Miss Mississippi

THE VICKSBURG POST

TOPIC SUNDAY, J une 24, 2012 • SE C TION C
LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR C2 | WEDDINGS C3
Karen Gamble, managing editor | E-mail: newsreleases@vicksburgpost.com | Tel: 601.636.4545 ext 137

Miss
THIS & THAT
from staff reports

Mississippi
Junior Auxiliary
receives award
The Junior Auxiliary of
Vicksburg is the 2011-2012
recipient of the Efficiency
Award for maintaining
national standards of
achievement.
The Efficiency Award
was created to recognize
administrative excellence
among chapters who meet
various filing and report-
ing deadlines throughout
the year according to the
National Association of
Junior Auxiliaries.

Benefit for artist
to buy FEMA trailer
A benefit is scheduled
July 1 from 2 to 4 p.m. at
the Firehouse Gallery,
1204 Main St., to help pur-
chase a FEMA trailer for
local artist Earl Simmons
who lost his home and art
workshop in a fire June 2.

Three from River City vie for the crown
The event will include
music and a silent auction
with more than 15 works
of art donated from art-
ists, including locals Ken- By Terri Cowart Frazier Miss University of
nith Humphrey, Jean Blue tfrazier@vicksburgpost.com Southern Missis- • Parade — 7 p.m. Monday
and Simmons. Anyone sippi Grace along Washington Street.
interested in donating, art Three Vicksburg women will be on the stage Claire • Competition — 8 p.m. Wednes-
pieces will be accepted this week during the annual Miss Missis- day- Saturday at Vicksburg Con-
through Thursday. For
Cordes
sippi competition, and Executive Direc- vention Center; $125 for four
information call 601-638- nights; $30 each for Wednesday
tor David Blackledge thinks it might
9221.
be the first time. and Thursday, $40 for Friday, $50
Miss Central Mississippi Elyssa for Saturday.
SCHC hosts events Lassiter, Miss University of South- • Miss Mississippi Awards Ball —
throughout July ern Mississippi Grace Claire Saturday after crowning; Vicksburg
Cordes and Miss Vicksburg Auditorium; $20.
The Southern Cultural Jeralyn Stuart, are among the
Heritage Center will host • Autograph parties — Monday

42 women vying for the title
events in July ranging night after parade at Outlets at
beginning Monday with the
from dance lessons to art Vicksburg; 10-11 a.m. Wednesday
crowning June 30.
and cooking workshops
Lassiter, who competed in at Geogre Carr Motor Company
at the Southern Cultural on South Frontage Road; 10-11:30
the Miss Mississippi Pageant
Heritage Center, 1302 a.m. Thursday at various mer-
last year as Miss Vicksburg,
Adams St. For information chants in downtown Vicksburg.
said she feels more comfort-
call 601-631-2997 or email • Judges workshop — 10 a.m. at
able in all phases of the com-
info@southernculture.org
petition for this year’s pageant. convention center, Saturday.
Ballroom dance les-
sons will be hosted by
“Last year I didn’t know what • Tickets — 601-638-6746.www.
to expect,” she said. “I feel more missmississippipageant.org.
Applause Dance Factory
relaxed and comfortable and I’m
owner James Frechette,
not focusing on a mold of what I
July 8 and 22 from 5 to 6
think they want.”
p.m. July’s dance is “The
Lassiter said she is planning Miss Central
Rumba.” Cost is $10. El
to look at iB Mississippi
A 4-day portrait-draw-
ing workshop will be the judges On TV ay
lis
•Th
Elyssa
as friends eV Lassiter
hosted by Jerrod Par-
tridge July 9-12 from 9 and not be and online ick
sb
ur
a.m. to noon. Cost is $180 a “bottle of g
The pageant will be shown at Po
for members and $190 for nerves.” st
8 p.m. Saturday in a live broadcast
nonmembers and includes Lassiter
plans to per- on WLBT. A webcast will run
supplies. on www.missmississippi-
The kids fun and form the
same flute pageant.com. Also fol-
healthy-cooking work-
shop for ages 8-12 will be solo she did low the pageant at
hosted by William Furlong in last year’s www.vicksburg-
July 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 pageant, but post.com and
p.m. Cost is $35. said she has on Twitter
A jellies and jams can- added a few by search-
ning workshop will be more “runs ing @
hosted by William Fur- in the piece MissM-
long July 24 from 5:30 p.m. of music.” SPag-
to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $35 for She is the
eant.
members and $40 for non- 23-year-old
members. daughter of
A Southern garden Dr. Ethel Las-
floral design workshop siter and is a
will be presented by Geni graduate of
Fulcher July 23 and Aug. Southern University
14, free and open to the and A&M College and
public. has a master’s degree
The Hobbs Freeman from Mississippi Col-
Arts and Nature Visual lege. She hopes to one
Art Competition will be day obtain a doctoral Stuart, who
judged by Andy Young degree and work as a plans to sing
and Ron Lindsey. Submis- video journalist. in the competition,
sions are due July 16 with For Stuart and Cordes, said, “I’ve been practicing
an exhibit scheduled July best friends since first for the talent portion of the pageant by singing at
19 at 6:30 p.m. grade, this is the first time church.”
they have competed in the Stuart is a 19-year-old student at the University
CelticFest Mississippi Miss Mississippi Pageant. Br
en
de Miss of Mississippi, where she is a biology major. She
Stuart is the daughter of n plans to become a doctor.
celebrates 21st year Jerry and Shirley Stuart, and
Nev
ill
e•T
Vicks-
Cordes, who also plans to sing, said she spends
he burg Jer-
The 21st annual Celt- Cordes is the daughter of Dr. Dale and Vic an hour a day practicing her vocals. She said
icFest Mississippi is Lyn Cordes.
ksb alyn Stuart she also is keeping an eye on current events and
ur
gP
planned Sept. 7 from 7 p.m. Stuart said she has been doing a lot of mental os
t She also said she has working out to keep physically fit.
to midnight and Sept. 8-9 preparations to ready herself for the pageant, done four to five mock interviews, a lot of “I’ve learned to pace myself to reach my special
from 10 a.m. to midnight which includes keeping a journal, praying and working out and shopping.
on the grounds of the talking to her mom and friends. See Pageant, Page C2.
Agricultural Museum in
Jackson.
The cost is $15 for an
adult weekend pass, $10
for seniors, $5 for ages 5-17
and $1 for younger than 4.
For more information, visit
www.CelticFestMS.org.

C2 Sunday, June 24, 2012 The Vicksburg Post

Beauty queen who shaved head wins Miss Alaska
ANCHORAGE, Alaska not shaving it to get attention. Chugiak-Eagle River when and something I hope they St. Baldrick’s and Headbands
(AP) — Just three months I’m not shaving it for public- she picked St. Baldrick’s for only have to go through once of Hope, which donates a
ago, Debbe Ebben had no hair. ity. I’m not shaving it because the public service project in their life,” she said. spandex headband to a sick
On June 16 she was crowned it’s a really easy hairstyle to that is required of all Miss As she approached the Miss child and $1 to St. Baldrick’s
Miss Alaska. go with. I’m shaving it for Alaska pageant contestants. Alaska pageant, she had to for every headband it sells.
Ebben shaved her head in them.” Baldrick’s gets its name from decide whether to keep the Bonnie Faulk, director of
March to raise more than Ebben’s brown hair had a combination of the words look. Her drastic haircut had the Miss Alaska Scholarship
$4,000 for the St. Baldrick’s grown back to a pixie cut “bald” and “St. Patrick.” The been done in honor of a child, Foundation, calls Ebben the
Foundation, which donates by the time she became the organization was founded by and she decided to let her hair epitome of the standards and
money for childhood cancer state’s top beauty queen last three insurance executives grow back, so that the hair- values of the program.
research. She said she did it weekend, but she says she who turned a St. Patrick’s cut wouldn’t be mistaken for “We are elated to have this
to let children who lost their will likely keep her hair short Day party into a head-shav- a gimmick. young woman serve us,” Faulk
hair because of cancer treat- when she represents Alaska ing event to help children with “I don’t want to be branded said. “She has worked harder
ments know that it is OK to at the Miss America pageant cancer. as the ‘bald beauty queen,”’ than many, many, many con-
be bald. in January 2013. Ebben said she got a feel she said. testants in many years.”
Choosing her words care- Miss Chugiak-Eagle River “I’ll let it do its thing for a of what the children go She’s had two haircuts since Ebben said her road to
fully, she said losing one’s hair Debbe Ebben while,” she said, laughing. “I’ll through. March, and her hair is 2 inches Miss Alaska has “been a long
should be special — whether and emotion behind it, and let consult the hair stylist before “Like children who are fight- at its longest. journey.”
it’s voluntary or not. them know why I’m doing it I go down.” ing cancer, losing my hair was In the upcoming year, she
“I wanted to put meaning — for the kids,” she said. “I’m Ebben was the reigning Miss a really emotional experience, said, she plans to work with

local happenings
In town
Vicksburg Farmers’ Market summer camps
4-7 p.m. Wednesdays and 8-11 a.m. Saturdays through July 28;
Washington and Jackson streets. Fun Time Summer Camp
Vicksburg Multicultural Arts Camp
8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday through July 27 at Jackson
8 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday at 1302 Adams St.; for ages 6-12;
2012 Heritage Music Series Street Community Center, 1023 Walnut St.; free; registration
$50; 601-631-2997, info@southernculture.org, www.southern-
through Wednesday; 601-634-4514.
• Milt Hinton Memorial Jazz Concert culture.org.
7 p.m. Saturday; free; The Ron Myers Group; Coral Room, 801
Clay St. Child and Parent Center
Summer Enrichment Camp YMCA Summer Fun Camp
• Red White & Blues honoring Willie Dixon
Through Friday; for ages 13-17 at the Americorps Campus; Through Aug. 7 for ages 5-12 at the Purks Y, 267 YMCA Place
Friday-July4; Fourth of July performances throughout Vicksburg and VerBeck Branch YMCA, 1884 Oak Ridge Road; $80 mem-
• Hank Jones Memorial Jazz Concert 601-634-0557.
bers, $90 nonmembers per week; 601-638-1071.
7 p.m. July 31; free; The Ron Myers Group; Coral Room, 801 Clay
St. Playland Fun Camp Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi
• Jericho Road Show 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and July 16-20 at The Vicks- Day camps and 3- and 5-day residential camps; for girls who
7 p.m. Aug. 31; $20; Ramblin’ Steve Gardner & Bill Steber; Coral burg Mall; 7:30 a.m. drop off; sessions include daily lessons have completed kindergarten through the 11th grade;
Room, 801 Clay St. by teachers, a pizza day and waterslide day; $115, lunch and
www.gsgms.org
• Dexter Allen snack included; www.playlandfun.com
8 p.m. Dec. 31; $75; B’nai B’rith Literary Club, 721 Clay. St.
Kicks for Hope Bowhunters archery camp
From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Tuesday at Camp Wilkerson,
8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Citadel and the “Fuzzy”
Southern Cultural Heritage Center Johnson ball park, Mission 66; summer soccer camp for un-
off Oak Ridge Road; for archers of all ages; basic archery skills
The annual Vicksburg Multicultural Arts Camp: 8 a.m.-noon and bowhunting; must bring their own equipment; $80; Delta
derprivileged children ages 6-14, sponsored by the Salvation
Monday-Friday for ages 6-12; $50; Beginners stained glass Outfitters, 601-618-8038, 601-629-4417, or 318-805-5911.
Army; camp includes crafts, vacation Bible school, lunches and
workshop: 5:50-7:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; the Rev. Mark nutritional snakes; free to qualified children; 601-636-2706.
Bleakley, instructor; $160 members, $170 nonmembers; basic Mount Carmel summer enrichment program
supplies included; reservations required; Hobbs Freeman Arts
Can’t Stop Singing! From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday through Friday until July 27;
and Nature Visual Art competition: July 2- 16 entries accept-
2015 Grove St.; for grades 1-8; offering reading and math en-
ed; 6:30 p.m. July 19 exhibit and judging, SCHC; three entries 8 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday at Warren Central High School;
richment exercises; $50 per week, $30 registration fee; 601-
per person for age categories 6 and younger, 7-12, 13-18 and show choir camp for first-eighth-graders; $90; 601-638-5122
638-9015 or 601-218-7465.
adult; www.hobbsfreemanartsand nature.com/competitions. ext. 160.
html; Four-day portrait-drawing workshop; 9 a.m.-noon-July
9-12; Jerrod Partridge, instructor; $180 members, $190 non- Art at Heart
members; supplies included; Canning Workshop: 5:30-7:30
Summer Enrichment Program 1-4 p.m. July 9-13 at 1915-D Mission 66; includes painting,
p.m. July 24; William Furlong, instructor; $35 members, $40 7:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Monday-Friday through July 20 at Kings printing and textiles for ages 7 and older; 601-415-9592, www.
nonmembers; reservations required; River Kids after-school Empowerment Center, 224 R.L. Chase Circle; includes sports, artatheart.webs.com.
art program: 4-5:15 p.m. Thursdays beginning Aug.30; free; for arts and crafts, academics and field trips; free lunch; cost TBA;
grades 1-6; Karen Biendenharn and Regina Renot, instructors; 601-634-4788, 601-634-4756.
limit 60 students; For information, contact 601-631-2997, email
info@southernculture.org, or visit www.southernculture.org.
For kids • Adib Sabir & Deeb Blues — July 8.
Vicksburg Theatre Guild • David Dunavent & Evol Love — July 15.
Performances: “West Side Story” 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17-18, Aug. 24- • Leaf River — July 22.
Mississippi Children’s Museum
25 and 2 p.m. Aug. 19 and 26; Tickets for main-stage plays: • Bill “Howl-N-Madd” Perry — July 29.
Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites; traveling exhibit
$12 for adults, $10 for 55 and older, $7 for students and $5 for
celebrating children’s books; through Aug. 29, 2145 Highland
younger than 12; tickets for “Gold in the Hills,” and other shows
Drive, Jackson; museum admission, $8, free for 1 and under; 9 Eddie Monsour’s at the Biscuit Company
vary; Contact: Parkside Playhouse, 101 Iowa Ave.; 601-636-0471
a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Sunday; www.mississip- 1100 Washington St., 601-638-1571
or www.vicksburgtheatreguild.com.
pichildrensmuseum.com.
• 8-11 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays — Karaoke.
Warren County Extension Office • 8 p.m. Wednesdays — Biscuit & Jam; open mic.
one-day computer classes
Nightlife • Thursdays — Ladies night.
Computer classes: Dr. John Giesemann, instructor; $20, prereg- Beechwood Restaurant & Lounge
istration required; Data Management in Excel, July 11-12; Pow- 4451 Clay St., 601-636-3761
Jacques’ Cafe at Battlefield Inn
erpoint, Aug. 8-9; Photos in Powerpoint, Sept. 6-7; Microsoft On stage, with a cover charge, at 9:15 p.m.:
4137 N. Frontage Road, 601-661-6264
Publisher, Oct. 17-18; File and Folder Management, Nov. 14-15; • Easy Eddie — Friday and Saturday.
1100 C Grove St., 601-636-5442, warren@ext.msstate.edu. • Dr. Zarr — July 7. • 9 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday — Karaoke.
• Snazz — July 13-14.
out of town • Back Forty — July 20-21. LD’s Kitchen
Red white and Jackson • Trey Hawkins — July 27-28. 1111 Mulberry St., 601-636-9838
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Smith Park and 7-9 p.m. Old Capitol Green Thurs- • 8:30 p.m. second and fourth Tuesday — Central Mississippi
day; free; includes live entertainment, food, vendors, crafts and Blues Society Band, local artists; free.
fireworks display; 601-948-7575, cbuchanan@greaterjackson- Ameristar Casino • 8:30 p.m. first and third Tuesday — Soul Unlimited and
partnership.com. 4116 Washington St. Sounds Unlimited; free.
601-638-1000, www.ameristar.com
Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts Free at Cabaret Lounge:
Roca Restaurant & Bar
The Mississippi Arts Commission is seeking nominations for the • Doug Allen — Variety; Friday-Saturday.
127 Country Club Drive, 601-638-0800
2013 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts; 5 p.m. Friday • Sinamon Leaf — Variety; July 6-7.
• 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays — Ben Shaw.
deadline; 601-359-6032, www.arts.state.ms.us, for nomination • Nu Corp — R&B/Variety; July 13-14.
forms. • Oliver’s Twist — R&B/ Variety; July 20-21.
The Upper End Lounge
• Memphis All Stars — Variety; July 27-28.
1306 Washington St., 601-634-8333
BodyWorks training program Free at Bottleneck Bar:
With a $3 cover charge:
9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 27 and Sept. 17; MSDH Central office, 570 E. • Double Down VJ; DJ/Dance — Fridays and Saturdays
• 7-11 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays — Karaoke.
Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson; “train the trainer” course to • Summertime Blues Festival — 4-7 p.m. Sundays
• 7-9 p.m. Thursdays — Ladies night.
help improve family eating and activity habits; free; registration • Heavy Sugah & the Sweet Tones — Today.
required, www.HealthyMS.com/bodyworks; 1-800-721-7222, • 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays — D.J.
• Willie Dixon Memorial Tribute — July 1.
www.HealthyMS.com.

Pageant
Continued from Page C1.
goal,” she said is pursuing a vocal perfor- platforms. Stuart has been fundrais- go toward her platform, Sup- through Friday at the con-
Cordes was diagnosed with mance and music educa- Lassiter is a certified ing for her platform, St. Jude porting Music Education in vention center, with a winner
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthri- tion degree with plans to Zumba fitness instructor Children’s Research Hospi- Schools. crowned Saturday night in
tis when she was 10, and said one day earn a DMA in vocal and hip hop aerobics teacher tal, by making quilts that she This year’s pageant fea- a live, televised broadcast.
she has achieved a personal performance. and has been teaching exer- plans to sell with the pro- tures 42 women 22 new and The winner will advance to
goal of running up to three Not only have the three cise classes at Wyatt’s gym ceeds going to the hospital. 20 returning. E vents kick off the Miss America Pageant in
miles making her joints women been preparing to in Vicksburg and at Hinds in Cordes is planning a ben- Monday with a downtown January.
stronger. compete in the Miss Missis- Utica. Her platform is “Lets efit concert with Hattiesburg parade followed by an auto-
Cordes is a 20-year-old stu- sippi competition, they have B.O.O.G.I.E.!” (Banish Our musicians for the Founda- graph party at the Outlets
dent at the University of also been actively involved Obesity Growth through Ini- tion of Music Educators in at Vicksburg. Preliminary
Southern Mississippi and in helping promote their tiating Exercise). Hattiesburg. Proceeds will competition runs Wednesday

THE VICKSBURG POST

Miss mississippi SUNDAY, J une 24, 2012 • SE C TIO N D
Karen Gamble, managing editor | E-mail: newsreleases@vicksburgpost.com | Tel: 601.636.4545 ext 137

Race for the crown
42 women to begin quest
for Miss Mississippi Monday
By Terri Cowart Frazier
tfrazier@vicksburgpost.com

Forty-two women will vie for the 2012
Miss Mississippi crown as the pageant
celebrates its 55th year in Vicksburg.
The weeklong event begins today as
contestants arrive. The annual down-
town parade is planned for Monday
night. Contestants on Wednesday will
begin the three nights of preliminary
competition leading up to Saturday If you go
night’s live televised pageant, during Miss Mississippi Pageant activi-
which the top 10 will be named and a ties will run this week. For tickets
winner will represent the state in the or information, call 601-638-6746
Miss America Pageant 2013 scheduled or visit www.missmississippipag-
for January.
eant.org.
Other events throughout the week
include autograph opportunities and a
• Monday — 7 p.m. parade along
Miss Mississippi Awards Ball after the Washington Street, followed by
crowning. autograph party at the Outlets at
Contestants ages 17-24 are divided Vicksburg.
into three groups for preliminary • Wednesday — 8 p.m. prelimi-
competition, which consists of private nary competition at VCC, $30;
interview, talent, evening wear with tickets for all four nights, $125.
on-stage question and swimwear. • Thursday — 8 p.m. preliminary
This year’s pageant features 22 first- competition at VCC, $30.
time and 20 returning contestants. • Friday — 8 p.m. preliminary
Eleven of the returning contestants competition at VCC, $40.
are competing for the second time, • Saturday— 10 a.m., Judges
four for the third time, four for the
Workshop, at VCC.
fourth time and one will be retuning
8 p.m. final competition and
for the fifth time. Forty-five women
competed in the 2011 pageant. crowning at VCC, $50; Miss Missis-
The theme for this year’s show is sippi Awards Ball after crowning,
Once Upon a Crown and will fea- at Vicksburg Auditorium, $20.
ture some of the state’s past reign-
ing queens. Amy Jackson, producer
for the show, said that 14 former Miss
On TV and Online
Mississippis are scheduled to make
The pageant will be shown at 8
appearances throughout the week, and p.m. Saturday in a live broadcast
some will perform in the production. on WLBT. A webcast will run on
Those expected to participate are www.missmississippipageant.
1957 Miss Mississippi Mary Imogene com. Also follow the pageant at
Allen, 1962 Charlotte Ann Carroll, www.vicksburgpost.com and on
1978 Cheri Brown, 1980 Donna Pope, Twitter by searching
1981 Karen Hopson, 1988 Carla Haag, @MissMSPageant.
1992 Kandace Williams, 1993 Lenena
Holder, 2000 Christy May, 2002 Jenni-
fer Adcock, 2003, Allison Kellogg, 2005
Kristian Dambrino, 2006 Taryn Foshee The first Miss Mississippi was
and 2010 Sarah Beth James. crowned in 1934 in Biloxi and four
Hosting this year’s show are Dietz women from Mississippi have been
Osbourne, a Nashville, Tenn., per- crowned Miss America — Mary Ann
former, and 2009 Miss Kentucky Mal- Mobley of Brandon in 1959, Lynda Lee
lory Ervin, who was fourth runner-up Mead of Natchez in 1960, Cheryl Pre-
witt of Ackerman in 1980 and Susan file•The Vicksburg Post
to Miss America 2010.
A webcast can be viewed at www. Akin of Meridian in 1986. Sarah Beth James, 2010 Miss Mississippi, crowns Miss North Central Mississippi Mary Marga-
missmississippipageant.com, and on ret Roark as the 2011 Miss Mississippi at the Vicksburg Convention Center on Saturday night,
Twitter. last summer.

2011 - Mary Margaret Roark, Cleveland
Past Winners
1990 - Beth Howell, Clinton 1971 - Jennifer Jo Blair, Tupelo 1952 - Dora Lee Livingston, Yazoo City
2010 - Sarah Beth James, Madison 1989 - Cherry Busby, Tupelo 1970 - Christine McClamroch, Columbus 1951 - Jesse Wynn Morgan, Newton
2009 - Anna Tadlock, Brandon 1988 - Carla Haag, Hattiesburg 1969 - Jane Carol Foshee, Hattiesburg 1950 - Anie Laurie Roberts, Hattiesburg
2008 - Christine Kozlowski, D’Iberville 1987 - Toni Seawright, Moss Point 1968 - Mary Linda Mills, McComb 1949 - Katherine Wright, Pascagoula
2007 - Kimberly Morgan, Taylor 1986 - Kimberly McGuffee, Mendenhall 1967 - Joan Stephanie Myers, Forest 1948 - Virginia Hollingsworth, Kosciusko
2006 - Taryn Foshee, Clinton *1985 - Susan Akin, Meridian 1966 - Robbie Robertson, Hattiesburg 1947 - Kitty Blevins Bailey, Oxford
2005 - Kristian Dambrino, Grenada 1985 - Nan Sumrall, Hattiesburg 1965 - Patricia Alice Puckett, Columbus 1946 - Lennie Nobles, Greenwood
2004 - Jalin Wood, Waynesboro 1984 - Kathy Manning, Drew 1964 - Judy Simono, Vicksburg 1945 - Harriet Jane Carr, Marks
2003 - Allison Kellogg, Madison 1983 - Wanda Gayle Geddie, Hattiesburg 1963 - Jan Nave, McComb 1944 - Sarah Ann Topp, Tupelo
2002 - Jennifer Adcock, Hattiesburg 1982 - Dianne Evans, Taylorsville 1962 - Charlotte Ann Carroll, Eupora 1943 - Arminta Scott, Corinth
2001 - Becky Pruett, Laurel 1981 - Karen Hopson, Vicksburg 1961 - Annice Jernigan, New Albany 1942 - Dorothy Elizabeth Fox, Columbus
2000 - Christy May, Pontotoc 1980 - Donna Pope, McNeil 1960 - Patricia McRaney, McComb 1941 - Madeline Theresa Smith, Winona
1999 - Heather Soriano, Philadelphia *1979 - Cheryl Prewitt, Ackerman *1959 - Lynda Lee Mead, Natchez 1940 - Carolyn Simon, Greenville
1998 - Melinda King, Waynesboro 1979 - Sherye Simmons, Jackson 1959 - Betty Jane Porter, Brookhaven 1939 - Doris Coggins, Baldwyn
1997 - Myra Barginear, Grenada 1978 - Cheri Brown, Meridian *1958 - Mary Ann Mobley, Brandon 1938 - Frances Carlisle Sykes, Aberdeen
1996 - Kari Litton, Pontotoc 1977 - Mary Donnelly, Oxford 1958 - Margie Lou Wilson, Itta Bena 1937 - Virginia Helen Riley, West Point
1995 - Monica Louwerens, Greenville 1976 - Bobbye Wood, Hattiesburg 1957 - Mary Imogene Allen, Yazoo City 1936 - Rachel Ann Smith, Booneville
1994 - Rebecca Blouin, Batesville 1975 - Mollie Magee, Mendenhall 1956 - Martha Tisdale, Hattiesburg 1935 - LeFrance Boyett, Sumner
1993 - Lenena Holder, Booneville 1974 - Diane Bounds, Gulfport 1955 - Carolyn Cochran, Lucedale 1934 - Madolyn Hardy, Belzoni
1992 - Kandace Williams, Tupelo 1973 - Kathleen Ann Coole, Gulfport 1954 - Celest Hill Luckett, Clarksdale
1991 - Missy Hurdle, Holly Springs 1972 - Glenda Cheryl Meadows, Richton 1953 - Susan Dugger, Picayune * - went on to become Miss America
See page D7 for more information.

D2 Sunday, June 24, 2012 The Vicksburg Post

MISS AMORY RAILROAD FESTIVAL MISS CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI
Ashley Forester Elyssa Lassiter
Hometown: Holly Springs Hometown: Vicksburg
Age: 22 Age: 23
Talent: Vocal Talent; Flute
Platform: Service for Sight Platform: “Let’s B.O.O.G.I.E.! (Banish
Biography: Forester is working toward Our Obesity Growth through Initiat-
a Master of Education in clinical mental ing Exercise)
health at the University of Mississippi. She Biography: Lassiter graduated from
is a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Honor Southern University with a bachelor’s
Society, Psi Chi National Honor Society, degree in Spanish and mass commu-
Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society and Delta nication. She received a master’s de-
Gamma sorority. She is also an Ole Miss gree in applied communication from
Ambassador, a Dewees Alumni Scholar, a Mississippi College. She was included
D.A.R. Scholar and a Luckyday Scholar. in Who’s Who Among American Col-
leges and Universities, a Chancellor
Scholar and on the dean’s list. She
was a recipient of Guaranty Broad-
casting and Capitol Correspondents
Association Scholarships and ob-
tained an internship at CNN Headline
News in Atlanta.

M i ss M i s s i ss i p pi 2 012 M iss M ississip p i 2012

MISS CLINTON MISS DEEP SOUTH
Jamie Shannon Ferguson Kimberly Dianne Page
Hometown: Clinton Hometown: Ellisville
Age: 18 Age: 19
Talent: Vocal Talent: Vocal
Platform: You Are Loved Platform: CareBooks: Healing the Small-
Biography: Ferguson plans to attend Mis- est Among Us Through Children’s Litera-
sissippi College. She was a member of the ture
Mississippi All-State Honor Choir for six Biography: Page is a student at the Uni-
years and won first alternate and talent versity of Southern Mississippi where
in Clinton’s Distinguished Young Woman she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in
2012 competition. She was Miss Clinton’s polymer science. She is a student in the
Outstanding Teen in 2011 and placed in Honors College and is a Luckyday Schol-
the top 10 and was awarded the Wayne ar. In high school, she was in the Beta
J. Sutter Memorial Scholarship. Ferguson Club and a member of the show choir.
serves as a youth representative on the Page is a member of the Delta Gamma
Pastor Parish Relations Committee at Wells sorority.
United Methodist Church.


MISS DELTA BLUES MISS DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY
Ashley Hamby Tori Jenkins
Hometown: Madison Hometown: Lawton, Okla.
Age: 19 Age: 20
Talent: Dance Talent: Dance
Platform: Moving Toward a Cure for Parkin- Platform: Children’s Miracle Network
son’s Biography: Jenkins is working toward a
Biography: Hamby is a student at Mississip- Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting
pi State University majoring in communica- at Delta State University. She served as
tion with an emphasis in broadcasting. She senator for the Student Government As-
is a member of Phi Mu sorority. She placed sociation and as treasurer in 2011-2012.
in the top 10 at the 2010 Miss Mississippi’s She was the recipient of the Lawton-Fort
Outstanding Teen Pageant and was a non- Sill Art Guild Scholarship and is a mem-
finalist talent winner in the 2011 Miss Missis- ber of Kappa Pi International Honor-
sippi Pageant. One of Hamby’s dreams is to ary Art fraternity. Jenkins is a Delta Belle
skydive in her wedding dress. Dancer and is a member of the Phi Mu
sorority.


MISS DIXIE MISS DOGWOOD FESTIVAL
Marie Wicks Laken Hood
Hometown: Ocean Springs Hometown: Blue Springs
Age: 22 Age: 22
Talent: Piano Talent: Vocal
Platform: eyeS.T.A.R.-Eyesight To All Re- Platform: Coasters for the Cure
gions Biography: Hood graduated from the Uni-
Biography: Wicks is majoring in French versity of Mississippi with a degree in bi-
and international studies with a minor ology and a minor in psychology. She is
in chemistry at the University of Missis- a member of the Gamma Beta Phi Honor
sippi. She was inducted into the 2012 Ole Society and was a Diamond Girl for the Ole
Miss Hall of Fame, was the winner of the Miss baseball team. At Itawamba Communi-
Young Writer’s Competition for the Lon- ty College, Hood was a member of Phi Theta
don-based literary journal “Slightly Foxed Kappa Honor Society, was selected to the
Quarterly” and a member of Phi Beta Kap- Hall of Fame, and was an Indian Delegation
pa and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies. She member.
is a Newman Scholar, Croft Scholar and is
in the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors
College.


The Vicksburg Post Sunday, June 24, 2012 D3

MISS HATTIESBURG MISS HEARTLAND
Arrielle Marie Dale Anna Beth Higginbotham
Hometown: Meridian Hometown: Hattiesburg
Age: 18 Age: 20
Platform: Leaping the Scales Smoke Free Platform: “Power Up and Play Hard!”
Biography: Dale is attending the Univer- Healthy Lifestyles for Kids
sity of Southern Mississippi where she is Biography: Higginbotham is a student at
majoring in theater with a minor in dance. the University of Mississippi where she is
In high school she was involved with the majoring in journalism. She is the recipi-
Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi, a ent of a Competitive Edge Scholarship and
member of the student government and is an Ole Miss Ambassador. She is serv-
a member of social service clubs. She has ing as the philanthropy chairman of Delta
performed in the Rose Theater in New Delta Delta sorority. She was named Forrest
York. County’s Junior Miss and was second alter-
nate to Mississippi’s Junior Miss.


MISS HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE MISS HISTORIC SOUTH
Lindsey Claire Muse Jessica Terrill
Hometown: Raymond Hometown: Starkville
Age: 20 Age: 21
Talent: Dance Talent: Piano
Platform: The Purple Reader Project Platform: First Book
Biography: Muse is studying business ad- Biography: Terrill is studying broadcast-
ministration at Hinds Community College. ing and public relations at Mississippi
She is a President’s Scholar, received ACT, State University. She is a president’s and
Luckyday and Heritage scholarships, and dean’s list scholar and is part of the Alpha
was selected to Who’s Who Among Stu- Lamda Delta and Phi Kappa Phi honor so-
dents in American Community and Junior cieties. She served as producer for the uni-
Colleges. Muse was Mississippi’s National versity’s “ThisWeek@MSSTATE” and was
American Miss Top Model, Miss Teen Metro chosen as a student broadcaster for MSU’s
Jackson, Miss Teen Deep South and Miss Ju- Bagley College of Engineering.
nior Teen Metro Jackson.


MISS ITAWAMBA COMMUNITY COLLEGE MISS JONES COUNTY
Randi Kathryn Harmon Danielle Ashley
Hometown: Amory Hometown: Laurel
Age: 19 Age: 20
Talent: Vocal Talent: Piano
Platform: P.E.A.C.E. for Children (Physical Platform: Take Care of Your Heart
Exercise And Careful Eating) Biography: Ashley is studying English lit-
Biography: Harmon is studying communi- erature at Mississippi College. She is a presi-
cation with an emphasis in public relations dent’s list scholar, a member of the Alpha
at Itawamba Community College. She was Chi Leadership Society, Omicron Delta Kap-
awarded the Amory Pilot Club Scholarship, pa, Mortar Board and Mississippi College
ICC Academic/Leadership Scholarship and Scouts. She has served as the class secretary
the ICC Indian Delegation Scholarship, and for the Student Government Association
was a top 10 finalist in the 2011 Miss Teen and is serving as a Junior Senator.
Mississippi USA pageant.


MISS LEAF RIVER VALLEY
Jerrilyn Lake
Hometown: Hattiesburg
Age: 22
Talent: Vocal
Platform: Dropout Prevention
Biography: Lake graduated magna cum
laude from Alcorn State University with a
degree in English literature and is pursuing
a Master of English Education degree. She
was a dean’s list scholar, a member of the Na-
tional Honor Society, selected for Who’s Who
Among American Colleges and Universities
and elected historian of Alpha Kappa Alpha
sorority.

M i ss M i s s i ss i p pi 2 012


MISS MADISON COUNTY MISS MAGNOLIA
Chassidy Sumler Makel Hutchins
Hometown: Flora Hometown: Saltillo
Age: 18 Age: 18
Talent: Vocal Talent: Dance
Platform: Preventing Childhood Obesity Platform: Being an advocate and philan-
Biography: Sumler is studying biology at thropist for Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital
the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Biography: Hutchins graduated from
She was chosen by first lady Michelle Saltillo High School and served on the stu-
Obama to speak alongside her and New- dent council. She was on the Academic
ark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker, on one of the Honor Roll, selected to The National So-
first lady’s “Let’s Move” programs. Sumler ciety of High School Scholars, received
also was chosen for the National Associa- the United States Achievement Academy
tion of Collegiate Scholars. Award for Student Excellence in Leader-
ship Merit Award and has danced with The
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker.


MISS MERIDIAN MISS METRO JACKSON
Bonnie Blue Dulaney Kennitra L. Thompson
Hometown: Collinsville Hometown: Jackson
Age: 19 Age: 22
Talent: Piano Talent: Dance
Platform: Hands On Hearts: CPR Certifi- Platform: The Krown Klub
cation Biography: Thompson is studying mass
Biography: Dulaney is studying bio- communication at Jackson State Univer-
medical engineering at Mississippi State sity. She was Miss Black Mississippi USA
University. She is a president’s list scholar, in 2010 and was in the top 15 of Miss
a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Black USA. She was Miss Junior Teen
Honor Society and the Shackhouls Hon- Jackson in 2004, third runner-up in Miss
ors College. She was selected as a Jun- Junior Teen Cities of America 2005 and
ior Panhellenic Delegate and is an MSU is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha
Roadrunner student recruiter. Dulaney is sorority.
a member of the Phi Mu sorority.


MISS MID SOUTH MISS MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE
Caroline Conerly Taylor Townsend
Hometown: Hattiesburg Hometown: Flowood
Age: 21 Age: 19
Platform: Arts Education Advocacy Platform: Human Trafficking Awareness
and Funding Biography: Townsend is studying pre-
Biography: Conerly is studying educa- med at Mississippi College. She is a dean’s
tion at the University of Mississippi. She list scholar, an MC Scout and a member
was the only recipient of the Bryce Mc- of the Revellion Show Choir. She was a re-
Mahan Leadership Scholarship and has cipient of the Leadership Scholarship and
been cast in theater productions at Ole was selected for London Semester Study
Miss, including Puccini’s “Suor Angelica” Abroad program. Townsend is a member
and “Seussical.” She was a non-finalist of the Swannanoa Social Tribe.
talent winner at Miss Mississippi 2011.

M i ss M i s s i ss i p pi 2012 M iss M ississip p i 2012

MISS MISSISSIPPI DELTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Amanda Chandler
Hometown: Lambert
Age: 21
Talent: Vocal
Platform: Fighting the War Against Drug
Addiction
Biography: Chandler is studying nurs-
ing at Mississippi Delta Community Col-
lege. She received the MDCC Feigler Fam-
ily Scholarship, is a member of Phi Theta
Kappa and was elected president of the
ADN Nursing Club for 2013. She was in
Who’s Who Among High School Students
and was the salutatorian of her graduat-
ing class.



MISS NATCHEZ TRACE MISS NEW SOUTH
Chelsea Rick Jennifer Seymour
Hometown: Fulton Hometown: D’Iberville
Age: 22 Age: 22
Talent: Vocal Talent: Dance
Platform: H.U.N.G.E.R. Helping the Under- Platform: Soldier Support
nourished in our Nation Gain Eating Re- Biography: Seymour is studying biomedi-
sources cal sciences at the University of South Ala-
Biography: Rick graduated from Millsaps bama. She is chapter president of Alpha
College with a B.S. degree in biology with Omicron Pi and is an ambassador for the
Honor Distinction and a minor in faith and USO Gulf Coast. She is a dance instructor for
work. She is in her first year of medical Broadway South Dance Studio in Mobile,
school at William Carey University College Ala., and every member of her immediate
of Osteopathic Medicine. Her honors in- family is involved with the United States Air
clude being selected for Who’s Who Among Force.
College Students in American Colleges and
Universities, Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Eta
Sigma, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Sigma Lambda
and Beta Beta Beta, and a Lilly Fellow. Rick
was a Miss Mississippi top 10 finalist in 2009
and 2010.

M i ss M i s s i ss i p pi 2012 M iss M ississip p i 2012

MISS NORTH CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI MISS NORTHRIDGE
TaNechi Temple Lauryn Lee
Hometown: Corinth Hometown: Tupelo
Age: 20 Age: 19
Platform: Finding a Voice: Supporting Platform: Raising Awareness of Eating Dis-
Victims of Abuse orders
Biography: Temple is studying psychol- Biography: Lee is studying music education
ogy at Mississippi State University. She is at Itawamba Community College. She is a
the first soprano section leader of MSU member of the ICC Chamber Choir, was a top
Chorale and MSU State Singers. She 10 finalist in the Indian Idol collegewide vo-
serves as the president of the University cal competition and won second place in the
Choral, State Singers Council and Mis- Union County talent competition. She works
sissippi State University Praise Chorale. at the ICC fitness center and is a Newk’s Deli
In high school, she was a superior-rated shift leader.
drum major in 2007-2009.


MISS PINE BELT/GULF COAST MISS PONTOTOC
Shelby Ryals Lauren Rosado
Hometown: Hattiesburg Hometown: Pontotoc
Age: 21 Age: 22
Platform: Mission: Nutrition Platform: D.R.E.A.M. (Developing Reading
Biography: Ryals is studying biology at Wil- Education Across Mississippi)
liam Carey University. She is a president’s and Biography: Rosado is studying paralegal
dean’s list scholar, a member of Carey Con- studies with a minor in English at the Uni-
nection and the Student Foundation. She re- versity of Mississippi. She serves as a trans-
ceived the presidential scholarship at WCU fer orientation leader, is a Legal Studies
and the Women In Medicine scholarship at Student Association Paralegal Representa-
the Miss Mississippi Pageant 2011. tive and a delegate for the Applied Sciences
Program. In 2006 and 2007, she placed in
the top 10 at Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding
Teen Pageant.


MISS RIVERBEND
Julie Amelia Falgout
Hometown: Hattiesburg
Age: 23
Talent: Dance
Platform: Humanizing the Homeless
Biography: Falgout is a graduate of Jones
County Community College with an asso-
ciate degree in psychology/criminology.
She is studying pre-med at William Carey
University and is a student intern at Ellis-
ville State School. She is a member of the
Zeta Tau Alpha sorority where she served as
pledge class president.


Contestant Groups

After Monday’s 7 p.m. parade along Wash- • 8 p.m. Thursday — Talent
ington Street, contestants will sign auto- • 8 p.m. Friday — Evening wear and on-stage
graphs at the Outlets at Vicksburg. Other au- question
tograph opportunities will be offered during
the week, at George Carr Motor Co. on South
Frontage Road and along Washington Street Group C
in downtown. Autograph-signing: 10-11:30 a.m. Thurs-
day along Washington Street in downtown
Vicksburg:
Group A • Miss Riverbend Julie Falgout
Autograph-signing: 10-11:30 a.m. Thurs- • Miss Natchez Trace Chelsea Rick
day along Washington Street in downtown • Miss Miss. Delta Community College Aman-
Vicksburg: da Chandler
• Miss Riverland Patty Turner • Miss Historic South Jessica Terrill
• Miss Northridge Lauryn Lee • Miss Mississippi College Taylor Townsend
• Miss Delta Blues Ashley Hamby • Miss Meridian Bonnie Dulaney
• Miss Central Mississippi Elyssa Lassiter • Miss Metro Jackson Kennitra Thompson
• Miss Mid South Caroline Conerly • Miss Spirit of the South Jasmine Murray
• Miss Hattiesburg Arrielle Dale • Miss Deep South Kimberly Page
• Miss University Kayla Snow • Miss Magnolia Makel Hutchins
• Miss Madison Ariel Cheng • Miss New South Jennifer Seymour
• Miss Madison County Chassidy Sumler • Miss Clinton Jamie Ferguson
• Miss Delta State University Tori Jenkins Group B • Miss Dogwood Festival Laken Hood
• Miss Dixie Marie Wicks
• Miss William Carey University Kenna Spiller
• Miss Jones County Danielle Ashley Autograph-signing: 10-11 a.m. Wednesday • Miss Heartland Anna Beth Higginbotham
• Miss University of Southern Mississippi
• Miss Mississippi State University Stephanie at George Carr, 2950 S. Frontage Road: Contest Schedule:
Grace Claire Cordes
Stanford • Miss North Central Miss. TaNechi Temple • 8 p.m. Wednesday morning— Interview
• Miss Southland Kimberly Crawford
• Miss Hinds Community College Lindsey- • Miss Pontotoc Lauren Rosado • 8 p.m. Wednesday — Evening Wear and on-
• Miss Amory Railroad Festival Ashley For-
Claire Muse • Miss Vicksburg Jeralyn Stuart stage question
ester
• Miss Leaf River Valley Jerrilyn Lake • Miss Southern Magnolia Jennifer Cain • 8 p.m. Thursday — Swimwear
• Miss West Central Mississippi Breanne Pon-
Contest Schedule: • Miss Tupelo Megan Rohman • 8 p.m. Friday — Talent
der
• Monday morning— Interview • Miss SW Miss. Community College Andre’El • Miss Pine Belt/Gulf Coast Shelby Ryals
• 8 p.m. Wednesday — Talent Brown Contest Schedule:
• 8 p.m. Thursday — Evening wear and on- • Miss Itawamba Community College Randi • Tuesday morning — Interview
stage question Harmon • 8 p.m. Wednesday — Swimwear
• 8 p.m. Friday — Swimwear


MISS WEST CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI MISS WILLIAM CAREY UNIVERSITY
Breanne Ponder Kenna Spiller
Hometown: Mount Olive Hometown: Petal
Age: 22 Age: 19
Talent: Vocal Talent: Piano
Platform: Remembering Our Forgotten He- Platform: Smiling Through Scoliosis
roes Biography: Spiller is studying elementary
Biography: Ponder is a graduate of the education at William Carey University and is
University of Southern Mississippi with a a president’s list scholar. She was a dancer
Bachelor of Arts degree in communication in the Mississippi All-State Lion’s Band in
studies. She was a member of the Com- 2009 and was a delegate to Mississippi Girl’s
munications Studies Association, Phi Theta State in 2010. She was Petal’s Junior Miss
Kappa Honor Society, Circle K International 2011 and was a top 10 finalist.
Community Service Club, and was an Eagle
Ambassador. She was Miss Mississippi USA
2010 and placed in the top 10 at Miss USA.

Miss America

Mary Ann Mobley Lynda Lee Mead Cheryl Prewitt Susan Akin

Miss America 1959 Miss America 1960 Miss America 1980 Miss America 1986

Miss Mississippi 1958 Miss Mississippi 1959 Miss Mississippi 1979 Miss Mississippi 1985
Brandon Natchez Ackerman Meridian

Miss Mississippi

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