In Pelahatchie, the name “Sanders” is synonymous with service, commitment, excellence, and educational leadership.
Mr. Shane Sanders is a graduate of Florence High School and currently serves as deputy superintendent. He oversees the Facilities and Operations Departments for all Rankin County schools.
Mrs. Robin White Sanders is a Pelahatchie native. Her career in education includes a few years serving as a district interventionist, 504 and dyslexia coordinator, and data coach for Rankin County School District, but most of her time has been in the Pelahatchie zone. Mrs. Sanders is currently the principal at Pelahatchie Elementary School.
Mr. & Mrs. Sanders have two daughters who have attended Pelahatchie schools. Reagan graduated in 2021 as the PHS class Salutatorian and is currently a junior at the University of Mississippi majoring also in education.
Their youngest daughter, Payton, is blazing her own trail while continuing to live up to the Sanders’ standard of excellence. Unlike her family of educators, however, Payton is planning to pursue a career in the medical field.
Payton has created history by becoming the first District IV Lindy Callahan Scholar Athlete recipient at PHS. In addition, Payton is a semi-finalist for the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. She is one of two Rankin County students (and one of seven in the state) selected for this recognition and is among the top high school seniors nationwide recognized for their academic excellence and community contributions. A few of Payton’s other accolades include Star Student, class of 2024 Valedictorian, and recipient of the Ms. Laquita Steen Scholarship from the Rankin County Chamber of Commerce.
Ms. Kimberly Watson, who Payton selected as her Star Teacher, spoke with Payton about her achievements, motivations, and aspirations. Below are Ms. Watson’s reflections from her interview with Payton.
Payton and I would not formally meet until her 10th grade year, and it wasn’t until 11th grade that she officially became one of my students.
Recently, the Pelahatchie High School 2024 Valedictorian made history not only at Pelahatchie, but in the state with numerous academic achievements and honors. At the top of that list is the honor of being named a semi-finalist for the United States of America’s Presidential Scholars Program. The first in Pelahatchie High School’s history. The eighteen year old Pelahatchie native is an honor student, multisport athlete, and student-leader. She has volunteered at Pelahatchie Elementary School as a student mentor and a S.T.E.M. night student-leader. She also has a job at one of the local businesses in town, where she works before coming to school.
Watson: What advice would you give students that are inspired by your accomplishments?
Sanders: I want people to know that small schools can achieve great things. Just because you are not at a big school does not mean you cannot achieve greatness. Be ambitious, don’t be scared to apply and go for something; don’t doubt yourself.
Watson: What are your thoughts about being named a semi-finalist for the U.S. Presidential Scholars program?
Sanders: It’s exciting. I looked at the list and all the other student’s attend 6A or 7A schools. Pelahatchie is a 2A school and really small. I am so excited.
Watson: You plan to attend The University of Mississippi in the fall. What led you to Ole Miss and what do you plan on studying?
Sanders: Reagan and two of our cousins attend Ole Miss and it feels like a second home for me. I want to study Nursing and Ole Miss has a really good Nursing program. They have started a program that will allow me to complete the program in Oxford. I am excited about the new challenges and meeting new people.
Watson: I know you are still a senior in high school, but, what are your plans after graduating from Ole Miss?
Sanders: Smiling brightly and without hesitation, “I want to return to Pelahatchie to live, work, and raise a family here.”
Watson: Reflecting on your journey, thus far, what is something you value the most?
Sanders: Leaning back and flashing a quick wit smile, as if she just remembered something. “My Dad’s ‘Daddy-isms.” “He has these big quotes and pictures that he will tell or send me - like motivation. One that I really love is, ‘Control what you can control, which is your effort and your attitude.’ Those are really special to me.” Her smile is still beaming as she repeats it for me.
That’s just it. She contributes her success to her family roots. Her mom is a Pelahatchie High School graduate and educator. Her sister is a Pelahatchie High School graduate and future educator. Her dad, a Florence native, invested into the Pelahatchie community as an educator. While there will be three educators in the family, Payton is taking educator values into the next chapter of her journey - striving for excellence and embracing learning.
It has been a privilege to get to know Payton, to teach her and be a part of her journey at Pelahatchie High School, and to see her chart her own course.
Reagan, Robin, Shane and Payton Sanders
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