Property tax for seniors. See page A4.
Newest Franklin Living. See page A4.
Funding for new library. See page A8.
50¢ | Vol. 144, No. 10
Hometown Newspaper of Ricky Hargett — Est. 1879 | Wednesday, March 6, 2024
42nd annual Miss RHS pageant names winners
By María Camp maria.camp@ franklincountytimes.com
Annie Willis, daughter of Heather Willis and Nick Willis, was crowned Miss RHS 2024 during the 42nd annual Miss RHS Pageant held March 1 at 7 p.m. in the Russellville City Schools Auditorium. For her talent, Willis performed a clogging routine to “Soul Man” by The Blues Brothers. She is a member of the RHS varsity cheerleaders, a senior editor for the RHS annual staff, mentor for the Golden Tiger BIGS program sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Shoals and was named to the 2023 RHS Homecoming Court. She is also a twotime Miss Watermelon Queen age division winner and “Prettiest Smile” award winner. “I’m so excited,” Willis
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said. “It was very unexpected, but it was definitely a dream come true. I have waited for this moment my whole life. I have been over the moon about it ever since I won.” In addition to being crowned Miss RHS 2024, Willis also won in the categories of Most Photogenic, Best Talent and Best Evening Gown. She also received the Viewer’s Choice award. The event is the main fundraiser for the annual staff. All money raised goes toward making the price of yearbooks as cost-effective as possible. Eighteen contestants from grades 9-12 took the stage, competing in categories including interview, talent and evening gown. A winner from each grade was also named for Most Photogenic, chosen from students who opted to participate in that category,
and a Viewer’s Choice Award (based on votes the night of the pageant). OTHER PARTICIPANTS The pageant also included 18 Little Sisters and 19 Rising Stars. The Little Sisters are Russellville Middle School students who chosen by the contestants to introduce them during the talent competition. The Rising Stars come from Russellville Elementary and West Elementary, and they accompany their contestant onstage during the evening gown revue. The pageant featured special entertainment from the Addie’s Flip, Tip and Tap Trio, which consists of Tinley Cleveland, Ruby Harbin and Lyza Shaw Herring; and from last year’s Miss RHS 2023, Sarah Morgan. Miss RHS 2022, Madeline Cooper,
served as emcee for the event. Lauren Mae Wallace is in her first year as Miss RHS Pageant director. She said the event is “so much more than just a beauty pageant,” adding that in 1984, “Susie Malone turned the pageant into a scholarship pageant, and our winner receives scholarship money that can help her further her educational career.” In the pageant, Willis’ Rising star was Baylor Bradford, daughter of Rhett Bradford and Brittany Bradford. Her Little Sister was Audrey Claire Kiel, daughter of Jamie Kiel and Melissa Kiel. “I have enjoyed working with them,” Willis said. “Baylor has been my Rising Star all four years I’ve participated in Miss RHS, and Audrey has been my Little Sister for two years.”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR MISS RHS 2024 After graduation, Willis plans to get a degree from the University of North Alabama, then return to Russellville to teach second grade and perhaps serve as cheer coach. While at UNA, Willis will try out for the cheer team. “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was little,” Willis explained. “I just think that I could open up so many little kids’ eyes. I love being with them.” In addition to the recognition and prizes, Willis said she has benefited from participation in the pageant in other ways. “I think I’m a lot more confident now to talk in front of big groups,” she explained. “Being in the pageant has also helped open me up to more things instead of just staying to myself, and the whole week of the pageant
is really fun.”
ALTERNATES Chloe Sheffield, daughter of Chad Sheffield and Karri Cummings, was named first alternate. Her talent was an Acro Jazz dance to “Orange Colored Sky” by Natalie Cole. A senior, she is a member of the RHS varsity cheerleaders, tennis team, National Honor Society, Future Teachers of Alabama and Franklin County Junior Leadership. Stella Hill, daughter of Eric Hill and Tara Hill, was named second alternate. Her talent was a lyrical dance to “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. A senior, she serves as president of Future Health Professionals (HOSA), is president of Family Career and Community Leaders of America and
See MISS RHS, Page A2
RCS holds annual Black History Month program By María Camp maria.camp@ franklincountytimes.com A number of students spoke and sang in the Russellville City Schools auditorium Feb. 26 as part of the annual RCS Black History Month program. Amir Williams introduced the performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” performed by Symia Bell, Airielle Cooper, Matthew James, Devin Jones, Eian Nance and Kalesha Sears, as well as Williams. RMS teacher Aaron Freeman
See BLACK HISTORY, Page A2
PHOTOS BY MARÍA CAMP Aaron Freeman directs Russellville Middle School Students in singing the national anthem as part of the annual Russellville City Schools Black History Month program.