Shirley D. Simmons Middle School celebrates Fine Arts winners

Special to The Canton News 

Students at Shirley D. Simmons Middle School (SDSM) achieved multiple awards in the arts during the 2021-22 school year.

Christian D. earned first place in the “Healthy Soil – Healthy Life” poster contest at the sixth-grade level. Christian and other students from Madison County received their awards and prizes at a banquet that was sponsored by the Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Seventh-grader Javion F. also received an honorable mention in the poster contest. Javion was presented with his certificate during SDSM awards day.

Javion F. and Karen Q. placed second and third in the Madison County Farm Bureau art contest at the seventh- through the twelfth-grade level. This is Javion’s second year earning a place in this contest. Javion and Karen received their certificates and prizes at the SDSM awards day.

Christian, Javion, and Karen are students of veteran art teacher Mrs. Christine Martin.

SDSM sixth-grade students Makayla Burks, Jasmine McBride and Corbyn Smith performed with the 2022 MMEA Elementary All-State Honor Choir at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg from March 31 to April 2. They were three of 157 students chosen statewide to work with renowned clinician Dena Byers, conductor of the Durham Children’s Choir (North Carolina). They rehearsed with their fellow honor choir peers for two days and attended concerts by some of Mississippi’s best choirs before presenting a concert of six challenging music selections. Makayla, Jasmine, and Corbyn are students of Mr. Joel Hill, Velma Jackson High School, and SSMS Director of Choirs.