NEMCC The Beacon October 2013 Edition

65th Year--Vol. 1

Northeast Mississippi Community College--Booneville, Miss.

October 14, 2013

Smith crowned 2013 homecoming queen

By Blake Alsup, Staff Writer Northeast Mississippi Community College held its 2013 homecoming October 5 with the crowning of homecoming queen Brooke Smith of New Albany.

Smith was recently selected to reign as the 2013 Homecoming Queen during campus-wide elections held in September.

At Northeast, Smith has been involved in the Iota Zeta chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, the Mississippi Organization for Associated Degree Nursing Student Association (MOSA) and actively attends the Wesley Foundation.

Smith is currently enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program and plans to attend the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing with a specialization in emergency room operations.

Joining Smith on the 2013 Homecoming Court were sophomore maids Abby Little of Corinth, Amanda Permenter of Pontotoc, Arnenar “Nina” Johnson of Verona, Gracie Cheek of Booneville, Gracie Wilbanks of Corinth, Katelin Wallace of Tishomingo and Megan McDonald of New Albany.

Freshmen maids included Lyndi Stokes and Shannon Goode, both of New Albany, Erica Doran and Fu Meng, both of Corinth and Haleigh Tennison, Lexie Gamble and Tatum Emmons, all of Booneville rounded out the 15-member court.

Homecoming week kicked off with Northeast’s Student Government Association (SGA) hosting Xbox on the big screen in the Haney Union lobby and bingo night in the cafeteria on Monday, September 30 and an activity-filled week followed with volleyball on the Ramsey lawn and movie night on Tuesday, October

Northeast Mississippi Community College executive vice president Ricky Ford (left) crowns 2013 Homecoming Queen Brooke Smith of New Albany while Student Government Association vice president Wesley Brandon of Belmont serves as the queen’s escort.

Smith was elected to serve as the 2013 Homecoming queen during campus-wide elections in September and crowned Northeast’s Homecoming Week on Saturday, October 5.

1. and Alumni Association carried the events field house and run out of the new Tiger Frisbee and karaoke night in Seth into the weekend as the organization held head Tunnel that leads the team onto the Pounds carried the day on Wednesday, a fish fry for donors to the new Tiger field each home contest.

October 2 while badminton, a pep rally Fieldhouse that is being built at the north A full day of activities was held for on the front lawn of Ramsey, and a rave in end of Tiger Stadium. students, alumni and friends attending the Burgess on Thursday, October 3 all led up Alumni had a chance to mingle with 2013 Northeast Mississippi Community to homecoming on Saturday. current Tiger football players, share stories College Homecoming celebration.

See Queen, on page 5 Northeast’s Development Foundation of their time at Northeast, tour the new

Northeast elects 2013-14 SGA representatives

By Jessie Perriman, Staff Writer

Northeast’s Student Government Association (SGA) recently completed its student council during campus wide elections in September. Joining (front row) president Katelin Wallace of Tishomingo and (second row l-r) secretary Lexi Burt of Bruce and vice president Wesley Brandon of Belmont were (third row l-r) freshman representative Paden Tomlin of Kossuth, sophomore representative Chickory Copeland of Shannon, (fourth row l-r) freshman representative Lexie Gamble of Booneville, Mississippi Hall representative Haleigh Tennison of Booneville, Wood Hall representative Arnenar “Nina” Johnson of Tupelo, Murphy Hall representative Judy Pumphrey of Belden, freshman representative Hunter Thompson of Booneville, (fifth row l-r) White Hall representative Raymond Gee of Cleveland, sophomore representative Nikki Baird of Houston, sophomore representative Chloe Henson of Rienzi and Yarber Hall representative Austin Hayne of Etta. Not pictured: Wood Hall representative Robert Hays of Dumas.

Northeast Mississippi Community College’s Student Government Association (SGA) recently completed its student council for the 2013-14 academic year.

Tishomingo’s Katelin Wallace, Belmont’s Wesley Brandon and Bruce’s Lexi Burt were elected to the roles of president, vice-president and secretary, respectively during elections toward the latter stages of the 2013 spring semester and transitioned the organization through the summer.

Joining Wallace, Brandon and Burt are 12 members of the student body that make up the 15-person council that acts as the voice for the student body.

Sophomore representatives for 2013-14 include Nikki Baird of Houston, Chloe Henson of Rienzi and Chickory Copeland of Shannon and are those three joined by freshmen representatives Hunter Thompson and Lexie Gamble, both of Booneville and Paden Tomlin of Kossuth.

Six dorm representatives also sit on the SGA council with Austin Hayne of Etta speaking for Yarber Hall and Raymond Gee of Cleveland is the representative for White Hall.

Haleigh Tennison of Booneville represents Mississippi Hall and Judy Pumphrey of Belden serves as the voice for Murphy Hall.

Two representatives come from Wood Hall with Arnenar “Nina” Johnson of Tupelo representing the female side of the dorm and Robert Hays of Dumas speaking for the male side of Wood Hall.

Upon enrollment, every Northeast student becomes part of the Student Government Association. The purpose of the SGA is to plan activities for the students, to hold student discussions, to present helpful student suggestions to the faculty and administration, and to act in an See SGA, on page 5

Opinion

2

The Beacon

Tigers’ Roar

Question(s): Should college athletes be paid? Why or why not?

River Fidram Freshman Saltillo

Khadijah Thomas Freshman Walnut

Hannah Smith Sophomore Potts Camp

“Yes, because they dedicate all of their time to the sport.”

“No, because they get scholarship money and can wait until the NFL to get paid.”

“I don’t believe they should be paid for playing a sport. Yes, they work hard, but they receive scholarships for that.

It would not benefit the college to pay athletes.”

Jaymon Eskridge Sophomore Pontotoc

Jack Brentner Sophomore Corinth

“Yes, because some athletes do not have enough time to get an official job due to practices and games.”

“No, because student athletes are already given scholarships. No reason to give them both.”

Paying athletes could put dent in college sports scandals

By Caleb Gadd, Staff Writer

Money, money, money.

College athletics is raking in all-time revenues and a new push to pay college athletics has surfaced.

Ever since the Southern Methodist University (SMU) football program received the most severe penalty the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) could deal out – the proverbial “death penalty” in 1986, college athletes have been monitored more than ever before.

SMU’s penalties came from an NCAA investigation that found that a Dallas-based booster had paid some 13 players during the 1985 and 1986 seasons a total of $61,000 in what the organization termed “slush money.”

As punishment for the booster providing payment to players, SMU’s football team was forced to sit out the 1987 season and in 1988 the school decided to forgo that season as well because administrators decided that the Mustangs could not put a viable team on the field following the 1987 season.

In 1997, SMU had its first winning season since the sanctions were issued in 1986. Under new head coach June Jones, the Mustangs appeared in the Hawaii Bowl in 2009 in which they defeated Nevada 45-10. It was their first bowl game appearance since the 1984 season.

All told, it took the SMU Mustangs over 20 years to catch a glimpse of success after receiving the “death penalty” for paying college football players under the table for their play.

More than a handful of schools have been sanctioned since the first and only “death penalty” was handed out in 1986. The University of Southern California had to deal with the Reggie Bush saga, Ohio State University faced penalties because players traded signed merchandise for tattoos and a handful of schools such as the University of Auburn, Florida State University and the University of Oregon have also felt the wrist slap from the NCAA over perceived allegations.

The latest scandal may be the smallest but biggest scandal yet. Texas A&M quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy award winner, Johnny Manziel was accused of signing autographs to brokers and being paid for his autograph – which is a big no-no in the NCAA compliance world.

Manziel received a half game suspension and a lot of media attention that still goes on to this day. However, in a statement, the NCAA and Texas A&M agreed on the half-game suspension not because Manziel was thought to have sold autographs but because he violated NCAA bylaw 12.5.2.1 which states that student-athletes cannot permit their names or likenesses to be used for commercial purposes, including to advertise, recommend or promote sales of commercial products, or accept payment for the use of their names or likenesses.

Is such a small crime worth hurting a school over?

Should athletes be paid to play in order for schools to obtain their reputation?

Some would say, “No, because other schools can’t afford it.”

What about all division sports and junior and community colleges? Aren’t college athletes getting a “free ride” to college anyway? There are many reasons why not to play

College Publication Staff

As a fan, I pay to see and support that team.

So it would seem a little bit fairer to actually pay the players that entertain us. Terrible reality show actors get paid thousands of dollars to do absolutely nothing, and college athletes do more amazing things like scoring a game-winning touchdown as time expires, hitting a game-winning buzzer beater to win the game or hitting a walk off homerun in extra innings. college athletes.

But at the same time, there are many reasons why they should be paid.

Each year, universities make millions of dollars off of tickets, apparel, television broadcast rights and other merchandise.

Why can’t the universities and colleges give some of that money to the athletes?

As a fan, I pay to see and support that team. So it would seem a little bit fairer to actually pay the players that entertain us. Terrible reality show actors get paid thousands of dollars to do absolutely nothing, and college athletes do more amazing things like scoring a game-winning touchdown as time expires, hitting a game-winning buzzer beater to win the game or hitting a walk off homerun in extra innings.

It may be just a game to some but players put their health and lives at risk each time they suit up.

If that isn’t worth getting paid for then I don’t know what is.

In its September 6 edition, TIME magazine’s Sean Gregory made an argument for paying the players in a piece entitled “It’s Time To Pay College Athletes,” however, one of the most telling parts from the story is the infographic that magazine incorporated with the piece.

In its infographic, TIME used the March 2013 report entitled “The $6 Billion Heist” that compared what the 120-plus schools from the NCAA’s Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) earned from athletics and then broke it down compared to what professional athletes are being paid via the National Football League’s (NFL) collective bargaining agreement (46.5 percent of revenue) and the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) collective bargaining agreement (50 percent of revenue to players).

The focus of the study was to see how much colleges and universities would earn after deducting the value of his scholarship (only football and men’s basketball were exampled).

At the big three universities in the Magnolia State – Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and the University of Southern Mississippi – the amount owed to a player varied.

At Ole Miss, the football program brought in just under $27 million to the university during the 2011-12 season.

In the NFL, the bargaining agreement dictates that 46.5 percent of the revenue goes to the players – with 85 players on scholarships, each of the 85 scholarship Rebel football

players would receive $147,109 and after subtracting the cost of a scholarship at Ole Miss ($15,380), each player would be arguably owed $131,729.

Mississippi State University came just under Ole Miss at $123,453 for its 85 scholarship athletes after the program pulled in over $25 million during the 2011-12 season.

However, Mississippi State and Ole Miss both play in one of the most recognized conferences in America – the Southeastern Conference – which has dominated college football and is in the process of building its own broadcasting network.

Southern Mississippi, located in Hattiesburg and part of Conference-USA, pulled in only $7 million from its football program in 2011-12 and with 85 players on scholarship, which would only equate to $26,380 per player – a vast difference (over $100,000) between the three largest universities in the state.

Southern Methodist, which was hit with the “death penalty” in the mid-1980s, only saw the players garner $18,658 after deducting the $53,355 scholarship value for an athlete at the Texas-based university.

While Southern Methodist could arguably pay its players just over $18,000 because of the revenue that they bring in, the University of Texas pulled in almost $104 million in revenue off football alone in 2011-12 and with a scholarship of just $21,090 – that equates to each of the 85 scholarship athletes being paid $546,832 – quite a difference between two schools in the same state and separated by less than 200 miles.

Nonetheless, these numbers do not account for paying coaching salaries, stadium upkeep, training facilities and all of the behind-the-scenes staff that make college game day the event that it has become, the athlete’s housing, books, food and academic tutors but still the case can be made that some colleges and universities are lining the coffers with money made by drastically underpaid athletes.

There are many pros and cons to paying college athletes, but it is definitely not good to punish a school the way SMU was punished. The school and future athletes had to suffer and its happening still today with other universities and it may never stop even if athletes do begin to start getting paid. There are just too many questions to ask.

The only thing for certain is that all these scandals leave a dent in the school’s reputation and something has to be done.

Paying college athletes could just be best solution to this outrageous problem.

First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Northeast Mississippi Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; Telephone number 404-679-4501) to award the Associate in Arts degree, the Associate in Applied Science degree and certificates.

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX, Educational Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Board of Trustees of Northeast Mississippi Community College hereby adopts a policy assuring that no one shall, on the grounds of race, sex, color, age, creed or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the college. Northeast Mississippi Community College adheres to the principle of equal educational and employment opportunity without regard to race, sex, color, age, creed, or national origin. This policy includes the qualified disabled and extends to all programs and activities supported by the college.

(Left to Right) Tyler Smith, Renee Malone, Jessie Perriman, Blake Alsup. Not Picture: Bethany Stevens, Kelsey Bishop, Morgan Bounds, Haley Brown, Caleb Gadd, Marshall Grooms, Caitlin Holder and China Odom.

Advisors: (not pictured) Tony Finch and Michael H. Miller.

News

The Beacon

3

Ultimate finds niche on college campuses

By Tyler Smith, Staff Writer

Whether it is hanging out with friends or wanting to find a way to get in a hearty exercise, Ultimate Frisbee has made splash on college campuses across America and has blossomed into a professional sport.

Once offered as an activity from Student Activities at Northeast, Ultimate Frisbee incorporates the running of soccer, the distance of football and the hand-to-eye coordination of catching a ball – all in one sport.

Ultimate Frisbee, invented by New Jersey high school students Joel Silver, Bernard Hellring and Jonathan Hines in the summer of 1968, has progressively gained a following in the United States.

Usual Ultimate Frisbee games consist of two teams trying to toss a Frisbee to another team member until they cross the opponent’s goal line.

Rules are simple: 1) a standard game has a total of 15 points with a point cap of 17 score limit; 2) each team has two

team time-outs per half in a standard game which each time-out lasts 70 seconds; 3) if a turnover results in a team gaining possession in the end zone that they are defending, the player in possession must immediately either: a) put the disc into play at the spot of the disc or b) carry the disc directly to the closest point on the goal line and put it into play at that spot.

College campuses have been the places where Ultimate Frisbee has gained the most popularity with approximately 700 colleges in the United States offering Ultimately Frisbee as a club sport.

Season starts in the spring with playoffs running through the end of May; however, college campuses aren’t the only places

that one can see Ultimate Frisbee in action.

ESPN recently signed a partnership with World Flying Disc Federation to broadcast a total of 23 live games across divisions from the US Open, National Championships, and D-I College Championships on ESPN3.

In addition to the World Flying Disc Federation, another professional league has started the USA Ultimate.

Currently, the Ultimate Players Association (UPA) – the player’s association of USA Ultimate -- is working to get recognition as a prospective Olympic event from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by the 2020 Olympics Games.

With over 10,000 members the Ultimate Players Association looks to put future hall of famers on the field in addition to names like Brian Murphy, Ann Cohan Orders and Dan “Stork” Roddick.

Ultimate Frisbee is not to be confused with Disc Golf, which has a course at Booneville’s Westside City Park off Third Street, while the two sports are similar with teams of players trying to hit the most targets before the other team does, Ultimate Frisbee is played usually on football or soccer fields in open areas void of any dangerous objects like trees and rocks and at a faster pace than disc golf.

Razing Estes

Northeast razed ne of Northeast’s founding buildings – Leslie Estes Hall – in early September. Estes Hall had served the Northeast campus in many capacities during its nearly 65-year history in Booneville and it became the home of the financial aid and admission and records offices, the NZone and the Northeast Print Shop and home to various coaches’ offices toward the latter stages of the building. Northeast’s financial aid and admission and record offices along with the NZone and print shop moved to the new Ramsey Student Services Building while coaches’ offices were re-located to Waller Hall.

Female fall fashions fill one’s fancy

By Jessie Perriman, Staff Writer

One does not have to break a sweat or the budget to stay trendy with fall fashion.

With just a few key fashion pieces and a smile, one can stand out from the crowd like an autumn-leaf colorchanging tree.

Here are some ‘head-to-toe’ tips on how to dress, comfortably for the fall – both literally and financially.

One main accessory to top off any wardrobe is a cute hat.

Not only is a hat a warm, chic accessory for one’s head, it is also great to have on hand when one’s hair is not up to par.

Choosing a good fall hat depends mostly on one’s personality. A simple fedora or a knit beanie (especially homemade) are two of the hot items for the fall.

Hats can change the look of an entire outfit.

Moving to the neck another key accessory is a scarf.

One of the greatest things about scarves is that one does not have to break his or her wallet to get a scarf that looks amazing.

There are tons of tips on how to make scarves out of simple materials on hand, such as old t-shirts or bed sheets. A quick Google search for do-it-yourself scarves will reveal enough ideas to fill a closet.

If one chooses to buy one, scarves cover the walls of most clothing stores this time of year.

For the core of one’s outfit, comes the shirt.

Button-ups have been the most popular fall top lately.

What’s so great about button-up shirts being in fashion is that most females can raid their dad or brother’s closet and turn a men’s shirt into an adorable girly piece.

One main accessory to top off any wardrobe is a cute hat.

Not only is a hat a warm, chic accessory for one’s head, it is also great to have on hand when one’s hair is not up to par.

Choosing a good fall hat depends mostly on one’s personality.

A simple fedora or a knit beanie (especially homemade) are two of the hot items for the fall.

Over-sized shirts are very in. If one feels unfashionable in a big shirt, throw on a cute belt to show off one’s waist.

If one chooses to accessorize, wear a neutral top.

Sometimes, simple is better.

A couple cute jackets are totally necessary for the approaching chilly weather. Keep said jackets neutral, and pair them with numerous tops and scarves.

Definitely do not forget, every female needs a cute bag to accompany her outfit.

As for the bag, one that someone can carry with numerous clothing combinations is always a plus.

Skinnies are in when it comes to pants in the fall. With accessories and layers, one does not want to over-do it with baggy pants.

For the head-to-toe combination to be complete, one must also have something to cover one’s feet.

Boots are the go-to accessory for those that must have

the essential fall fashion.

Although a great pair of boots can pricey, the wonderful thing is, you can get away with a black and a brown pair with the majority of your outfits.

Flat riding boots are many people’s favorite style because of the smooth versatility from comfy to cute.

A pair of boots with a heel is acceptable, but always make sure said boots are comfortable and one can walk in them. Even though it is fall, no one needs to be falling on their face.

UGG boots are perfect for the days when one wants to be casual, but also adorable.

To jazz up said boots, a tall pair of socks peeking or slightly bundled out of the top can truly add a nice touch and enhance one’s entire outfit.

Spruce all these tips up with some corresponding jewelry and one is ready to dive into autumn.

Campus

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The Beacon

Health science grads pass board exams

Certificate Option Medical Assisting and Practical Nursing Education both show 100-percent pass rate Special to The Beacon Students who enroll in health science programs have two hurdles to clear before entering the workforce in their chosen field…..graduation and passing certification exams.

Recent graduates of two of the Health Sciences programs at Northeast Mississippi Community College have learned they are ‘work-ready.’

According to Patti Cooper, academic

head of Northeast’s Division of Health Sciences, the May graduates of the school’s Practical Nursing Education program had a 100 percent pass rate on the NCLEX-PN State Board Exam.

“This is the eleventh consecutive Practical Nursing class with a 100 percent pass rate,” Cooper added.

Practical Nursing Education is a 12-month program consisting of 50 semester credit hours including classroom study, laboratory, and clinical experience.

Cooper also confirmed that the first class of graduates of the newly created

“This is the eleventh consecutive Practical Nursing class with a 100-percent pass rate.”

Patti Cooper

Division of Health Sciences Academic Head Certificate Option Medical Assisting program had a 100 percent pass rate on their A.A.M.A. (American Association of Medical Assistants ) National Certification Exam. Seven students made up the initial Certificate Option Medical Assisting Class.

Six of these seven students also received an Associate of Applied Science degree at the end of the second summer term.

Vickie Hopkins serves as Medical Assisting Technology Program Director/ Instructor.

Campus Country holds first showtime of year Special to The Beacon Northeast Mississippi Community College’s Campus Country held first Showtime performance of the 201314 academic year on Saturday, September 21 in the Seth Pounds Auditorium on the Booneville campus.

Curtain rose at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. on the initial Showtime entitled, “Turn On the Radio.”

Under second-year director Chris Dunn, Northeast’s Campus Country has been preparing for a busy fall schedule, which included performances at the Tishomingo County Fair on October 8 and the Booneville Fall Festival on October 18-19.

“We have quite a few new members in our group this year,” Dunn said. “Out of 17 total members, nine are new to the group. After only a month of working together, the group is really starting to click.”

Campus Country’s set list for the first show time included both classic and modern country with a few surprises mixed in.

Northeast’s country ensemble played country music favorites such as “King of the Road” by Roger Miller, “Crazy” by Patsy Cline and “How Great Thou Art,” and also ventured into modern country hits such as “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood, “Let ‘Er Rip” by the Dixie Chicks, “Downtown” by Lady Antebellum and Reba McEntire’s “Turn on the Radio”.

Campus Country also headed outside the country genre with songs from Boston, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Bonnie Raitt.

“The group’s members have been putting in hours of work every week; both in our rehearsals and practicing independently,” Dunn said. “We’re playing a pretty ambitious set considering how many new members we have. We haven’t shied away from playing difficult songs.”

Dunn has also brought in a new fund-raiser for the group.

For the first time in recent history, Campus Country is selling promotional posters.

“After getting our posters printed, I had a few members tell me their parents or grandparents were interested in having one,” Dunn said. “Proceeds will help fund future Campus Country events and trips.”

Members of the 2013-14 Campus Country include Anna

Northeast Mississippi Community College Campus Country vocalists (left-right) Hannah Beth Johnson of Corinth, Anna Bray of Booneville and Paige Johnston of Kossuth perform their version of Roger Miller’s “King of the Road” during Campus Country’s first Showtime of the Year on Saturday, September 21. Northeast’s next Campus Country Showtime is set for Saturday, November 9 in the Seth Pounds Auditorium at 7 p.m.

Bray of Booneville (vocals), Karly Clayton of Mooreville Bradley Walker of Booneville (electric guitar), Katelin (vocals), Lindsay Cox of Booneville (vocals), Emily Finch Wallace of Tishomingo (vocals), Kayleb Wicks of Kossuth of Saltillo (acoustic guitar), Chasie Gentry of Baldwyn (keys), Jabari Temple of Corinth (drums), and Makayla (vocals), Hannah Beth Johnson of Corinth (vocals), Voyles of Glen (vocals).

Paige Johnston of Kossuth (vocals), Michaela Harper of For Campus Country news and event updates, “like” Tishomingo (vocals), Samantha Murphy of Iuka (vocals), the NEMCC Campus Country page on Facebook or join Adam Price of Corinth (bass), Ben Ricketts of Corinth the Campus Country mailing list by sending a request to (electric guitar), Kurt Robbins of Booneville (vocals) and campuscountry@nemcc.edu.

Faculty Association leads AED drive Special to The Beacon At Northeast Mississippi Community College, the Northeast Faculty Association takes on projects each academic year aimed at creating a better learning and professional environment at the two-year college.

The NFA spear-headed the drive to make Northeast’s campuses smoke-free and this year the project is again about saving lives.

At its August meeting the NFA voted to initiate a fundraising campaign to support the purchase of Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) for the Booneville campus this year.

NFA president Glenice Stone, director of library services at Northeast, said the association also formed a subcommittee to conduct further research on the equipment needed. Stone added there will be fundraising tables set up to collect contributions during the Tigers’ homecoming football game versus Coahoma Saturday, October 5 at 3 p.m.

“We would like everyone to drop some money in the collection areas at the game,” Stone said. “All checks for this should be made payable to the Northeast Foundation and designated AED. Cash can be dropped in the designated containers at the football game.”

Cost of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), a portable apparatus used to restart a heart that has stopped, is approximately $1,500. Through the efforts of a subcommittee of the association, the Weston Reed Foundation has donated an AED to Northeast. The sub-committee consists of division of health sciences faculty Paula Stennett, chair, Mary Sue Perrigo, Amanda Sullivan, and Felicia Crump.

“We have a few, but we can always use more in the event

Students from Northeast Mississippi Community College’s Health Science Department were on hand during the Tigers’ homecoming game against Coahoma Community College on Saturday, October 5 to collect donations for an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). After leading the effort to make Northeast smoke-free, Northeast’s Faculty Association is helping lives once again by leading the charge to purchase an AED for the Booneville campus. that a student, faculty member or guest goes into cardiac arrest,” explained PNE instructor and sub-committee member Mary Sue Perrigo.

One AED is stored in Dental Hygiene area on the fourth floor of Childers Hall and the Athletic Department has a

couple at its disposal.

Health sciences faculty will work the gates at the homecoming football game. Students from some of the health science programs will man the three collection tables at the ballgame.

The Beacon

Campus

5

Game Room offers academic break

By Tyler Smith, Staff Writer

Northeast Mississippi Community College’s Game Room provides students with a place to take a break between classes and an escape from the world of academia.

Currently, the game room houses six pool tables, three Ping Pong tables, an arcade game -- Area 51, a jukebox with different genres of music, a television, and exercise equipment.

Students need something to occupy the downtime between classes.

Northeast’s Game Room has the answer.

With three major offerings, the game room has something for everyone.

From pool, to Ping-Pong to exercise equipment, the Northeast Game Room provides the ideal break while waiting on friends or time between classes.

Located on the first floor behind the cafeteria in the Haney Union, the Northeast Game Room provides visitors with a way to meet new people around the campus.

On average, some 200-300 students use the game room’s facilities on a daily basis.

Northeast’s Game Room is open MondayThursday from 7 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. and on Fridays from 7 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. and there is no charge to use the facility.

Currently, the game room houses six pool tables, three Ping Pong tables, an arcade game -- Area 51, a jukebox with different genres of music, a television, and also exercise equipment such as two stationary bicycles and two treadmills for those looking to get in a small workout during breaks.

Northeast’s Game Room is open during both the fall and spring semesters but takes the summers off.

Billy Rainer, Amanda Selman, Cheyenne

Roberts did not have a bad thing to say about the Northeast Game Room.

“When in the game room, we have time to socialize, have fun, and even play pool or ping-pong,” the trio said. “Yet, there are still rules to follow including: No cursing, be respectful, no drama, and no food or drink by the pool tables. So we still have to follow rules but have a safe place to be to have fun.”

For those interested in organized competitions, the Northeast Game Room holds two tournaments each semester – one at the beginning and one at the end of each semester.

Students need not be afraid of not having the right equipment to play, the game room provides all the necessary equipment to take in a round of pool or play a game of Ping Pong.

However, the game room would not be the same without supervisor Peggy Hall.

“It is a blessing to have somebody so dedicated to the students,” Rainer, Selman and Roberts said. “Without her, there is no telling what the students would be doing on their free time.”

“She is like a mother figure for most students who haven’t had a mother in their life. She also welcomes everyone and anyone to the game room. If you don’t learn anything at college at all, she will teach you the true meaning of fun, love, and kindness of the game room.”

Students found Japanese Animation Club on campus

By Renee Malone, Staff Writer

Anime?

One of the newest clubs to join the Northeast clubs and organization list is the Japanese Animation Club.

Students first started the idea for the club in the spring of 2013 but waited until the fall to go through the correct

procedures.

Revitalization came by submitting the constitution for member to the Japanese Animation Club to the Student Government Association and received official sponsorship.

Northeast’s Japanese Animation Club meets at least once a week to discuss various aspects of Japanese animation, music and share an interest in the overall Japanese media culture.

The club’s first meeting was held September 12 and Dr. Deborah Kehoe serves as faculty advisor to the organization.

Tyisha Malone heads the group as the president while Samantha Irwin was elected as the vice president.

Currently, the Japanese Animation Club is still accepting members and planning to attend an anime convention in February 2014.

Queen...

From page 1

College officials started the day with an alumni gathering in the Black and Gold Room in the Haney Union from 9-11 a.m.

Continuing festivities in the Union, the Alumni & Sports Hall of Fame Recognition Luncheon began at 11a.m. with Northeast announcing its newest honorees inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Harry Cosby, Myrl Crowe, Mike Lewis, Jerry Reno and Ray Scott became the sixth class to be enshrined during a ceremony in the Claude Wright Room of the Haney Union.

Cosby, Crowe, Lewis, Reno and Scott pushed the number of inductees into the Sports Hall of Fame to 30 after women’s basketball player Audrey Covington, men’s basketball players Guy Gardner and Freddie Copeland, softball player Brandi Vondenstein Dannelly and alumni Malcolm Kuykendall were honored in 2012.

In 2011, Northeast saw Ricky Ford, Jim Drewry, Johnny Buskirk, Vincent Del Negro and Sherry Slayton Holland all enshrined into the hall of fame.

During the 2010 induction, former Tiger football and baseball player Mike Grier, former Tiger basketball player Jack Martin, former Lady Tiger basketball players Kunshinge Sorrell Howard and Phyllis Stafford Dilworth and former football and softball coach and athletic director David Carnell all became members of the Sports Hall of Fame.

In its second year (2009), Northeast Sports Hall of Fame inducted five members to join the initial 10 inductees with former basketball players Gerald Caveness, Clyde Jones, Evelyn Thompson, and football player Larry Parker along with former Tiger basketball coach Harvey Childers all inducted during the second year.

Northeast’s inaugural inductees of ten former coaches, players and supporters of Northeast Mississippi Community College athletics included Harold T. White, W.B. ‘Bill’ Ward, Ken Lindsey, Chuck ‘Doodle’ Floyd, Gene Garrett, Adrian Smith, Kenneth ‘Cat’ Robbins, David ‘Nub’ Strickland, Earline ‘Woodsie’ Woods and Bonner Arnold.

Cosby, Crowe, Lewis, Reno and Scott were also recognized before the 3 p.m. kickoff of Northeast’s homecoming football game against Coahoma Community College.

Also celebrated was the second class of the Alumni Hall of Fame that saw James Seth “Jim” Pounds and Cathy Robertson join Augustus “Leon” Collins and William “Billy Joe” McCoy in the Alumni Hall of Fame.

Northeast’s football team capped the 2013 Homecoming with a 27-17 win over the Coahoma Tigers.

SGA...

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advisory capacity to students.

Since this 2013 fall semester kicked off, SGA has done many things, such as delivering Gatorade to the Northeast Showband from Tigerland during band camp in early August, helped Northeast students move into the dorms during the annual dorm move-in day, and hosted many first day of school activities in the Haney Union lobby on August 8.

Northeast’s Student Government Association also provides students with many opportunities to mingle and get used to the campus with such events as throwing a backto-school luau, movie nights on Ramsey lawn, pep rallies, and tons of fun activities during homecoming week.

All students are encouraged to get involved with all the things Northeast SGA has to offer.

Students are always encouraged to stop by the Student Activities/Student Government Association office on the first floor of the Haney Union with any ideas that they would like to see on the Northeast campus.

NEMCC Homecoming Court

Northeast recently held campus wide elections to select its 2013 homecoming court.

Joining queen Brooke Smith of New Albany (front row) are (second row l-r) freshman maid Fu Meng of Corinth, freshman maid Erica Doran of Corinth, (third row l-r) freshman maid Lyndi Stokes of New Albany, sophomore maid Arnenar “Nina Johnson of Verona, freshman maid Tatum Emmons of Booneville, (fourth row l-r) freshman maid Lexie Gamble of Booneville, freshman maid Haleigh Tennison of Booneville, sophomore maid Amanda Permenter of Pontotoc, sophomore maid Katelin Wallace of Tishomingo, (back row l-r) sophomore maid Megan McDonald of New Albany, sophomore maid Gracie Wilbanks of Corinth, sophomore maid Gracie Cheek of Booneville, sophomore maid Abby Little of Corinth and freshman maid Shannon Goode of New Albany.

Sports

6

The Beacon

Northeast celebrates homecoming with win Tigers knock off Coahoma to remain tied for first place in North Division Special to The Beacon Jerrard Randall knows all too well the disappointment of a quarterback when a receiver misses a route or drops a pass.

In the first game of his career at wide out, Randall made sure Jeremy Liggins did not have the same feelings.

The sophomore caught five passes for 128 yards and a touchdown to help Northeast Mississippi Community College to a 27-17 victory over Coahoma Community College to cap a successful 2013 homecoming on Saturday at Tiger Stadium.

Randall, a transfer from Louisiana State University (LSU), has played his entire career at quarterback and started in that position for the Tigers in their first four contests of the season. He played behind center in two drives against Coahoma, but made his impact as a receiver.

“I’m a fast guy and I just think it was a great opportunity,” he said of the transition to a new spot on the football field.

“I was in the right place at the right time and made some plays for my quarterback.”

Two catches by the Miami Gardens, Fla., native set up Northeast’s first touchdown of the matchup. Liggins found Randall for a 29-yard gain on the opening play of the drive and then connected with him again just minutes later to move into the red zone.

Liggins did the rest with an 11-yard sprint over the goal line that cut Northeast’s deficit to 14-10 with 7:25 remaining until halftime.

On the next Tiger possession, Randall made a nice catch and moved down the home sidelines for a 46-yard gain before being forced out of bounds.

Chris Cooper successfully connected on a field goal try from 35 yards out to further cut into Coahoma’s advantage.

Coahoma looked like a team poised to pull off an upset and rob Northeast of a crucial Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) North Division win during the opening half. The Tigers scored first on a short plunge into the end zone by Christian Williams.

Quaintavous Peterson used his athleticism in a 16-yard touchdown run that gave Coahoma (0-6, 0-3) its largest lead of the game at 14-3 early in the second quarter.

Cody Spears split the uprights on a field goal attempt of 30 yards as the clock expired to give the visiting Tigers a 17-13 advantage at the break.

But Northeast’s defense stepped up in the second half.

The Tigers (3-3, 3-0) held Coahoma scoreless and to only 90 total yards in the final two periods.

Northeast took the lead for good on its initial possession after halftime. Randall hauled in his first touchdown reception on a 16-yard strike from Liggins to cap a nineplay drive that took under four minutes.

Coahoma had forced the Tigers to punt the football, but Cooper was knocked down by a defender to result in a personal foul call that turned the momentum in Northeast’s favor.

Matthew Belue gave the Tigers their winning margin with a short touchdown run with just seconds remaining in the third quarter.

Liggins had 228 all-purpose yards and completed 8 of 15 passes. Mitchell Cunningham did not score, but still

Northeast Mississippi Community College running back Mitchell Cunningham (25) of Ecru stiff arms Coahoma Community College’s Justin Henderson (36) of Clarksdale during Northeast’s 27-17 win over Coahoma in the Tigers’ National Junior College Athletic Association football game at Tiger Stadium on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

Coahoma received the ball with great field position at the crossed the century mark for the fourth time in six contests Northeast 42-yard line in the middle of the fourth quarter with 126 yards on 19 carries.

Cooper had the best outing of his sophomore campaign. looking to come within one score of the lead, but Miguel The Madison Central High School graduate was 2 for 3 on Graham intercepted a Peterson pass to seal the victory for field goal attempts, his only miss coming from 56 yards, the Tigers.

Lineman Razean Prather used a diving effort to pick off and had five touchbacks in six kickoffs.

Defensively, Daniel Ross put in a strong performance a tipped ball by Anthony Peters earlier in the second half.

The win keeps Northeast in a three-way tie for the top with nine unassisted tackles, two of them for loss. Jamel Dennis stayed consistent with 11 tackles against the Tigers, spot in the MACJC North Division with less than a month remaining in the regular season. matching his average per game.

Manziel deserves some, not all the blame

By Caleb Gadd, Staff Writer

Johnny Manziel or “Johnny Football” as the University of Texas A&M sophomore has become more popularly known as has been possibly the most loved but at the same time most disappointing athlete of the year.

Manziel became the first freshman to win the Heisman Memorial Trophy following his freshman season in College Station. One of the most memorable feats of Manziel’s freshman year was Texas A&M’s 29-24 win over eventual Bowl Championship Series (BCS) champion Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

Following the season, Manziel experienced a lot of pressure that he nor any of his followers saw coming. Manziel went from being just an average college student to making headline news with every move.

Granted, Manziel had an amazing freshman season at Texas A&M. The thenAggie freshman won many accolades including the Davey O’Brien Award, Manning Award, Chic Harley Award, Associated Press Player of the Year, the Heisman Trophy and was named an All

American as a freshman just to name a few.

Some would say Manziel is one of the best college quarterbacks in the game today and his numbers prove that. Manziel threw for 3,706 yards, 26 touchdowns, had a 68-percent completion percentage, only threw nine interceptions and had a quarterback rating of 155.32. Not to mention, he rushed for 1,410 yards and 21 touchdowns -- which put him at 47 total touchdowns on the season.

People have to give the guy a break right?

Or do they? Normally, fans love an athlete with these numbers but with Manziel it’s a totally different story.

On June 29, 2012, Manziel was arrested and charged with three misdemeanors including failure to identify himself, disorderly conduct and possession of a fictitious driver’s license.

Just two weeks later, Manziel pleaded guilty to failure to identify himself and the other two charges were dismissed. These charges were brought up after a brawl broke out in College Station, Texas.

In another incident, Manziel was dismissed from the Manning Passing Academy in which he said was because he “overslept”. Some close to the scene say he overslept because he stayed up half the night partying.

Johnny Manziel When asked about the comment Manziel of course denied and stuck to his overslept excuse.

Manziel’s biggest scandal so far is the autograph situation.

On August 4, 2013, Entertainment and Sports Programing Network (ESPN) reported that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is investigating whether or whether not Manziel signed autographs and received money in return for the autographs.

If this is proven to be true, Manziel could be ineligible for the 2013-2014 season.

When one thinks of Manziel and all of his on the field accomplishments, one would think he’s the perfect role model for young kids and future athletes but with all of his off-field issues it makes it hard to root for this guy.

I understand he’s in college, he’s 20 and is just having fun being a college student but once someone signs up to be on the kind of stage and at the kind of level one has to know the consequences of their actions.

Manziel should have known what he was getting into. Did he expect to win the Heisman Trophy as a freshman and not receive any attention?

Apparently so.

I understand he “wants to live his life to the fullest” but at some point, there has to be a line drawn. As many athletes have found out, it’s hard to hide anything from the media.

Love him or hate him, one can’t deny the fact that Manziel is one of the most entertaining college athletes in college football today.

Hopefully, Manziel can put this all behind him and learn from the mistakes and continue his on-the-field success and possibly make his way to the National Football League.

Sports

The Beacon

Tigers come out Army strong 7

By Caleb Gadd, Staff Writer Northeast kicked off North Division play with a win and paid tribute to those in uniform as well in the Tigers 17-14 win over Holmes Community College at Tiger Stadium on September 12.

With the three-point win, the Tigers took an important step to opening up North Division play undefeated and carried that momentum deep into the season.

However, the game against the Bulldogs turned out to be a battle amongst North Division defensive titans.

After a botched punt resulted in the Bulldogs pulling to within three with late in the third quarter when Bulldog Terrious Triplett fell on the ball in the end zone for a Holmes touchdown.

Holmes had one more shot at downing Northeast but defensive coordinator Travis Macon was able to rally the troops and come away with a big stand deep in Tiger territory.

With less than four minutes to play, the Bulldogs took over deep in Northeast territory after a fumble and looked as if Holmes was going to conquer the homestanding Tigers but a trio of defensive stops sealed the contest for Northeast.

Sophomore defensive lineman Razean Prather of Ripley and linebacker Nick Johnson of Olive Branch stuffed the Bulldogs for back-to-back tackles for loss and freshman defensive lineman Lemetrius Hollins of Madison Central made it fourthand-28 for the Bulldogs with Northeast’s third straight tackle for loss.

Johnson sealed the victory for the Tigers when the DeSoto County native stepped in front of a missile from James Ayers and ended the Holmes threat.

“It felt good,” Johnson said. “I didn’t even know it was coming to me until I turned back around and it just fell in my hands.”

Prather, Johnson and Hollins’ stops were just part of a defensive effort that held Holmes just 149 yards of total offense.

“The guys finally woke up and they started playing like we knew they could,”

Northeast Mississippi Community College defensive Lineman Anthony Peters (92) of Pontotoc looks to make a tackle on Holmes Community College running back Fred Franklin (5) of Jackson while Tiger linebacker Jabari Edwards (59) of Columbus moves to block Holmes wide receiver Darreall Joyner of Miami, Fla. During the Tigers Military Appreciation Contest on September 12, 2013.

said Northeast defensive coordinator Travis Macon. “They just turned it loose tonight.”

In addition to battling Holmes on the gridiron, Northeast took time to honor those in uniform with a variety of activities to help raise awareness for the United States military and help raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project.

Northeast wore special Nike camouflage

uniforms to commemorate the occasion while various stations were set up on the perimeter of Tiger Stadium to test the strength, stamina and fitness of fans.

In the early going, both teams fought to a stalemate before Northeast sophomore kicker Chris Cooper of Madison Central was able to break through with a 32-yard field to put the Tigers up 3-0.

However, the Bulldogs would not

surrender and captured their first lead of the night when Percy O’Bannon punched his way through the line from four yards out for a 7-3 advantage.

Northeast, which took the lead for good on a Mitchell Cunningham 17-yard run later in the period, pushed its lead to 17-7 in the third quarter when quarterback Jerrard Randall of Miami Gardens, Florida scampered across open ground for a score.

Northeast becomes first community college to join Fancred Special to The Beacon Northeast Mississippi Community College’s sports information director Blake Long wants to keep the Tiger and Lady Tiger athletic programs on the cutting-edge of technology.

In his first two months at his alma mater, Long has turned the Tiger and Lady Tiger social media accounts into a onestop shop for information about Northeast athletics.

Long has also led the push for Northeast to be the first community/junior college on one of the hottest social media applications of 2013.

“Our public information department is very excited about becoming a member of Fancred, one of the fastest growing apps nationwide,” said Long. “This is a big deal for our athletic programs and our social media presence.”

Beginning in middle September, Northeast became the first community college in the country to be officially admitted to Fancred.

Fancred, which officially launched on March 12, was founded by Mississippi native Hossein Kash Razzaghi as a way to connect sports fans after other social media networks had not satisfied Razzaghi’s desire for sports updates.

“Our goal at Fancred is to connect the world’s sports fans,” said Razzaghi, Fancred’s Chief Executive Officer.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Northeast Mississippi Community College as the first junior college on Fancred.

This is an important step for us as we begin to enter every level of competitive sports.”

Fancred sets itself apart from other social media applications because the recently launched application allows users to focus on certain teams instead of filtering through a NewsFeed or Timeline looking for information about a team.

With Fancred’s setup, users are able to go through and select which teams that he or she wants to see and the Fancred application filters just those updates to the user account.

Designed for casual and hardcore sports fans, Fancred has taken off in the last six months and has steadily gained popularity as college football season kicked off.

Like other social media applications, Fancred allows users to post text, links, photos and see a feed based on the people and/or teams the user is following. Fancred also allows users to share updates on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Fancred also lends to the competitive nature of sports

with the Fancred score – users are given a score based on a point-system dependent on the user’s engagement on the site. Rated 1 to 100, users can increase their score by posting to the application, checking in at games and adding more followers and teams.

Fancred is a free application and can be downloaded to an iOS device via the Apple App Store or by following this link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fancred/ id614787471.

NEMCC fans can find the college on Fancred by searching for keywords “Northeast Tigers.”

In addition to making Northeast the first community/ junior college countrywide on Fancred, Long has also revamped the college’s sports information social media accounts.

Following the college’s lead with presence on various

social media accounts, information, photos and short videos can be found on YouTube (nemcctigers), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NEMCCTigers), Twitter (https://twitter.com/NEMCCTigers), Instagram (http:// instagram.com/nemcctigers), Vine (Northeast Tigers) and the college’s sports information director has also started using the college’s Storify page (NortheastMSCC) to put all social media information in one place for the college’s sports fans.

“One of the goals we’ve been able to accomplish in my first two months at Northeast is to increase our existence online,” Long said. “With this announcement and our new accounts on Twitter, Instagram and other apps, I feel like we’re taking a large step ahead in increasing the information we spread to and in the interaction we have with the fans of our nine athletic programs.”

8

Entertainment

The Beacon

Condemned by Faith proves it’s not an ordinary band

By Blake Alsup, Staff Writer When one looks at just the name, “Condemned by Faith,” one might think that the band is a New Age Christian group.

Although the band members are Christian, the band itself does not play specifically Christian music.

“The name has nothing to do with religion,” said guitarist Nathaniel Smith. “When we use the term faith, we refer to the belief in success.”

In addition to Smith, five other Mississippians make up the Blue Mountain based ensemble.

James Gamblin handles the vocals. Aaron Kenney joins Smith in the guitar lineup as Michael Whaley handles the bass and Zach Davis is the drummer for the group.

Condemned by Faith’s genre is metalcore and that is a hybrid of extreme metal and hardcore punk music and the name comes from a mix of the two genres and features breakdowns that are favorable to moshing.

“We were condemned to nothing because no one had faith in us,” Smith said about the band’s name. “But we have finally overcome the struggle and have become one of the most well-known bands in North Mississippi.”

Condemned by Faith has been playing music together for approximately three years and has appeared in 24 shows so far – roughly eight shows a year.

To date, the band’s biggest performance was during the Battle of the Bands at the New Daisy in Memphis, Tennessee.

According to Smith, the band started out with a few people who did not know how to play but over time, the band found the right people for the group.

Lancaster, Gamblin and Davis write the lyrics for the band while everyone pitches in ideas and help to create instrumental music.

Smith also added that in 10 years, the band member expects to be on the raod with a 14-track album.

For those that want to know more about Condemned by Faith, one can check out the band on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Vine.

Condemned by Faith has proven that every band has a story and the story behind the band includes that while many may think that the band is a New Age Christian group, fans need to come hear their metalcore -- is a hybrid of extreme metal and hardcore punk music and the name comes from a mix of the two genres and features breakdowns that are favorable to moshing -- music.

“The name has nothing to do with religion...

When we use the term faith, we refer to the belief in success.”

Nathaniel Smith Guitarist

Al “Train Wreck” Sexton (Jon Butler of Pontotoc) (left) has an existential crisis with one strike to go in a perfect game bid that would seal the World Series for his team. After throwing three wild pitches, a conference on the pitcher’s mound ensues with catcher Willie Morris (Will Cook of Baldwyn) and the team’s manager (Timothy Martin of Corinth) as to what the veteran pitcher should do. Sexton’s dilemma was one of the themes that the Northeast Mississippi Community College theatre department addressed in its one-act plays slated for the Hines Hall Auditorium stage October 10-13. In addition to Jay Rehak’s The End of the Perfect Game, the Northeast theatre class is schedule to perform S.D. Graubert’s Magnolia Day, Trace Crawford’s The Lady and the Tyger, Larry Hamm’s Preconception and David Ives’ Words, Words, Words.

Northeast’s Theatre’s Improvisation and Comedy Troupe presents “Red Dirt Riot” on Thursday, November 7 and Thursday, November 14 in the Hines Hall Auditorium at 10:55 a.m. while auditions for the spring production of Neil Simon’s “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” will be November 19-21 in the Hines Hall Auditorium.

Showband from Tigerland set for annual contest

By Blake Alsup, Staff Writer Northeast Mississippi Community College’s “Showband from Tigerland” marching band will host some of the best high school bands in Mississippi and Alabama at the thirty-second annual Dixie Marching Band Championship Saturday, October 19 at Tiger Stadium.

“We believe this will be one of the best events we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Northeast director of bands Bryan Mitchell said. “Traditionally, some of the finest bands from across several states participate in this prestigious event. This year we have 20 bands from Mississippi and Alabama scheduled to compete, and we are confident the lineup will live up to that tradition.

“The event is always very well supported by the community. We’re looking forward to having another great crowd on campus again this year.”

In 2012, Houston High School band from Germantown, Tenn., under the direction of Jim Smith and Spencer Nesvick, claimed the Dixie Marching Band Grand Championship and the 6A/5A/4A (combined) Sweepstakes Winner’s trophy.

“We believe this will be one of the best events we’ve had since I’ve been here. Traditionally, some of the finest bands from across several states participate in this prestigious event.

This year we have 20 bands from Mississippi and Alabama scheduled to compete and we’re confident the lineup will live up to that tradition.”

Bryan Mitchell Director of Bands

Booneville High School garnered the 2A/3A (combined) Sweepstakes trophy.

Competition is again scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Gates will open at noon. Admission is $5.

Children under kindergarten age will be admitted free.

High school bands scheduled to participate are Mantachie, Baldwyn, Aberdeen, Alcorn Central, Kossuth, South Pontotoc, Nettleton, Mooreville, Booneville,

Kosciuisko, New Albany, Pontotoc, Tishomingo County, Ripley, Athens (Ala.), Saltillo, South Panola, Columbus, Starkville and Tupelo.

Northeast’s marching band will perform at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Northeast’s Tiger drum line performs a small exhibition while the high school band representatives line up for the awards presentation scheduled to begin at 7 p.m..