Passionate would be best word to describe Jacob Scott. His drive to succeed in the classroom and the soccer field shows his commitment to give a hundred percent. And with a family tradition and dynasty within the barbeque circuit, he is making a name for himself outside of the community he is proud to call home.
“Yazoo has fueled me with an education, food and culture itself,” the 18-year-old senior said.
Scott has been a student at Manchester Academy since kindergarten. Outside of his studies, he is a member of the school’s soccer team. And when he is not at school, he can be found traveling the country with his family, the Ubon’s barbeque family. He has even appeared on television within a junior food competition, in the footsteps of his mother Leslie Scott, also known as the “BBQ Princess.”
“Jacob is a really good kid who comes from an outstanding family,’ said MA Headmaster Bryan Dendy. “He works hard at everything he does, and I am very proud of him.”
Scott’s favorite school subject is physics because of the challenge it provides him in the classroom.
“There is a challenge in the learning of physics, but I enjoy seeing how things work,” he said.
Scott has also played soccer ever since he was a young child. But it wasn’t just the sport itself that attracted him.
“Seeing my team grow over the years has made me very excited,” he said. “There truly is a sense of community among my teammates.”
Two instructors at MA who have earned a special place in his heart are Wendy Perry and Carrie Chaney.
“I’ve got a special place in my heart for Mrs. Chaney and Mrs. Perry,” Scott said. “Mrs. Perry has really helped me figure out a good work ethic. Mrs. Chaney has helped me a lot with English, but she also has helped me think for myself and helped teach me how to communicate those words and think coherently.”
Scott said one of his favorite things about MA is the sense of community in the school.
“Since it is a smaller school, you know everyone,” he said. “I think we will have lasting connections even after high school.”
Scott said he is also very thankful for his community. He knows Yazoo is a special place that has helped shape him and will continue to mold him well after graduation.
“I would love to give back in any way possible,” Scott said. “I would love to one day give money to different programs and schools throughout the community. It is so tight-knit here. We run a business so we are able to help the community. And the community helps us.”
Scott plans to attend Nicholls State University in Louisiana to pursue a career in the culinary arts. As an adult, he said he would love to own and operate a barbeque restaurant “with a cajun twist.”
Fellow MA student Lizzy Carpenter can be described as a champion because she strives for perfection in everything she does. Whether it be within the classroom or the athletic world or among her peers…Carpenter holds the title for true commitment.
“Lizzy is an exceptional student who works hard at everything she does,” Dendy said. “We are extremely proud of her, and we are excited to what she will do in the future.”
Carpenter, 17, is a senior at MA, where she has attended since kindergarten. She is a member of the school’s softball, basketball, cheer and track teams. But she also excels within the classroom and through volunteer work throughout the community.
“I am most passionate about softball,” she said. “I have played sports throughout my life, and I will be continuing that at Mississippi Delta Community College, where I have committed to play softball.”
Carpenter admits that it can be challenging to balance both her academic and athletic obligations. But she has found creative ways to manage her time, which has paid off considering her level of success.
“My favorite subject is math because I really feel that I have a natural talent of figuring out problems,” she said. “But I love the fact that MA is a small school with its tight-knit atmosphere. Everybody knows everybody, and we are always there for each other. Even if they see you having a bad day, they will check on you and cheer you up.”
Carpenter is also a member of the Interact Club, a youth-based program within the Rotary Club. She is also very active with Junior Auxiliary’s Crown Club.
“I love to give back to my community through the different programs these clubs offer,” Carpenter said. “Within Yazoo, everyone sticks together. It feels great to be able to give back to that.”
Carpenter intends to pursue an accounting degree and would like to have a family of her own one day.
“I would love to see myself teaching or coaching my own children in sports,” she added.
And with her outstanding record, Carpenter is destined to become a success.
