Yazoo County Middle School’s science department got a taste of real success last year when Kalyn Jefferson placed second in the state science fair.
This year Principal Gloria Jamison set a goal to have even more students earn the right to compete in the state science fair.
That goal was accomplished with sixth grade student Mallory Rhodes leading the way.
Mallory placed sixth in physics out of hundreds of students from around the state at the University of Mississippi.
“I was kind of nervous at first because there was so much competition, but before long I felt happy because I was confident that I could discuss my project,” Rhodes said.
Her mother, Tonya Rhodes, agrees that this was Mallory’s strength – she thoroughly understood her project and how she reached her conclusions. Rhodes studied mints to learn about why they give a cooling sensation.
“Some of the competition has very beautiful projects, but I knew she was going to do fine because she understood her project so well,” Tonya Rhodes said. “What matters most is how you explain it to the judges.”
Mallory said her teacher, Melanie Hardy, inspires her to succeed.
“Mrs. Hardy makes science fun,” Rhodes said.
Hardy said Mallory is a joy to teach.
“Mallory is an exceptional student, and she is always very polite,” Hardy said. “She is always extremely helpful to me and others. She is a great student.”
Outside of the classroom Mallory enjoys dance, cleaning the house spending time with her family. She has a variety of interests, and her vision for the future reflects those interests.
“I want to be a professional dance teacher, a cosmetologist and a nurse practitioner,” Rhodes said.
“She talks about these things every day,” her mother said. “She’s already preparing for her future.”
Education is a frequent topic of discussion in the Rhodes home. Tonya Rhodes recently earned her associate’s degree in business administration and is currently working toward a bachelor’s degree.
Yazoo County Middle School is already looking to raise the bar again next year in the science department.
With Mallory just being a sixth grader this year, it is likely that she will once again be helping to lead the way.
