Ten contestants plan to run for the title of Miss Rowan County Veteran at the Faith Fourth of July Festivities. The winner will be crowned July 4 following the parade.
Brittany Danielle Davis, 16, is representing Amvets 845 in Rockwell. She is the daughter of Trudy and the late Richard Davis. She attends St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and Jesse C. Carson High School. Davis is a former varsity cheerleader and she volunteers at an animal hospital. Davis’s ambitions are to attend NC State and major in veterinary medicine.
Cyndale Bethany Clark, 16, is representing Amvets 565. She is the daughter of Tony a nd Crystal Clark of China Grove. Clark attends Westpoint Baptist and South Rowan High School. Clark is a cheerleader and is on the swim team. Clark’s future plans include attending college to become a forensic nurse. Clark would like to attend UNC-Chapel Hill.
Janeth Rodriguez, 16, is representing Freeze and Seymour American Legion Post 185. She is the daughter of Roberto and Maria Rodriguez of Landis. Rodriguez attends South Rowan High School and her activities include drill and soccer. Rodriguez plans to attend a four-year college.
Amber Ingraham, 17, is representing General A. Hall Turnage Detachment 1096 Marine Corp League. She is the daughter of Bill and Angie Millspaugh Ingraham of Salisbury. Ingraham attends Warehouse 242 church in Charlotte. At Jesse Carson High School, Ingraham’s activities include volleyball, soccer, junior civitan and National Honor Society. Ingraham plans to attend college and go to medical school to become a pediatrician.
Courtney Tane’ Cress, 18, is representing Landis American Legion Post 146. She is the daughter of Alan and Michelle Cress of Salisbury. Cress attends Mt. Zion United Church of Christ in China Grove. Cress recently graduated from Jesse Carson High School where she was student body president, captain of the women’s tennis team and a all-state high jumper in track and field. Cress plans to attend UNC-Greensboro and major in nutrition and then go on into Pre-Med and earn a degree in dermatology.
Maria Rose Williams, 17, is representing Harold B. Jarrett Post 342. She is the daughter of Sylvia Williams and David DeSanto. Williams attends Sacred Heart Catholic Church and North Rowan High School. Williams in on the varsity cheerleading squad at North Rowan and participates in All Star Cheerleading. Williams plans to attend Coastal Carolina where she will cheer and pursue a career in the medical or business field. Williams participates in many activities and clubs at North Rowan.
Desere Cross, 16, is representing J.C. Price American Legion Post 107. She is the daughter of Michael and Tonya Cross of Salisbury. Cross attends Dorsett Chapel United Church of Christ. Cress attends West Rowan High School where she plays basketball, volleyball and track and field. Cross is also a part of SGA and editor of the school newspaper. Cross plans to attend UNC-Chapel Hill and major in media relations.
Jessica Utley, 17, is representing Livengood-Peeler-Wood Post 448 in Granite Quarry. She is the daughter of Robert and Melissa Utley of Salisbury. Utley is a member of Christiana Lutheran Church. Utley attends East Rowan High School where she is a member of the tennis team and is a part of Jr. Civitan, SADD, FTA, Vice President of Hero and Jr. Auxiliary. Utley plans to attend college to become a teacher.
Lauren Ashley Williams, 17, is representing Kennedy-Hall Post 106. She is the daughter of Tim and Karen Williams. Williams of Holly Springs. Williams is a rising senior at Holly Springs High School in Cary. Williams attends St. Lukes Lutheran Church in Lincolton. Williams is a member of the National Honor Society for dance arts, the key club, history club, dance program and the book club. Williams is also a soccer coach and a member of the cheerleading squad. Williams plans to attend NC State University upon graduation.
Susan Wilhelm, 20, is representing Faith American Legion Post 327. She is the daughter of George and Amy Wilhelm of Faith. Wilhelm is a member of Faith Baptist Church and currently attends Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. Wilhelm’s activities include volunteering at the VA Medical Center, working at Love’s Auto Repair, horseback riding and singing. Wilhelm plans to pursue a career in nursing.