2018 Peach Queen CANDIDATES

Kortnie Lynn Griffin

Miss Kortnie Lynn Griffin is a 16-year-old senior at Pittsburg High School, sponsored by Pittsburg Rodeo Association. She participates as Student Council Reporter; Junior Class Representative; Academic UIL (current events); and Newspaper. Kortnie has received A/B Honor Roll; UIL Academic District 14 4-A 3rd place team. Her future goal is to attend college and pursue a career in the medical field. She is the daughter of James W. and Kathy Fink. Her grandparents are Carol Griffin and James & LaDonna Fink, all of Pittsburg.

Emily Yesenia Calderon

Miss Emily Yesenia Calderon is a 17-year-old senior at Pittsburg High School, sponsored by Pittsburg Kiwanis Club. Emily has participated in athletics and is a member of National Honor Society. She is a member of Upward Bound; OSHA Certified; CPR Certified; Certified Medical Assistant; and in Varsity Athletics. She was Most Outstanding Player in Track; Regional Track Qualifier in 2016-2017; Cross Country District Championship; Cross Country District Qualifier. Her future goal is to attend Baylor University and study to become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon. Emily is the daughter of Alma Calderon and Nicanor Calderon. Her grandparents are Michael Thibodeaux; Eulalia Thibodeaux; Leopoldo Calderon Botello and Marcelina Garcia Marinez.

Makenzi Lynn Edwards

Miss Makenzi Lynn Edwards is a 17-year-old senior at Chapel Hill High School, sponsored by Pittsburg Lions Club. Makenzi is ranked 3rd in her class and is a 2-year Captain of the Varsity Cheer squad, FBLA Chapter President, FBLA Area Treasurer, NHS Historian, Class Treasurer for three years, FFA Secretary, and is a 4-year member of the Varsity Golf team. She also serves on Student Council, is a member of IDEA, takes dual credit courses through NTCC, competes on the FFA Floriculture Judging Team and FFA Senior Creed Speaking. Makenzi is also active in FBC Pittsburg Youth, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and is a Certified Pharmacy Technician. She has been a 3- year Regional Qualifier and 1-year state qualifier for golf, State and National qualifier in Business Ethics and Business Presentation for FBLA, and Dance World’s Qualifier for Competitive dance. She plans to attend Texas Tech University and pursue a degree in Law. Makenzi is the daughter of Brian and Amy Applegate of Pittsburg and Jason and Chrissy Edwards of Rockwall. Her grandparents are Donna Applegate and the late Norman Applegate of Pittsburg; Billy and Gail Edwards of Cookville and the late Sue Edwards of Cookville; and Randy & Nancy Brownlow of Graham.

Lessly Anahi Garza

Miss Lessly Anahi Garza is a 17-year-old senior at Pittsburg High School, sponsored by Pittsburg Rotary Club. Lessly is active in DECA; Interact; Varsity Soccer and Upward Bound. She has received awards from DECA and served two years as a DECA officer and will be incoming President in the fall; recipient of Rotary Youth Leadership Award; prospective Salutatorian of the class of 2019. Lessly plans to attend Baylor University and pursue a career as an Anesthesiologist. Lessly is the daughter of Claudia Garza of Pittsburg and granddaughter of Armando Garza of Palau.

Maliyah Daney Jackson

Miss Maliyah Daney Jackson is a 16-year-old senior at Pittsburg High School, sponsored by Douglas Alumni Association. Maliyah is active in DECA; Interact; Student Council; Upward Bound; AAU Basketball; Lady Pirate Softball; Volleyball and Basketball and is a Church Youth Leader. Maliyah’s accomplishments are CPR Certified; Junior Class Officer; Flutist in Pittsburg High School Band; National Honor Society; Volunteer of the Year at Expectant Heart Resource Center; OSHA Certified; Homecoming Junior Duchess; Miss Jackson’s plans include attending the University of Houston and working toward a degree in Psychology and further pursue a post-graduate degree to become a Clinical Neuropsychologist. She is the daughter of Ryan and Shannel Newton. Her grandparents are Darlene and Mack Newton of Talco; Sonya Taylor of Arlington; and Sylvestor Washington of Dallas.

KyAuna Denee Jones

Miss Ky’Auna Denee Jones is a 17-years-old senior at Pittsburg High School, sponsored by the NAACP chapter of Pittsburg. She is active in DECA; Interact; Upward Bound; Volleyball; Basketball; and Track. Each of the sports above includes being a Varsity Athlete. She is a two year State Qualifier for DECA and one year International Qualifier. In track, a two year Area Qualifier, and one-year Regional Qualifier. For the upcoming year, she will be the student coach for Varsity basketball and is currently ranked 4th in the top 10% of her class. This past year Ky’Auna had the opportunity to receive the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, which awarded to students who present great leadership skills. She was also recently inducted into the National Honor Society for the Class of 2019. She plans to attend the University of Arkansas and earn a degree in Business Management and go to law school. She is the daughter of Melvin and Kristy Jones. Grandparents are Ray and Linda Hare of Dayton, and Annie Gaston of Leesburg.

Kyleigh Nicole Hefner

Miss Kyleigh Nicole Hefner is a 17-year-old senior at Pittsburg High School, sponsored by Efurd Orchards. Kyleigh is a four-year Pirate Cheerleader; Varsity Volleyball and 4-year Art student; All-American Cheerleader for two years and active in Emmanuel Baptist Church. She plans to attend Northeast Texas Community College and earn a degree in Cosmetology. Her parents are Kristyn Wilson and Jacob Hefner of Pittsburg. Grandparents are Charles and Karyn Buckner, and Lisa Hefner, and the late Joe Hefner all of Pittsburg.