FOLEY - On Wednesday, May 15, the Foley Optimist Club welcomed Foley Middle School Coach Laura Lankford and three MVPs to honor them for their achievements during the 2018/2019 school year.

Pictured here, from the left: Foley Middle School Principal Danny McDuffie, Optimist Club President Clark Cathey, Jestiney Dixon, Ashauntee Hobbs, Hope Collins, Foley Middle School Coach Laura Lankford, and Foley Middle School Assistant Principal Ashley McNair.

“Talk about some bright stars at Foley Middle School that are going to be future leaders in the Foley community or wherever it is they land,” said McDuffie of the MVPs.

During the year, Hobbs and Collins tied as the county MVPs in cross-country and track, each scoring 20 points. Hobbs competed in the 100, 200, and 4 by 100 relay and came in first in all of them. Collins came in second in the 200, sixth in the 800, and in first in the 400 every time she competed in it.

“And these are 7th graders, so they’re going to be back in Foley Middle School next year and it’s tremendous to have them here,” McDuffie said. “When these girls run track it looks like something in the college or the Olympic level, the technique they have at such a young age is exceptional.”

Dixon was the county MVP for the girls’ basketball tournament, as well as competing in track. She will be a freshman in high school next year, and recently attended the high school tryouts. While many middle school students made the JV Squad, Dixon was the only female freshman to make the Varsity basketball team.

“These kids have done a tremendous job at Foley Middle School, and we’re so proud of them and what they’ve accomplished,” said McDuffie.