Central High School recognized the newest members of the Hall of Fame during Friday night’s football game. The Class of 2023 inductees are Mr. John Harman, Ms. Candice Reeves Babbs, Ms. Hayley Sims, and Mr. Tyler Terry.
John Harman is a 2012 Central High School graduate. During his time at Central, baseball was his passion over all other sports. He played four (4) years of varsity baseball where he saw much success. His sophomore year, he was picked to represent Team Georgia in the 2010 Team USA Junior All-Stars. While at Central he made the Times-Georgia All Area team three (3) years and his senior year was named All-Area co-pitcher of the year. In addition, the Georgia Dugout Club named him to their 2012 All-State baseball team. In his final pitching performance against Carrollton, John threw a complete game no-hitter to close the book on his high school pitching career.
After he graduated from Central, John went on to play four (4) years of collegiate baseball, two of which were at Darton Junior College and the final two at Western Kentucky University. In his two years at Darton, John was named to the All-Region baseball team and named an Academic All-American. He was a member of the 2014 National Junior College All American team. During his time at Western Kentucky University, John earned a starting pitcher role and faced several high-level division one schools such as Rice, Mississippi State, Southern Mississippi, Vanderbilt, and Georgia. He graduated from Western Kentucky in 2016.
John loves God, his family, his community and Central High School. John now resides here in Carrollton where he works for Southwire as a salesperson. His passion for baseball and Central High School continues. During his spare time, he regularly gives pitching lessons to many future Lions.
Candice Reeves Babbs, a 1988 honor graduate of Central High School, is being recognized for her academic achievement and involvement with her alma mater. During her time at Central she was a member of the math team, academic team, and lettered one (1) year in softball; Candice, or “Candy” as her classmates referred to her as, demonstrated leadership as a managing news editor for the school newspaper. Additionally, she participated in various clubs including Spanish Club, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and National Beta Club.
Candice was a contributing member of two state champion Problem Solving Teams and competed nationally. In addition to winning local oratory competitions, she won first place at the state level for both Extemporaneous Speaking in Literary and Impromptu Speaking in FBLA. In academics, she was named a National Merit Achievement Scholar receiving an accompanying scholarship. Upon graduation from high school and after accepting a Presidential Scholarship to Auburn University, Candice graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering.
Candice later earned a Masters in Business Administration (MBA), became a licensed Project Manager, and received the Distinguished Toastmaster status. She currently works for Tanner Health Systems as a Senior Systems Analyst. She founded her business, CDR Business Enterprises LLC, which provides efficient business and IT solutions.
In addition to her professional endeavors, as a community leader, Candice is an engaged member of the Victory Tabernacle Ministries in Carrollton, Georgia. Her commitment to nurturing young talent is evident through her seven-year tenure as the local chairperson of the Carroll County ACT-SO (Academic, Cultural, Technological & Scientific Olympics) program, where she facilitates and mentors local high school students in areas of STEM, entrepreneurship, visual arts and humanities for scholarship opportunities.
Candice served Central High School as a member of the Parent-Community Advisory Board under then Principal Mr. Jared Griffis. During the tenure of her three (3) daughters, all of which were honor graduates from Central High School, Maya in 2015, Tyra in 2018, and Kira in 2022, she was an athletic supporter for track and tennis. Candice was a devoted band parent for over 10 years with the Marching Pride and continues assisting with their website and other tasks to date.
Hayley Simms has been a product of the Central Cluster since kindergarten, attending Central Elementary School, Central Middle School, and Central High School. She graduated in 2015 with honors. Hayley was a three (3) sport athlete lettering in basketball, softball, and track and field.
Hayley was a four (4) year starter in basketball during her time at Central High School. She helped the Lady Lions Basketball Team win a Region Championship and move on to the Sweet Sixteen in 2014. In 2015, she helped the Lady Lions win a Region Championship and move on to the Elite Eight.
Hayley dominated as a Lady Lion Softball player during her career at Central High School. She helped lead the team to top three (3) finishes in the State Tournament, including State Runner Up in 2013. Hayley was named Region 4-AAA Softball Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2013, Times-Georgian All Area Softball MVP in 2013, and All-State First Team in 2013 and 2014.
In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Hayley was a student council class representative and participated in several clubs while excelling in all honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes.
Hayley earned a softball scholarship to Jacksonville State University (JSU). She went on to compete all four (4) years at JSU with 200 game appearances and 166 starts. She helped lead her team to winning four (4) Ohio Valley Conference Championships in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, and make three (3) NCAA Regional appearances in 2016, 2017, and 2018. During her time as a student athlete, Hayley was the Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner Honor Roll Student, served on the Ohio Valley Conference Student Governance Committee, and served as a Student Athletic Advisory Committee Representative.
Hayley graduated from Jacksonville State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education. She went on to earn her Master of Education in Literacy from Eastern Kentucky University. Hayley is an accomplished softball coach having served as a Graduate Assistant at Coastal Carolina University, Assistant Coach at Eastern Kentucky University and currently serves as an Assistant Coach for her alma mater, Jacksonville State University.
Tyler Terry is a 2016 graduate from Central High School, where he lettered all four (4) years in football and track and field. As team captain of the track team, Tyler racked up four (4) state titles while sweeping the 100-meter and 200-meter dash as a senior. Tyler also holds the Central High School record in the long jump with a leap of 24 feet ¾ inches. At the 2015 Georgia High School Athletic Association Track and Field State meet, Tyler performed the furthest leap of all classifications in the long jump with a leap of 23 feet ¾ inches. In addition to winning the long jump, he won the 300-meter hurdles at the same meet.
After high school, Tyler attended Hinds Community College on a Track and Field scholarship, where he was a six-time National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-American, three-time national champion, and a school record holder in the 400-meter and 4×100-meter relay. After two years at Hinds, Tyler graduated with an Associate of Arts degree and later transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU) on a full-ride track and field scholarship. At LSU, Tyler helped his team win an SEC team title and a national team title. Additionally, he became a two-time All-American, three-time All-SEC second team, and placed himself on LSU’s top 10 all-time marks four (4) times.
Tyler is finishing his bachelor’s degree in physiology and is training professionally in Atlanta, hoping to make the Olympic and World Championship teams for Team USA. Tyler also serves as an assistant track coach for Sprint Athletics track club in Atlanta, Georgia, where he trains young athletes.
Congratulations to 2023 Hall of Fame inductees John Harman, Candice Reeves Babbs, Hayley Sims, and Tyler Terry.
