special to The Star



Jessie Fortson of Meridian will represent her home state at the America’s Homecoming Queen Scholarship Program. The competition will be held in August in Anaheim, Calif.

Fortson represented West Lauderdale High School at the state competition, which was held in April in Jackson.

A 2008 honors graduate of WLHS, Fortson had a 3.96 grade point average. In addition to being crowned West Lauderdale’s 2007-2008 homecoming queen, she was a member of the National Honor Society, The Student Council and served as class president her senior and junior years. She also was named Class Favorite.

Fortson was a member of Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), having served as vice president and president. At state competition, she won first place in creative problem-solving.

An avid tennis player, Fortson won both singles and doubles in competitions this year.

Fortson will begin studies at the University of Southern Mississippi this fall. She plans to pursue a bachelor of science degree in nursing and then further her studies to become a nurse anesthetist.

Fortson is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Fortson of Meridian. She is an active member of Central Methodist Church.