Rita Maria Griffis, Emma Rogers, Hattie Zukas, Anna McDaniel of Toomsuba and Courtney Ellzey of Leakesville were among the contestants scheduled to participate Friday night, Jan. 20 in the Miss William Carey University Pageant.

Admission donations are earmarked for the Children’s Miracle Network.

Judging is based on talent, interview, evening gown and swimsuit categories. The Miss WCU Pageant is a preliminary for the Miss Mississippi Pageant.

Meridian woman completes basic training

United States Air Force Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Kendal J. Carpenter graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

Carpenter earned distinction as an honor graduate. She is the daughter of Dennis and Gayla Carpenter of Meridian and a 2012 graduate of Northeast Lauderdale High School. She earned an associate degree in 2014 from East Mississippi Community College, Scooba.

Airmen who complete the eight-week basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Mississippi Power volunteers on MLK Day

Mississippi Power employees joined in volunteering efforts in service to others on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In Meridian, nearly 30 employees and their families collected debris and cleaned up trash in and around Velma Young Park and the East End community.

“This is a very special day to pay tribute to what Dr. King stood for,” Mississippi Power President and CEO Anthony Wilson said in a statement. “Our company shares his deep-rooted belief in serving others, so this is the perfect time for our employees and their families to use this day to do something for their community. The collective effort of our employees’ volunteer spirit makes our region better, our state better and ultimately, makes our company better.”