WarriorMagazineJanuary2021

That was definitely a turning point in my decision to go to pharmacy school.” Emily said she was blessed to have so many good teachers at ECCC. “In addition to Dr. Hennington, I also felt very fortunate to have had Mrs. Alice Pouncey and Mr. Al Deaton before they retired. I also enjoyed Mr. Ron Davis’ class and loved being part of the Wall of Sound Marching Band under the legendary Tom Carson. Sometimes when I drive by the band practice field I think I can still hear Mr. Carson yelling from his bullhorn ‘Good Gravy Centralettes, you look like a giant centipede!’” For Hal the path to become a physical therapist was a bit longer, but he says looking back he can see how things that happened while he was at East Central were preparing him to become a therapist, including gaining confidence in academics. “Mr. (Marc) McCool and Mr. (Leonard) Barrier were probably my favorite teachers. I also enjoyed Dr. Shelby Harris’ class. “I had always thought in the back of my mind I would enjoy physical therapy, but when I got to college I was mostly concerned about playing baseball. After East Central I went on to play at Mississippi College and graduated with a business degree. I then started applying for jobs and making plans to get my MBA. However, I discovered that the physical therapy program at UMMC (University of Mississippi Medical Center) was transitioning into the doctorate program and I technically didn’t need many more classes to be able to apply. So, I decided to take a leap of faith, move home, and finish out the last few classes I needed at Mississippi State (University). The next year I was accepted into the first Doctor of Physical Therapy class at UMMC.” Emily, who said she loved growing up in Decatur, felt a big pull to come home and give back to the community she grew up in. “Being a pharmacist in small town Mississippi is a lot different than being a pharmacist in a larger city. I have lifelong connections with many of our customers and there is definitely a family feel. I think the relationships we have with our customers are the biggest difference and advantage we have.” Hal, who grew up in West Point, said

he has always joked to Emily that as an 18-year-old baseball player he never dreamed he would come to Decatur and essentially never leave. “I didn’t grow up here like Emily, but I do really like the connections I’ve formed with the people of the community. Decatur is a nice little town and it’s a great place to raise a family. In my practice, I try to offer the same services you would find in a

larger city but right here at home.” Both agree that it’s the people they serve who make the biggest difference. “I love helping people and feeling like I’ve made a difference in someone’s life, or even just their day,” Emily said. Hal agreed, “I feel the same way. I enjoy helping people and seeing them progress and gain confidence in themselves.”

ALUMNI NEWS

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