Although Upton Hitt has big plans for his future, he said he will never forget the foundation created for him in his hometown.
“Yazoo has produced some of the best people in the world,” Hitt said. “I have nothing but good things to say about this place.”
Hitt, the son of Eddie and Tracy Hitt, first walked into the halls of Manchester Academy when he was only three years old. He is now a graduating senior in the same academy that he said has shaped his life thanks to his teachers and friends.
“I always liked how small our school was in the fact that all my teachers know your name,” he said. “They were always willing to give you a chance or an opportunity that best suited you. That says a lot for our teachers here.”
With 16 students in his graduating class, Hitt said that was one of the most rewarding experiences of his time at MA.
“It’s nice because you know everyone,” Hitt said. “When you are a class of 16 students, you do everything together from sports to events to seeing each other on the weekends. You do see some new kids come in, and it is sad when your old friends may leave. But it is nice to grow up with everyone along the way.”
Although Hitt said he has enjoyed the closeness of his fellow classmates, he admits there were challenges when it came to athletics.
“There is not a lot of people so that makes it hard for sports,” he said, with a laugh.
Hitt is very active in MA athletics, serving on the football, basketball and tennis teams. But he is also very busy when it comes to his academics. He is also a member of the Beta Club, the Student Council and the Quiz Bowl Team.
“I like being involved with the Quiz Bowl Team the most,” Hitt said. “I enjoy trivia, and with nine of us on the team, it is fun to do something like that with my friends.”
Hitt has managed to successfully balance both his studies and his sporting obligations throughout the school year. He admits it can be challenging, but he said there has always been support during those tough times.
“The teachers are pretty good if we have a game,” he said. “Our sixth period is more of a study hall so I get to use that time to balance everything out. It’s not too bad, but basketball season is the worse when you can have three games in one night.”
Hitt plans to attend the University of Mississippi to major in Biochemistry. He also intends to pursue a career in the medical field.
Hitt is excited about the future and the many opportunities that are to come his way. But he said he will always remember the lessons and friendships he had made at MA and in Yazoo.
“Remember all the good memories and good times we have had in high school,” Hitt said, to his fellow classmates. “We have had some pretty amazing times, and we need to always remember that.”
