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

Ambassadors serve as ambassadors to the business community. They must be ninth-grade students who live in Lincoln County. Junior Ambassadors will serve as hostesses at participating businesses, matched alphabetically. They will also assist Santa Claus with candy distribution toward the end of the route of the Brookhaven Christmas Parade, Thursday, Dec. 5. More community service hours will be available during the spring semester.

Twenty-seven teens will serve. Following are 16 of the Ambassadors, in alphabetical order.

 

Ava Kate Bairfield

Ava Kate Bairfield, daughter of Dustin and Tonya Bairfield, is a freshman at Brookhaven High. She serves on the student council, is a member of FCA, National Honor Society, and is on the All-A Honor Roll. She competes on the BHS soccer, tennis, and cheer team. Ava Katie is a member of Showstoppers Dance Team, is active with Christ Methodist Church youth group, and recently was voted to the BHS Homecoming Court. One of her favorite things about Brookhaven are the fun traditions such as 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 Junior Honors Society and the All-A Honor Roll at BHS. Zariel plays for the Pride of Ole Brook Marching Band. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta and enjoys reading, writing, and art. One of her favorite things about Brookhaven is looking at the beautiful lights in the downtown area at night.

 

Camille Katherine Calcote 

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

 

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 recently represented her freshman class on the BA homecoming court. Jessi competes for the Lady Cougar softball team that has one state titles in 2021, 2022, and 2024. She also plays for the BA basketball team. Jessi is an active member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church youth group. Her favorite thing about Brookhaven is living in a small town where everyone knows and cares for 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, the All-A Honor Roll, and received the highest academic achievement award. Aliyah is the team captain for the BHS Lady Panther JV basketball team. She enjoys Bible study, drawing, reading and cooking. Her favorite thing about Brookhaven is the small town living and being close to family and friends. 

 

Isabellah Grace Dunaway

Isabellah Grace Dunaway, daughter of Kevin and Annah Dunaway, is a freshman at Brookhaven Academy. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Isabellah competes in basketball and track at BA. She is also a member of the 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 Estess

Celie Jane Estess, daughter of Justin and Madalene Estess, is a freshman at Brookhaven High. She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and All-A Honor Roll. Celie competes for the BHS soccer team and cheers for the varsity cheer squad. She is an active member of the First Baptist Church youth group and enjoys horse barrel racing. Her favorite part about Brookhaven are the shops and boutiques around town and that everyone is hospitable.

 

Gracie Gardner Fitzsimmons

Gracie Gardner “Gigi” Fitzsimmons, daughter of Stephen and Michelle Fitzsimmons, is a freshman at Brookhaven Academy. She is a member of FCA, National Honor Society, All-A Honor Roll, and a MS Scholar. Gigi is a JV cheerleader and plays for the varsity tennis team at BA. She was recently selected as a UCA All American Cheerleader and voted as Jr. High Miss BA and Most Dependable by her peers. Gigi is active in the Brookhaven Little Theatre 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 they support one another.

 

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, an All-A Honor Roll student, and served on the Principal’s Advisory Board during Jr. High. Lleyton is a member of the BHS soccer and tennis team and also plays for the Brookhaven Junior Team Tennis League. She is an active member of the First Baptist Church youth group assisting with VBS, and attending Super Summer. Her favorite thing about Brookhaven is the small Christian community and being able to make friends easily.  

 

Leigh Ellen Haralson

Leigh Ellen Haralson, daughter of John and Amber Haralson, is a freshman at Enterprise Attendance Center. She is a member of the 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, cheer team, and basketball team at Enterprise. Leigh Ellen dances for the Nena Smith School of Dance team where she is in the Hall of Fame. She attends Topisaw Baptist Church and is active in the youth group. Her favorite thing about living in Lincoln County is the opportunities our community offer for people to thrive.

 

Kiley Claire James

Kiley Claire James, daughter of Kyle and Brandi James, is a freshman at Brookhaven Academy. She is a member of the Jr. High Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and is an Honor Roll student. Kiley plays for the Lady Cougar Basketball team and was a JV cheerleader for two years. She is a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Her favorite thing about Brookhaven is the small-town friendly 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 has been selected as Student of the Year and Student of the Quarter. Gracelyn is a member of the Enterprise dance team and cheer squad. She enjoys singing in the church choir. Her favorite thing about being 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 the Jr. High National Honor Society, FCA, and is the 9th Grade Student Council President. Magnolia is an Honor Roll student and has received several academic awards. She is a cheerleader for the Jr. High squad. She enjoys performing at Brookhaven Little Theatre and Co-Lin’s Community Theatre. She is an active member of Bogue Chitto Baptist Church. Her favorite thing about Brookhaven is the bond between the community members and the ability for small businesses to thrive.

 

Laci Brooke Leggett

Laci Brooke Leggett, Daughter of Joseph and Stacy Leggett, is a freshman at Brookhaven Academy. She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Laci Brooke is a member of the Brookhaven Academy softball team and cheers for the Junior Varsity squad. She is an active member of the youth group at Calvary Baptist Church. Her favorite thing about Brookhaven is living so close to all her family and having 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. She is a member of National Honor Society, Honor Roll, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Mattie is a member of the BA softball and basketball team and is a cheerleader for the Jr. High cheer team. She is active in CAMO ministries assisting people with special needs, taking them hunting and fishing. She is an active member of Calvary Baptist Church. Her favorite thing about Brookhaven is how friendly everyone is and that she has friends at all the county and city schools.

 

Mercedes A. D. 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 is an Honor Roll Student. Mercedes is a member of the BHS Choir and also enjoys Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where she has received her gray belt. She dances competitively, sings in her church choir, and serves as a junior director for her church’s youth department. Her favorite thing about Brookhaven is the friendly atmosphere and strong sense of fellowship.