Submitted photoPosing with their trophies are Maria Hopson, first place winner, Trinity Smith, second place winner, and Shy’keria White, third place winner, in the 13-17-year-old group at the Mississippi Action for Progress Head Start Association's Dancing With the Stars contest.

The Lauderdale County Council, part of the Mississippi Action for Progress Head Start Association, along with Happy Smiles Dentistry, hosted a dance contest for all ages March 2 at the Boys and Girls Club, as part of a fundraiser for scholarships that will be awarded to graduating seniors.

The group raised more than $700, according to Council President Betty Thomas. 

“We are so excited that the event was a success and all proceeds will benefit the Lauderdale County Council Scholarship Fund,” Thomas said. “This year we are planning to award scholarships to eligible students in Meridian who have been a part of the Head Start Program.

“The scholarship contestants will enter by essay; sharing how the program has benefited their education, and we are looking forward to hearing from our students.  Head Start really is just that, a head start to education, and those results are seen in the classroom and beyond.”

Students can find out requirements and more about the scholarships from their school counselors.

Winners and participants from the Dancing with the Stars event: wd 

3-5-year-old group: 1st, Nayomi McClendon, Forest Head Start Center; 2nd, Dezirah Rowe and Jahmeiah Brunson, Charles Young Head Start Center; 3rd,  Ceniyah Lang and Ceriyah Lang, Charles Young Head Start Center. Also participating, Makynlee Smith and Ahsia Blanks.

6-12-year-old group: 1st, Aiden Blanks.

13-17-year-old group: 1st, Maria Hopson; 2nd, Trinity Smith; 3rd, Shy’keria White. 

Father and Daughter: 1st, Zariya Townsend and Tobias Griffin.  

Youth livestock show raises $34,000

Local businesses turned out Jan. 17 for the 2019 Lauderdale County Livestock Show to buy the market animals that are raised by students in the 4-H and FFA programs. The agriculture programs raised almost $34,000 for families who have invested time and money into the livestock market projects that went on the auction block. 

The students then take their animals to the Southeast District show in Hattiesburg order to qualify for their premium money from the county, said Shani Hay, an agent with the Lauderdale County Extension Service. The purchase is tax deductible for the buyers and they also get a freezer full of fresh beef, lamb or pork if they choose. The animal is taken to the processor for the buyer where the buyer decides how they want it. 

“It is a win/win for both buyer and seller,” Hay said. “Lauderdale County is home to a fantastic group of supporters for our kids.”

If you would like to get involved in the Junior Livestock program, call the Mississippi State University Extension office for Lauderdale County at 601-482-9764. 

Cheryl Owens writes the Neighbors column for The Meridian Star. Submit items to cowens@themeridianstar.com.