One of the highlights of the biannual Tennessee Picnic
Association (TPA) celebration is the Tennessee Picnic pageant.
The pageant is set for 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2, at Cocke
County High School in the auditorium. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for
children.
The five contestants are being announced today.
Chelsey Davis, the 17-year-old daughter of Gwen Davis, of
Jefferson City, attends Jefferson County High School.
╥I want to be an entrepreneur in the entertainment
business. A dancer!╙ she said. She has won Best Singer and Dancer honors
and enjoys dancing, singing and acting.
Twenty-year-old Kendra Lavon Ray, of Newport, is the
daughter of Meschelyn Robinson and Charles Ray Jr.
She attends Walters State Community College where she is
studying to be a physical therapist. She was third runner-up in the 2007
Tennessee Picnic pageant and was crowned Parrottsville Heritage Days Queen in
2008.
Tenisha Leshea Ray, of Newport, is the 18-year-old
daughter of Meschelyn Robinson and Charles Ray Jr.
She attends Walters State Community College where she is
also studying physical therapy.
She was first runner up in the Cocke County High School
Homecoming and received academic awards in Spanish, English and fine arts. Her
hobbies and interests include singing, playing basketball, and helping the
needy in the community.
Chelsea DePrise Whiteside is the 18-year-old daughter of
Deno and Debbie Whiteside, of Jefferson City.
A graduate of Jefferson County High School, she attends
East Tennessee State University. She plans to become a pediatrician.
KeYonna D. Kirkland, the 16-year-old daughter of Nichole
Kirkland and Leon Kirkland, of Knoxville, attends Austin East High School.
She hopes to major in business and marketing with a minor
in theater.
Her hobbies are singing, dancing and basketball.