By Staff
Carrie Jones, above, Lauderdale County's Junior Miss, practices "Rustle of Spring," by Christian Sinding, for the talent portion of the competition. Photo by Carisa McCain/The Meridian Star
By Ida Brown/The Meridian Star
July 29, 2001
It has been a busy summer for Carrie Elizabeth Jones, Lauderdale County's 2002 Junior Miss.
While she has been preparing for this week's Mississippi Junior Miss Program, Jones also been focused on making a difference in the lives of others. Just two weeks ago, the Lamar High School senior traveled to Amsterdam, Holland, with her church's youth group as part of World Changers Ministries.
In June, Jones traveled to Charleston, S.C., with her church's youth group for another ministry. Between her travels, she prepared for the state Junior Miss Program.
As with her ministries, the daughter of Michael and Paulette Jones is committed to Junior Miss. Her introduction to the program was as a Junior Miss Little Sister for the local program.
Through the influence of her piano teacher and her mother, Jones decided to enter a local program.
Not only did Jones win the Lauderdale County title, but also received the presence and composure and scholastic achievement awards during the competition.
Although a little nervous about the state event, she has heeded the advice of Jennifer Hermetz and Bridgett Kennedy, Meridian and Lauderdale County's 2001 Junior Misses.
Having studied piano since third grade, Jones will perform "Rustle of Spring" for her creative and performing arts presentation.
She is most looking forward to meeting the other Junior Miss contenders.
The aspiring engineer major is undecided on which college she will attend, but has narrowed the list to the University of Southern Mississippi or Mississippi State University.
Her honors and awards include Highest Honors, Highest Grade Point Average for Year in geometry, Highest GPA for year in Algebra II, pre-calculus, anatomy and physiology; National Honor Society and MPSA Honor Society; National French Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta; listed in "Who's Who Among American High School Students;" nominated for Governor's School; musical achievement awards and Beta Club.
Jones usually embarks on at least one mission trip each year. Through her youth group at First Baptist Church, she has participated in Missionfuge Venezuela, First Baptist Church Choir Tour-Kentucky and Matthew 25 Ministry. She said she plans to continue on mission ministries throughout her lifetime.