Vicksburg Mall was packed with a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd Saturday at the Vicksburg Warren School District’s Showcase of Schools. More than four thousand people attended this year’s showcase that featured all 17 schools in the district.
Though school rivalry is as old as education itself, there was a sense of good sportsmanship and unity in the air as athletes from both high schools proudly walked around the showcase in their jerseys. School pride was apparent as students in school spirit shirts mingled around the booths.
Each school set up a booth displaying their school’s accomplishments. Principals, teachers and students crowded the booths waiting for the chance to show off a latest project or improvement at the school.
Principals of the VWSD stood proudly at their school’s booths ready to brag on their schools. “I’m very excited about this school year,” said Sherrie Williams, the principal of Dana Road Elementary.
“It’s the place to be,” said Beechwood Elementary principal Tameka Billings.
Kids pulled adults from one booth to the next introducing them to their teachers and friends.
More than a thousand students represented their schools. Parents and students attending the showcase enjoyed friendly banter on why their school was the best.

Fifth-grade Student Zion Nixon and third-grade student Carley Jones from Bovina Elementary agreed in unison that their school is “a success.”
Other schools at the showcase have already concluded that this school year will be a successful year for both teachers and students.
“Its just home” said STEM teacher Tondia Feracci as she explained her love for Bowmar Elementary.
Excitement was in the air as principals enthusiastically explained this year’s Common Core curriculum plan to parents and teachers proudly showed off projects.
“Make it as competitive as possible,” said Deowarski McDonald principal of Vicksburg High. “I want to give them the world,” said McDonald as he proudly talked about implementing Common Core, a new German class and ACT study options.
Warren Central Intermediate and Sherman Avenue had the first booths displayed closest to the front entrance of the mall. Both schools prided themselves on their concern with health, nutrition and fitness. The students of Warren Central Intermediate were excited to tell anyone who would listen about their new walking track while the teachers of Sherman Avenue were quick to recruit bystanders for their on-sight zumba class.
“Warrenton is fun and is a good school and is as fun as the zoo,” exclaimed Kena’ryieal Cox a fifth-grader. It was easy to see the teachers of Warrenton Elementary thought just as highly of their students as their students thought of them. “Oh gosh where can I start?” Said Darnisha James, a teacher at Warrenton. “Warrenton is very warm and loving and my work is child’s play,” explained James.
Cake was served as schools used the showcase to celebrate their anniversaries. This year was Bowmar Elementary’s 75th and Warren Central High School’s 50th anniversary.
Choirs and show choirs performed and Vicksburg High School’s band capped the event with a parade through the mall.