SUBMITTED PHOTO

Warner Parkes of Nanih Waiya, left, and Mallory Turner of Collinsville.

special to The Star

    Warner Parkes of Nanih Waiya and Mallory Turner of Collinsville were recently selected Mr. and Miss East Central Community College by a vote of the student body.

Warner Parkes

    A 2013 graduate of Nanih Waiya Attendance Center, Parkes is an active part of East Central’s student body participating in various campus organizations and clubs as well as being a member of two of ECCC’s athletic teams.

    He is a member of Warrior Corps, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Phi Theta Kappa, President’s Council and is an officer for the Student Body Association. He is a member of the Warrior Cheerleader Squad and is a manager for the Warrior basketball teams. Parkes said his hangout spot on campus is Brackeen-Wood Gymnasium.

    “When I am not studying or attending class, I am helping Coach (Crandall) Porter and his basketball team #BelikeaGiraffe”

    Parkes said he loves EC because of its size and student/teacher ratio.

    “It is easy to know every face you see and all the teachers remember your name,” he said.
    Participating in intramural sports is one of the campus activities Parkes said he enjoys most. His fondest memory of EC was during his sophomore year playing intramural softball.

    “We had (team) shirts made that said “Barn Boys” (in reference to Parkes’ off-campus residence) and we were actually pretty decent.”  
    Parkes is an optometry major. The Dean’s and President’s lists scholar said he enjoys playing basketball and fishing in his spare time.
    After receiving his associate’s degree at East Central, Parkes said he plans to continue his education at the Mississippi State University.
    Parkes is the son of Tammy and Luke Parkes of Nanih Waiya.


Mallory Turner

    A 2013 graduate of West Lauderdale High School, Mallory Turner is a campus leader and athlete who says she treasures the relationships she has made while attending East Central the most.

    As a member of the Lady Warrior softball team, Turner can most often be found at the softball field; however, it is during the teams’ weekly Bible study that she said is her favorite on-campus activity.

    “It is such a bonding experience as a team,” Turner said. 
    Even though Turner focuses on her sport, she still makes time for her academics and campus leadership roles. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Baptist Student Union, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and an officer of the Student Body Association.

    Turner was selected class vice president, Class Favorite, homecoming maid and received the Softball award her freshman year. Her sophomore year, she was selected homecoming maid. Turner said serving on the homecoming courts her freshman and sophomore years are some of her favorite memories of her years at ECCC.

    Turner said she is most inspired by Lady Warrior softball head coach Kristin Chaney.
    “On Dec. 7, Coach Chaney was saved and has completely been living for Christ since,” Turner said. “It is so awesome to have a coach who loves the Lord.”
    Turner is a nursing major and plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi.
    She said in her free time she enjoys playing Ultimate games such as Frisbee, Ninja and Heads-Up.
    Turner is the daughter of Charlie and Patty Turner of Collinsville.