The Fannin County High School Lady Rebels hosted Pickens County, Thursday, September 12. The Lady Rebels earned the win 3-1 on their Senior Night when four seniors were honored: Bailee Stiles, Kaylie Davenport, Maddie Pelfrey and Rylee King.
Each senior chose an educator to honor during the ceremony as well. Stiles chose to invite her welding teacher Terry Flowers to be recognized as a teacher who positively impacted her life. She said, “I chose Mr. Flowers because he has left a lasting impression on me. I’m so grateful for his influence and amazing advice. I’m thankful for the education he has given me constantly pushing me to be the best welder and person I could possibly be. He is special because he inspires me and keeps things real.”
Davenport chose to recognize Brittney Newton as the educator who had a positive impact on her life. She said, “I have chosen Brittany Newton as my teacher to honor because she has been such a light to me since the fourth grade. Her strong Christian beliefs and the light they shine have been incredibly inspiring to me along with her genuine kindness. I would like to thank her for all the support and encouragement she has have given me and I truly appreciate everything she has done for me.”
Pelfrey honored Jeremy King as an educator who has had a great impact on her life saying, “I chose to honor Mr. King not only because he would let me talk for the entirety of a class, but for also pushing me to step out of my comfort zone and always encouraging me to be the best version of myself I can be.”
King chose to honor Coach Randy Hallmark as an educator who made an impact on her life. King said, “I chose to honor Coach Hallmark because he shaped me into the player I am today, and as much as he yelled at me for never paying attention, he always found a way to make me laugh. He set a good foundation for my successful volleyball career going into high school.”
Coach Heather Ades had many positive things to say about this season’s seniors. She said, “The young women standing before you have been such a blessing to me over the past four years, and especially this year, when I wasn’t sure I would be able to coach. I’ve not only had the opportunity to coach them in the sport of volleyball, but also watch them grow up from naïve freshman to the composed and talented young women.
“Bailey, you are so unapologetically authentic. Walking in your welding boots and compression shorts will always be an image I hold dear. You are the life of the party and a thermostat that everyone can feed off of. Please continue to set the temperature for those around you. Know that your humility and honesty bring light to others,” Ades continued.
“To my sweet Rylee, thank you for teaching us to never take ourselves or any moment too seriously. You truly live your senior quote that happiness and friendship should be at the forefront of everything we do. You never hold grudges or show anger, which is a maturity and life skill that many of us take years to learn.”
“Kaylie Davenport - You are such a rare beauty and that you lead by example in every aspect of your life. You remind us of the kind of people we want to be hard-working, faithful, and compassionate. You never have to tell a teammate to shag a ball or hustle on the court. They see you doing it and want to emulate the athlete in person that you are. That’s a God-given gift they can’t be taught and one I hope you nurture.”
“Maddie Pelfrey - three years we had to tell coaches and referees from other schools that you weren’t my daughter. This year, we just kind of went with it because in someways it’s true. You are a team maker, the pulse by which our rhythm flows. It’s appropriate that you were voted friendliest for senior superlatives because you were instantly likable, and your loving spirit is infectious. I hope you always remember your worth and that you teach people how to treat. You don’t accept anything that’s less than you deserve.”
Ades finished with, “It has been a blessing and an honor to be your coach.”