MISS DAWG, 2008
Miss Dawg Pageant raises money for Project Graduation
By Lester Murray news2@kilgorenewsherald.com

James Hodges had to proud honor of being chosen as MIss Dawg in Saturday nights fund raiser at KHS for the 2008 Graduation Project. These male students did a great job for their school.

Kilgore High School held its fund raiser for Project Graduation 2008 Saturday night and what a show it was.

The Miss Dawg Pageant may be the proof that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Principal Bobby Wheeley acted as master of ceremonies for the event which featured 13 contestants who competed in three categories, evening wear, talent and of course the interview portion of the competition.

After seeing the first two, talent and evening wear, Wheeley said, the interview portion was crucial.

The contestants were, at the very least, enthusiastic and included Jakida Hodges (aka James Hodges), Telma Armedia (aka Jeremy Armeida), Sally Sue Smith (aka Chris Smith), Gregoria Szymarek (aka Greg Szymarek), Josline Wheat Coleman (aka Joshua Coleman), Teala Rockswell (aka Justin Sanders), Erica Benoit (aka Aray "AJ" Benoit), Michelle Williams (aka Anthony Williams), Zacharina Zimmerman (aka Zachary Zimmerman), Latrine Long (aka Travis Long), Delilah Mikusko (aka Dustin Mikusko), TaTa Nagulisha Howard (aka Tommy Howard) and Rihanna Huckabee (aka Ryan Huckabee).

Contestants sang, played the guitar, danced and there were some coconuts that could take your breath away, literally.

But when the laughter subsided, the judges - Lana Phillips, Tim Capps and Mike Coston - made their decision: Jakida Hodges was crowned Miss Dawg 2008.

Also performing for the packed house Saturday night were the Kilgore High School Hi-Stepper officers, KHS Cheerleaders and the drumline from the high school band.