Brynn Blackstock and Noah Edge have grown up by each other’s side since they were small toddlers. Joining the Benton Academy family in pre-kindergarten, both students were together as they transitioned from macaroni art to advanced science experiments; from pee wee sporting events to successful runs in the high school circuit; and from admiring the older students to becoming examples themselves.
Both students embark on another chapter together soon as they graduate from the local academy, eager to continue their paths of success and ambition.
Blackstock, 18, has been a student at BA since pre-kindergarten. Active in just about every athletic program at the local academy, she has maintained a healthy balance with extracurricular activities and her studies.
Blackstock was a member of the school’s softball and cheer team. But it was the world of basketball where Blackstock shined. Last December, she was honored after scoring a total of 2,000 points during her school career. And she will be heading to Holmes Community College on a scholarship to continue her work on the court.
It was the school’s recent run for the basketball state title that Blackstock said remains the most memorable high school experience.
“That is what I will remember most; going overall for the first time ever in basketball,” she said. “That was so fun because we had never done it before. Even though we lost, it was such a good experience for the run we had as a team.”
Outside of athletics, Blackstock is a member of the National Honor Society and the Science Club. She is an active youth member at Benton Methodist Church. She was also crowned Homecoming Queen this year and was able to pass on the title of Most Beautiful to her friend, Emma Middleton.
After Holmes, Blackstock intends to pursue a career with a physician assistant degree in dermatology from the University of Southern Mississippi.
“The skin has always intrigued me,” she said. “And with the PA program, you only have to do four years of school rather than continuing onto medical school. And I will be able to travel so I won’t be limited to a clinic.”
Edge, 17, has also attended BA since pre-kindergarten. He is a member of the school’s football, golf and shooting teams. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, the Science Club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Student Council.
It was his senior year of football that Edge said would be the most memorable experience of his time at BA.
“This year was the best football year ever played, team-wise and personally,” he added.
This year, Edge was also selected as Most Handsome and Mr. Benton Academy. He is also very active with Blackjack Baptist Church.
After graduation, Edge will head to the University of Mississippi to pursue his real estate degree.
“My family has been involved in real estate over time, and they have had success with it,” he said. “I would just like to continue that line.”
Although both Blackstock and Edge have some exciting plans for their future, they admit they will miss the relationships and memories made at BA. The small, tight-knit, school community was perfect for them, both added.
“It’s the closeness and the ability to call someone whenever you need something,” Blackstock said. “We are all so close, and we know each other so well.”
“I agree that it is the reliability of everyone around you,” added Edge. “People have always been willing to help you.”
Reflecting on impactful teachers, both said Ginny Jones and XXXX Ragland were impactful.
“But I always think about Mrs. Shannon Prescott,” Blackstock said, with a smile. “She was my kindergarten teacher, but she is my favorite because she was so nice to us. We played games every morning, and she made it fun.”
“Mrs. Prescott was a huge role in my upbringing,” Edge said. “Having her in 3K and again in 5K, she helped me with my social skills. She was the perfect teacher to help you adjust with that.”
As graduation quickly approaches, both students admit they were in a hurry to become seniors. But now the realization that their high school careers will soon end…it has been extremely bittersweet.
“I couldn’t wait to be a senior,” Blackstock said. “Now, it’s almost over. I think about basketball, and some of my teammates who I have played with since pee wee. I will never play with them again. Most of our class have been here together since 5K, and we will all be moving on.”
Blackstock said she would like to travel after she completes her college studies. Although she said she loves the atmosphere of a rural community, she would like to experience something different.
“I plan on coming back home,” she said. “But while I’m young, I do want to travel and move to different states. I want to see a different culture other than a small town, which I love, but want something different.”
But Edge said he isn’t planning on going anywhere.
“I already have a house pad picked out,” he said. “My family is all here. And I can walk off my back porch with land all around me. That is hard to beat.”
