Seven seniors, families honored during baseball 'Senior Night' event

Seven upperclassmen and their families were honored during the 2023 “Senior Night” festivities for Franklin County High School’s baseball program at the Swamp on Monday, April 17.

“I can’t say enough about the five seniors in our line-up and two seniors supporting the program,” FCHS Head Baseball Coach Michael Ward said.

“We appreciate all their contributions to the success of this team, and we especially thank the families and loved ones who have stood behind and supported them along the way.”

Among this year’s honorees were:

• Anna Kate Hester, who is the daughter of Eddie and Kristi Hester.

She has been a bat girl for the Franklin County baseball program for the last four years.

Upon graduation, Hester plans to attend Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson to begin her studies in pre-nursing.

• Ayden Zachary Baylor Harrell, who is the son of Laura and Hal Wentworth and Michael and Connie Harrell, has been team manager for the past four years.

Harrell, the FCHS Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps battalion commander, has already become part of the Mississippi Army National Guard and plans to complete his AIT at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and will also attend the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.

• Peyton Hebert, who is the son of Kellie Hebert, has been a four-year participant with the Bulldogs’ baseball program and has played as pitcher and right fielder.

Hebert plans to further his education after high school and will focus on a career in welding.

• Larry T. Pernell, who is the son of Darrell Pernell and Yolanda Anderson, has been part of the FC baseball program for six years with much of that time spent at second base.

Pernell has announced plans to attend Co-Lin, but has yet to decide on a primary course of study.

• Ridge Clanton, who is the son of Shane and Missy Clanton, has been a six-year veteran of Bulldogs’ baseball.

He got involved in the sport when he was 4 years old, and has spent a great deal of his time through the years playing positions including third base, first base and as pitcher.

Clanton, who was injured during his senior season, will attend Co-Lin after graduation and will be looking at a long-term career in the medical field.

• Dawson Halford, who is the son of Chad and Janet Halford, is a three-year veteran of the FC baseball program and has predominately been a left fielder.

Following commencement, Halford said his desire is to work professionally as a boilermaker.

• Noah McCormick, who is the son of Dunc and Jill McCormick, started playing high school baseball in the eighth grade.

In total, he has been involved in the sport for 13 years and is probably best recognized for his work at first base and as a pitcher for FC.

McCormick plans to attend Co-Lin where he will study welding with an eye toward a career in that sector.