Susannah Stewart, Class of 2018, was recently awarded her Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Mississippi Law School. She has also just celebrated passing the Mississippi Bar Exam. While at CHA Susannah was a part of the newspaper staff, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and was named a Top Ten Cougar. Susannah grew up in Raymond and is looking to continue her law career in the Jackson area. Join us in congratulating Susannah on her recent success. We can't wait to see what else Susannah accomplishes as she continues her career. Click the link below to read about our past alumni recognitions or to nominate someone for a future recognition.

The Class of 2020 will always be remembered as "Covid Graduates", but like many others, Michael McPhail did not let a global pandemic stop him from achieving his goals. Michael attended CHA from 6th grade until graduation. While at Central Hinds, Michael served as Student Body President and was a multi-sport athlete for the Cougars participating in baseball, basketball, tennis and track. When asked about faculty at CHA that made an impact on him, he mentions that "Coach Henry Gantz pushed me to never limit myself and to always strive to be better. He valued my education and wanted me to succeed. He taught me valuable life lessons and leadership skills that I still carry with me today". He also says "My time at CHA helped me develop strong communication skills that I now use in my career to speak with landowners. CHA also taught me how to maintain a strong work ethic and how to stay strong in my faith! I would not be where I am today without the friendships and connections I made at CHA." After graduation, Michael earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry with a concentration in Forest Business from Mississippi State University. Michael says "Choosing to attend MSU was one of the best decisions of my life! The College of Forest Resources provided valuable courses that prepared me for my career. During my sophomore year, I completed the Summer Field Program, where I completed a 9 week course of hands-on forestry field work. One of my greatest takeaways from college is the amount of friendships and connections I made throughout my time there". Michael says he chose forestry because of his love of the outdoors and because it allows him to follow his passion to enhance land management and wildlife conservation. He began working in forestry the summer after his junior year at CHA. He currently works for One Source Forestry and Wildlife LLC in Edwards. His job involved communicating with landowners and logging crews, finding timber for purchase, marking timber to be harvested, and performing timber inventory cruises. He says his boss, Joel Hall (father of three CHA alumni, Ken, Megan, and J.R.), has taught him valuable lessons that helped him during his time in college and helped him become well equipped to assist landowners with any timber management project. Michael has passed the Board of Registered Foresters exam to become a Registered Forester in Mississippi and is currently working towards gaining his Burn Manager Certification. This would allow him to conduct prescribed burns on timberlands to enhance timber growth and provide ample forage for wildlife. Michael met his wife Mia, originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, while at Mississippi State. They currently live in Clinton with their son Mayson who was born this past June. While at MSU the McPhails began attending Pinelake Church and now attend church together at the Clinton campus. When Michael isn't working he spends his time turkey hunting and playing golf. We at Central Hinds are so proud of Michael and all he has accomplished since his time on campus. Once a cougar, always a cougar! Go to the button at the top of this page to update your alumni information or to nominate another alumni for a future spotlight.

Ryan Etheridge started his education at CHA from K2-K5. He wandered for a bit but returned in the 8th grade graduating in 2023. While at Central Hinds, Ryan was a multi-sport athlete playing not only baseball but also basketball and football during his time as a cougar. During his baseball career at CHA he was awarded CHA's Best Pitcher, MAIS All-Conference, Baseball Futures, and MAIS Co-Pitcher of the Year. While on campus, Ryan says he was impacted by a lot of staff members but mentions a few specifically. He says "Melissa Nix was ALWAYS there for whatever I needed and always listened. Chad Bradford helped forge me into the player I am today, which helped me earn the opportunity to play college ball. Rene Smith and Caitlyn Gates helped me find a love for Chemistry." Ryan is continuing his education at MUW where he is a pitcher on the Owls baseball team and is pursing a degree in Biology. He says that his time at CHA "helped in so many ways. One being the schedule we were asked to maintain. CHA made everyone attend class consistently and do what they were supposed to do. College is the same way if not more strict especially for athletes. The course material I took directly prepared me for the material I am seeing today. The opportunity to take college courses while still in high school was another huge bonus of attending CHA". He also mentions "A major statistic that rings in my head is 7%. Only 7% of high school athletes get a chance to compete at the next level and, thanks to my time at CHA, I am one of them." Ryan has big plans for the future. "I plan on finishing my playing and academic career at the W and then attend medical school. The long term "plan" is to pursue being an orthopedic surgeon, but that's way out in the future." When asked about his time on campus he has this advice for students, "People complain about this and that, small things, but I urge you to embrace the time you are experiencing at CHA. It truly is some of the best times of your life! Go Cougars!" We here at Central Hinds think the future looks extremely bright for Ryan and we can't wait to see what he continues to accomplish! Go Owls!