By Thomas Sellers Jr.
Public address announcer LaTesa McLaughlin read across the intercom last Thursday during the revealing ceremony the Class of 2018 Top 10. Several of the students were already present in the Millington Central High School Library as members of the 2018 MCHS Hall of Fame. As the heroic music played through the airwaves of the school, the students anticipated who would be the No. 1 Superhero. With the theme of Superheroes, each member of the Top 10 received a signature trading card poster with their name and ranking. Blake Dodson (10) Annamarie Keller (9) Jaryn Hogan (8) Paige Hall (7) Joann Jiang (6) Jonathan Faulkner (5) Haleigh Boykin (4) Grace Looney (3) Beatriz Barrera (Salutatorian) and Jennifer McCullough (Valedictorian) “I was anxious because we were all so close,” McCullough said. “It was one point difference with all the others. I was just determined and sacrificed time. You work your butt off to get to it and I’m so glad I did. I’m just shaking right now.” Jennifer was overwhelmed with emotion. She is the daughter of mother Rebecca Brice and step-father Micahel Brice and father Jason McCullough and step-mother April McCullough. “Incredible,” Jennifer’s step-mother April said. “She’s worked really hard and overcome a lot. This is a really incredible moment. “This is here moment and accomplishment,” she added. “She’s made this happen and paved the way. The Good Lord has kept her strong and she’s stayed dedicated. We can’t wait for her to give that speech to encourage her classmates to go out into the world and make a difference.” The recognition of the MCHS Top 10 and Hall of Fame has seen a difference since Farmer has been in charge. Back in 2015, the seniors were called down to a Red Carpet Affair. The following year was a basketball theme involving T-shirts to identify the best of 2016. Last year, the Class of 2017 got Golden Tickets to shine a spotlight on the Top 10 and Hall of Famers. Farmer said the theme of superheroes was the choice for the Class of 2018 because they have persevered in their personal lives and carried the flag of Millington Municipal Schools since they entered high school back in 2015. Jennifer’s father Jason said he is glad his daughter will be the face and voice of the Class this May and beyond.
“I’m so proud,” he concluded. “I’m just looking forward to more great things from her in the future.”
