The tight-knit community found within the halls of Benton Academy is the secret behind the success of three graduating seniors. For Garrett Vandevere, Ella McCain and Lawson Nichols, it’s comradery among their fellow students and the welcoming spirit of the school’s staff that have created lasting memories for them as they prepare to embark on their next chapters.
“I will definitely miss the family atmosphere here once I graduate,” Nichols, 17, said. “If we ever have any questions, we can literally ask anybody, and they will help. It doesn’t matter who it is. There is always someone willing to help you.”
Vandevere, 18, has been enrolled at Benton Academy since pre-kindergarten. And through his years at the local academy, many of his instructors have watched him grow up.
“Most of the teachers have been here since I was in 3K,” Vandevere said. “That adds to the closeness of everyone here.”
McCain, 17, began her journey at the school in sixth grade. She agrees with Nichols and Vandevere that the small class sizes allow students to develop better relationships with their teachers, coaches and each other. With 13 students in the upcoming graduating senior class, the smaller size leads to larger fellowship.
“I will definitely miss how close everyone is,” she said.
The three seniors all have full plates, balancing out their academics, clubs and athletic commitments. Nichols, who arrived at BA in the seventh grade, serves as president of the Honor Society and vice president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is also a member of the Math and Science Club and Student Council.
McCain serves as FCA president and is also a member of the Math and Science Club, the Honor Society and the Student Council.
And Vandevere is a member of just about every athletic team at the school.
“It might be better to tell you what sports I’m not involved in,” he said, with a smile.
Vandevere is a member of the school’s football, basketball, baseball, cross country, track, golf and shooting teams. In addition to serving as football manager, McCain is very active with the softball, basketball, track and cross country teams. And Nichols is a member of the basketball and shooting teams as well as show choir.
“Balancing everything out is a lot of just trying to figure things out in the moment,” Vandevere said.
“And late nights doing homework,” added McCain.
With seniors allowed an earlier dismissal, Nichols said he uses the extra time to get his work done. He also credits his mother for her involvement and interest with his studies and sports.
“She pushes me hard,” Nichols said. “That’s why I have done so well in school. She’s always there, keeping me going.”
The three students also credit the school’s dedicated staff with their successes. Nichols said his former instructor, Woo Woo Ruschewski, remains a phone call away.
“She’s the reason I was passing math with As,” he said, with a laugh. “If I had not had her, it would have gone a different way. She went over all the problems with me anytime I had a question. I could stay after class and get extra help. And she helped me with my dual enrollment math class. If I ever needed anything, I could just text her. I still do.”
McCain said she has a special relationship with Coach Chad Smith, who leads the Lady Raiders in both softball and basketball.
“We’ve grown really close through softball and basketball,” she said. “But even in the hallways, we still talk. Even next year, we will still be just as close even without me being here. He has and is always there, willing to help.”
And McCain has plenty to celebrate with Smith’s coaching tenure. The Lady Raiders were named District Champions, runner-up in North State and placed third in the overall 3A State Tournament. Her last season as a Lady Raider was one for the books.
And McCain also earned a spot on the All-Star Basketball Team, representing Benton Academy at Jackson Prep.
Vandevere also looks to a coach for their impact on his senior season. Coach Jeremy Kent led the Raiders’ basketball team to the North State Tournament, where they were named Runner-up District Champions.
“During sports, Coach Kent was always there to help with me with different things that I needed him to stay and help me with,” Vandevere said. “He is always there to help.”
Outside of school, Vandevere and Nichols both enjoy hunting and fishing, along with 4H programs. Both also attend Blackjack Baptist Church. And McCain is very active with youth programs at First Baptist Church in Yazoo City.
After graduation, Vandevere intends to enroll at Holmes Community College. McCain will arrive at Mississippi Delta Community College with a softball scholarship with the intent to pursue a medical career. And Nichols will head to Holmes Community College, hopefully to join the cheer team.
“I will be majoring in secondary education to teach chemistry and physics,” Nichols said. “I would also like to pursue coaching as well.”
All three students encourage their underclassmen to become involved in a variety of clubs and athletics. Remain busy, have fun and prepare for the future. And don’t forget the teachers who continue to help you along the way.
“Reach out to the teachers, and be involved,” McCain said. “Don’t be scared to reach out if you have a question. They will always help you here.”
