Boardman student is crowned Miss Cinderella

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SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR The Junior Civic League of Youngstown hosted the 61st annual Miss Cinderella Ball gala Nov. 25 at Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman. Members of the court, from left, are Jena Johnson, second attendant; Kailynn Anderson, Miss Cinderella 2016; and Ciel Vidale, first attendant.

Staff report

BOARDMAN

The Junior Civic League of Youngstown crowned Kailynn Grace Anderson Miss Cinderella 2016 at the 61st annual Cinderella Ball Gala on Nov. 25. The gala was hosted at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center with the theme “An Unforgettable Moment in Time.”

Anderson won the title by popular vote from the audience of more than 800, and was crowned by Miss Cinderella 2015, Myra Brenelle Corley. Anderson was presented by her father and escorted by Travon Jacaro Burnette of Boardman High School. The attendants, also chosen by popular vote, were Cie’l Tierra Faith Vidale of Ursuline as first attendant, escorted by Tre’von Brown of Warren G. Harding, and Jena Alexus Johnson of Youngstown Early College as second attendant, escorted by Robert Allen of Youngstown Early College.

Anderson is the daughter of the Rev. Derrick Havana Anderson Sr. and Dawne Anderson. She is the granddaughter of Lucille Pickard, William Meeks III, Debra Shivers, and the late Warren William Anderson. She attends Jerusalem Baptist Church and sings in its choir. She is an honor student and performs with the Youngstown Connection, Boardman Singers and Boardman Chorale. She also is a Link Crew leader, team president of Liturgical Dance Crew, a member of Harambee of Youngstown Inc., Youth Program and a mentee in Youth Organization: Purpose, Plan, Power.

Anderson’s favorite quote is from Harriet Tubman: “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember that you have within you the strength, patience and passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” She plans to attend Howard University and major in music.

The gala featured 18 debutantes and their escorts from high schools across Mahoning, Trumbull and Cuyahoga counties.

Debutantes were Briasia Chardai Battle of Liberty High School; Brettazia Tamarra Brown of Austintown Fitch; Samara Brown-Eldridge of Austintown Fitch; Marissa Roemehl Davis of Valley Christian; Chelsea Kellie Hodge of Beachwood; Taylor Javey of Cardinal Mooney; Addrine Lathaa Johnson of East; Charlotte Lindsey of Summit Academy; Jaira Emaun Murray of Youngstown Early College; Rayven Lynette Shaw of East; Tiasia Shepherd of Liberty; Jalyssa Marie Stanford of Youngstown Early College; Diamond Briann Williams of Canfield; Garricka Evon Willis of East; and Shaune Tylise Yancey-Hunter of Ursuline.

Escorts were Elijah Anderson of Valley Christian High School; DeAndrew James Braxton of Cardinal Mooney; Aaron Clark of Beachwood; Braelin Dante Daniels of Youngstown Early College; Jaleel Michael Glenn of Chaney; Maurice Edward McElroy of Cardinal Mooney; Quincey I. Pettway of Youngstown Early College; Maurice Pickard of East; Garrin Lamar Clem Ross of Struthers; Raymond Shaw III of East; Daryl Maurice Smith Jr. of Girard; John James Spivey III of Liberty; James Lee Thomas Jr. of East; Jeremy Robert Woodberry of Chaney Alumni; and Kashon Terrence Wright-Wigfall of East.

Pages were Kenneth M. Donaldson II of Valley Christian and Lamont Thomas of East.

JCL has awarded more than $600,000 in scholarships to qualified African-American high school students pursuing higher education, and the gala has served as the fundraiser for these scholarships. This year, scholarship sponsors included Youngstown State University Foundation, Sherise Curd (1988 Debutante), Community Bus Services Inc., the office of the Mayor of Youngstown and the Youngstown Warren Urban League. Music was provided by the Michael Austin Project.

The 2016 Cinderella Ball chairman was Carla J. Baldwin and co-chairman was Akesha N. Joseph. The JCL president is Frances E. Curd. For information visit www.juniorcivicleague.org.