The Chamber appoints 2024 Junior Ambassadors – Daily Leader

The 2024 Junior Ambassadors will soon begin their duties as the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce kicks off the Christmas season with its annual Open House on Saturday, November 9.

Ambassadors serve as ambassadors for the business community. Must be ninth grade students residing in Lincoln County. Junior Ambassadors will act as hostesses in companies participating in the program, arranged alphabetically. They will also be helping Santa distribute candy at the end of the Brookhaven Christmas Parade route on Thursday, December 5. More community service hours will be available during the spring semester.

Thirty-two teenagers will serve. Below is a list of the 16 Ambassadors, in alphabetical order.

Ava Kate Bairfield

Ava Kate Bairfield, daughter of Dustin and Tonya Bairfield, is a freshman at Brookhaven High. He serves on student government, is a member of FCA, National Honor Society, and is on the All-A Honor Roll. He participates on the BHS football, tennis and cheerleading teams. Ava Katie is a member of the Showstoppers Dance Team, is active in the Christ Methodist Church youth group, and was recently elected to the BHS Homecoming Court. One of her favorite things about Brookhaven is fun traditions like Girls Night and the Ole Brook Festival.

Zariel Shelia Bracey

Zariel Shelia Bracey, daughter of Wykeshia Johnson-Bracey, is a freshman at Brookhaven High. She is a member of the Junior Honors Society and the All-A Honor Roll at BHS. Zariel plays in the Pride of Ole Brook marching band. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta and enjoys reading, writing and creating. One of her favorite things about Brookhaven is looking at the beautiful lights downtown at night.

Camille Katherine Calcote

Camille Katherine Calcote, daughter of Colby and Kathleen Calcote, is a freshman at Brookhaven Academy. He is a member of Jr. National Honor Society and FCA. Camille earned top awards for academic excellence in her class in both years of middle school. She competes on the BA varsity soccer team and last year was the Southern State champion of the BA Girls Doubles Tennis team. Camille enjoys participating in local theater productions, most recently “Moana Jr.” is an active volunteer at BARL and a member of St. Catholic Church. Francis of Assisi. One of her favorite things about Brookhaven is walking through the old downtown neighborhoods.

Jessi Claire Covington

Jessi Claire Covington, daughter of Gary and Lisa Covington, is a freshman at Brookhaven Academy. She is a member of FCA, Jr. Honor Society, All-A Honor Roll, and most recently represented her freshman class on the court for B.A.’s homecoming. Jessi competes on the Lady Cougar softball team, which has single state titles in 2021, 2022, and 2024. She also plays on the BA basketball team. Jessi is an active member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church youth group. Her favorite thing about Brookhaven is living in a small town where everyone knows and cares about each other.

Aliyah Nicole Culver

Aliyah Nicole Culver, daughter of Jermaine and Krystle Culver, is a freshman at Brookhaven High. She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, All-A Honor Roll, and received the highest award for academic achievement. Aliyah is the captain of the BHS Lady Panther JV basketball team. He likes studying the Bible, drawing, reading and cooking. Her favorite thing about Brookhaven is that she lives in a small town and is close to family and friends.

Isabella Grace Dunaway

Isabellah Grace Dunaway, daughter of Kevin and Annah Dunaway, is a freshman at Brookhaven Academy. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Isabellah competes in basketball and track and field at B.A. She is also a member of Rainin’ Three Hoop School and the First Baptist Church youth group. Isabellah’s favorite thing about living in Brookhaven is the close-knit community and sense of belonging.

Celie Jane Estes

Celie Jane Estess, daughter of Justin and Madalene Estess, is a freshman at Brookhaven High. He is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and the All-A Honor Roll. Celie competes on the BHS football team and cheers on the varsity cheerleading team. He is an active member of the First Baptist Church youth group and enjoys horse racing. Her favorite part of Brookhaven is the shops and boutiques throughout town and how welcoming everyone is.

Gracie Gardner Fitzsimmons

Gracie Gardner “Gigi” Fitzsimmons, daughter of Stephen and Michelle Fitzsimmons, is a freshman at Brookhaven Academy. She is a member of the FCA, National Honor Society, All-A Honor Roll, and an M.S. Gigi is a JV cheerleader and plays on the varsity tennis team at B.A. She was recently selected as an All-American UCA Cheerleader and voted Jr. by her peers. High Miss BA and Most Dependable. Gigi is active with Brookhaven Little Theater and New Stage Regional Theatre. She is a member of First Baptist Church. Her favorite thing about Brookhaven is how close the community is and how supportive they are of each other.

Lleyton McKinley Goza

Lleyton McKinley Goza, daughter of Ben and Kimberly Goza, is a freshman at Brookhaven High School. She is a member of FCA, National Jr. Honor Society, All-A Honor Roll student, and served on the Principal’s Advisory Council during her Jr. years. High. Lleyton is a member of the BHS soccer and tennis teams and also plays in the Brookhaven Junior Team Tennis League. He is an active member of the First Baptist Church youth group, helping with VBS and participating in Super Summer. Her favorite thing about Brookhaven is the small Christian community and the ability to easily make friends.

LeighEllen Haralson

Leigh Ellen Haralson, daughter of John and Amber Haralson, is a first-year student at the Enterprise Attendance Center. He is a member of Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America and Beta Club. Leigh Ellen is an All-A Honor Roll student and received the Yellow Jacket Award. She is on the Varsity Dance Team, Cheerleading Team, and Enterprise’s Basketball Team. Leigh Ellen dances for the Nena Smith School of Dance, where she is in the Hall of Fame. He attends the Baptist Church in Topisawa and is active in the youth group. Her favorite thing about living in Lincoln County is the opportunities our community offers for people to thrive.

Kiley Claire James

Kiley Claire James, daughter of Kyle and Brandi James, is a freshman at Brookhaven Academy. He is a member of Jr. High Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and student Honor Roll. Kiley plays on the Lady Cougar basketball team and was a JV cheerleader for two years. She is a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church. Her favorite thing about Brookhaven is the friendly, small-town atmosphere.

Gracelyn Adelle Jarreau

Gracelyn Adelle Jarreau, daughter of Wayne and Michelle Jarreau, is a freshman at Enterprise. She is an Honor Roll student and was named Student of the Year and Student of the District. Gracelyn is a member of the Enterprise dance and cheerleading squad. He likes singing in the church choir. What she likes most is that she comes from a small Christian town where everyone is family.

Magnolia Louise Jones

Magnolia Louise Jones, daughter of Jason and Emily Jones, is a freshman at Brookhaven Academy. She is a member of Jr. High National Honor Society, FCA and 9th grade Student Council President. Magnolia is an Honor Roll student and has received several academic awards. She is the cheerleader of the Jr. team. High. He enjoys performing at Brookhaven Little Theater and Co-Lin’s Community Theater. He is an active member of Bogue Chitto Baptist Church. Her favorite thing about Brookhaven is the bond between community members and the ability of small businesses to thrive.

Laci Brooke Leggett

Laci Brooke Leggett, daughter of Joseph and Stacy Leggett, is a freshman at Brookhaven Academy. He is a member of the Association of Christian Athletes. Laci Brooke is a member of the Brookhaven Academy softball team and supports the Junior Varsity team. He is an active member of the youth group at Calvary Baptist Church. Her favorite thing about Brookhaven is that she lives so close to all her family and has such a close relationship with her cousins.

Mattie Lane Leggett

Mattie Lane Leggett, daughter of Dusty and Toni Smith and Cody Leggett, is a freshman at Brookhaven Academy. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Mattie is a member of the BA softball and basketball teams and a cheerleader for the Jr. team. High cheer. He is active in CAMO ministries, helping people with special needs by taking them hunting and fishing. He is an active member of Calvary Baptist Church. Her favorite thing about Brookhaven is that everyone is friendly and that she has friends in all the schools in the county and city.

Mercedes AD Legree

Mercedes Anansi Da’Ari Legree, daughter of Katerinia Noble, is a freshman at Brookhaven High School. She is a member of Jr. National Honor Society and student Honor Roll. Mercedes is a member of the BHS choir and also trains in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which earned her a gray belt. She dances competitively, sings in the church choir, and is the junior director of the youth department at her church. Her favorite thing about Brookhaven is the friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community.