Alumni
Many of our alumni have distinguished themselves in major fields ranging from health care and education to politics and technology.
- Alumni Spotlight: Benjamin Pettigrew, Class of 2002
- Alumni Spotlight: Blakley Fowler, Class of 1999
- Alumni Spotlight: Nick Dodd, Class of 2000
- Alumni Spotlight: Amy Davis, Class of 1990
- Alumni Colleges and Universities
- Alumni Spotlight: Henry Dodd, Class of 2003
- Alumni Spotlight: Mark Mazurkiewicz, Class of 1995
Alumni Spotlight: Benjamin Pettigrew, Class of 2002
Current Job: General Surgeon
Why did you pick general surgery?
I do all sorts of surgery like appendix and gallbladder removal, hernia repairs, colon cancer surgery, and other gastrointestinal tract surgeries. I also do trauma surgery, skin lesions, and vascular surgery related to dialysis access. This wide array of surgeries attracted me to general surgery. My work day is always different. I see patients as young as 6 and as old as 100.
Favorite Career Accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment so far is finishing surgical training in Memphis. Hands down,
those 6 years were the most demanding years of my life. I was able to see and learn so much during my time at UT, and it is an honor to bring all of that experience back to my hometown.
How did the Corinth School District prepare you for your career?
Corinth School District helped form a solid foundation on which I was able to build on throughout college. I initially became a medical technologist and became interested in pursuing career in medicine after working at UMC in Jackson, MS. The lessons learned in high school carried me throughout my training.
Why did you choose to come home to Corinth to practice?
I chose to come back to Corinth because it’s a great place to raise a family. My parents and grandmother still live here. My wife and I have four children, and we want them to grow up in a safe, smaller town. It has been really exciting moving back home and taking care of friends we’ve known our entire lives.
My partner Dr. Johnson kept telling me to come see what Corinth and MRHC had to offer. After one trip back to meet the surgeons, we knew we were coming back home to practice. MRHC gave me the opportunity to do everything I want to do professionally.
What is your advice for current students?
There are so many children and teenagers wasting time on phones and tablets scrolling through videos, apps, and programs. It’s mind-numbing. Don’t waste your time worrying about what everyone else is wearing, where they shop, what their status is, etc. Instead, read a book, watch a historical documentary, or spend your time on activities that make you healthier and smarter. Students have a unique opportunity where their only job is to learn as much as possible. Work hard and don’t waste this opportunity!
Secondly, don’t give up on your dreams. I cannot tell you how many times I was told no. If you believe in something, keep chasing it. How you respond to adversity often sets you apart from your peers. Invite criticism, seek mentorship, and work hard. Get there early and stay late. If you are excelling in a class, find someone who is not and help them!
What CHS activities were you involved?
I moved back to Corinth during my senior year, so many of my activities were at my previous school, but I played several sports and stayed involved in math and science programs.
What is your favorite CHS memory?
My favorite memory is graduation. I just remember all of us finally being done with that part of our lives. Everyone was filled with both excitement and apprehension about the next phase of our lives. For many of us it was college, and the camaraderie we developed in high school continued into college.
Who at CSD inspired you?
Mrs. Trapp and Mrs. Cartwright inspired me. They both had a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching. They instilled in us a work ethic and thirst for knowledge which prepared us for the next level. They were fair and kind, and they genuinely cared. Many in my class went on to become doctors, lawyers, dentists, accountants, business owners, realtors, coaches, teachers, and a host of other jobs. All of us were ready and prepared, and I think we owe much of it to these ladies.
Alumni Spotlight: Blakley Fowler, Class of 1999
Current Job: Pediatrician
Favorite Career Accomplishment?
Coming home to take care of friends and family I've known forever
How did the Corinth School District prepare you for your career?
I was constantly challenged, encouraged, and supported by all the teachers and staff. There were so many opportunities, even then, to be involved in clubs, organizations, honors courses, and more that helped push me to my full potential and prepare for my future challenges that I would have in my education and career.
Why did you choose to come home to Corinth to practice?
I was lucky enough to marry my high school sweetheart, now married right at 20 years. Both of our families still live here as well. We knew we wanted to be closer to home and our family as we grew our own family and careers. We knew Corinth was a wonderful placed to be raised and to now raise our own children. The closeness of this community is unlike any other.
What is your advice for current students?
Always apply yourself and get involved in as many activities as you can balance, but be sure to keep a balance. It's ok to be a kid. Adulting is HARD, don't rush it. You may not always be able to do it all, and that is ok. It is better to do your best in a few things, than to just give half effort to too many things. Be passionate about everything you do. The things that seem SOOOOO big really aren't. Give yourself grace. Be kind to everyone you can.
What CHS activities were you involved?
National Honor Society, Hall of Fame, Mu Alpha Theta, Student Council, Thespian Society (drama club), FCA, newspaper staff, C-Club, Pep Club, Foreign Language Club, Interact Club, Key Club, Science Club, Tennis team
I was WAHOO the WARRIOR in 1998 and 1999. It was the most fun thing ever, acting a fool and getting school spirit going. I was NOT graceful, so cheerleading and other sports weren't in my abilities.
What is your favorite CHS memory?
So many great memories, but I guess to narrow down would be getting to be the Junior maid for the homecoming parade, decorating the float and riding in the parade. We had just brought back the mascot "Wahoo the Warrior" and I was selected. I got to dress up and do that as my theme on the float.
Who at CSD inspired you?
So many amazing teachers, but the most inspiring would be my mom, Judy Atkins. She taught 11th grade English. Although I did not have the honor of her teaching me personally, it was her influence that always pushed me to do my best. She has impacted most of Corinth with her teaching and love for people. I would have to say Ann Thompson, Coach Lynn Wood, and Darla Nash probably had the most influence of my initial love of science and labs. I also could not have made it without my mom's "B-wing" buddies--Barbara Trapp, Myra Burns, Bonnie Dalton and Gloria Cartwright. Also her buddies Judy Miskelly and Cheryl Hurley.
Alumni Spotlight: Nick Dodd, Class of 2000
Current Job: Optometrist
Favorite Career Accomplishment?
I’ve had the privilege of providing quality eye care for the community I love, all while working alongside my family.
How did the Corinth School District prepare you for your career?
Corinth has always provided the absolute best education available. The transition to college was a very smooth transition thanks to the preparation from Corinth’s excellent education.
Why did you choose to come home to Corinth to practice?
My goal was to always work with my dad. That dream started in early childhood. Corinth is a great place to live and raise a family.
What is your advice for current students?
AND.THEN.SOME.
Do what is asked/expected of you…and then some. Go the extra mile. Give the extra effort. Separate yourself from those who are simply trying to get by with the bare minimum.
Treat people well. You’ll never regret being kind to people.
What CHS activities were you involved?
Basketball, track, football, golf, tennis, Student Council, various clubs
What is your favorite CHS memory?
CHS Basketball and the journey of being a starter for the 2000 State Basketball Team my senior year
Who at CSD inspired you?
There are too many individuals that come to mind. The phrase, “It takes a village…” is true. All those from the Corinth schools were my “village.” Principals, teachers, secretaries, lunch ladies, janitors, etc. They ALL had an influence on me.
Alumni Spotlight: Amy Davis, Class of 1990
Current Job: Emergency Medicine Physician and Medical Director at Express Care
Favorite Career Accomplishment?
I love having the opportunity to teach younger residents at Magnolia. It challenges me to continually learn and hopefully do my part in educating a younger generation of physicians.
How did the Corinth School District prepare you for your career?
CHS helped give me the foundation I needed in the classroom to be successful in college and later medical school.
Why did you choose to come home to Corinth to practice?
It is a privilege to care for people in your community. My husband and I also wanted to raise our children here.
What is your advice for current students?
Push yourself to take advanced science and math courses. Consider a part-time job working for the public while in high school. It will help you no matter your career path. When able, consider a part-time job in a hospital, clinic, or nursing home. Jobs are available that do not require previous training. Seeing firsthand what patients experience and the barriers they face to obtain health care will serve you well in your career.
What CHS activities were you involved?
Student Council and various clubs
What is your favorite CHS memory?
Following our basketball team to state for several years is a fond memory. If you lived here in that time, you remember it was a community event. Students and fans followed the team to ALL away games and tournaments. Alcorn Central also had an amazing team so the rivalry was intense. It seemed as though the city moved to Jackson during the state playoffs.
Who at CSD inspired you?
Many people but Dean Pearce and Vicki Shirley immediately come to mind.
Alumni Colleges and Universities
Here is a partial list of where some of our graduates have continued their educational journeys at the collegiate level:
Blue Mountain College
Freed-Hardeman University
Furman University
Harvard University
Louisiana State University
Louisiana Tech
Millsaps College
Mississippi State
Murray State
North Carolina State
Samford University
Tougaloo College
Tulane University
Union University
University of Alabama
University of Kentucky
University of Memphis
University of Mississippi
University of Missouri
University of Richmond
University of Tennessee
University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
University of Tennessee-Martin
Vanderbilt University
William Carey University
Wofford College
Alumni Spotlight: Henry Dodd, Class of 2003
Current Job: Pediatrician
Favorite Career Accomplishment?
Teaching. The word doctor is derived from the Latin verb “docere,” meaning to teach. It is a privilege to educate parents, patients, and the next generation of doctors and nurses. Getting to work with a team of others to provide care for children is my greatest career accomplishment.
How did the Corinth School District prepare you for your career?
Communication. Learning to communicate confidently and correctly through written and spoken word is a superpower in the real world. One can certainly acquire these skills in college or career, but the head start I was provided through our curriculum was immediately evident following graduation.
Why did you choose to come home to Corinth to practice?
Family. The opportunity to serve not only my immediate family but also the family of cousins, friends, neighbors, and mentors who shaped the person I am is incredibly humbling and the highest honor.
What is your advice for current students?
Explore. This is a unique time to change course, make mistakes, and take chances. I certainly had a direction in mind, but I would not have predicted the obstacles along the way. By remaining curious, being kind to others, and not being afraid to fail, I learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
What CHS activities were you involved?
Student Council, Academic Team, soccer, cross country, track, competition plays, Spring musicals, and (as hilarious as this sounds) I was part of football and basketball broadcasts on early internet radio.
What is your favorite CHS memory?
People. How I was encouraged and supported is a direct reflection of my teachers, staff, and classmates. I may not remember every fact I was taught or the exact score of games, but I remember how the people made me feel during those formative years. I felt loved and appreciated. I hope every student at CHS has that overall feeling when they reflect on their time there.
Who at CSD inspired you?
Debbie Madjlesi, Bobby Purvis, and Myra Byrnes
Alumni Spotlight: Mark Mazurkiewicz, Class of 1995
Current Job: Dentist
Favorite Career Accomplishment?
Establishing Dental Arts of Corinth with Dr. Edward Knight in 2008
How did the Corinth School District prepare you for your career?
The rigor of the class assignments at CHS prepared me for all of the studying it would take to succeed in undergraduate and graduate school.
Why did you choose to come home to Corinth to practice?
I love Corinth. Coming home gave me the opportunity to use the gifts and talents that I have been blessed with to help those in my community.
What is your advice for current students?
Find your passion and pursue it. Even when adversity or setbacks occur, if you feel led into a certain profession or field, stick with it. Your hard work will pay off and you’ll enjoy the successes allowed to you even more.
What CHS activities were you involved?
Soccer, baseball, and numerous clubs/organizations.
What is your favorite CHS memory?
Playing sports (soccer and baseball) with all my friends and performing in Guys and Dolls my senior year.
Who at CSD inspired you?
Goodness, I don’t think I could pick out just one. Truly, every individual and teacher had some form of an impact on me and where I am today. From the administrative staff to the faculty, all of them inspired me in one way or another throughout my 4 years at CHS.