON The Graeber Family of Marks, MS LESTER, DUDLEY Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Buddy Lester LEWIS, PAT, Hernando, MS Mr. and Mrs. Chris McCall LONG, BETTY JANE, Meridian, MS Mrs. Margaret Clark LONG, KIRK, Wylie, TX Mr. Samuel Clemons LOVE, DAVID LEO, Raymond, MS Couples Sunday School Class Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Thomas LOWRY, JESSIE Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Bond MARSH, ELIZABETH Dr. and Mrs. Max R. Taylor MCCLINTOCK, JR., S. R., Terry, MS Wynndale Presbyterian Church MCCLINTOCK, KATHERINE GARROTT, Memphis, TN The Graeber Family of Marks, MS MCKNIGHT, WILLIAM, Kosciusko, MS Mrs. Martha S. McKnight MINSHEW, JACQUELINE, Carthage, MS Mr. and Mrs. James D. Ellington MITCHELL, GARY, Jackson, MS Ms. Sarah H. Ellison MITCHELL, JUNE FOX, Brandon, MS Mrs. Betty Anne Hays MONTGOMERY, BETTY, McCarley, MS Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Bond MORGAN, JOHNNY The Graeber Family of Marks, MS MYERS, GLENN Dr. H. Duane Stokes NABORS, LOUIS, Columbus, MS Dr. and Mrs. James E. Long NATIONS, DANIEL KENT, Sontag, MS Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Kent Nations NEWTON, JEFF Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Bond NORRIS, TED AND VIVIAN Mr. and Mrs. W. Robert Blackledge NUNAN, T. RUSSELL, Decatur, GA Mrs. Virginia Johnson OTWAY, SANDRA C., French Camp, MS Mr. and Mrs. William H. Rosch Mr. and Mrs. William H. Steffen

Ms. Amy Marion Mr. and Mrs. Donald Gullett Mr. and Mrs. Terry Roberts PARISH, RAY Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Gene Cooper PHILLIPS, TIM Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Melvin PLUNKETT, MARVIN, Kosciusko, MS Mr. and Mrs. James K. Williamson RATLIFF, CHARLES FRENCH Mrs. Tammy Blackwell Sheridan RECORD, BILL AND EDNA Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Record REDDITT, BILL, Cleveland, MS Mr. Laurence Y. Mellen Mr. and Mrs. Billy Davis REED, BUCK, Louisville, MS Mr. and Mrs. John D. Mitchell REILLY, JR., FRANK JORDAN, Ridgeland, MS Mrs. Mildred Severance Stevenson ROBINSON, FRANCES, Delhi, LA Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Fallin ROGERS, KHRISTI LYN LONG, Holly Springs, MS Mr. Ralph W. Rogers ROGERS, WILNA JUANITA RIGBY, Brandon, MS Mr. and Mrs. Ray N. Hansen Ms. Lucy L. Hilton Hotel and Restaurant Supply Mrs. Sara E. Newton RONE, PAUL, Ethel, MS Mr. and Mrs. Willie M. Blaine SANDERS, WILLIAM RALPH, Hernando, MS The Graeber Family of Marks, MS SCHOENING, KARI LENNING, Asheville, NC Mrs. Martha W. Hogue SCURRIA, STUART DANIEL, Delhi, LA Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Fallin SHAW, MARY LOUISE, Jackson, MS Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher Paul Adams, Sr. SHORT, EDWARD T., Henrico, VA Ms. Mary Ann Delano SHURDEN, MICHAEL LOYD Mr. Randy Shurden SIMPSON, SANDRA, McCool, MS Mr. and Mrs. Willie M. Blaine SKELTON, BOBBY, Sallis, MS Ms. Sue S. Nowell SMITH, E. A., Yazoo City, MS Mrs. Nora Deen Link Maloy SMITH, MARGARET Mrs. Ella Pogue STEELE, BERNICE, Deer Park, TX Mr. and Mrs. Hubert E. Hunter STEGALL, CATHERINE LOUISE HIGH Mr. Jim High Mr. and Mrs. Richard Maurice Johnson STEWART, STELLA WATSON Mr. and Mrs. Philip Kettleman STOKES, EVELYN, Kosciusko, MS Mr. and Mrs. James K. Williamson Mrs. Linda P. Parkerson STONE, JO ANN RIDDELL, Tupelo, MS Dr. and Mrs. William David Hewitt SULLIVAN, PAUL, Ridgeland, MS Mrs. Dona Sue Sullivan SULTAN, DANNY Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams TERPSTRA, TALETHIA KUMA Dr. and Mrs. Alfred P. Chestnut TREMONTE, NICHOLAS, Kosciusko, MS Mr. and Mrs. Steve Reno TUBBS, SHARON MELISSA Mrs. Sherry Berthelot TURNER, CHARLES MONROE, Moss Point, MS Mr. and Mrs. Keith Buckley Mrs. Kim Blackwell Mrs. Maxine Turner VAUGHN, W. C., Lena, MS Mr. and Mrs. Sam Goodwin WARD, LEWIS, French Camp, MS Mr. and Mrs. Michael Joseph Quayle WARD, MARTHA ANNE HAMILTON, French Camp, MS Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Ward WARDLAW, WILLIAM H., Jackson, MS Mrs. Janice W. McSpadden WATSON, KEITH, Holcomb, MS Mr. Charlie Holland WEBB, CAROLYN Mr. and Mrs. Allen L. Shaffer WIGGS, LILLIE FRANCES, Columbus, MS Mr. and Mrs. James Barry Newell

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French Camp TODAY WINTER 2023 • 13

Volunteer Tutor—Janie Edwards Janie, a retired schoolteacher now living in French Camp, didn’t know what to expect when little Sam from campus came to her house for tutoring. She signed up to volunteer and knew this 10-year-old fellow had a past. Abused not too long ago, he was safe at French Camp now, but wasn’t easy to get to know. Walking through Janie’s door for the first time, he was not eager to get started on his spelling words. With arms crossed, his demeanor didn’t lend itself to repetition and learning. But this wasn’t Janie’s first rodeo! Her piano in the corner of the living room was the perfect distraction. He was eager to learn ‘chopsticks’ and other fun tunes. And what a difference the music made! Now, every time Sam walks into Janie’s living room, there is a smile and an eagerness to learn. French Camp Academy is thankful for volunteers like Janie who are making a difference! v

Scan the QR code to watch a short video of Kinley celebrating her perfect spelling score thanks to Ms. Janie Edwards.

WILLIAMS, JO ANN, D’Iberville, MS Mr. Ben L. Sanford WILLIAMS, RUTH ANN ORR, Raymond, MS Ms. Julie Lampley WILLIFORD, JOYCE WHITE, Jackson, MS Mrs. Betty Anne Hays Mr. and Mrs. Gerald McCaffery WISE, EDWINA MORRIS, Ackerman, MS Mrs. Nancy Critz Ms. Wynema McGrew YATES, BONNIE SUE HOLT, Conroe, TX Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Yates ZANE BRANTLEY FAMILY Mrs. Marian H. McClintock

September ADCOCK, MARY Leet Maggio ALLEN, JOHN SAMUEL, Ethel, MS Allen’s Martial Arts ANDERSON, GRAYSON W., Houston, TX Speight W. Anderson ARD, THERESA, Pontotoc, MS J. Thomas Littlejohn ARMSTRONG, JAMES C. Bryan Wilson ARRINGTON, GALE, Oxford, MS Rachel C. Martin BAIN, HUGH DAVID, Kosciusko, MS and Mrs. James K. Williamson Janie Curtis BARLOW, DEBBIE DEE DOSTER, French Camp, MS and Mrs. Doug Terreson BARR, BILL, Kosciusko, MS Patricia Barr BAUGHMAN, MARY LUCILLE Natalie N. Gibbs BOLER, MICHAEL T., Greenwood, MS and Mrs. Marion R. Boyd BONDS, JR., ALBERT EARL, Chelsea, AL Janet Bonds Patrick H. Smith Jr. BROWN, MARGARITA Mary Lou Kimmel BROWN, ROSEL SEIPP, Harlem, GA Edward L. Brown BYERS, LEE AND LOU ELLA and Mrs. George G. Byers CAIN, MAXINE and Mrs. Bobby Howell CARTWRIGHT, JR., CECIL JOHN, Yazoo City, MS and Mrs. William C. Carroll Maggie Rider CHATHAM, JR., GERALD, Hernando, MS Elizabeth Jenkins CLARK, MADELINE N., Vestavia Hills, AL Victor B. Clark

COLEMAN, ELDREGE, Coffeeville, MS and Mrs. Billy D. Fielder COMINGS, PAULINE, Bainbridge, NY and Mrs. Larry W. Littlejohn COVINGTON, ANN and Mrs. James E. Long CRAWFORD, JACK and Mrs. Arthur W. Frierson CROTCHETT, ARLEN AND JOYCE, Brandon, MS Brandon Pres. Church, Women’s Ministry DEAN, JR., STANLEY, Hot Springs Village, AR Cheryle Dean DEASON, CARLENE STEEN Linda P. Parkerson DEER, JEWEL, McComb, MS and Mrs. Larry Fulton FAIR, MARY LOUISE RICHARDSON Mary E. Tibbs FAULKNER, TOMMY, Carthage, MS and Mrs. Jon D. Gatlin FIELDER, ELEANOR WASSON, Leland, MS and Mrs. James T. Hollingsworth Leet Maggio Kris Azlin and Mrs. Harold H. Mitchell Jr. Corinne H. Buehler Mary Ingram Hagaman Elaine C. McIntire Catherine S. Hayman FRAZIER, DEAN PHILLIPS, Brandon, MS Mary L. Sheffield FREUNDT, CHIP, Brandon, MS Alene D. Freundt GARDNER, NORMA WINTER and Mrs. James E. Long GINN, MORRIS AND OPAL Libby Johnson Elizabeth McKinley GOODMAN, JAN, Okolona, MS and Mrs. James Sanders GOODMAN WENDY CAROL, Okolona, MS and Mrs. James Sanders GRIFFIN, VIRGINIA TAYS, McComb, MS and Mrs. James M. Brock Jr. GUNN, MARK, Meridian, MS Margaret Clark GUTHRIE, JR., NOEL WEBSTER, Ridgeland, MS and Mrs. William C. Carroll HAAS, RUTH Juanita Helen Flanders HEARON, CLAIRE S., Hattiesburg, MS Anita T. Hearon HENDERSON, LOUISE FAIR Mary E. Tibbs HERRING, DORA, Starkville, MS Clyde Herring HERRING, DOUG, Louisville, MS Marion Herring Stoute

HERRING, MARION, Louisville, MS Marion Herring Stoute HILL, DEBBIE Geri Graeber Pitts HILL, MARY ELIZABETH CLARK Carnathan Law Office HOLMES, JR., MILLER, Brandon, MS and Mrs. William C. Carroll HOOD, PATRICIA ANN WEAVER Carnathan Law Office HOUSTON, RUHEN KIDD and Mrs. Fred Gordon Abney ISBELL, PATRICIA, Meridian, MS and Mrs. Jimmy E. Isbell JENKINS, JOAN, Vestavia Hills, AL Harrell Lee Jenkins JENKINS, SWEP Elizabeth Jenkins JOLLY, GREG and Mrs. Dwight Rhyne JONES, BARBARA Mary Jones JONES, LEONE BREWER, Florence, AL Thomas Lenville Jones Jr. JONES, PAT and Mrs. Larry W. Littlejohn KEA, DORIS and Mrs. Charlie Kea KING, II, CHARLES HILL, Jackson, MS Aden C. Pryor and Mrs. Haden Hughes and Mrs. L. E. Allison Jr. Julie W. Smith KINTON, SUSAN, Carthage, MS and Mrs. Alvie C. Moore KNOTTS, JO LANE, Sardis, MS Jerry W. Knotts KORNEGAY, STANLEY, Starkville, MS Ginger Kornegay KUNATH, OTTO, Golconda, IL Elizabeth M. Mitchell LANGSTON, DOROTHY, Starkville, MS Pam Morgan LITTLEJOHN, JOSHUA PAUL, French Camp, MS J. Thomas Littlejohn LOVING, BARBARA S., Chesapeake, VA Kenneth E. Manis LYELL, LOUIS JAMES, Jackson, MS Michael Owen Moore LYTTON, BETTIE Connie S. Wadsworth MARR, DOTTIE Mary Lou Kimmel MARSH, ELIZABETH Bettye W. Mason MASON, TONY ALTON and Mrs. Richard Maurice Johnson MASSEY, BARBARA, Lucedale, MS

Annie Ruth Thigpen MAY, CHARLIE and Mrs. John E. Shaw MCCLELLAND, TONY Irene Morgan MCGEHEE, MARI LYN, Madison, MS and Mrs. James Duncan II MINOR, CHARLES AND ROSE and Mrs. Gary Minor MITCHELL, GARY, Jackson, MS Carolyn J. Pohlman MONTGOMERY, SR., CHARLES JOSEPH, Greenwood, MS and Mrs. Larry W. Littlejohn MOORE, JAMES O., Woodville, MS and Mrs. Dewitt Jerome Wall III NATIONS, DANIEL KENT, Sontag, MS and Mrs. Jerry Kent Nations NEWELL, RONALD BRUCE, Greenwood, MS and Mrs. Marion R. Boyd NUNAN, T. RUSSELL, Decatur, GA and Mrs. Dwight Johnson OSWALT, BETTY Jane Lefante and Mrs. Haskel M. Lee OTWAY, SANDRA C., French Camp, MS and Mrs. Larry W. Littlejohn and Mrs. Kenneth Earl Henderson Jr. PACE, JAMES RALPH, Winona, MS Mary B. Pace PETERMANN, J. W. AND PAULINE, Jackson, MS Luticia Johnson PLUNKETT, MARVIN, Kosciusko, MS and Mrs. John E. Shaw POLK, WILSON and Mrs. Edward B. Polk POWERS, NICHOLAS WORTH, Germantown, TN Geri Graeber Pitts PRICE, NORMA NEWELL, Jackson, MS Marion Dunn Tutor RAY, CARL, Winter Haven, FL and Mrs. Charles C. Ray REDDITT, BILL, Cleveland, MS and Mrs. Ralph Bardin Redditt RHEA, LINDA W. Suzanne R. Burgar RITTER, JR., CHARLES WILLIAM, Kosciusko, MS and Mrs. John E. Shaw ROGERS, KHRISTI LYN LONG, Holly Springs, MS Ralph W. Rogers RUMPH, MILLER AND THEO and Mrs. Alfred P. Chestnut RUTLEDGE, MITCH AND PAM Sara A. Wickham SANDERS, REBECCA, Magee, MS Stanley Magee and Mrs. Allen Holifield SHINALL, ROBERT, Grenada, MS Ida M. Shinall

SIMMONS, EMMITT, Ethel, MS and Mrs. John E. Shaw SIMPKINS, AUDEN JUBILEE, Madison, MS and Mrs. Kelly D. Simpkins SPEAR, HARRISON, Corinth, MS and Mrs. Marion R. Boyd STEPHENSON, MIKE and Mrs. James Stephenson STOWERS, PAM, Madison, MS Dane M. Watkins STRONG, GLORIA SANSONE and Dr. Charles D. Cannon SWAN, GEORGE A. AND ETHELYNN C. and Mrs. George A. Swan III TAYLOR, IRENE EDWARDS, French Camp, MS and Mrs. Ralph Edwards TENNANT, JOHN, Weir, MS and Mrs. Jerry L. Orr TENNYSON, II, JAMES WILLIAM, Nashville, TN and Mrs. Jerry L. Orr TOLAR, LISA STRICKLIN, Brandon, MS Dan Benson Tolar TURNER, JIMMY and Mrs. James L. Roberson Jr. UNDERWOOD, CAROL Carole Gorman VICKERS, BERTHA Irene Morgan WALDROP, ANN ELIZABETH ROBINSON, Aiken, SC and Mrs. John W. Savage III WARREN, HOLLIS and Mrs. Butch Stuart WEIL, JR., JOSEPH H., Meridian, MS and Mrs. William Tom Weil WILLIAMS, JERRY W., Starkville, MS Mary Libby Harrison WILLIAMS, RUTH ANN ORR, Raymond, MS Julie Lampley WILLOUGHBY, JODI, The Colony, TX and Mrs. Mike Catchings WOODS, BETTY, Benton, MS Ellzey & Associates WOODSON, JIM, Brandon, MS Frances F. Armstrong YATES, BONNIE SUE HOLT, Conroe, TX and Mrs. Donald E. Yates YODER, ROBERT, Crestwood, FL James M. Smiley III

Scan to Donate to French Camp Academy

14 • French Camp TODAY WINTER 2023

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French Camp Academy’s Support Ministries

www.CampoftheRisingSon.com 662-547-6169

Bed & Breakfast Council House Restaurant Log Cabin Gift Shop Children of God Pottery Double Blessings Thrift Shop www.frenchcamphistoricvillage.com

www.RainwaterObservatory.org 662-547-7283

www.WFCA.FM 662-547-6414

NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY French Camp Academy admits students of any race, color, national, or ethnic origin.

Dear Santa, NEEDS LIST

Please call Lance Ragsdale at (662) 547-6482 to let us know if you can help with any of these: • ATV or UTV for horse barn usage • Grounds hand-tools, rakes, shovels, fertilizers, etc.

• Sedan or small SUV for drivers’ education class • Full size SUV for transporting residential students • Paper products—Kleenex, toilet tissue, paper towels, napkins, Styrofoam plates, Styrofoam cups

Scan the QR code with your smart phone and make a donation online through the FCA website.

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French Camp TODAY WINTER 2023 • 15

Alumni Staff Member of the Year Congratulations to Larry Littlejohn whose servant heart was celebrated after Harvest Festival this year at the annual Alumni Soup Supper. The Alumni Association recognized Larry’s dedication to the young people at French Camp Academy and selected him to be the 2023 Staff Member of the Year.

Follow FCA Alumni Association on Facebook for more News!

Mark Your Calendar for Alumni Day This Spring!

Saturday, May 4, 2024

16 • French Camp TODAY WINTER 2023

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Pickle Ball Club

Harvest Festival— A Record-Breaking Day

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S.A. and has caught on at French Camp Academy. The FCA Pickleball Club, organized by Mr. Hunter McKnight, biology teacher and FCA Class of 2014, can be seen in action on most Thursday nights at the FCA tennis courts. Students and staff are enjoying the easy-to-learn game, but most of all having fun connecting with each other through this fun, social, and friendly sport. v

A monumental day was experienced on every level at French Camp’s annual fundraiser. $32,000 was the highest mark of any auction since 1951 when this event started as a charity benefit for French Camp Academy and churches in the area. It certainly helped to sell a 1953 Studebaker for $6,000!

The crowds seemed larger than past events, too. Alumni groups from different decades came out in full force. People from all over the region marked it on their calendars and were ready to drive the bidding to top dollar. Many people traveling up and down the Natchez Trace Parkway stopped to satisfy their curiosity. When you see a 100-foot tent on the side of the road with hundreds and hundreds of people gathering, sorghum molasses being made, and the sounds of laughter and conversation in the air, you must stop and look.

If you didn’t experience Harvest Festival in French Camp this year, come and help us break more records on October 12, 2024. Make plans to attend and join thousands who have experienced a Mississippi tradition benefitting God’s work in our area. v Harvest Festival photos courtesy of Jacob Dennis, FCA Class of 2021

Register Online Today! www.CampoftheRisingSon.com

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See our latest videos by scanning this QR code with a smart phone. (http://bit.ly/2phU7zI)

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