Distinguished Alumni and Heart of a Rebel index

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2024 Inductees 

Deanna Brown Head is a graduate from the class of 1979. Mrs. Head is the owner and founder of Unitech Training Academy, a higher education institution licensed by both the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Louisiana State Board of Regents. Mrs. Head started Unitech Training Academy in 1997 using lab equipment purchased from the Salvation Army and offering only certified Nursing Assistant classes. Today, the academy offers short-term career training programs in Allied Health, Information Technology, and Wellness. It serves more than 1100 students on campuses across the state of Louisiana, as well as in other states through the online program. In addition to founding Unitech Training Academy, Mrs. Head is also the founder of For My Child Learning Centers and actively serves the community through WellSpring,
the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the American Cancer Society, and the Animal Rescue Foundation of Louisiana. Mrs. Head has been the recipient of many awards including the West Monroe Chamber of Commerce Female Champion Award, the Connections Career Achievement Award, and the National Leadership Award which was presented to her in the White House by President George W. Bush. She is also a member of many local organizations such as the Better Business Bureau, the American Medical Certification Association, Louisiana Pathways, and the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy, just to name a few.

Deanna Brown Head, Distinguished Alumni, class of 1979
 

Derek Mixon is a 1993 graduate of WMHS. Derek grew up in West Monroe where he began his musical career playing percussion at Claiborne Elementary. His love for music continued as he studied for four years under Dr. Michael Spears as part of the West Monroe High School band. He then continued his musical training at Northeast Louisiana University, now the University of Louisiana at Monroe before moving into the song-writing and drumming industry. In 2001, Derek moved to Nashville, TN where he grew his career as an in-
demand studio and touring drummer. While he is best known for his current position of recording and touring with Grammy award-winning singer- songwriter Chris Stapleton, Derek has also performed and recorded with artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Santana, and many others. Moreover, Derek is a three time ACM drummer of the year nominee, and a Grammy award winner in the category of “Best Country Song.” Their 2024-25 tour will end with appearances in Europe in the fall and Australia in the spring. Derek regrets that he cannot be here tonight to accept this award, but he is in Austin, Texas performing at Austin City Limits Live. Accepting the award on his behalf is his mother Margie Mixon and his sister Misti Mixon Stone

Derek Mixon, Distinguished Alumni, class of 1993
 

2024 Heart of a Rebel
Dr. Mark Fenn

While it may be difficult to put into words what makes a person a Rebel, it is certainly about more than just walking the halls of West Monroe High School and earning the honor of calling yourself an “alum.” At this time,
we continue the tradition of recognizing someone who has tirelessly served WMHS with the “Heart of a Rebel”, yet did not graduate from WMHS. Tonight’s “Heart of Rebel” honoree needs little introduction. In fact, as the
voice of the Rebels, he is celebrating his 30th year of leading us through “traditions like no other” and Friday nights in Rebel Stadium. It’s hard to express the anticipation of hearing him proclaim “Your Rebels are approaching from the East” or the excitement of hearing him remind us “It’s Fri.....day....night, YOU’RE IN REBEL STADIUM, are you ready for foot....ball?” Many Friday nights in Rebel Stadium, he has kept us informed and cheering on our Rebels. He also scripted the Rebel team introduction video we enjoyed when the new scoreboard was introduced. But, beyond the famous Friday night traditions he created and carries on, Dr. Mark Fenn’s legacy of service extends to much more impactful acts. He helped establish the Rebel Mentoring Program for football players in which alums and local spiritual leaders checked in with current players throughout each week to encourage and lift them up as young men. The lessons learned and lifelong relationships formed through this program are irreplaceable. As Team Chaplain, Dr. Fenn is also one of the leaders of the team’s devotional times and a spiritual coach for players and staff members alike. Dr. Fenn and his wife Ann may not have graduated from WMHS, but they are the proud parents of Caleb, who serves in the US Navy, and his wife Anna, an educator, who are both WMHS graduates. They are also the proud grandparents of James and Emmy who are already learning how to be Rebels. In 2022, Louisiana Christian University named Dr. Fenn a Distinguished Alumnus, and tonight, we are honored to call him our 2024 “Heart of a Rebel” award recipient. Ladies and gentlemen, Dr. Mark Fenn.