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Sadly this week’s article will be like no other. Due to the frosty weather conditions last week students and staff members were not joined together in school, and people in town were snowed in as well. But this loving community has proven to be more unified than ever after Water Valley High experienced a tragedy that leaves a hole in our hearts – the loss of a young, flourishing, beautiful 2024 senior, Raven Elliece Scroggins.

Raven was involved in so many activities, at school and in the community. Since eighth grade, she had been part of the Water Valley High School marching band. Raven was a dedicated trombone player, but after several years of marching she decided to step into a new leadership as drum major her junior year. Every Friday night, she sparkled as she twirled around on the podium, directing the band in unison.

When she stepped off the podium, she stepped into the field! Raven was a member of the Lady Devils softball team for five consecutive years. She proudly wore #11 during her time on the team. As for her softball position, she specialized in right field but recently, throughout their summer games, she transitioned to the catcher position.

When she was not playing softball with her team, Raven was down at Crawford Sports Complex catering to the younger generation of softball and baseball players. Her acts of kindness were always selfless; she admired the younger generations and shared her love for the sport with them.

Raven decided to join the powerlifting team her senior year and she completely dominated! After competing at her first meet, it was evident that she was a natural! Her strength, determination, and skill level were unmatched, especially for her very first year. She was strong, both physically and mentally. She competed at two meets and was a first place medalist at both! She was even selected as one of the 12 regional lifters. Head Coach Vaughn Daniels shared the joys of coaching Raven.

“I loved how Raven would always come in loud, fussing at me about something, usually needing to leave early, and then doing the workout and staying around after; playfully fussing with her dad at the ballpark, I mean the list goes on. Can’t forget about the cowboy boots no matter what she has on!” her coach shared.

Aside from her in-school activities outside of Water Valley High, Raven enjoyed horse riding, spending quality time with her friends and family, warm nights around the bonfires, hunting, fishing, riding through the muddiest of mud, country music concerts and she genuinely loved singing and had a beautiful voice.

Raven was truly an inspiration to be around. I asked one of her closest friends, senior Abby Ingram, about the impact Raven had on her life.

“The positive impact she put in my life was showing me what a real friend is, someone who doesn’t care about your flaws and is going to have your back no matter what,” Abby said. “She taught me that even though you have a bad day, still smile and be loud, even if it’s 7:30 in the morning. Raven was my best friend and she will always be. She had a positive impact not only on me but also on my family. She will always be a part of our family.”

Raven was well-loved throughout the community and brought the community closer together. She was a star at Water Valley High School! Though gone, the students, teachers, faculty, and community will always remember the impact of her presence. The imprint of her boots marching down the halls will never perish, and the revving engine of her truck will never end, the sound of her voice will never be forgotten, and her cheerful personality will always hold a special place in our hearts!

Raven Elliece Scroggins will always be a part of our lives as long as Water Valley High continues on.