Mississippi’s premier athletes were honored March 22 with a presentation of state Senate resolutions commending their prowess and excellence in sports.

Honored were Megan Heggie, 12, of Meridian, the 2016 State Games of Mississippi AT&T Youth Athlete of the Year, who has participated in the State Games of Mississippi since 2012 and has won 17 gold medals in individual events and five in relay events. During the 2016 State Games, Heggie competed in the largest age group at the meet and placed in the top eight in all of her events. She also broke eight team records during the Games.

Runner and trainer Evelyn Watkins, 36, of Meridian, overcame surgeries on her feet to run marathons, triathlons and more. Watkins was first in her age group at the 2016 State Games of Mississippi in the 5K Run, second overall in the female division, and seventh overall in the event.

Brian Fleming, of Shubuta, 2016 State Games of Mississippi AT&T Male Athlete of the Year, hit 93 of 100 targets in his most recent outing at the 2016 State Games and won the gold medal. Sporting clays is a form of clay pigeon shooting, often described as “golf with a shotgun” because a typical course includes from 10-15 different shooting stations laid out over natural terrain. Fleming has been the Mississippi sporting clays champion four times and a Zone 6 champion, which encompasses Mississippi, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee and Louisiana. He won silver medals in the 2014 and 2015 State Games. 

“Athletes of the Year” will visit the State Capitol in Jackson, where the governor will recognize their achievement and they will have the honor of lighting the torch at the 2017 State Games of Mississippi opening ceremonies in Meridian.

Art show in Newton

Adult artists of The Secret Garden Art Studio in Newton will be showing their work from 5-6 p.m. April 10 at the J. Elliot McMullan Public Library in Newton.

The following artists from the Newton area will be exhibiting paintings: Barbara Bounds, Karen Freeman, June Harris, Linda Kirby, Janis Lane, Linda Lofton, Carol Mabry, Lynn Monroe, Michael Pickens, Shirley Pickens, Pat Tatum and Carol Youngblood, all of Newton; Marie Fanning and Becky Valentine of Hickory; Lynda Frink of Little Rock; and Pat Gordon of Union.

Many of these artists have been painting at The Secret Garden Art Studio with Dottie Armstrong for many years, but six of them have only recently discovered the joys of this new hobby.

In the show there will be oils, acrylics, and watercolors that are realistic, impressionistic, or abstracts. Meet the artists and see their new work at the public library. Well-known musician Jeff Hardy of Newton will be playing toe-tapping, happy music on the piano during the show. The show will be on display at the library until April 28.

Suzanne Marshall writes the Neighbors column for The Meridian Star. Submit items to editor@themeridianstar.com.