Samantha Steely 2015 Miss Mardi Gras
Samantha Steely of West Frankfort was crowned the 2015 Miss Mardi Gras in the Pinckneyville Community High School Friday night during a well-attended coronation that lasted one hour.
Samantha is the daughter of Jo and the late James Steely. She attended Frankfort Community High School. Her achievements in High School include Top 15, NHS, and 7 scholarships. She also participates in the following organizations American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, CMN, Angel's Cove, Nubability, and Locks of Love. She enjoys working at Sonic and Red Lobster, running, singing, gardening, and being outside. She is currently pursuing her RN at John A. Logan. She will work at a local hospital while taking online classes to obtain her BSN. She will then take her degree and put it to use here in Southern Illinois.
First runner-up was Emily Kuberski of Tamaroa. Emily is the daughter of Bob and Rita Kuberski. She graduated from Pinckneyville High School Magna Cum Laude, and was a member of FBLA, Beta Club, Pep Club, and the Scholar Bowl. She currently attends SIU and was a Dean's Scholarship Recipient. She is seeking her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. Her future plans include obtaining her nursing degree and specializing in surgery to become a scrub nurse. She hopes to live and work in the Pinckneyville area so she can raise a family here.
Second runner-up was Kelsey Zapp of Nashville. Kelsey is the daughter of Ken and Pat Zapp. She attended Nashville High School and was on honor roll and also had perfect attendance. She was on the yearbook staff, and a member of the fellowship of Christian athletes. She participated in cross county, volleyball, and track. She currently attends John A. Logan College and is seeking a degree in Dental Hygiene. She has received the shining star award in Dental Assisting at KC and made the Deans list. Her plans for the future include working in the Dental field and starting a family.
Third runner-up was Jenna Hurst of Marion. Jenna is the daughter of Steve and Rayna Hurst. She attends Marion High School where is a student of excellence. She is on student council, HOSA, FBLA, and NHS. Outside of academics she participates in Volleyball, Basketball, Track, and Hiking. She currently is an event ambassador for a charity program for food pantries and children who don't have food. Her plans for the future include pursing a her RN/BSN and specializing in pediatric oncology and then taking her talents to St. Jude, the place of hope.
Fourth runner-up was Abby Miller of Anna. Abby is the daughter of Jason and JJ Miller. She attended Anna-Jonesboro Community High School and was on the Honor Roll the entire time. She also received an award for outstanding community service four years in a row. She was an active member of student council, Spanish club, and beta club. She was also a member of the golf team all for years where she advanced out of regionals onto sectionals all four years with being named the All Conference Team in the Mississippi division of the River to River conference. She is currently a Business Economic Major in the College of Business and plans to attend law school to obtain her Juris Doctor degree in order to practice law. Her plans for the future include practicing law and dealing with corporate accounts, more specifically the Mom and Pop type businesses.
The 2015 Mardi Gras continues with Haunted History Night on Saturday, October 24 at the Perry County Jail Museum and Glow Golf on Thursday, October 29 at Red Hawk golf course, followed by several down events on Friday, October 30 and the Lions Fall Pancake Day, flea market, Panther alumni tent, car show, field show competition and the Mardi Gras parade on Saturday, October 31.