The Krewe of Ceres annual Charity Ball is Feb. 22 and members have been busy raising money for local organizations like United Way, Brookhaven Animal Rescue League, Friends of the Library and Folds of Honor.

The Krewe has announced the following young women as their 2014 maids.

Meridith Parke Allen

Meredith Parke Allen is the daughter of Ricky and Kelly Allen. She is the granddaughter of Sharon Calhoun and the late Carrol Calhoun, Dianne Allen and the late John E. (Buddy) Allen.

Meredith was a 2012 honors graduate of Brookhaven Academy. She was included in the A and B Honor Roll, National Honor Society, and Mississippi Scholars. She was also a varsity cheerleader, softball and tennis player. She was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Editor of the Brookhaven Academy Millennium Yearbook, Service Club, Lincoln County Teenage Republicans, Junior Auxiliary Crown Club, and Les Belles De L’Hospitalite.

Meredith’s awards in high school include Highest Average in Advanced Algebra, UCA All American Cheerleader, Softball Team Captain, Tenth grade Most Beautiful, Best School Spirit, Senior Class favorite, Junior High Miss BA, High School Miss BA, 2012 Homecoming Queen, Class Officer, and selected to attend the Academic Betterment Competition in History. She was crowned 2012 Lion’s Club Queen.

Meredith attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College her freshman year. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Trailblazers, yearbook staff, and a tennis player. She was also on the Vice President’s list. She won NJCAA All-State for Women’s tennis in #3 doubles. She was awarded the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship and the Compass Scholarship.

Meredith is a sophomore at Mississippi State University majoring in Elementary Education. She participated in co-ed softball intramurals, co-ed tennis intramurals, and co-ed kickball intramurals. She attends Pinelake Baptist Church in Starkville.

She is a member of Fair River Baptist Church in Brookhaven.

Leah Elizabeth Boyd 

Leah Elizabeth Boyd is the daughter of Eric Boyd and Michelle Boyd. She is the granddaughter of Roger and Ann Boyd of Brookhaven, and Millie Jones and the late George Jones of Meridian.

Leah was a 2012 special honors graduate of Brookhaven Academy. She was a Mississippi Scholar, on the All A’s Honor Roll, a member of the Student Council, and President of Brookhaven Academy’s National Honor Society Chapter. Leah competed in the Academic Betterment Competition every year of high school and placed first in Accounting her senior year, and was Academic Scholar of the Month in October 2011. She was a Distinguished Young Woman participant and was the winner of the “Be Your Best Self” essay competition. Leah was a varsity cheerleader and member of Junior Auxiliary Crown Club and Les Belles de Hospitality.

Leah attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She is currently a student at the University of Southern Mississippi majoring in Mathematics, Licensure. She plans to receive her Masters in Mathematics, Licensure to teach math at the high school or junior college level.

She is a member of Faith Presbyterian Church in Brookhaven, MS.

Rachel Morrow Gardner

Rachel Morrow Gardner is the daughter of Clint and Holly Gardner. She is the granddaughter of Dotty Mills of Zachary, La., and the late Dr. Albert Mills III, and Mr. and Mrs. Cheney Mason of Longwood, Fla., and the Rev. and Mrs. Joe Gardner Jr. of Mount Olive.

Gardner was a 2012 graduate of home education. During high school she was a member of Les Belles de l’Hospitalitié, the Junior Auxiliary Crown Club, serving as Treasurer, and the Lincoln County Teenage Republicans, where she served as Secretary.

Gardner is a member of Faith Presbyterian Church and was active in its youth group during high school and served as a music leader. She traveled with her church to Corozal, Belize on mission trips in both 2010 and 2012. She volunteered as a Leader in Training at Twin Lakes Summer Camp after her 9th-grade year, and as a counselor at Camp Barnabas, a camp for children with special needs, after her senior year.

Gardner was involved in many areas of community service including: Vacation Bible School, Impact Sports Camp, Special Needs Soccer League, Angel Tree, Food Pantry, Toys for Tots, Ole Brook Festival, Brookhaven Day at the Capitol, Skin Cancer Awareness Seminar, Milk and Cookies with Santa, Brookhaven Christmas Parade, Tour of Homes and Brookhaven Outreach Ministries.

Gardner enjoyed studying piano and classical ballet, where she was an assistant teacher. Gardner was the first homeschooled student in Lincoln County to be named a Mississippi Scholar, she received the President’s Volunteer Service Award, Lincoln County Teenage Republicans Citizenship Scholarship, and an Academic Excellence Scholarship to the University of Mississippi.

Gardner is a sophomore at the University of Mississippi majoring in Occupational Therapy. She is a member of Phi Mu Sorority, and is active in Reformed University Fellowship, serving on its ministry team. She is a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, was listed on the University of Mississippi Dean’s Honor Roll all three semesters, and is a member of Gamma Beta Phi and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies. While in Oxford, Gardner attends Christ Presbyterian Church and volunteers in its Kids’ Café. She has also served in The Big Event, RUF Spring Retreat, and as a volunteer note taker.

Gardner’s brother, James Gardner, served as an aide to the court in 2013.

Kathryn Elizabeth Howell

Kathryn Elizabeth Howell is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Gregory A. Howell. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Redding of Clinton, and the Rev. Glenn Howell and the late Mary Howell of Magee.

As a local high school student, Howell maintained her position on the All “A” Honor Roll while being actively involved within the community. She excelled as a pianist at the competitive level and as a member of the First Edition Speech and Debate Team.

She represented Brookhaven and Lincoln County at the Trent Lott Leadership Institute and at the Mississippi Governor’s School.

Within the community, Howell was a member of the Les Belles De L’Hospitalite, a volunteer with the Doug Sullivan Memorial Thanksgiving Luncheon, a member of the Junior Volunteers at King’s Daughters Medical Center, a little sister in the Lincoln County Junior Miss Program, and an active member of First United Methodist Church. Howell fulfilled her passion for serving others outside of the community as a missionary to the countries of Honduras, Nicaragua, and Ecuador through Baptist Medical and Dental Missions International, United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, and Servants in Faith and Technology.

Howell continued to represent Brookhaven and Lincoln County at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, where she graduated as valedictorian in 2012. As a student at MSMS, Howell was a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Academic Team, Young Republicans, and Future Physicians of America. She served as a student council representative, senior class treasurer, Mu Alpha Theta Tournament Chair, and an MSMS Emissary. She was named a Vel Anthony Scholar, Miss MSMS, a Mississippi Scholar, and was added to the MSMS Hall of Fame.

Howell is currently a Trustee Scholar at Mississippi College, where she is majoring in Biology-Medical Science with minors in Biochemistry and Spanish. She is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, a student member of the American Chemical Society, and a President’s List Scholar.

In the summer of 2013, she studied abroad at Veritas University in San Jose, Costa Rica. She is currently a Blue and Gold 101 mentor, a teacher’s assistant within the Chemistry/Biochemistry Department, a volunteer at Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital and a member of the Nenamoosha Social Tribe, where she serves as chaplain.

Ashley Erin Mezzanares

Ashley Erin Mezzanares is the daughter of Brian Mezzanares and Diana Mezzanares. She is the granddaughter of the late Paul and late Hilda Mezzanares, the late Frank Bradley and the late Joy Chandler.

Ashley was a 2012 honors graduate from Brookhaven High School. She was named a Mississippi Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, and the National Technical Honor Society. She was also a member of the BHS Spanish Club, Earth Connections, Future Business Leaders of America, and Diamond Girls. She was a member of the Junior Auxiliary Crown Club, Angel Tree Program, and volunteered for the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League. She spent thirteen years as a Nena Smith dancer.

Ashley received many awards in high school, including sophomore class favorite, junior homecoming maid, senior belle, and hall of fame Nena Smith dancer. She placed 2nd in district and 6th place regional in Future Business Leaders of America Desktop Publishing. She also received 1st place district and 3rd place state in the 2011 reading fair.

Ashley is a sophomore at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. She is majoring in Biological Sciences for Pre-Dentistry. She is a member of the Co-Lin Trailblazers, Student Voices, President’s Council, and serves as the Diamond Doll’s captain. She also participates in the Baptist Student Union, Art Club, Centurions, and the Food Service Committee. She is an active member of Phi Theta Kappa, Pi Beta Lambda, Sigma Kappa Delta, and the Alpha Omega Science Club.

Ashley is a current volunteer for Doll’s House and participates in philanthropy events for Blaire E. Batson, the American Heart Association and Lawrence County’s Pregnancy Crisis Center.

She is a member of First Baptist Church in Brookhaven, Mississippi.

Sallie Pendley

Sallie Pendley is the daughter of Terry Pendley and Hope Reeves. She is the granddaughter of Doyle and Julia Pendley and Mark and Carol Foster.

Sallie was a high honors graduate from Brookhaven High School in 2012. She was a part of the National Honor Society, Earth Connections, Spanish Club, varsity cheer squad and soccer team. She was an all-star cheerleader at Gym of Dreams for many years. She was also a member of the Junior Auxiliary Crown Club and Les Belles De L’Hospitalite. She was a junior maid on the 2010 Homecoming court, voted class favorite her sophomore and junior year, and elected as a senior Belle. She was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for Cheerleading and placed on the All American Cheerleading team. She received awards for highest average in Botany, Zoology and Mythology.

Sallie graduated from Co-Lin with a 4.0 GPA and received an Associate’s degree in Elementary Education in December of 2013. She was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society and Co-Lin’s Who’s who. She is continuing her study of Elementary Education at Mississippi State University.

She is a member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Brookhaven. Her sister Julia served as a maid in 2011.

Paige Smith

Paige Smith is the daughter of Chris and Lynn Burke and Jimmy Smith. She is the granddaughter of Julia and Sonny Walters, and Gerald and the late Etta Burke, and of the late Earl and Annie Ruth Smith.

Paige was a 2012 honor graduate of Brookhaven High School. She was named to the All A and B Honor Roll, The National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society. She was also a member of the BHS Spanish Club, Health Occupation Students of America, and was the BHS Homecoming Production Student Director. She was also a member of the Brookhaven High Fast Pitch Softball Team. She was a member of the Junior Auxiliary Crown Club and Les Belles De L’Hospitalite.

While in high school Paige was a Junior Volunteer for King’s Daughter’s Medical Center and for the Exchange Club. She received the Brookhaven Lion’s Club Citizenship Award and the Brookhaven Technical Center Award for highest average in the Allied Health Program.

Paige is a sophomore at Copiah Lincoln Community College where she majors in Biology to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Co-Lin Trailblazers. She is also a member of Copiah Lincoln Food Service Committee. She is a Diamond Doll for the Co-Lin Baseball team. She participated in the Trillium Beauty Pageant and was selected as a top ten beauty. She was recently selected as a Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges.

Paige attends Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Brookhaven, MS.

Ashley Dalton Stephens

Ashley Dalton Stephens is the daughter of Marty and Carolyn Stephens. She is the granddaughter of Mary George Collins and the late Robert McKinley Collins, and Clara Roley Stephens and the late Clinton Stephens.

Ashley was a 2012 Honors Graduate from Brookhaven High School, where she was an honor roll student and a member of the National Honor Society. In addition at BHS she was a member of the Spanish Club, was a student director for the Homecoming Committee and a member of the National Technical Honor Society. She was also a varsity cheerleader.

Ashley was voted most talented and class favorite at BHS, received the HOSA award, and student of the month. She was voted 1st alternate in Lincoln County’s Jr. Miss program where she received the Best Interview Award. She also was a contestant in the ABC show “Duets” with Kelly Clarkson.

Ashley is currently a sophomore at Middle Tennessee State University majoring in Music Business/Recording Industry. There, she is an initiated member of Chi Omega Sorority where she participates in many fundraisers benefiting St. Jude and Make A Wish Foundation.

Ashley is a member of First Baptist Church where she participates in the choir.

Courtney Colleen Williams 

Courtney Colleen Williams is the daughter of Lester and Deborah Williams. She is the granddaughter of Maudell Smith and the late Howard E. Smith and Agnes Williams and the late Wayne Williams.

Courtney was a 2012 honors graduate from Brookhaven Academy. She was a Mississippi Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society. She was also a member of the service club, book club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, annual staff, prom committee, a varsity cheerleader and a member of the tennis team.

She was a member of the Junior Auxiliary Crown Club, Angel Tree Program and Les Belles De L’Hospitalite.

Courtney was chosen as a page for the Mississippi Senate. She received the Mark Case Scholarship Award. Courtney was selected as Brookhaven Academy’s representative for the Lincoln County Junior Auxiliary and was selected for Who’s Who among American High School students.

Courtney is a sophomore at Mississippi State University where she is majoring in Biological Sciences with a concentration in nursing. She is a member of Beta Beta Beta Biological Sciences Honors Society, Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Society, Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Med Honor Society and is a member of the Mississippi State Student Association. She is a member of the Phi Mu Sorority.

She is a member of New Sight Baptist Church in Brookhaven.

Terah Elizabeth Winborne

Terah Elizabeth Winborne is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stan E. Winborne. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Doris Winborne and the late Mr. George E. Winborne and Mr. and Mrs. James H. Lambert, all of Brookhaven.

Terah was Valedictorian of Brookhaven Academy in 2012 and named to the Hall of Fame. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Service Club and the Quiz Bowl team. Terah also served as Student Council President her senior year. She won many awards in high school, including highest GPA in multiple courses. Terah was selected as Most Outstanding, Most Athletic, and Most Likely to Succeed. She was also selected to the Homecoming Court as Football Maid.

Terah was a member of the BA Varsity Basketball Team, which won the 2011 MAIS Overall Championship. She was named to the All District, AA South State, AA State, and Overall Tournament teams. She was chosen as Most Valuable Player and named “Miss Basketball” on the Daily Leader’s All-Lincoln County Girls Dream Team for 2011 and 2012. She was also selected to the MAIS All-Star Basketball Team and was chosen as the Most Valuable Player for the South team. As a member of the BA Varsity Tennis Team, she earned state titles for AA #2 Singles, AA Mixed Doubles, and AA #1 Doubles. Terah also competed on the BA Varsity Softball Team where she was selected as Most Valuable Player and was chosen for the MAIS All-Star Softball Team. She was co-captain of the BA Varsity Cheerleading Squad and selected as a NCA All-American Cheerleader. Terah was also a member of the Varsity Track team, winning first place in district and south state competitions for the 1600M and 3200M runs, and was chosen as the Most Valuable Female Track Athlete.

Terah competed in the Distinguished Young Women of Lincoln County Scholarship Program where she was selected as 2nd Alternate. She was selected as a Top 10 State Finalist for the Wendy’s High School Heisman. Terah was also the recipient of the Don Souder Award for the most outstanding female student athlete throughout all the member schools of the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools.

She was a Senate Page for then Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant and a summer volunteer for Kings’ Daughters Medical Center. She was named as a Les Belle and served as Vice-President of Brookhaven Junior Auxiliary’s Crown Club.

Terah is presently a sophomore at Mississippi State University where she is majoring in Chemistry. She is a member of the Shackouls Honor College and is on the President’s list. She is currently serving as a MSU Department of Chemistry Ambassador, a Foundation Ambassador and as a member of the Department of Chemistry Demonstration Team.

Terah is an active member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Pre-Dental Society, MSU Student Association and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society where she is serving as President. She is an active member of Chi Omega Sorority presently serving on the new member committee. She continues her volunteer work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Starkville Chapter of Habitat for Humanity and the Palmer Home for Children.

She is a member of First Baptist Church in Brookhaven.