One hundred and forty-seven Greenwood High School seniors will celebrate the end of their high school careers during a graduation ceremony Thursday starting at 2:30 p.m. at Mississippi Valley State University’s Rice-Totten Stadium.
Greenwood High’s Class of 2021 valedictorian is Mariah Gardner, and the salutatorian is Nathaniel Henderson.
Gardner, 18, has a 4.31 GPA.
After graduating from high school, she plans to attend a summer educational program at a community college in the state, most likely at Coahoma Community College.
In the fall, Gardner will then attend Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia to obtain her associate’s degree in nursing. Afterward, she plans to attend the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson to pursue a master’s degree in nursing.
In high school, Gardner was involved in the National Honor Society, the Beta Club, 4-H Leadership Club and Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce’s Young Emerging Leaders of Leflore (YELL) program
She said her fondest memories in high school included attending pep rallies and football games — and, in general, she enjoyed “the people and the atmosphere.”
She also offered some advice for others.
“I just encourage everyone to always stay motivated, stay positive and never give up on yourself,” she said.
Henderson, 17, has a 4.22 GPA.
He intends to enter the pre-veterinary program at Mississippi State University and then enroll in that university’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Henderson said he eventually would like to open an animal clinic, invest in real estate and open his own ranch for selling “top-of-the-line bloodline horses.”
During high school, Henderson participated in the National Honor Society, Beta Club and YELL and was selected as this school year’s Mr. Greenwood High.
He also participated in rodeo.
Henderson said there were several moments he enjoyed in high school, particularly those that occurred during his senior year, such as being selected as Mr. Greenwood High and when he found out he was the salutatorian, as well as “the everyday moments with my friends.”
He said he is grateful to his family, friends and God for his successes in high school. He also gave special thanks to Areka Watkins-Thomas, a teacher at Amanda Elzy High School. She worked to provide seniors in the Greenwood Leflore Consolidated School District with various events, such as prom and Senior Day, that otherwise wouldn’t have occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Henderson said.
Now, he’s ready for a new chapter in his life.
“I’m really about to step into the adult world. It’s a big change in lifestyle,” he said.
- Contact Gerard Edic at 581-7239 or gedic@gwcommonwealth.com.
