By Diane Glidewell
dglidewell@jackson-progress-argus.com

On Thursday, January 14 Henderson Middle School held its annual Literary Competition in the Tiger Theatre to select winners to compete in the school system spelling bee and in the district recitation and drama competitions.

Seventh grader Jasmine White claimed the Spelling Championship for HMS. Sixth grader Destiny Franklin was runner-up. They will compete with the winners from the three elementary schools to represent the Butts County School System.

The Drama Club is coached by Angela Johnson, Luke McFarland, and Amy Castillo. The Literary Competition was the group’s first opportunity to perform “A Frog’s Day Off, the Greatest Play Ever Written” for an audience. The troop will advance to district competition. Its members include Mikalah Smith, Lyana White, Aaron Cline, Quen Grantling, Austin Brannon, Jasmine White, Camryn Sowell, Liz Jackson, Jessica Chambers, and Anslie Ballew.

Alex Adcock was chosen winner in the sixth grade for her recitation of “I Can Read With My Eyes Wide Shut” by Dr. Seuse. Bailey Parker placed second reciting “Clarence.”

In the seventh grade, judges chose Ryan Bufford for his recitation of “Mrs. Stein” for first place and Deva Watson with “Still I Rise” for second place. Judges selected Joseph Green, who recited “Gas,” as the eighth grade winner and Ambreana Denson as second for her recitation of “Identity.” Winners will advance to district competition.

Other students who recited selections were Carnicia Moore, Sha’Kovian Douglas, Jordan Spruill, Alexis Smith, Cade Chewning, and Jayla White.

Spruill’s recall of Walt Whitman’s very lengthy “Pioneer, Oh Pioneer!” and his excellent expression of its complicated vocabulary and grammatical construction was amazing.

The HMS Handbell Choir, directed by Mr. Bearden, provided very enjoyable musical selections between the performances. The event was coordinated by Language Arts teacher Kristy Campbell. Parent Involvement Coordinator Jeff Miller provided the welcome and introduction.