Miss East Marion
Adrinae Aikens
Adrinae J’Nayla Asta Aikens is the daughter of Adrianna Taylor and Jamel Aikens. She is the grandchild of Pastor Geneva and Pierre Hall, Reverend Steven and Valerie Aikens, Jay and Janice Harvey, and Charles Echols. She is an active member of the Blue Springs CME Church where she is under the leadership of Pastor Dana Turner. At church, Adrinae is a member of the Voices of Angels Youth Choir and the Angels of Praise Dance Team. At East Marion, Adrinae has been a part of several clubs and organizations such as FCCLA, Beta Club, National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. She is also a part of the Lady Eagles volleyball, basketball, track, softball and powerlifting teams. She is a powerlifting and shot put state champion. After graduation, Adrinae has plans to attend Mississippi State University where she plans to pursue a degree in biochemical engineering.
Adrinae is being escorted by her grandfather Reverend Steven Lavon Aikens, affectionately known as “Paw Paw Steve.” He is the loving husband of Valerie Aikens.
Mr. East Marion
Ja’Lon Johnson
Ja’Lon Darnell Johnson is the son of Jarmella Johnson and Randy Sartin. Ja’Lon has been a student at East Marion since pre-K. During his time at East Marion, he has been involved in various organizations, including the East Marion High School Marching Band, senior editor of the yearbook staff, Technology Student Association and is currently serving as vice president of the senior class. After graduation, Ja'Lon plans to attend Alcorn State University to major in biology (pre-med). He then intends to further his education at Baylor College of Medicine to earn his doctor of medicine degree and pursue a career as a surgeon.
Ja’Lon is being escorted by his mother, Jarmella Johnson, an East Marion High School graduate of the Class of 2001.
Freshman Maid
Miss Haven Diane Rawls
Haven Diane Rawls is the daughter of Hattie and Kevin Rawls Sr. and the granddaughter of Diane Aikens and Robert Aikens and Florine and the late Ray Charles Rawls. She is a member of New Life Fellowship Church in Columbia where Pastor Terry L. Weems is the pastor. She has attended East Marion since sixth grade. At East Marion, she is a member of the East Marion volleyball team. When she graduates, she wants to attend Jackson State University and major in business administration. After college she plans to be a real estate agent.
Haven is being escorted by her brother, Kevin Antjuan Rawls Jr. Kevin is the son of Hattie and Kevin Rawls.
Sophomore Maid
Miss Takeiya Haynes
Takeiya Shanice Haynes is the daughter of Cedric and Latrecia Brent and the granddaughter of Lillie Foxworth and the late George Foxworth. She is a member of Christian Union Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Carl Bullock and First Lady Queen Bullock. Takeiya resides in the Lampton community and has been a student at East Marion since pre-K. At East Marion, she is a part of the volleyball, softball and cheer teams where she serves as manager. When she graduates, she wants to attend Ole Miss or Southern University to be an ultrasound technician or dental hygienist.
Takeiya is being escorted by her godfather, Mr. Isaac Haynes. Issac is the husband of Wanda Brown Haynes and the proud son of Mrs. Maggie Lee Haynes.
Junior Maid
Miss Tijuana Allen
Tijuana Jai Allen is the daughter of the late Lawanda Conerly and Timothy Allen. She is a member of Hub Community Baptist Church where Rev. Ronnie Mackabee is the pastor. She has been a student of East Marion since third grade. At East Marion, she has been a part of various organizations and clubs such as Color Guard, Ladies of Perfection dance team, Lady Eagles softball, yearbook staff, National Honor Society, HOSA, Student Council and Technology Student Association. Upon graduation she plans to attend Southwest Mississippi Community College and later Alcorn State University to become an obstetric ultrasound technician.
Tijuana is being escorted by her older brother, Johnathan Charles Conerly. Johnathan, affectionately known as “Buddy,” is the son of the late Lawanda Conerly.
Senior Maid
Miss Ashyia Crowther
Ashyia Ka’lai Crowther is the daughter of Marie Newson and Reginald Crowther, and the granddaughter of Ray Newson and the late Gwen Newson, whom she holds dear to her heart. She is also the granddaughter of Tolectia Crowther. Ashyia is a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Columbia, where Rev. David Daniels serves as pastor. She has attended East Marion since pre-K and has been actively involved in various organizations, including the East Marion cheer team, Beta Club, National Honor Society and the volleyball team. After graduation, Ashyia plans to attend Alcorn State University to major in sports management.
Ashyia is being escorted by her father, Reginald Crowther, a graduate of East Marion High School.
Activity Maid
Miss Jada Burton
Jada Alise Burton is the daughter of Acqunetta Daniels and Jeronn Burton and the late Quenton Pittman. She is a member of New Zion United Methodist Church under the leadership of Rev. Vivian Brown-Toussaint. She has been a student at East Marion since pre-K. At East Marion, she has been a part of various organizations and clubs such as National Honor Society, FCCLA and Beta Club. Upon graduation she plans to attend Pearl River Community College to major in radiology and diagnostic medical sonography.
Jada is being escorted by her grandfather, Willie L. Burton, the son of Mattie Daniels and the late L.J. Daniels. He is married to Twala Peters Burton.
Athletic Maid
Miss Chyna Denise Wells
Chyna Denise Wells is the daughter of Falon Wells and Kendrick Brown, and the beloved granddaughter of the late Annette Wells and Willie Wells, as well as Carolyn Green. She is an active member of the Church of God in Columbia, where her grandfather, Reverend Willie Wells, serves as pastor. Chyna has been a dedicated student at East Marion since kindergarten. She has participated in several clubs and organizations, including serving as the captain of the Ladies of Perfection dance team, as well as being a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, HOSA, volleyball and archery. Upon graduation, she plans to attend Jackson State University to earn a degree in psychology.
Chyna is escorted by her father, Kendrick Brown, a graduate of Bassfield High School.
Blue Football Maid
Miss Rhyian Blankinship
Rhyian Lamonica Blankinship is the daughter of Lamond Blankinship Sr. and Courtney Carson-Pittman. She attends church at St. Paul United Methodist Church under the leadership of Pastor Vivian Brown-Toussaint. Rhyian attended school at East Marion for pre-K, later returned in the fifth grade and has been a student there since. At East Marion, she has been a part of various clubs, organizations and teams such as cheer, basketball, gospel and show choirs, track, National Honor Society, yearbook staff, Beta Club and FCCLA. After graduation she plans to attend a Historical Black College or University of her choice and continue cheering and pursue a degree in criminal justice to later pursue a career as an attorney.
Rhyian will be escorted by her father, Lamond Blankinship Sr., the son of Zola Blankinship Burns and the late Ronnie Peters and the late Zola and L.Z. Blankinship Sr.
Red Football Maid
Miss Sariah Jenna Dawkins
Sariah Jenna Dawkins is the daughter of Dominique Dawkins and Kendel Hargrove and the granddaughter of Diane and Robert Aikens. She is an active member of New Life Fellowship Church in Columbia where Pastor Terry L. Weems is the pastor. She has attended East Marion since pre-K. At East Marion, she is a part of East Marion Marching Band where she is the captain of the East Marion Color Guard. She is a part of the yearbook club where she is a photographer and editor. She was also a member of the East Marion choir and was also in a selective choir called Tremble Makers. When she graduates, she wants to attend Alcorn State University or the University of Southern Mississippi to major in physical therapy with a double minor in education and biology. After college she plans to be a physical therapist with her own clinic.
Sariah is being escorted by her father, Kendal Jomon Hargrove, the son of Anita Hargrove and Warren Griffin.
Maid of Honor
Miss Natalee Dillon
Natalee Nicole Dillon is the daughter of Lashanda Dillon and Milton Averett. Natalee is a disciple of Dominion and Power Family Life Center in Petal under the leadership of Apostle Cordaryl and Lady Jessica Beard. She has been a student at East Marion since sixth grade. At East Marion, she participates in volleyball, basketball and track. She is also a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society and FCCLA. Upon graduation she plans to attend Alcorn State University to major in child development.
Natalee is being escorted by her father, Milton Averett, the son of the late John Ben Averett and Mrs. Jessie Lou Averett-Barnes.
Flower Girl
Miss Taelei Burton
Taelei A’mila Burton known as “TaeleiB” is the daughter of Diamond Williams and the late Daquan Burton. She’s the granddaughter of Priscilla and the late Bobby Williams and Willie and Twala Burton. She’s a member of Holly Springs CME Church. Taelei attends East Marion Elementary pre-K.
Crown Bearer
Mr. Aaron Stafford
Marcus Aaron Stafford is the son of Matthew and Noel Stafford. He is the grandson of Robby and Leslee Bennett, Mary Bennett, Mark Stafford and Ernie and Danelle Killingsworth. He attends church at Hurricane Creek Baptist Church under the leadership of Brother Zach Smith. Aaron attends East Marion Elementary School pre-K. When he grows up, Aaron plans to become a chef.
Homecoming Queen
Miss Amariah Holloway
Amariah Nicolle Holloway is the daughter of Kimberly Holloway and granddaughter to R.D. Holloway and the late Sharon Holloway. She is a member of New Life Fellowship Church in Columbia where Terry L. Weems is the pastor. She has been a student at East Marion since kindergarten. At East Marion, she has been a part of various organizations and clubs such as volleyball, softball, President of the National Honor Society and FCCLA. Upon graduating she plans to attend Alcorn State University and major in chemistry and to later get her bachelor's degree in nursing.
Amariah is being escorted by her grandfather, Mr. R.D Holloway.
