Students and parents filled the Poplarville High School Library Monday night as the Poplarville School Board of Trustees honored several students, noting Superintendent Carl Merritt’s absence.

First, Poplarville High School Principal Jon Will recognized new members of the 2017 PHS Hall of Fame: Zach Rice, Kaitlyn Barber, Kayla Hughes, Mallory Smith, Logan Whipple, Rachel Harris and Camden Ray.

Will also recognized this year’s star student, Eadie Keenan, and star teacher, Allison Lee.

Will also recognized the members of the PHS Choir and Choral Director Andrea Will for their accomplishments in receiving superior ratings in sight reading at the Mississippi High School Activities Association State Championship.

In athletic matters, Will recognized powerlifting members Turan Smith and Roosevelt Raine, along with their coach Jacob Owen.

He also acknowledged track team members and Girls Track Coach Deatra Cable for their qualifications into the MHSAA State competition.  Runners include Janelle Johnson, Monica Raine, Zanaisha Turner, Mallory Smith, Angela Angulo, Evelyn Kimball and Molly Brown.

Lastly, Will honored Poplarville special needs students who competed in the Special Olympics, Jacob Bazor, Lauren Diemel, Jessie Fisher and Sam Arceneaux.

During Monday’s meeting, the Board also recognized Career Development Center students for their accomplishments and School Bus Students of the Year. 

In other matters, Assistant Superintendent Konya Miller asked for Board approval of a $10,000 grant application from the Barksdale Reading Institute to install a sensory room at Poplarville Lower Elementary. Miller said the room would serve as a time-out and tactile experience for students who need an alternative motivation for disciplinary issues. The Board approved the application.

After some research, Miller said the District is proposing an increase in ticket prices for athletic events, from $5 to $6.

Will said most schools charge $6 for admission, but a growing number are raising it to $7. He said those funds are used to continue the athletic programs and purchase uniforms.

The District also proposed the addition of discount packages for senior citizens and annual sports passes.

The Board approved the measure.

In other news the Board:

—Approved an adjustment to the agreement with Millcreek of Magee.

—Approved an emergency bus supply for Pearl River County Hospital & Nursing Home in case of a natural disaster.

—Approved the 2017-2018 Student Handbook.

The next Board meeting will be held on June 12 at 6 p.m.