Huggins named Miss Hospitality

By By Penny Randall / staff writer
May 5, 2003
Jennifer Huggins, a senior at West Lauderdale High School, became Meridian/Lauderdale County Miss Hospitality 2003 during a tea on Sunday at Merrehope.
Huggins, 18, said she learned about the program last year, but was too young to participate.
The Miss Hospitality competition required Huggins and three other contestants to give a 30-second speech promoting Meridian, answer judges' questions in a 10-minute interview and then model a black dress.
Huggins plans to attend Meridian Community College. She eventually plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi to earn a doctorate in psychology.
At West Lauderdale, she is a member of the National Honor Society and Who's Who Among American High School Students. She serves as a representative of the Student Council, reporter for the senior class and treasurer of the high school chorus.
Other Miss Hospitality participants were Heather Rose Goodwin, the daughter of Robert and Rose Goodwin, first alternate; Angela Nicole Woodall, the daughter of George and Cindy Woodall; and Robin Shehane, the daughter of Don and Robbie Shehane.
Wanda Grabert, director of the Meridian/Lauderdale County Tourism office, said that Huggins "is very poised and very professional." Grabert's agency sponsored the event.
Also on hand at the Merrehope tea to present Huggins the title was Meridian/Lauderdale County Miss Hospitality 2002 Rebecca McCarty.