Central Hinds Academy

Morgan spent her entire school career at CHA from 3K to graduation in 2020. She was involved in student government, honor societies, homecoming court, and FCA as well as a teacher's aide for her mom (Mrs. Brandy) in kindergarten. She was voted the Blitz 16 Scholar Athlete her senior year and was cheer captain, MVP long-distance for track and cross country and played number one singles in tennis. She was also Salutatorian, a member of the Quiz Bowl Team, and won several highest average awards. Morgan finished her high school career with a >4.0 GPA.

As a Covid graduate, Morgan had an unconventional senior year. She missed out on the many things such as her senior track and tennis seasons , Class Day, and a typical graduation ceremony. After CHA, Morgan entered MSU as a freshman with several scholarships and quite a few college hours. She spent her freshman orientation and recruitment in front of a computer. Her first semesters at MSU were 100% virtual and it wasn't until the second semester of sophomore year that she was able to begin getting back into the classroom. Morgan is graduating this May with a Bachelors Degree in Biological Sciences with minors in Microbiology and Medical Humanities. She is a member of the Shackouls Honors College and Phi Mu Fraternity. She was also involved in the Pre-Vet Club and spent many hours volunteering in animal shelters.

Morgan has always wanted to be a veterinarian. She not only had cats and dogs but also hamsters, guinea pigs, snakes, ducks, chickens, a pony, lizards, mice, peacocks, guineas, goats, hermit crabs, and parakeets. After her senior year, she began working at Byram and Forest Hill Animal Hospitals during her summers and holidays. In August of 2023, Morgan began the rigorous process of applying for vet school.  Over 1,000 students applied, more than 400 were asked to interview, but only around 117 were invited into the Class of 2028 with only 47-50 being Mississippi residents. So when Morgan was accepted she was overjoyed! The acceptance rate for vet school at MSU is only 9%.

Morgan feels she has been successful in college partly because of the time management skills she learned while at CHA. Juggling sports, clubs, and classes helped her learn to plan ahead even with multiple deadlines. She also knows that without the 17 hours of dual credit, she would not have been able to complete her double minor. It helped to learn how college worked while still in high school. She says that because the staff at CHA were so supportive and approachable, she learned how to communicate with teachers and felt confident advocating for herself once in college. Morgan remembers Mrs. Chrisanna Saums, her dual enrollment Biology teacher, as a favorite. "She just made it so much fun to learn about such an interesting topic!" Her favorite coach will always be Brad Strong and Morgan also credits Mrs. Melissa Nix as being one of her biggest supporters. "I started looking for my first job during COVID. Mrs. Nix talked to a vet she knew and gave me the recommendation that got me hired."

Central Hinds is so proud of Morgan and can't wait to do another alumni spotlight on her once she becomes a veterinarian! We hope all CHA alumni will click the button and fill out the form so we can find more alumni to spotlight!