Inside The Blue And White

Welcome back to Inside the Blue & White, now in its fourth year as the weekly column all about Water Valley High School from a student’s point of view.

My friend Jenna Trusty asked me to take over the column this school year, and I couldn’t be more excited. I can’t wait to see what this year brings!

I’m Bella Humphreys, a senior at Water Valley High School. I’m the daughter of Lance and Angelina Humphreys, and I’ve lived in Water Valley all my life. I’ve been involved in a lot of sports, starting with archery and volleyball in seventh grade. I picked up archery because my older brother, Avery, was already in it. Turns out, I was really good at it and often outscored Avery. (Sorry, Avery. Love you.) I’m a two-time title winner in archery, scoring an overall 290 for 9th–10th grade and a 284 at the State Games!

I also started volleyball in seventh grade, though it hasn’t always been easy. Things started to click during my junior year, and now I’m extremely excited about my senior season—especially with some great teammates who’ve become some of my closest friends.

Softball is going to be something brand new for me, and I’m hoping it comes as naturally as archery did. In the past, I’ve been a team manager and spent a lot of time watching the girls play. That inspired me to get out there myself—and I even learned I can pitch! Will I be the next softball superstar? Will I trip running to first base? Who knows! Stay tuned to see how this season unfolds for both me and the entire team.

I’m also a member of Sylva Rena Baptist Church. My summer was filled with church camp, volleyball workouts, and working at Turnage Drug Store. Church camp took place in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. We played all kinds of games and met so many new, cool people!

But enough about my summer. Let’s talk about the basketball team!

We have a new boys’ coach this year—welcome to Coach Leon Harris, Jr.! And congratulations to junior Kylan Armstrong and sophomore Parker Chapman, who both received offers from Hinds Community College.

The Summer Showdown was a rollercoaster. The varsity boys pulled off wins against Eupora and Coffeeville. Joni Benson and Aden Reed were selected to play in the NEMBA All-Star Games.

Aaden said, “Meeting new basketball players and also playing with a different set of guys was very fun. Putting on for the City made it big for me…” The White Team—his team—ended up winning.
Things are getting busy. I’ve asked a couple of students how they feel about this new year. Senior Matthew Surrette stated, “While I’m sad that this will be the last year with some of the greatest people I know, every good book must end and every chapter must conclude.”
Freshman Carter Pullen replied, “I’m ready to be in the big building and I know I’m closer to graduating.”

I also asked English teacher Anna Koshenina what she is most looking forward to this year.
She expressed, “I’m looking forward to having a new schedule—my planning period was moved from 1st to 2nd period, and now I get to begin my day and have my third or fourth cup of coffee with my super great seniors!”

Mrs. Koshenina also said she is looking forward to beginning the Theater and Documentary Film Club this year and rejoining the Poetry Out Loud program through the MS Arts Council.

And that’s it for this short week! I’m excited to write for the rest of the year. I can’t wait to see what all opportunities this brings me, and I’m so truly blessed to be writing this year. I hope you stay tuned.