Our staff never stops learning! We are proud to celebrate Kim Pierce, our ELA Curriculum Specialist, who was honored at the Mississippi Department of Education Board meeting for completing the Literacy Coach Academy of Mississippi.
Her dedication to growing as a leader helps strengthen literacy across Tate County Schools! #TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence
Registration for the 2025–2026 school year is open now and will close on July 24.
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school. Don’t wait—make sure your student is ready for day one! #TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence
Beginning this week, Tate County will begin Summer Office Hours! All schools will operate Monday-Thursday from 7:00-4:00 and Fridays from 7:00-11:00. The district office will operate Monday-Thursday from 7:30-4:30 and Fridays from 7:30-11:30.
#TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence
Independence High Graduation
May 30, 2025
#TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence
Strayhorn High Graduation
May 30, 2025
#TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence
Congratulations to Miller Owens and Dallas Stepp on being named to the 2025 3A Baseball All-State Team! This prestigious honor recognizes the top 20 players in Mississippi in our classification — and we couldn’t be prouder!
This marks Miller’s second year earning a spot on this elite list, showing his continued excellence on the field.
IHS Baseball is incredibly proud of these two outstanding young men and their dedication, hard work, and leadership. Join us in celebrating their well-deserved recognition! #TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence
We’re proud to introduce the top academic achievers of the Class of 2025! These outstanding students have demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and excellence throughout their high school careers.
🥈 Meet Aubrey Burk – Salutatorian of Strayhorn High!
Aubrey’s dedication and perseverance have earned her the title of Salutatorian at Strayhorn High. She leads by example and always puts forth her best. Congratulations, Aubrey—we’re excited to see what the future holds! #TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence
We’re proud to introduce the top academic achievers of the Class of 2025! These outstanding students have demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and excellence throughout their high school careers.
🥈 Meet Jax Wilson – Salutatorian of Independence High!
Jax’s strong work ethic and determination have placed him among the top of his class at Independence High. He’s respected by his peers and teachers alike for his leadership and character. Great job, Jax—we’re cheering you on! #TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence
We’re proud to introduce the top academic achievers of the Class of 2025! These outstanding students have demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and excellence throughout their high school careers.
🏅 Meet Mafati Bah – Valedictorian of Strayhorn High!
Mafati has shown dedication, focus, and academic excellence throughout her high school years. Her achievements have earned her the highest honor at Strayhorn High. We can’t wait to see all that’s ahead for you, Mafati!
We’re proud to introduce the top academic achievers of the Class of 2025! These outstanding students have demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and excellence throughout their high school careers.
🏅 Meet Gracy Caballero – Valedictorian of Independence High!
Gracy has earned the top spot at Independence High through her incredible work ethic and commitment to excellence. She’s a leader in the classroom and an inspiration to her peers. Congratulations, Gracy—we’re so proud of you! #TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence
Here’s a reminder of the 2025 graduation times for our Tate County Schools seniors:
📍 Strayhorn High School – 5:00 PM
📍 Independence High School – 7:00 PM
All ceremonies will be held on Friday, May 30th at the Northwest Coliseum. We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2025!
As we prepare for graduation on May 30th, we will be recognizing our Valedictorian and Salutatorian in next week’s Magnificent Student Monday. #TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence
We’re proud to celebrate Coach Moore for completing the Tomorrow’s 25 Leadership Program! This achievement reflects his dedication to growth, leadership, and making a lasting impact in our schools.
A special thank you to Coach Martin for serving as his mentor and representing our district’s commitment to developing strong, future-ready leaders. #TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence
We are so proud to celebrate our graduating seniors from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC)! These outstanding student leaders have used their voices to make a difference in Tate County Schools, and their contributions will leave a lasting impact.
Superintendent Alee’ Dixon recognized the following SSAC seniors for their dedication and leadership:
🌟 Mafati Bah – Strayhorn High School
🌟 Jonathan Skipper – Strayhorn High School
🌟 Kenai Williamson – Independence High School
Thank you for your commitment to your schools, your peers, and the future of our district. We can't wait to see the incredible things ahead for each of you! #TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence
Meet Ellie—a true leader with a heart of gold! She demonstrates strong leadership both in and out of the classroom and is always looking for ways to support others. Ellie even took the initiative to raise money to provide snacks for students in need. Her generosity and kindness shine in everything she does. She’s also shared her passion for flowers and pollinators with her classmates, bringing learning to life with her enthusiasm. Way to go, Ellie! #TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence
We are so proud of our student athletes that represented us at the 13th Annual All- Star Classic.
ECCC signee and Strayhorn High School standout Defensive End/Linebacker Elton Moore was selected as the North Defensive MVP of the NEMFCA all star game held last night at Tupelo High School. He had multiple tackles, tackles for loss, a sack, and a fumble recovery in the game! Elton, we are extremely proud of you and how you represented SHS!
Kayde Holts, Independence High School Senior Quarterback, was named the Overall MVP for the NEMFCA All-Star Game held Wednesday night at Tupelo High School. Kayde had the most passing yards in the game along with a Passing Touchdown. Last season, Kayde became the single season record holder for passing yards in a season with 1,538 passing yards. For winning the Overall MVP, Kayde has been offered an Academic Scholarship to Northeast Mississippi Community College. IHS is proud of how Kayde represented himself and IHS at the 13th Annual NEMFCA all-Star Game.
#TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence
On Tuesday May 13, the Tate County School District proudly recognized some of the top scholars from the Class of 2025!
Please join us in congratulating:
🏅 Valedictorians
• Gracy Caballero – Independence High
• Mafati Bah – Strayhorn High
🥈 Salutatorians
• Jax Wilson – Independence High
• Aubrey Burk – Strayhorn High
🌟 STAR Students & STAR Teachers
• Lance Clifton (Student) & Heather Dickey (Teacher) – Independence High
• Mafati Bah (Student) & Cheryl McCluskey (Teacher) – Strayhorn High
🎖️ Delta Honor Graduates
• Christopher Ashworth – Independence High
• Panthy Bush – Independence High
• Sara Kate Blaine – Strayhorn High
• Aubrey Burk – Strayhorn High
We are so proud of these outstanding students and educators. Your dedication, excellence, and leadership inspire us all. The future is brighter because of you! #TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence
At last night’s board meeting, we had the honor of recognizing several incredible individuals who are retiring after years of dedicated service to Tate County School District.
Please join us in celebrating:
👩🏫 Brenda Campbell – Strayhorn Elementary
👨🏫 Jeffrey Dock – Independence High
👩🏫 Sharon Johnson – Coldwater Elementary
👩🏫 Jeanette Lentz – Strayhorn Elementary
👩🏫 Angie Nowell – Strayhorn High
👩🏫 Andrea Staten – East Tate Elementary
👩🏫 Stephanie Yow – East Tate Elementary
These amazing educators and staff members have impacted countless lives, nurtured generations of students, and helped shape the heart of our schools. Thank you for your years of loving and serving our students well.
You will always be part of the Tate County family! #TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence
Meet Amaya! She walks into class every day with a bright smile and a positive attitude. Even when things get challenging, Amaya never gives up—she keeps pushing forward with determination. Her resilience and upbeat spirit make her a joy to have in class! #TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence
