After her second year participating in the Ms. Excellence Pageant, Rashawn Anna McLendon of Morven won a scholarship of $1,000 — the Alberta Ingram Memorial Scholarship.
The pageant was the culmination of a four-month program, during which girls raised money, learned four different praise dances, and heard from a professional woman about self-esteem and hard work. The girls also took a trip to Emerald Point’s Wet and Wild water park.
McLendon, 16, raised more than $1,000 for the church ministry of Voices of Evangelism Church of God in Christ of Morven in Anson County.
According to Lisa Morman, many of the congregation members travel from Rockingham to attend the church.
The pageant program was Morman’s idea, which she said has developed into a program that “fosters self esteem and introduces them to professional women.”
This year the guest speaker was Von Kinloch, former television news producer at WSOC -TV Channel 9 in Charlotte, and current Bank of America’s VP Communications, Global Marketing/Corporate Affairs.
“She spoke about following your dreams regardless of obstacles, that was her theme,” said Morman. “She’s a breast cancer survivor.”
McLendon said she found the message “helpful” and knows she can make her future count. She plans to attend community college for two years, then transfer to a larger university to study Sociology.
“I like helping people, and being raised in a church, I can tell people that God will help you,” said McLendon.
As she heads into her senior year at Anson High School, she is looking at colleges she will apply to in the future.
McLendon said her mother and father, Phyllis and Billy McLendon, were there to support her, along with aunts and uncles. She missed seeing her brothers Billy McLendon Jr. and Terry Melton.
The Ms. Excellence Pageant is open to girls for next year. If you are interested in participating, call 910-817-7372.
— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@heartlandpublications.com.
Post a Comment
