The Leader

Munford High School HOSA impresses at international event! Details below:

Munford High School students proved they could compete with some of the best young healthcare leaders in the world after traveling to Indianapolis, Indiana, June 17-20 for the International HOSA Competition. Representing their school on the global stage, the students showcased their knowledge, technical skills and dedication while competing against top qualifiers from across the United States and several other countries.
The Munford HOSA chapter earned the opportunity to compete in five challenging events after qualifying through previous rounds of competition. Those events included CPR/First Aid, Surgical Technology, Pharmacology, Medical Assisting and CERT Skills.
Each event tested students on the knowledge and practical skills required in a variety of healthcare careers. Competitors were challenged to perform under pressure while demonstrating professionalism, teamwork and the ability to apply what they have learned in the classroom.
Among the team’s biggest accomplishments came in the Surgical Technology and CERT Skills competitions. Both teams advanced to the second round of competition, placing them among the top 20 teams in their respective events.
Reaching the second round at the international level is a significant achievement because of the high level of competition. Students from across the nation and around the world spend months preparing for the opportunity to compete, making every advancement a testament to their commitment and hard work.
Although only two events advanced to the second round, Munford’s performances across all five categories reflected the strength of the school’s HOSA program. Every team represented the school with determination, confidence and a willingness to compete against some of the most talented future healthcare professionals.
The experience also gave students the chance to learn from others, build friendships and gain valuable insight into careers in the medical field. Competing on an international stage provided memories and lessons that will benefit them long after the competition ended.
Munford High’s successful trip to Indianapolis serves as another example of the school’s commitment to preparing students for future careers in healthcare. With a top-20 finish in two events and strong performances across all five competitions, the Cougars returned home with accomplishments that reflect countless hours of preparation, teamwork and dedication.

Brighton Cards grad Tra Cooper will coach boys' and girls' basketball teams!

In early June, Tra Cooper, a 2016 Brighton graduate who played basketball for Brighton for four years, was hired as the BHS girls’ basketball coach. He was really excited to get a job at his alma mater.
Well, about a month later, he got more good news when he was hired as the BHS boys’ head coach as well. Cooper was out of town at a Chris Brown concert when he got a call from BHS principal Brian Crowson. They met when Cooper got back. After a couple of days of contemplation and calls to people who have coached boys, Cooper agreed to pull double duty.
“The challenges are exactly what you may think they’ll be,” Cooper said. “Time management, scheduling practices, equal investments, different skill sets, different strategies, double the personalities to learn and manage, game day routines. I can go on and on and on about the challenges honestly.”
After the TSSAA dead period ended last week, Cooper met with members of the girls’ team to get their feedback.
“I did get the blessing from the girls who I’ve built tremendous relationships with over the month of June. Letting them know that I’ll be doing both and getting their input. It was nice to hear from them that they supported that decision and didn’t take it negatively. Having their support really was a relief.”
Having a top-notch support system is crucial for someone coaching both teams. Cooper feels like he has that with assistant coaches Aaron Hudson and Tee Brown.
“I feel like, well I know I have assistants for both teams who are more than capable of being head coaches themselves. They are helping me along the way. I am able to trust them to take on any tasks that I may have for them to do. These are seasoned coaches too, and just like me they want these children to be successful on and off the floor. I’m not the coach that needs to have the credit; my ego isn’t too big to learn and take advice from them at all. With that being said, yes there are challenges that come with these tasks, but with this group of coaches I have with me it is definitely a task that can be done efficiently.”
Cooper said defense and rebounding will be the focus for both teams, particularly the boys.
“Limiting teams to one shot per possession will be huge and making the one shot they shoot a tough, contested one. Winning the energy and effort battle will put us in position to be successful as well. It won’t happen overnight, though. Offensively, we aren’t the biggest team. I’d love for our defense to turn into easy offense. That way we can push the break and get out in transition as much as possible.”
The boys’ team had some success under former coach Chris Young, but Cooper thinks the sky is the limit for the Cardinals.
“A bunch of young and hungry guys with good attitudes is always a plus. Just like the girls, I’m going to be heavily involved with what the middle school program is doing so we can continue getting young and hungry guys year after year … Other than that, I’m glad and honored to take on both programs. I hope me and my staff can get them back to what I know Brighton basketball to be.”

Brighton Cards grad Brie Howard has made the big time and achieved her dream! Here are the details on how she made it happen: https://covingtonleader.com/news/brighton-grad-brie-howard-achieves-dream-with-ole-miss-commitment/

Brighton Cards has a new girls' basketball coach ... and it's a familiar face! Details: https://covingtonleader.com/basketball-sports/brighton-high-hires-alum-tra-cooper-to-lead-girls-basketball/

The Leader is looking for a staff writer/journalist to cover news and events in Tipton County.

This position will be responsible for reporting local news and preparing stories for publication in our printed newspaper, online and on social media. The job will include writing, photography and potentially video coverage of local government, schools, community events, business news, breaking news and feature stories.

The ideal candidate should have strong writing and communication skills, good news judgment, attention to detail, basic photography skills, the ability to meet deadlines and a genuine interest in local people, local issues and community journalism. Experience with social media, video, interviewing, AP style and newspaper writing is a plus.

Compensation will be based on experience and discussed privately.

To apply, email your resume to [email protected].

Brighton High grad Floyd Morton III is finding his voice through film making! Details: https://covingtonleader.com/news/floyd-morton-iii-driven-by-passion-defined-by-vision/

The Brighton High boys' soccer team is off to an undefeated start after winning a tournament in Gatlinburg! Here's how they did it: https://covingtonleader.com/sports/brighton-high-boys-soccer-off-to-blistering-start/

The Covington Lady Chargers' basketball team opens state tournament play tonight in Murfreesboro! Here's how they made it happen: https://covingtonleader.com/sports/covington-girls-basketball-is-headed-to-state/