2016 Miss Altus

Lana Spandley
Alexa Britton
Caroline Quam
Lexie Herron
Dessirea Knox
Marissa Bourgeois
Jancy Jeffus
Meaghan Dorn
Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016
Altus City Auditorium
8:00 p.m.
Kristen Hammock
Reece Vadney
2 February 18, 2016
MISS ALTUS
Altus Times
Yocham to emcee
Miss Altus Pageant
of Oklahoma, Miss Oklahoma City
Pageant, and Miss Oklahoma State
Fair Pageant. They have produced
four Miss Oklahoma’s: Kaci Hundley,
Kelley Scott, Elizabeth Kinney and
Lauren Nelson. They were also very
excited that Lauren Nelson went on
to be crowned Miss America 2007.
Robert Yocham
Robert Yocham will emcee this
year’s Miss Altus Pageant. He is in
his fourth decade of pageant involvement which has included coaching,
directing, producing, judging and
emceeing. He has also served several times as an emcee for the Altus
pagent.
He has served as a former Co-Executive Director of the Miss University
Yocham recently judged the Miss
New York State Pageant and has
judged four Miss USA State Pageants. He has served as Master of
Ceremonies for numerous Miss
America preliminary pageants,
including the Miss Altus Pageant.
Yocham also enjoys tennis and all OU
sports.
Yocham is from Oklahoma City
and is a graduate of Northwestern
Oklahoma State University, where
he received a Bachelor of Science
degree in Business Administration.
Robert resides in St. Louis where he
is an Executive Account Manager
with American Fidelity Education
Services.
We Love our
Miss Altus
Contestants!
Good Luck
Everyone!
60638717
MISS ALTUS
Altus Times
February 18, 2016 3
Judges announced for pageant
Lauren Lunday
Judges for this year’s Miss Altus
Pageant are Chad Choat, Joe Chappell, Josh Hammers, Lauren Lunday
and Sue Sharpe.
Chad Choat is the owner/administrator of Community Home Health
in Claremore. The company just
celebrated 25 years in business this
past October. Community Home
Health serves all of eastern Oklahoma
overseen out of the corporate office
in Claremore. Chad graduated from
Oklahoma State University in 1994
and Eufaula High School in 1990.
Chad and his wife Misty live in Claremore and have been married for
21 years. They have two daughters,
Shelby,18, and Morgan, 15. Chad is
involved in his local community having previously served eight years on
the City Council. He currently serves
on the Executive Board for the William Barnes Children’s Advocacy Center. He also serves as an adult Sunday
school teacher at First Baptist Church
in Claremore. Mission work is important part of his life. The whole family
is involved with an orphanage in Lira,
Uganda where they have traveled
many times to serve. Chad has been
involved with judging several local
pageants with the Miss Oklahoma
organization over the past 10 years.
He can now mark the Miss Altus pageant off his bucket list.
Joe Chappell is President of Companion Health Services, a family
owned business that provides home
Josh Hammers
Chad Choat
health, hospice, assisted living, long
term care and skilled care throughout the state of Oklahoma. Proud
to be a fifth generation Oklahoman,
he resides in Guthrie. He attended
the University of Oklahoma and is a
Health Care Administrator. Joe is a
Planning Commissioner for the City
of Guthrie and serves as the Chairman of the Guthrie Park Board. He
is Vice-President of Neighborhood
Solutions, a non-profit that helps organize neighborhoods and provides low
income housing assistance.
Joe is an accomplished performer
having appeared in numerous theatrical productions and is currently the
lead singer for the Al Good Orchestra
which has been entertaining Oklahomans since 1949. In 2009, Joe
recorded his first CD “Better Late
Than Never.”
Joe began his pageant involvement
in 1979 as a Board Member of the
Miss Oklahoma City Pageant. He
is currently co-Director of the Miss
Oklahoma City and Miss Bricktown
Pageants, preliminaries to the Miss
Oklahoma Scholarship Pageant.
Josh Hammers is a Miss Oklahoma
certified judge and he serves as Executive Director of the Miss University
of Oklahoma Pageant.
In 2003, Josh completed undergraduate coursework in the Michael F.
Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma before earning a
Master of Human Relations degree in
Joe Chappell
2004. After a brief tenure in the corporate world, he returned to academia
to pursue a career in Higher Education administration. Josh is currently
a doctoral candidate in the Department of Educational Leadership &
Policy Studies at the University of
Oklahoma, where he was named Outstanding Graduate Student in 2008.
He teaches courses in Communication and College & Life Skills, and he
coordinates research and assessment
in Residence Life at the University of
Oklahoma.
Josh is an Oklahoma native and an
avid Sooner fan. In his free time, he
enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Lauren Lunday was born and
raised in Altus. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Zoology/Biomedical Sciences, graduating with honors
from the University of Oklahoma. She
went on to obtain her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University
of Oklahoma, College of Dentistry and
is currently in her last year of Oral &
Maxillofacial Surgery Residency in Ft.
Lauderdale, Fla. where she serves as
Chief Resident. While in residency,
her research was selected for national
publication in the Journal of Oral &
Maxillofacial Surgery. She has also
presented her research at national
and state meetings. Lauren was
crowned Miss Altus 2007, 3rd runnerup Miss Oklahoma America 2007,
Miss Southwest Oklahoma 2009, and
Sue Sharp
Miss Oklahoma USA 2009. She has a
background in dance, interview coaching, and piano instruction. At this
time Lauren resides in sunny South
Florida. In her spare time she enjoys
traveling, spinning and reading.
Sue Sharp is a graduate from
Southwestern Oklahoma State University and holds both an undergraduate
and masters degree in Biology. She
retired from teaching after 29 years
and now works as a college representative for Josten’s selling class rings
and other college graduation needs.
Sue has a long history volunteering
within the Miss Oklahoma Organization. She has supported the organization for 30 years in many ways such as
traveling as an official state chaperone
and as a local judge. She also served
as a long time local director who was
proud to help launch seven of her
titleholders on to become Miss Oklahoma and watched excitedly as Lauren Nelson went on to become Miss
America. She has attended the Miss
America Pageant for years supporting
many of our Miss Oklahoma’s in both
Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
Sue resides in Tuttle and has been
married to her husband Bill for over
46 years. They have two children,
Shauna and Trey. Sue and Bill are
also very proud to have three grandchildren Will, Kate, and Major. Sue is
especially excited this year to see her
grand daughter Kate on the stage for
the fourth time as an Oklahoma Star.
MISS ALTUS
4 February 18, 2016
Miss Altus
Star
Altus Times
Better Bodies sponsor visit
Abi Beane
Miss Altus contestants visit event sponsors leading up to the pageant. They are seen here visiting Better Bodies of Altus.
We Believe in you
“
“
580-482-7007 • 106 W. Cypress St.
Reece !
Good Luck to All Contestants!
-Donald, Doris, & Staff
60638719
Altus Times
MISS ALTUS
City of Altus sponsor
Miss Altus contestants visit the City of Altus sponsor.
February 18, 2016 5
Altus City Auditorium
Miss Altus contestants gather on the step of the Altus City Auditorium. The pageant will be held
there at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20.
MISS ALTUS
6 February 18, 2016
Altus Times
Sponsor Jersey Mike’s luncheon visit
Miss Altus contestants recently visited sponsor Jersey Mike’s. While there they were treated to lunch.
Good Luck to all Miss Altus Contestants!
RodRiguez Auto detAiling
218 S Main - 580-318-4270
Detailing and More:
Steam Cleaning - Buffing - Clean engine - tar Removal
on All types of Vehicles
Farm trucks - Motorcycles - RVs - Boats
Pick up and Delivery FREE Basic & Full details Mon-Sat 8:30-5
60638983
Altus Times
MISS ALTUS
February 18, 2016 7
Enchanted Door Shanda’s Shots
Miss Altus contestants visit the various pageant sponsors ahead of the event. They are seen here
at the Enchanted Door.
Miss Altus contestants recently gathered at Shanda’s Shots Photography. Individual photos of
the Miss Altus contestants are courtesy of Shanda’s Shots Photography – the Official Miss Altus
Photographer.
MISS ALTUS
8 February 18, 2016
AlexaBritton
Caroline Quam
Alexa Britton, 18, attended Altus
High School is a freshman at Western
Oklahoma State College seeking a
Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.
She want to become a labor and delivery nurse.
Her talent for the pageant will be
acoustic drums to “Jump” by Van
Halen.
Her platform issue is”You are
ABLE: Promoting self confidence.
Interesting facts about Britton
include her being the second oldest of
seven siblings; she has eaten alligator
and shark; her older sister’s childhood
best friend is Debby Ryan from Disney Channel, and she has moved 12
times while growing up.
She is the daughter of Adrian Calhoun and Bradley Britton.
Caroline Quam, 18, attended
Altus High School is a freshman
at Southwestern Oklahoma State
University. She plans on obtaining
an elementary education degree and
become an educator.
Her platform issue is “ROLE Read Out Loud Each Day” and her
talent for the pageant is the jazz
vocal “Caberet.”
Interesting facts about Quam
include her living in Japan for three
years; she is an only child; was a
published writer int he 5th grade;
met Alex Trebek; and sang on stage
with Lee Greenwood.
Parents are Billie Quam and Brian
Quam.
Jancy Jeffus
Jancy Jeffus, 18, attended Grandfield
High School and is a sophomore at Cameron University. Her plans are to obtain
a bachelors in animal science degree.
Her ambition is to become a veterinarian.
Her platform is “Be-YOU-tiful
#Respect Yourself. Her talent for the
pageant is a tap dance to “Mr. Pinstripe
Suite.”
Interesting facts about Jeffus include
her owning a 1966 Ford Mustang; she
once had a pet raccoon; she recently
discovered a love for cooking; and can
speak like Stitch from the movie “Lilo
and Stitch.”
Parents are Kelly Jeffus and Larry Jeffus.
Altus Times
Dessirea Knox
Dessirea Knox, 18, went to Navajo
High School and is a freshman at
Western Oklahoma State College. She
is seeking a nutrition and dietetics
degree and to become a registered
dietitian.
Her platform is “Nutrition for Everyone” and her talent for the pageant is
the monologue “I Don’t Want to Write
a Monologue.”
Interesting facts about Knox include
her being born three months early; she
has a unique spelling to her name and
two well used nicknames.
She is the daughter of Karen Knox
and Kevin Knox.
Lexie Herron
Kristen Hammock
Kristen Hammock, 19, is a sophomore at Western Oklahoma State
College where she is seeking an associates degree in Applied Science. She
plans on becoming an x-ray tech and
then go back for a radiology degree
and become a radiologist.
Her platform is “Stay True Be You”
and her talent for the pageant is a flag
routine to “Radioative.”
An interesting fact about Hammock
is that she has eight siblings, but only
one is biological. She has two step
sisters, a step brother, two half-sisters,
and an adopted brother.
She is the daughter of Michelle and
Noe Castillo and Michael Hammock.
Lexie Herron, 17, attends Altus
High School. Her plans are to obtain a
bachelors degree and be a special education teachers.
Her platform is “A.B.L.E. (Allow,
Believe, Love, Encourage). Her talent
for the pageant is the Broadway vocal
“Gimme Gimme.”
Interesting facts about Herron
include her having a 9-year-old uncle;
she loves shopping at Goodwill; and
she can move her ears.
She is the daughter of Lynne Herron
and Shannon Herron.
MISS ALTUS
Altus Times
Lana Spand ley
Lana Spandley, 19, went to Altus
High School and is a freshman at
Slouthwestern Oklahoma State University. She plans on getting a prepharmacy degree and her ambition
is to get a pharmacy doctorate and
MBA.
Her platform is “Living to Learn”
and her talent for the pagenat will be
the vocal “Someone Like You.”
Interesting facts about Spandley
include her being one of seven children; she an aunt to four; she has
a pet iguana and she was born in
England.
Parents are Emily Cecil and Shaun
Cecil.
February 18, 2016 9
Meaghan Dorn Marissa Bourgeois
Meaghan Dorn, 18, attends
Mangum High School. She plans on
becoming a teacher.
Her platform issue is “Coming
from the Heart” - Heart Health
Awareness. Her talent for the pageant will be a jazz ance to “Skeletons.”
Interesting facts about Dorn is that
she enjoys revamping evening gowns;
can make a funny moster voice;
helped feed over 2,000 people and
wrapped over 3,000 frozen peas to
feed Oklahomans; and enjoys refurbish old stock trailers.
Parents are Tiffianie Mcgill and
Phil Dorn.
Marissa Bourgeois, 18, goes to
Altus High School and is a freshman
at Western Oklahoma State College
and is in her second year at Southwest
Technology Center. She is pursuing a
degree in pediatric oncology.
Her platform is Sheridan Smiles
and her talent for the pageant is a tap
dance to “The Greatest Love of All.”
Interesting facts about Bourgeois is
that she has been competitive dancing
since the age of four; her favorite form
of dance is tap; and she has danced
with and has been coached by several
well-known dancers and choreographers.
She is the daughter of Sandy Schartung Bourgeois and Jeffery Bourgeois.
Reec Vadney
Reece Vadney, 17, attends Altus
High School. Her ambition is to
obtain a bachelors degree in theatre
and pursue a career in the arts.
Her platform issue is “Life With
A.R.T.” and her talent for the pageant
will be a vocal with accompaniment
to “La Vie En Rose.”
Interesting facts about Vadney
include her being left handed; and
that she met Tom Hanks when she
was 14 and he wished her luck in her
future acting career.
Parents are Karri Vadney and Mark
Vadney.
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2500 N. Main St., Altus, OK 73521
(580) 482-8189
60638689
10 February 18, 2016
MISS ALTUS
Altus Times
Wishing Well
Miss Altus contestants visited several of the event sponsors before the pageant. They are seen here at the Wishing Well where they all received a gift.
courtesy photo
MISS ALTUS
Altus Times
February 18, 2016 11
Miss Oklahoma in Altus for pageant
by Michael Bush,
fbush@civitasmedia.com
Miss Altus Pageant officials have announced that
Miss Oklahoma 2015 Georgia Frazier is in Altus this
week for the pageant.
She has been participating in many of the Miss
Altus activities this week,
as well as visiting local
schools promoting her platform “Mentoring Works!
You’re a Thumb-Body.” In
2012 Georgia was also diagnosis with early stages of
cervical cancer and is now
a spokesperson for Cervical
Cancer Awareness.
Frazier
She visited Roosevelt
Elementary School on Feb. 17; Rivers, Will
Rogers and Washington Elementary Schools
today; and will visit Sunset Elementary in
Altus and the Blair Schools tomorrow. She will
then appear at the Miss Altus Pageant on Saturday, Feb. 20.
Georgia is a graduate of Oral Roberts University with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree with a
major in Organizational Communication and
minor in Humanities. During her undergraduate career she was involved in various organizations across campus, which included Order
of the Golden Eagles, Ambassador to the President’s Office and the French Club. Georgia
was also a recipient of the
Whole Person Scholarship
at Oral Roberts University.
The scholarships Georgia
won through the Miss
Oklahoma Organization
were used to help her
achieve her undergraduate
education debt-free.
After graduating, Georgia became a Marketing
Director at Celebrity
Attractions in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Georgia was the
director of the Little Rock
market and assisted with
the West Texas markets.
In June, Georgia was
crowned Miss Oklahoma
2015 where she received
awards for Lifestyle & Fitness and Interview, besides being recognized
for her Community Service. In September,
Georgia placed as a Top Ten Finalist to Miss
America 2016.
Georgia has volunteered with various organizations, mentoring programs and coordinated
multiple events. Georgia has worked with the
American Cancer Society for the last four
years as a committee member on the Cattle
Baron’s Ball committee – some of her positions
include Event Coordinator, Children’s Party
Coordinator, and the Entertainment Coordinator. She has helped raise over $500,000 dollars
for individuals who are battling the fight of
cancer.
In 2009, Georgia was crowned as the 7th
Miss Oklahoma’s Outstanding Teen. During
her year of service, Georgia travelled the state
of Oklahoma speaking to schools and attending
community events to promote her platform of
Warriors for Women is Georgia’s heart and
mission as Miss Oklahoma. She hopes to
spread awareness about women’s health and
preventive healthcare. Georgia’s goal is to
amplify the voices of women and to empower
them to be warriors for their own health.
Georgia has spoken to over 12,000 young
females from 8th grade through college about
the importance of going to annual check ups
and preventative health measures. Georgia also
started the #StartTalking campaign in social
media and at appearances. Georgia has shared
her personal story on the web through her
blog, reaching over 4,000 followers, as well on
Twitter and Facebook. Georgia has also organized Warrior for Women’s Fitness Day’s with
the help of local Pilate’s studios in Tulsa to
help educate women the importance of fitness
and living a healthy lifestyle.
She plans to travel the state as Miss Oklahoma leaving a legacy of empowerment through
her platform. She hopes to implement Warriors
for Women in all schools and equip each student with the tools to live a healthy lifestyle.
Georgia is the daughter of George and Kay
Frazier, and is a proud sister of her siblings
Matthew (brother), 36, Brian (brother), 34
and Parker (brother), 26.
Reach Michael Bush at fbush@civitasmedia.com
Good Luck
to all contestants
Miss Altus 2016
108 N. Veterans Drive Altus, OK
580-482.0617 800-245-0617
Lincoln The official vehicle for Miss Altus
60638826
MISS ALTUS
Altus Times
60638820
12 February 18, 2016