By By Penny Randall / staff writer
March 14, 2004
Participants in the 2005 Meridian/Lauderdale County Junior Miss program have been practicing their physical fitness routine, preparing their talent and catching up on current events for months.
All this preparation will pay off for two young women who will be selected as winners next weekend when 29 high school juniors take the stage at the Temple Theatre.
Ten young women are competing for the title of Meridian's Junior Miss, while 19 are vying for Lauderdale County's title. The winners will advance to the Mississippi Junior Miss program July 29-31 in Meridian.
Here is a look at participants in the Meridian program:
Cori Eileen Waters, a student at Lamar High School, is the daughter of ML and Kim Waters. Cori will perform a jazz dance routine. She is undecided on her college, but plans to pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist.
Erien Renne Watson, a student at Meridian High School, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernie R. Watson. Erien will perform a selection on the cello. She plans to attend Spellman College and major in computers.
Elizabeth Menton McGinnis, a student at Meridian High School, is the daughter of Jim and Cindy McGinnis. Menton will perform a pointe dance routine. She is undecided on her college, but plans to pursue a career as a forensic analyst.
Samantha Chanel Brooks, a student at Meridian High school, is the daughter of Barbara Adams and Michael Brooks. Samantha will perform a monologue from "Romeo and Juliet." She plans to attend Florida A&M University. Her career goals are to be a advertising executive, actress or medical lab technician.
Madison Chapman Davis, a student at Meridian High School, is the daughter of Maury L. and Jayne C. Davis. Madison will play "Moonlight Sonata" on the piano during the talent competition. She plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi and major in pharmacy.
Aquila Sherell Kersh, a student at Meridian High School, is the daughter of Johnny Brooks and Jennifer Brooks. Aquila will recite poetry during the talent competition. She plans to attend the University of Missouri and major in broadcast journalism.
Kristina Lynn Makey, a student at Lamar High School, is the daughter of David and Jean Makey. Kristina will perform a dance and gymnastic routine to "I Saw Him Standing There." She plans to attend either the University of Georgia or the University of Mississippi; she wants to major in broadcast journalism with an emphasis in sports.
Cheryl Luquire, the daughter of Judy Luquire and the late Wayne Luquire, is a student at Lamar High School. Cheryl will sing "The Greatest Love of All." She plans to attend USM and major in law and music.
Brittany Sherrell Bumpers, a student at Meridian High School, is the daughter of Otis Bumpers Jr. and Evelyn W. Bumpers. Brittany plans to dance during the talent competition. She wants to attend Clark Atlanta College while pursing a career as an actress.
Violet E. DuBose is the daughter of Dr. Roger DuBose Jr. and Mary Brown. Violet will dance during the talent competition. She plans to attend Florida A&M University and pursue a degree in medicine.
Here is a look at Lauderdale County participants:
Jessica Leah Sylvester, the daughter of Tony and Joyce Sylvester, is a student at West Lauderdale High School. Jessica will perform a jazz routine to "I Move On" from the motion picture "Chicago." She plans to attend Ole Miss and become a nurse anesthetist.
Taylor Blaire Barham, a student at Lamar High School, is the daughter of Beth Barham. Taylor will sing "Black Velvet." She is undecided on her college, but plans to major in the arts and fashion design.
Kara Whitney Hull, a student at Northeast Lauderdale High School, is the daughter of Leslie and Robin Hull. Kara will play "America" on the piano. She plans to attend Ole Miss and major in pharmacy.
Jessica Ivy Rawson, a student at Northeast Lauderdale High School, is the daughter of Wayne and Rita Rawson. Jessica will perform a jazzy high impact aerobic dance to "Let's Get Loud." She plans attend Meridian Community College and then transfer to Ole Miss. Her career goal is to be an orthopedic surgeon.
Jessica Lynne Rutledge, a student at Southeast Lauderdale High School, is the daughter of Mike and Teresa Rutledge. Jessica will sing "Holy Spirit, Come Fill This Place." She plans to attend Mississippi State University and pursue a career as a nurse practitioner or neonatal nurse.