Mr. and Miss Canton Academy Welch and Hughes

By Courtney Warren

Two outstanding seniors, Gates Welch and Ayden Hughes, were recently voted Mr. and Miss Canton Academy, a prestigious honor awarded to students who exemplify leadership, character, academic excellence, and school spirit.

Both Welch and Hughes have spent the majority of their school careers at Canton Academy and have become shining examples of what it means to be a Panther.

Welch, the daughter of Kevin and Margaret Welch and sister to Evan and Austin Welch, has attended Canton Academy since the fourth grade. A resident of Canton and an active member of First Baptist Church of Canton, she has excelled in both academics and extracurricular activities throughout her time at CA.

Throughout high school, Welch has consistently maintained high academic standards, earning a place on the Principal’s List and being recognized as an Academic All-Star. She is a member of the National Honor Society, where she served as Parliamentarian during her junior year. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, having been elected 10th Grade Class President and serving as Student Body Secretary during her junior and senior years. She also holds the role of Treasurer for the Fellowship of Christian High School Students for the 2023-2024 school year.

Welch’s achievements go well beyond academics and leadership. She has been recognized in the school’s annual “Who’s Who,” voted a Top 5 Beauty, Class Favorite, Most Athletic, Best Personality, and was honored with the prestigious CA Forever Award her senior year. This fall, she was crowned 2024 Homecoming Queen, an honor voted on by her peers.

An all-around athlete, Welch has participated in cheerleading, softball, track, and basketball. She served as JV Cheer Co-Captain and Varsity Cheer Captain, earning All-American Cheerleader honors five times and receiving the “Pin It Forward” award three times. In softball, she was named Most Valuable Player and selected as an All-District player for MAIS 4A. Welch also excelled in track and field, winning multiple district and state championships in discus and shot put, and holds the school record in both events. Additionally, she was recognized as the Offensive MVP for varsity girls’ basketball her junior year. She also supported the Panther baseball team as a Diamond Girl.

Outside of school, Welch is active in her community as a member of the Madison County Civinettes, participating in various charitable activities. In her free time, she enjoys shopping, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on the Mississippi State Bulldogs. After graduation, she plans to attend Mississippi State University to major in pre-nursing before continuing her education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

Joining her as Mr. Canton Academy is Hughes, who has been part of the Canton Academy family for the past 14 years. He is the son of Jennifer and Will Hughes and the proud older brother of Ava and Waye Hughes. Like Welch, Hughes resides in Canton and attends First Baptist Church of Canton.

Hughes has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, earning a place on the Headmaster’s List every year of high school. He is a member of the National Honor Society and currently serves as its President. In addition to his academic achievements, he is a leader within the student body, holding the position of Senior Class Vice President and having served on Student Council throughout high school.

A standout athlete, Hughes has competed in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He has been named All-District in both football and basketball during his junior and senior years and was recognized as an All-Conference basketball player his junior year. On the track, Hughes excelled as the school’s top long-distance runner in his sophomore and junior years.

When not excelling on the field or in the classroom, Hughes enjoys spending his time hunting, fishing, working, and being with family and friends. After graduation, he plans to attend Holmes Community College, where he will major in electrical engineering.

Both Welch and Hughes have made a lasting impact at Canton Academy through their commitment to academics, leadership, athletics, and community involvement. As they prepare to take their next steps, they leave behind a legacy of excellence, kindness, and dedication that will inspire future generations of CA students.