Congratulations to Aaden Reed as he signed to attend Hinds Community College on an athletic scholarship on Wednesday . A complete article will be posted at a later date.
WATER VALLEY — For the first time in school history, a Water Valley High School powerlifter is taking the next step in the sport.
Senior Drake Mabary has signed a letter of commitment to attend Blue Mountain College, where he will compete on the school’s powerlifting team — becoming the first powerlifter from Water Valley to accept a college scholarship and the first student-athlete in the sport to compete at the collegiate level.
For Mabary, what started as a way to replace another sport after moving to Water Valley quickly turned into something much bigger.
“This means a lot to me,” Mabary said. “Originally, I started this sport my freshman year as a hobby… and it grew into a passion. I never thought it was possible, but I just kept working and grinding every day, trying to get stronger.”
His path wasn’t without setbacks. Mabary said early struggles, including a meet where he scratched out, forced him to take a different approach.
“Me failing that one year made me work twice as hard,” he said. “Before, it was more about myself. Then I realized I had to rely on God. That junior year, just trusting and building my faith, that’s what led me to that championship.”
That breakthrough came during his junior season, when he won a state championship in the 148-pound weight class — a moment that helped open the door to college opportunities.
Water Valley coach Clint Faust said Mabary’s development has been as much about discipline and character as it has been strength.
“He’s a kid that does all the things that we ask him to do the right way,” Faust said. “Pound for pound, he’s probably the strongest kid we’ve got in the room. He benches around 250 and can deadlift and squat the house.”
Faust said Mabary’s ability to bounce back from disappointment in this year’s finals showed what kind of competitor he had become.
“We talked after north half when he was upset,” Faust said. “I told him, ‘You’ve been a state champion. You know what it takes.’ And I think he realized he still had an opportunity to compete at the next level if he wanted it.”
That opportunity came through Blue Mountain College, where head coach Jerrell Howell said Mabary had been on the program’s radar for more than a year.
“He actually popped onto our radar as a junior,” Howell said. “I started watching film, went to a couple of meets he didn’t know I was at, and I really liked what I saw.”
“He was very down-to-earth, very respectful,” Howell said. “He gave me the sense of being an athlete of character, which is what we look for.”
“We don’t look for the strongest — it’s our job to make you strong,” Howell said. “We look for the best fit.”
Howell said opportunities for powerlifters at the college level are still limited, making Mabary’s signing significant not only for Water Valley, but for the sport in Mississippi.
“There’s not very many powerlifting opportunities in this state,” Howell said. “To help athletes continue their education while doing something they love — that’s something special. We want to help grow the sport and give more athletes that chance.”
At the collegiate level, Mabary will face a new set of challenges, including different competition standards and the adjustment to college life.
“The first year is usually the toughest,” Howell said. “They’ve got to adjust to college, adjust to the pace, and build a strong foundation. But we think he’s capable of doing that.”
Mabary said he understands the work ahead and is ready for it.
“It’s not just going in there, lifting and leaving,” he said. “You’ve got to train right, diet right, and stay in your weight class. It takes a lot of discipline and patience.”
He has competed primarily in the 148-pound class, where strict weight limits and conditioning are key. Even a small increase can push a lifter into a higher class with stronger competition.
Looking ahead, Mabary said his goals go beyond personal success.
“No matter what it looks like, I want it to show God’s glory,” he said. “I just want to work as hard as I can and keep that door open for Water Valley — for other lifters and maybe even other sports.”
He also offered advice to younger athletes considering the sport.
“Try not to be discouraged,” Mabary said. “You’re not going to get every weight, but you’ve just got to keep working so one day you can.”
as published in the North Mississippi Herald, April 15, 2026
David Howell, Editor in Chief
Senior Drake Mabary has signed a letter of commitment to attend Blue Mountain College, where he will compete on the school’s powerlifting team — becoming the first powerlifter from Water Valley to accept a college scholarship and the first student-athlete in the sport to compete at the collegiate level.
For Mabary, what started as a way to replace another sport after moving to Water Valley quickly turned into something much bigger.
“This means a lot to me,” Mabary said. “Originally, I started this sport my freshman year as a hobby… and it grew into a passion. I never thought it was possible, but I just kept working and grinding every day, trying to get stronger.”
His path wasn’t without setbacks. Mabary said early struggles, including a meet where he scratched out, forced him to take a different approach.
“Me failing that one year made me work twice as hard,” he said. “Before, it was more about myself. Then I realized I had to rely on God. That junior year, just trusting and building my faith, that’s what led me to that championship.”
That breakthrough came during his junior season, when he won a state championship in the 148-pound weight class — a moment that helped open the door to college opportunities.
Water Valley coach Clint Faust said Mabary’s development has been as much about discipline and character as it has been strength.
“He’s a kid that does all the things that we ask him to do the right way,” Faust said. “Pound for pound, he’s probably the strongest kid we’ve got in the room. He benches around 250 and can deadlift and squat the house.”
Faust said Mabary’s ability to bounce back from disappointment in this year’s finals showed what kind of competitor he had become.
“We talked after north half when he was upset,” Faust said. “I told him, ‘You’ve been a state champion. You know what it takes.’ And I think he realized he still had an opportunity to compete at the next level if he wanted it.”
That opportunity came through Blue Mountain College, where head coach Jerrell Howell said Mabary had been on the program’s radar for more than a year.
“He actually popped onto our radar as a junior,” Howell said. “I started watching film, went to a couple of meets he didn’t know I was at, and I really liked what I saw.”
“He was very down-to-earth, very respectful,” Howell said. “He gave me the sense of being an athlete of character, which is what we look for.”
“We don’t look for the strongest — it’s our job to make you strong,” Howell said. “We look for the best fit.”
Howell said opportunities for powerlifters at the college level are still limited, making Mabary’s signing significant not only for Water Valley, but for the sport in Mississippi.
“There’s not very many powerlifting opportunities in this state,” Howell said. “To help athletes continue their education while doing something they love — that’s something special. We want to help grow the sport and give more athletes that chance.”
At the collegiate level, Mabary will face a new set of challenges, including different competition standards and the adjustment to college life.
“The first year is usually the toughest,” Howell said. “They’ve got to adjust to college, adjust to the pace, and build a strong foundation. But we think he’s capable of doing that.”
Mabary said he understands the work ahead and is ready for it.
“It’s not just going in there, lifting and leaving,” he said. “You’ve got to train right, diet right, and stay in your weight class. It takes a lot of discipline and patience.”
He has competed primarily in the 148-pound class, where strict weight limits and conditioning are key. Even a small increase can push a lifter into a higher class with stronger competition.
Looking ahead, Mabary said his goals go beyond personal success.
“No matter what it looks like, I want it to show God’s glory,” he said. “I just want to work as hard as I can and keep that door open for Water Valley — for other lifters and maybe even other sports.”
He also offered advice to younger athletes considering the sport.
“Try not to be discouraged,” Mabary said. “You’re not going to get every weight, but you’ve just got to keep working so one day you can.”
as published in the North Mississippi Herald, April 15, 2026
David Howell, Editor in Chief
The 1st year students of Law and Public Safety had a guest speaker
from the Mississippi Crime Lab come to WVHS and do a presentation.
Jamie Richardson, the Fingerprint and Impression Evidence expert for
the crime lab, gave the students a small mock “crime scene” and had
the students locate, document, and recover evidence. After each team
was through working their crime scene, the teams rotated and had to
recreate another team’s crime scene using only the notes and diagrams
left by the original team. She also demonstrated and taught the
students how to use a dental stone mixture to pour a cast of a shoe
print impression for comparative analysis
from the Mississippi Crime Lab come to WVHS and do a presentation.
Jamie Richardson, the Fingerprint and Impression Evidence expert for
the crime lab, gave the students a small mock “crime scene” and had
the students locate, document, and recover evidence. After each team
was through working their crime scene, the teams rotated and had to
recreate another team’s crime scene using only the notes and diagrams
left by the original team. She also demonstrated and taught the
students how to use a dental stone mixture to pour a cast of a shoe
print impression for comparative analysis
Positive encouragement for our kids at DES 💙
On Wednesday, our WVHS students proudly competed in the Special Olympics Area 4 Track and Field Games!
They had an incredible experience being supported and encouraged by athletes from Ole Miss football and track & field teams, who helped make the day even more special.
From start to finish, our students showed determination, joy, and true sportsmanship—and most importantly, they had a wonderful time!
They had an incredible experience being supported and encouraged by athletes from Ole Miss football and track & field teams, who helped make the day even more special.
From start to finish, our students showed determination, joy, and true sportsmanship—and most importantly, they had a wonderful time!
Congratulations to Drake Mabary as he signed to attend Blue Mountain College on a powerlifting scholarship today. A complete article will be posted at a later date.
photo credits: David Howell, Editor in Chief, North MS Herald
photo credits: David Howell, Editor in Chief, North MS Herald
Students at WVHS had a busy week of dying eggs and hunting eggs. They have truly enjoyed their week. Thank you to all who participated and thought of us to celebrate before the holiday break
The annual WVHS Reading Fair was held on April 2nd. Pictured here are (top row) Yonnah Carothers and Ja'carla Phillips, 1st place, nonfiction category; Emalee Chapman, 2nd place, solo category; Julianna Myers and Nick St. Romain, 1st place, group category; (bottom row) Rylee Tucker, 1st place, solo category; Sophia Bray and Lynnleigh Barr, 2nd place, group category; Yonnah and Ja'carla speaking with the judges, Lynnleigh and Sophia in the background. Congratulations, students!
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Today, students at Water Valley High School experienced a powerful and eye-opening prom wreck simulation, made possible through the collaboration of our local police department, fire department, coroner, Wings, and dedicated community volunteers.
The simulation was designed to show the real-life consequences of impaired and distracted driving, especially during prom season. Through a staged crash scene, students witnessed firsthand the chaos, urgency, and heartbreak that first responders face in these situations. From emergency medical care and rescue efforts to the solemn role of the coroner, every detail was portrayed with realism and purpose.
This event served as a sobering reminder that one poor decision can change lives forever. While difficult to watch, the message was clear: safety matters, and the choices we make—especially behind the wheel—have lasting consequences.
We are incredibly grateful to the police department, fire department, Wings, the coroner’s office, and all the volunteers who gave their time and effort to make this impactful demonstration possible. Their commitment to educating and protecting our students does not go unnoticed.
As prom approaches, we encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly, look out for one another, and make safe choices. Your life—and the lives of others—are worth it.
The simulation was designed to show the real-life consequences of impaired and distracted driving, especially during prom season. Through a staged crash scene, students witnessed firsthand the chaos, urgency, and heartbreak that first responders face in these situations. From emergency medical care and rescue efforts to the solemn role of the coroner, every detail was portrayed with realism and purpose.
This event served as a sobering reminder that one poor decision can change lives forever. While difficult to watch, the message was clear: safety matters, and the choices we make—especially behind the wheel—have lasting consequences.
We are incredibly grateful to the police department, fire department, Wings, the coroner’s office, and all the volunteers who gave their time and effort to make this impactful demonstration possible. Their commitment to educating and protecting our students does not go unnoticed.
As prom approaches, we encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly, look out for one another, and make safe choices. Your life—and the lives of others—are worth it.
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Valley Views yearbook staff attends MSPA journalism Convention at The University of MS. March 31, 2026.
Blue Devil Powerlifters competed in Jackson today with the following results in their weight class; Miles Buford, 2nd place; DJ Bounds, 3rd place and Jay Hervey, honorable mention.
Congrats guys! They are coached by Clint Faust and Matt Turner.
A big Blue Devil shout out to Adalynn McCluskey for making Archery All Stars!
Lady Devil Powerlifters completed in 2A state competition today with the following results.
Senior Lailah Harris placed 1st in her weight class breaking three state records in bench, squat and overall for her division.
Seventh grader Charlee Golson placed 3rd in her weight class as an entry level lifter.
The lady devils are coached by Clint Faust, Matt Turner and Emily Howland.
Congratulations to these ladies!
Lady Devil Powerlifters completed in 2A state competition today with the following results.
Senior Lailah Harris placed 1st in her weight class breaking three state records in bench, squat and overall for her division.
Seventh grader Charlee Golson placed 3rd in her weight class as an entry level lifter.
The lady devils are coached by Clint Faust, Matt Turner and Emily Howland.
Congratulations to these ladies!
Davidson Elementary School is proud to announce the addition of two outstanding educators, Mrs. Dana McCrory (affectionately known as Mrs. Mac) and Mr. Vaughn Daniels, as new assistant principals. Both bring a wealth of experience, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to student success.
Mrs. Mac is a dedicated educator with 12 years of experience spanning both classroom instruction and school leadership. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University, along with a Master’s and Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. Highly qualified in multiple areas—including K–6 Education, Administration, Gifted Education, Library and Media, English, General Science, Biology, and Social Studies—she has served in a variety of impactful roles such as Teacher Support Team Coordinator, English Learner Coordinator, and Testing Coordinator. Her experience teaching grades 2 through 6, along with her work in kindergarten and gifted education, reflects her commitment to meeting the needs of all learners. A former Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Mac is excited to serve the students, staff, and families of Davidson Elementary while building strong relationships that support growth and success. She is also a devoted wife to her husband, Duke, and a proud mother to her two sons, Bailey and Brody.
Mr. Daniels brings 16 years of educational experience, including 10 years of dedicated service within the district. Recently named the 2024–2025 WVHS Teacher of the Year and recognized as a 2024 Star Teacher, he has consistently promoted academic excellence through teaching U.S. History, World History, English IV, and College and Career Readiness. He graduated summa cum laude from Mississippi College in August 2025 with a degree in School Leadership. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Daniels has made a lasting impact through coaching and program development, including establishing the high school’s first powerlifting program, which achieved multiple state-level honors, and serving 13 years as a football coach, including on a state championship staff. He is also deeply involved in his community as a Sunday School teacher, children’s minister, bus driver, and Vice President of the Northwest District Livestock Association. He and his wife, Courtney, and their son, Wyatt, are actively engaged in raising and showing cattle. Known for his strong relationships with students and his ability to connect learning to real-life experiences, Mr. Daniels looks forward to transitioning to the elementary level and contributing to continued student success within the Water Valley School District.
Together, Mrs. Mac and Mr. Daniels bring a strong commitment to student success and look forward to serving the Davidson Elementary community.
Senior Parents.. please share with other senior parents!
