By Staff
special to The Star
Oct. 27, 2002
In recent months, participants in this year's Fashionetta program have been busy with self-improvement workshops as well as community service projects.
On Nov. 2, 13 young ladies known as Alpha Jewels will be presented during "Fashionetta 2002 Images of Elegance, Rosebuds of Beauty." The program will be at 7 p.m. in the McCain Theater on the campus of Meridian Community College.
A trademark of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Omicron Beta Omega Chapter, the program presents the opportunity to showcase an array of talent and fashion.
This year's Alpha Jewels have been active in workshops, activities and rehearsals preparing for the program. Workshops included: Lets Talk Manners; Fashion Focus; Poise, Polish and Pizzazz; Soar with Sales; Health Issues; and Respect Yourself.
They have also enjoyed pizza parties and attended worship services together.
The sorority gave a Pink and Green Reception for the participants, escorts and their parents. The Alpha Jewels also attended a performance of the Alvin Ailey dancers.
The Alpha Jewels and escorts have given back to the community by collecting canned goods for a local charity, participating in "Coats For Kids" for the sorority's National Coat Day on Oct. 17; selling suckers for the American Red Cross; and purchasing stuffed animals for the child-abuse shelter.
Fashionetta is the sorority's fund-raising project to generate funds for educational and community service projects. Since its chartering 1983, Omicron Beta Omega Chapter has awarded college scholarships to seniors in Clarke, Lauderdale and surrounding counties in East Mississippi and West Alabama.
One of the sorority's major community service projects is its commitment to the Boys and Girls Club of Lauderdale County. This program provides educational and leisure activities for youth during the summer.
Tickets for Fashionetta 2002 are $10 for adults and $5 for students with identification. Tickets can obtained from Alpha Jewels as well as sorority members.
Cassandra Johnson is president of Omicron Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Participants will be divided into three categories: Miss Petite Fashionetta, Miss Junior Fashionetta and Miss Senior Fashionetta.
The Alpha Jewels are:
Bianca LaShai Brooks, 10, is the daughter of Carlotta and Mack Larkin. Brooks is a student at Oakland Heights Elementary School
Her career ambition is to be a lawyer. She is a member of Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church and the Youth Voices Choir. She is an honor roll student and has received the Citizenship Award.
Her escort is Na'Carde McCoy, son of Barbara McCoy.
Airiel Nicole Hearn, 7, is the daughter of Kristie and Gerald Hearn.
She attends First Union Baptist Church and Free Gospel Temple. She is a student at Poplar Springs Elementary School, where she is on the honor roll. Her career ambition is to be a movie star.
Her escort is Richard Cameron Adams, son of Marsha Smith and Michael Adams.
Krystal Ball, 15, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leatha and Luke Ball. She attends Ebenezer Baptist Church and is a student at Kate Griffin Junior High School. Her career ambition is to be a pediatrician. She enjoys cheerleading and gymnastics
Her escort is Zachary Ball, son of Vanita Ball.
Laj E. Reine Brooks, 14, is the daughter of Larriette and Paul McCune. She attends Malboro Heights Missionary Baptist Church and is a student at Northwest Junior High School. Her career ambition is to be a singer
Brooks is a spelling bee winner and honor roll student.
Her escort is Justin Baylor, son of the Rev. Gregory and Lou Ann Baylor.
Tamra Daniels, 14, is the daughter of Linda Daniels and Wilbur Templeton. She is a member of Haven Chapel United Methodist Church and attends Northwest Junior High School. Her career ambition is to be a psychologist.
Daniels is an honor roll student and has received softball and spelling bee awards.
Her escort is Schumphert McIntosh II, son of Tammie and Schumphert McIntosh Jr.
Marquita Ferrell, 15, is the daughter of Teresa Ferrell and Steven Lee.
She is a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church and a student at Kate Griffin Junior High School, where she received the track award.
Her escort is Errick Bell, son of Elizabeth Bell and Earl Hudson.
Erica Danielle Turner, 13, is the daughter of Angela Marie and Ronald Joe Turner Sr.
She is a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church and a student at Northwest Junior High School. Her career ambition is to be a medical doctor.
Turner received the 2000-2001 Most Hustle Award at Bishop Byrne Middle School and the MVP for Redbirds Summer Softball League 2002.
Her escort is Ronald Joe Turner II, son of Angela and Ronald Turner Sr.
Tavia Brown, 18, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Brown. She attends Mt. Bethel Baptist Church and is a student at Meridian High School.
Her career ambition is to be a lawyer. Brown is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Who's Who and Future Child Care Leaders of America.
Her escort is Quarius Hodges, son of the Rev. and Mrs. Stanely Coleman.
Denishia Darden, 17, is the daughter of Lazarus and Margaret Darden. She attends IDMR Church and is a student at Meridian High School.
Her career ambition is to be a professional dancer and visual effects artist.
She has received several first place dance awards and is an honor roll student.
Her escort is Dwight Ducksworth, son of Shelia Ducksworth.
Angelica Edmond, 15, is the daughter of Cathy and Leonard Powell and Fay and Robert Edmond. She attends El Bethel Baptist Church and is a student at Meridian High School.
Her career ambition is to be a doctor. Edmond is an honor roll student. She received the highest reading score, was the second place science fair winner and was the outstanding peer helper.
Her escort is Aaron Yarbrough, son of Valerie Yarbrough.
Brittany V. Kelly, 15, is the daughter of Richard and Ceatrice Kelly. She attends Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church and is a student at West Lauderdale High School.
Her career ambition is to be a pediatrician. Kelly is a West Lauderdale cheerleader and honor roll student. She is a piano student, a member of West Lauderdale Chorus, Sweet Spirits Inspirational Choir, Mt. Olive Youth Choir, TATU and Partnership for a Healthy Lauderdale County.
Her escort is Jeffrey W. Taylor, son of Andrea S. Jones and J.W. Taylor.
Sharlene A. Ruffin, 17, is the daughter of Glenda and Ples Ruffin. She attends Wahalak Baptist Church and is a student at Meridian High School.
Her career ambition is to be an attorney/computer technologist. She is a member of Who's Who Among American High School Students. She has received cadet trophies, a basketball award and the perfect attendance award.
Her escort is Ricco Thomas, son of is Cynthia and Foster Nelson.
Tiffanee Rochelle Spates, 15, is the daughter of Jacquelyn Lynn Brown and Robert Lee Spates Jr.
She is a member of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church and a student at Meridian High School. Her career ambition is to be a cosmetologist.
She is an honor roll student, and received the Cadet of the Month and Academic Achievement awards.
Her escort is Marchelo McIntosh, son of Tammie and Schumphert McIntosh Jr.