On November 23, 2023, the BHS Print Journalism family lost a loved one. Griffin Mangum, the managing editor of The Paw Print and Bully’s Buzz, passed unexpectedly early Thanksgiving morning, leaving everyone who knew him devastated. Most people spent Thanksgiving mourning his loss with their families and lifting up Griffin’s loved ones in prayer. Griffin had just turned 18 and was looking forward to attending Mississippi State University.

Griffin was involved in an abundance of different activities during his time at Brandon High School. Alongside his role as the managing editor at The Paw Print and Bully’s Buzz, he was a crucial member of BHS’ show choir, Brio, where he worked day in and day out as a choreography leader. He was a proud member of B-19, Brandon High School’s a cappella group as well as DECA and Dog Pack, here he served the school and his classmates in countless ways. Griffin was a part of everything he could be. Him and his joyous spirit reached so many people even beyond the walls of BHS. Griffin’s loss left many people devastated and searching for answers.

However, peace fell upon those who knew him well as they remembered where he now resides. Griffin was a born-again Christian believer who had accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He believed that all who call upon the name of the Lord would be saved and, therefore, would one day spend eternity in heaven with Jesus. Those who knew him saw Jesus through him- through his joy, his laughter, his love, and his dancing!

As mentioned before, Griffin was an incredibly important member of Brio. He served Brio in the esteemed role of choreography leader during his junior and senior years. Griffin was always a people person, so it should be no surprise that he befriended seemingly every single show choir in Mississippi (and even beyond) during his time in Brio. Most show choir students would say that Griffin was the reason most of the show choirs in the region got along.

The connections Griffin has made throughout his life were spotlighted on the eve of November 26, 2023, when people from all over the state braved the cold weather and freezing gusts to stand in the BHS parking lot and honor Griffin’s life.

The night was student-led and was the perfect way to remember Griffin. People shared memories, bible verses, and prayers to remember Griffin. They ended with a balloon release that filled the sky with Griffin’s favorite colors: purple and blue.

Griffin’s passing changed the lives of many, but it had a unique impact on the BHS Print Journalism family. Griffin was a crucial member of the Print Journalism staff in his junior and senior years, and he served with a passion for journalism and communications. He took pride in the work that he did for this paper, but more than that, Griffin took pride in the people whom he worked alongside. Griffin was a big brother to all of the staff, and he left a hole that will never be filled.

We love you G, we always will. – Yours, from Print Journalism