Meet the Gulf Coast Carnival Association’s 2020 Royal Court

GCCA 2020 Dukes

Frank Ryland Bertucci of Gulfport is the husband of Laine Vanveckhoven Bertucci. They are the parents of Ryland Jr, Mary Grace, William and Henry Bertucci. He is a graduate of Gulfport High School. He received his degree in economics in 2007 from Louisiana State University. While there he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity where he served as social chair for one year. He is director of sales and marketing at F.E.B. Distributing in Gulfport. He is part of the fourth generation in the family business that has been serving the Mississippi Gulf Coast since 1934.

He is past board member Mississippi Coast Restaurawessonnt & Beverage Association. He is a member of LSU Alumni Association MS Gulf Coast Chapter, Mississippi Beer Distributors Association, National Beer Wholesalers Association Next Generation Group, The Revelers, Gulfport Yacht Club and Bayou Bluff Tennis Club. He and his family are members of St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport.

GCCA affiliations: Ryland served as a page to King d’Iberville in 1994. His grandfather, Frank Bertucci, served a King d’Iberville in 1961. His father, Frank E. Bertucci, served as duke in 1986, co-captain in 1991 and 1992, King d’Iberville in 1994 and chairman of the board in 2002 and 2003. His uncle, Paul Bertucci, served as a duke in 1988 and 1994 and King d’Iberville in 2001. His sister, Lee Anne Bertucci, served as a page to Queen Ixolib in 1991. His brother, Jeff Bertucci, served as a page in 1994 and a duke in 2019.

C. Patrick Johnson of Ocean Springs is the husband of Kaylee Elder Johnson. They are the parents of Noah and Brooks Johnson. He is a graduate of Ocean Springs High School. He attended Louisiana State University where he received a bachelor’s degree in finance. At LSU he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He later went on to earn a master’s degree in business administration. He is a sale representative for state and local government with Google.

He and his family are members of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Ocean Springs. He is a member of the Revelers carnival organization.

GCCA affiliations: Patrick’s wife, Kaylee Elder Johnson, was a maid in 2013. He father-in-law, Jeff Elder, was a duke in 2003, lieutenant of carnival in 2018 and 2019 and currently serves as captain of carnival.

Leo Ernest Manuel of Biloxi is the husband of Ashley Cosgriff Manuel. He is a 1997 graduate of Mercy Cross High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Louisiana State University in 2001. At LSU he was awarded the Ben Burns Award for Best Senior Design Project. Following graduation, he attended the University of Richmond where he received both a juris doctorate, cum laude, and master in business administration in 2005. While a student at Richmond, he sat as an articles editor for the University of Richmond Law Review and the co-chair of the student government social committee. In 2005, he began practicing law with the Gulfport, Mississippi law offices of Balch & Bingham, LLP, where he is now a partner. His practice consists of energy law, commercial litigation and contract law. He also serves as chair to the firm’s pro bono committee.

He has served for several years on the Board of Directors for the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce. He is a 2010 graduate of Leadership Gulf Coast and a 2019 graduate of Mississippi Economic Council’s Leadership Mississippi. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Mississippi Bar Association, Energy Bar Association, Harrison County Young Lawyers Association, Gulfport Business Club, Coast Young Professionals Club, Biloxi Yacht Club and Mithras Carnival Association.

GCCA affiliations: Leo served as page to King d’Iberville in 1991. His father, Larry Manuel, served as duke in 1991. His brother, Maurice Manuel, was a flag bearer in 1991. His brother, Charlie Dellenger, served as duke in 2016. His niece, Caroline Dellenger, served as a page in 2017 and a flag bearer in 2019.

Mark Patrick Loughman of Gulfport is the husband of Leslie Peenstra Loughman. They are the parents of Meg, Patrick and Caroline Loughman. He is a graduate of Hattiesburg High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Millsaps College and a master’s degree from Yale University. Today he is the director of environmental affairs and shared services for Mississippi Power Company in Gulfport.

He is a member of Gulfport Yacht Club where he served as commodore in 2018. He is a graduate of Leadership Mississippi, Leadership Gulf Coast, The Gulf Coast Business Council’s Masters Leadership Program, and Leadership Jackson County. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for The Nature Conservancy and the Mississippi Wildlife Federation. He is also a past-president of the Mississippi Main Street Association. He and his family are members of St. James Catholic Church.

Richard C. Schmidt, Jr. of Biloxi is the husband of Cecilia Gollott Schmidt. They are the parents of Jack, Heath and Ann Lauren Schmidt. He is a graduate of Biloxi High School where he was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University earning a bachelor’s degree in business management as well as a master’s degree in business administration. He is the owner of Barry’s U Pull It Auto Parts, Inc. in Theodore, Alabama.

He is a member of the Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, the Biloxi Diamond Club where he is a past president, a board member of Big Red Athletic Foundation and a Hancock Bank Biloxi market board member. He and his family are members of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. He is a member of the MSU Alumni Association, Mithras Carnival Association where he is a past president and former king. He serves on the board, is a crawfish boil cook team member and 5K committee member for Gulf Coast Carnival Association. He is member of The Revelers Carnival Association, the Biloxi Yacht Club where he is a past commodore and Mississippi State University Bulldog Club.

GCCA affiliation: Richard served as a page in 1983, a duke in 2009, lieutenant of carnival in 2012 and 2013 and captain of carnival in 2014 and 2015. His grandfather, Dr. Harry J. Schmidt Sr., served as King d’Iberville in 1950. His father, Dr. Richard C. Schmidt, Sr., was a duke in 1989. His brother Gavin J. Schmidt, Sr., was a duke in 2004, lieutenant of carnival in 2006 and 2007 and captain of carnival in 2008 and 2009. His wife, Cecilia Gollott Schmidt, was a maid in 1990. His son Jack Schmidt was a flag bearer in 2008. His son, Heath Schmidt was a flag bearer in 2012 and a page in 2013. His daughter, Ann Lauren Schmidt, was a flag bearer in 2015 and page in 2016.

Billy F. Thornton of Gulfport is the husband of Sylvia Thornton. He attended Long Beach High School where he graduated with honors and was voted friendliest. He went on to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College where he earned an associate degree in general business. Among his many student honors and leadership roles, Thornton was elected president of the freshman class, president of the Student Body, Mr. JD and graduated with honors. He was inducted into the MGCCC Alumni Hall of Fame in 2019. After graduating from MGCCC, he earned a bachelor’s degree in administration and personnel management from the University of Southern Mississippi, where he was tapped into the circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership honor society. He graduated from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School’s executive master’s program. In 1988, Thornton received the opportunity to work in Congress as executive assistant to U.S. Congressman Larkin Smith, R-Mississippi, until the Congressman’s death in 1989. He currently serves as Mississippi Power’s Vice President of External Affairs and Shared Services, joining the company’s Management Council in 2012. He is responsible for oversight of several departments, including Governmental and Community Affairs, Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, Public Relations, General Services, Corporate and Foundation Giving, Supply Chain and Technology Organization.

Thornton is a graduate of Leadership Mississippi and the Masters Leadership Program Gulf Coast. He serves on the boards of the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Museum, Mississippi Manufacturers Association, Mississippi Energy Institute, Center for Manufacturing Excellence at the University of Mississippi, the National Oceans and Applications Research Center (NORAC) as an appointee of the governor and the Gulf Coast Business Council Board of Directors. He was also an appointee of the governor to the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation. He has also served on the board for the United Way of South Mississippi. He is a Methodist.

Robert T. Watts, Jr. of Biloxi is the husband of Kathy Watts. They are the parents of Katelyn Braswell and Austin Watts. He is a graduate of Biloxi High School. He attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, University of Southern Mississippi and University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry where he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine in 1987. He went on to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He is a partner in Gulf Coast Oral and Facial Surgery. He is a past president of the Mississippi Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and past president of the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners.

He is a member of the Sunkist Country Club and Bayou Bluff Tennis Club. He is member of Revelers where he served on the board from 1994 to 2009 and as captain in 2008. He and his family are members of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.

GCCA affiliations: He served as a duke in 1997, lieutenant of carnival in 2010 and 2011 and captain of carnival in 2012 and 2013. His daughter, Katelyn Watts Braswell, served as a flag bear, a maid in 2013 and as Queen Ixolib in 2014. His son, Austin Watts, served as a flag bearer.

Brian Joseph Dubaz of Coppell, TX is the husband of Rose Marie Dubaz. They are the parents of Briana Dubaz. He is a graduate of Biloxi High School where he played football. He received football scholarships to continue his education at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and University Louisiana at Lafayette. He played football at MGCCC and for the All-State team where he was selected All State game MVP.

He volunteers his time with the North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and Metro Crest Food Bank in Dallas, TX. He is a member of the Slavic Benevolent Association where he has served as vice-president and president. He is a football official with the Mississippi High School Activities Association. He is past president of the St. Johns Parish Council. He is a has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 30 years as well as a member of St. Ann’s Men’s Club. He is a member of Revelers and was king for the Krewe of Athena on 1997.

GCCA affiliations: Brian is a member of the Gulf Coast Carnival Association crawfish boiling team. His daughter, Briana Dubaz, served as a maid in 2017. His uncle, Roy Bellande, was King d’Iberville in 1964.

2020 GCCA Maids

Catherine Callie Douglas is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. John Douglas of Gulfport. Her maternal grandparents are the late Tom and the late Mary Carpenter. Her paternal grandparents are the late Justin and the late Katherine Douglas.

She is a graduate of Biloxi High School where she was on the honor roll, a cheerleader, a Diamond Girl and a member of multiple honor societies. Callie attended the University of Mississippi where she was a member of the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society. She was a member Kappa Delta Sorority where she served on the recruitment team. She is currently attending the University of Southern Mississippi School Of Nursing.

She was a 2017 Gulf Coast Debutante. She and her family attend the First United Methodist Church of Biloxi.

GCCA affiliations: She was a page in 2009 to King d’Iberville Rick Carter. She also served as a flag bearer and in 2016 as Key Girl. Her sister, Juliana, has served as a page, a flagbearer and most recently as a maid in 2017. Her cousin, Lucy Thompson, was a flag bearer as well as Key Girl in 2009.

Julia Rose Grant is the daughter of Dr. Walter Grant, III and Mrs. Ashley Grant of Gulfport. Her maternal grandparents are the Mr. Jerry Price and Mrs. Betty Price. Her paternal grandparents are Mr. Walter Grant, Jr. and Mrs. Evelyn Grant.

She attended Gulfport High School where she graduated salutatorian. She was student body president and a National Merit Finalist. She is a senior at the University of Mississippi pursuing a double major in economic and public policy leadership. She is a Taylor Medalist, is on the Chancellor’s List, is an Ole Miss Women’s Council Scholar and received the Panhellenic Trailblazer Award. She is also member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. She is a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and the Associated Student Body where she served as Panhellenic Senator and chief of staff to the president. She is section editor for the University of Mississippi Undergraduate Research Journal and opinion columnist for the Daily Mississippian newspaper. She also serves on Panhellenic Standards Board. Next year, she will be attending law school at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Virginia.

She is a member of St. John Catholic Church. She is a volunteer with More than a Meal and Girl Scouts of the United Stated of America. She is an ambassador for Mississippians Against Human Trafficking and a former intern at the United States House of Representatives and the United States Supreme Court.

Abigail Hope Lawson of Biloxi is the daughter of Tim and Sallie Lawson. Her maternal grandparents are the late Wilton Trawick and the late Beatrice Necaise Zimmerman. Her paternal grandparents are Robert and Shirley Lawson.

She is a graduate of Biloxi High School where she received Caring Woman Award – Promise and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. She also served as a member of the student council and the yearbook staff. She is an alumnus of Mississippi State University where she was a member of the Psi Chi Honor Society and Delta Delta Delta Sorority. She also served as a peer mentor for the Autism Liaisons.

She is member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and the Order of Athena. She was a 2017 member of the Mississippi Debutant Society.

Victoria Leckich of Biloxi is the daughter of David and Ann-Marie Leckich. Her maternal grandparents are the late Elie Hebert and the late Kathleen Hebert. Her paternal grandparents are the late Joseph Leckich and Cordelia Leckich.

She attended St Patrick Catholic High School graduating with high honors. She is currently pursuing a nursing degree at the University of Southern Mississippi. She is a member of Phi Mu Fraternity.

Victoria is a member of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral Parish. She is a member of the Order of Billikins and Les Masquees.

GCCA affiliations: She was a flag bearer in 2010. He father, David Leckich, was a duke in 2019. Her grandfather, Joseph Leckich, served as a duke in 1980. Her cousin, Rose Dellenger, was a page in 1971. Her cousin, Elliott Voivedich, was a flag bearer in 1981 and a duke in 2019. Her cousin, Dana Farris, was a maid in 1983. Her cousin, Reva Hopkins, was flag bearer in 1986. Her cousin, Ashleigh Pickich Lamas, was a flag bearer in 1993 and a maid in 2004. Her cousin, Shanel Williams, was a maid in 2004. Her uncle, Jim Hardin, was a duke in 2007 and served as King d’Iberville in 2019. Her cousin, Evelyn Dellenger, was a maid in 2015. Her cousin, Ezra Hopkins, was a flag bearer in 2017. Her cousin, Robbie Williams, was a duke in 2019. Her cousins, Kenner and Riggs McCaleb, served as pages to King d’Iberville in 2019.

Peyton Elise Mohan of Biloxi is the daughter of John and Shelli Mohan. Her maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. David Arthur Gary and Ann Elizabeth Gary. Her paternal grandparents are Rose Mary Vice and the late George Vincent Mohan.

She attended Biloxi High School where she graduated with honors. She was captain of the Biloxi Varsity Cheer Squad and an All-American cheerleader. She was a Diamond Girl, served on the yearbook staff and was a member of the National Business Honor Society. She attended Mississippi State University studying biological sciences. She was a member of the Phi Mu Sorority and the student association. She is currently at the University of Southern Mississippi pursuing a degree in nursing.

Peyton is a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. She was a Mississippi Gulf Coast Debutant and served as a page to Mississippi State Representative Casey Eure.

GCCA affiliation: Her uncle, William Lee Guice IV, was a duke in 2016. Her cousin, Kennedy Clair Eure, was a flag bearer in 2018. Her cousin, Julia Lyles Guice, was a page to Queen Ixolib in 2018. Her cousin, Gunner David Eure, is a flag bear this year.

Lindsay Blake Streiff of Ocean Springs is the daughter of Mike and Wendy Streiff. Her maternal grandparents are Donald and Shirley Whittington. Her paternal grandparents Mike and Marilyn Streiff.

Lindsay is a high honors graduate of Ocean Springs High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, the National Technical Honor Society, and a scholar athlete. She was a member of the Mayor’s Youth Council as well as the student council where she served as freshman and sophomore class secretary. She also served as the corresponding secretary for the Ocean Springs Cotillion Organization. She was an ambassador mentor, a diamond girl, a varsity and competition cheerleader, a three-time 6A Varsity Cheerleading State Champion, and a three-time UCA All American cheerleader. She was also elected class favorite and a member of the homecoming court.

She is a senior at Mississippi State University where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in biological sciences and is currently pursuing a degree in animal dairy science with an emphasis in pre-vet. She was a recipient of an Academic Excellence scholarship and was selected to attend the MSU Donald Zacharias Leadership Conference. She is a member of Order of Omega, Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honors Organization, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She was elected to the MSU Student Association where she served as a senator for the College of Arts and Sciences. She was also a member of the Pre-Vet Club, Spanish Club, and Maroon VIP. She is a member of Phi Mu sorority where she served on the Phi Mu Academic Excellence Committee and was the Phi Mu Big/Lil Sis Coordinator.

She is a 2016 member of the Gulf Coast Debutante Society and a member of Les Masquees carnival organization. She is a parishioner of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Ocean Springs.

Madison Elizabeth Warren of Gulfport is the daughter of Steven Michael Warren and Jamie Elizabeth Warren. Her maternal grandmother is Nancy Elizabeth Pepperman. Her paternal grandparents are Lawrence Wayne and Bonnie Purvis Warren and Beverly Joyce Warren.

She is a graduate of Gulfport High School. She was a varsity cheerleader, a member of the homecoming court and a class favorite. She was a member of National Honor Society, Key Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes She was a Mississippi Eminent Scholar and Universal Cheerleading Association 4-Time All-American Cheerleader. She is a senior at Mississippi State University studying marketing. She is a Mississippi State Foundation Ambassador serving as vice president and events coordinator, a member of Kappa Delta Sorority serving of the food committee and logistics team) and a collaborate programmer for the Resident Hall Association. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Accounting, Financial Women’s Alliance, Mississippi State’s Research & Development Committee, Undergraduate Women in Business, & Accounting and Finance Student Society.

Madison is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and danced with Kelli’s Steps Showstoppers. She was a member of the Gulf Coast Debutante Society. She was a awarded a Freshman Academic Scholarship, Key Club Scholarship and was invited to represent Mississippi State University at the Mississippi Innovators Hall of Fame Awards Gala for the induction of Leo Seal, Jr.

GCCA affiliation: She was a flag bearer in 2013. Her father, Steven Warren, was a duke in 2011. Her sister, Hannah Warren, was a flag bearer in 2015. Her sister, Haley Warren, was a flag bearer in 2016.

Kolby Davis Wesson of Gulfport is the daughter of Ray Wesson and Lisa Wolverton. Her maternal grandparents are Patricia Davis and the late Artis Lee Davis of Starkville. Her paternal grandparents are the late Dr. Ray and Ann Wesson of Ocean Springs.

She is a graduate of Gulfport High School where she was elected into the Hall of Fame. She was a student council representative, a member of the National Honors Society, varsity cheer captain, cheerleading homecoming sweetheart, senior class most beautiful, Gulfport High School Scholar Athlete, Gulf Coast Youth Leadership representative, Key Club vice president, Art Club vice president, a Mu Alpha Theta Club member and Academic Institutes Student Ambassador. She was a member of Cotillion Club of Gulfport where she served as secretary and was selected most outstanding member.

She is a senior at the University of Alabama where her major is exercise and sport science with minors in biology and psychology. She is a member of Kappa Delta Sorority where she served academic chair. She is a member of Pre-Physical Therapy Society, UA Exercise Physiology Club, Alabama Panhellenic Recruitment Team and Reformed University Fellowship Leadership Team.

Kolby is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and volunteers with the Girl Scouts of America and the West Alabama Food Bank.

GCCA affiliations: Her father, Ray Wesson, was a duke in 2017. Her sister, Presley Wesson McNiel, was a flag bearer in 2002. Her sister, Morgan Wesson Eiland, was a flag bearer in 2006.

2020 Pages

Brax Cook Clark of Gulfport is the son of Brax and Jennifer Clark. He attends Bayou View Elementary where he is on the honor roll and participates in the Quest Gifted Program. He is a member of the Mississippi State Team Tennis which was 2019 champions for the 10 and under age group. He is a member of St James Catholic Church, a Gulfport Yacht Club swim team and SMSC soccer club. He enjoys snow skiing, wake boarding, tennis, soccer and fishing.

GCCA affiliation: His father, Brax Clark, was a duke in 2018 and is the GCCA Duke’s liaison in 2020. His sister, Caroline Anne Clark, is a flag bearer this year.

George David Neumann of Biloxi is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Charles Neumann. He is a 6th grade student at St. James Catholic Elementary School and a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.

George has been annually selected to play All Star baseball from the Biloxi Cal Ripken league since he was seven years old. He also plays on the Biloxi Bombers travel baseball team and St. James Catholic School basketball team. He is a participant in US Kids Golf events and Gulfport Yacht Club sailing camp each summer. He has previously been selected to the Biloxi Youth Soccer All Star Team and Gulf Coast United Travel Soccer Team.

In George’s free time, he likes to play outside with friends, deep sea fish, camp, hike and attend various sporting events. George also enjoys attending the Twin Lakes Summer Camp and traveling in the summer.

GCCA affiliations: George’s father, David Charles Neumann, was a duke in 2018 served as the dukes’ liaison in 2019.

Sadie Kathryn Sutton of Gulfport is the daughter of Dr. Trey and Mrs. Christie Sutton. She attends Bayou View Middle School where she is on the honor roll. She is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Bayou View Middle School. She is a part of Gulfport Girls on the Run at Nourish with Christina Pike.

She is a cheerleader for the Viking football team and enjoys soccer, volleyball and tennis. Sadie is a Gulf Coast girl at heart. She loves the rich history of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and its traditions. She loves Mardi gras and is an avid fisherman. She has been on the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico since the age of 6 months old. Whether it is fishing or water skiing with family and friends, anchored up at one the Mississippi Gulf Coast barrier islands or tolling around Bayou Bernard in her skiff, the Blu-By-You, she truly has saltwater in her veins.

GCCA affiliations: Her father, Dr. Trey Sutton, was a duke in 2015.

Mary Swinton Harris of Biloxi is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Neal Harris, Jr. She is in the fourth grade at Coast Episcopal School, where she was the recipient of the Character Cup and the 2019 Headmaster’s Award. She attends St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Gulfport, MS. Mary Swinton enjoys horseback riding, tumbling and acting.

GCCA affiliations: Mary Swinton’s mother, Anna Stanfield Harris, was a flag bearer in 1988 and served as a maid in 1996. Her father, David Harris, was a duke in 2016 and served as the dukes’ liaison in 2018. Her grandfather, Gordon Stanfield, was a duke to King D’Iberville in 2010.

2020 Flag Bearers

Marien “Ansley” Anderson of Gulfport is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. B. Craig Anderson. She attends Bayou View Middle School where she participates in cheerleading, and volleyball. She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Student Council serving as recording secretary and the journalism/annual staff. She is a member of St. Mark’s Church and Trinity Youth Group.

McCharen “Mac” Parkes Anderson of Gulfport is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Craig Anderson. She attends Bayou View Elementary School where she is a Cheerleader. Mac is also a cheerleader at Cheer Force One. She attends St. Marks Episcopal Church.

Finley Katherine Buford of Gulfport is the daughter of Jeremy and Ashley Buford. She attends Bayou View Middle School. Finley enjoys tennis at Bayou bluff Tennis Club and hanging out with her friends. Finley attends Trinity United Methodist Church where she is involved with the youth group.

Caroline Anne Clark of Gulfport is the daughter of Jennifer and Brax Clark. She attends Bayou View Elementary School where she is on the honor roll, Principal’s List and selected to server on the Student Council and is a cheerleader. She is a dancer at Donna’s Visual and Performing Arts Studio and is member of the Gulfport Yacht Club swim team. She loves dance tennis and cooking. Caroline attends St. James Catholic Church.

Gunner David Eure of Saucier is the son of Casey and Jill Eure. He attends North Woolmarket Middle School. Gunner enjoys playing baseball, basketball, hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends.

Sadie Rose Joachim of Biloxi is the daughter of Todd and Sally Joachim. She attends Coast Episcopal School. Sadie is an elite gymnast and current state level 7 Mississippi champion with aspirations of going to the Junior Olympics. She enjoys playing the trumpet and playing board games with family and friends.

Kenner Martin McCaleb of Biloxi is the son of Dr. Robby and Shanel Williams. He is an honor student at Nativity BVM Elementary School where he plays on the basketball team and is a member of the robotics team and track team. Kenner plays Biloxi little league baseball, Biloxi All Star baseball team, Biloxi Bombers baseball team and the Biloxi Breakers soccer team. He enjoys dirt biking riding, deep sea fishing, snow skiing and going to all Ole Miss sporting events. Kenner was a page to King d’Iberville in 2019.

William “Will” Thomas Parker of Biloxi is the son of Dr. Jeremy and Melissa Parker. He is an honor student at Biloxi Junior High School where he plays football and baseball. He enjoys cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels, playing outside with friends and video games. Will attends Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church where he is a member of the Eagle Youth group and an altar server.

Luke Frederick Shaw of Biloxi is the son of Wendy and Richard Figer and Matthew Shaw. He is an honor student and serves on the student council at St. James Catholic Elementary School. Luke enjoys playing baseball and travel soccer. His hobbies are fishing, hunting, golfing and snow skiing.

Eliza Lee Williams of Gulfport is the daughter of Adam and Donna Haynes-Freeney and Ric and Heather Williams. She attends Bayou View Middle School where she is a cheerleader. Eliza enjoys gymnastics and competitive dance and sailing. She attends Westminster Presbyterian Church.

2020 Key Girl

Anna Lane “Laney” Sala of Biloxi is the daughter of Alan and Allison Sala. Her maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Don Stafford and Ganon Allen Pemberton. Her paternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. John Campbell and the late Paul Alan Sala, Sr.

She is a student at Biloxi High School where she is a member of Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Beta Club, Rho Kappa, Mu Alpha Theta and the National Honor Society where she serves as vice president. She is a Biloxi High School Diamond Girl and a cheerleader serving as co-captain in her junior year and as captain this year. She was selected to serve on the Biloxi High School Homecoming Court for the last three years.

Laney is a Biloxi High School cheerleader and a member of the competitive cheer squad. She participates in Gem of Champions competitive cheer and was a Kelli’s Steps Showstopper where she is a national award winner. She was selected an All American Cheerleader in 2016 and 2019, MVP Cheerleader in 2019, Jump of Queen at UCA camp for four years and UCA staff for cheer in 2019. She was recognized for great scholastic achievement and outstanding GPA award and received the Leadership award for Biloxi High School cheer. She is a graduate of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce Junior Leadership program and is a 2 year member of Gabrielle’s Trendsetter Fashion Board. She has volunteers with many community service projects including heart walk, Loaves and Fishes, Boys and Girls Club, and Toys for Tots. She plans to attend Louisiana State University in the fall.

GCCA affiliations: She was a page to Queen Ixolib in 2014. Her grandfather was a duke in 1992. Her father, Alan Sala, was a duke in 2011. Her brother was a flag bearer in 2015.

This story was originally published February 16, 2020 at 12:00 AM.