Yesterday Miss Ohio, Karissa Martin visited a couple schools in Shadyside and this morning she was at Powhatan Elementary School talking with the students about her platform. Paul Krajnyak was in the area and took these great shots:
Earlier this month her hometown honored her with "Karissa Martin Day:"
“Karissa, in my opinion, what you have accomplished is the single greatest achievement in Woodsfield history – Miss Ohio,” said Woodsfield Administrator Jeff Woodell. “We’re the seventh largest state in the U.S. and have 11 million people. For a girl from Woodsfield to represent Ohio in the Miss America contest is amazing!”
The occasion was the dedication of four signs recognizing Woodsfield as “Home of Miss Ohio 2008 Karissa Martin.” The event, hosted by Citizens National Bank, was held April 4 at the Brown Community Center. Carey Bott, CEO, Citizens National Bank, and his wife Becky introduced Karissa.
A junior at West Liberty State College, Karissa is pursuing an interdisciplinary degree in music and theater communications. At West Liberty, Karissa is an Elbin Scholar, honors student, treasurer of Nu Theta Chapter of Chi Omega, and was recently accepted into the Alpha Chi National College Honor Scholarship Society.
“Karissa’s platform is Skin Cancer Prevention for a Second Generation. It is not just a platform, it is a mission. At age 14, Karissa discovered abnormal skin cells resulting from sunburn. Her efforts are focused on providing education targeting the youth ... Her goal is to bring about a greater understanding of the dangers of skin cancer and methods of preventing this deadly form of cancer,” said Becky Bott.
“We were proud, eager and delighted to help sponsor these signs,” said Karen Binford, president of the Woodsfield Kiwanis Club. “Karissa cut her teeth performing in Kiwanis Talent Shows, participating for 11 years and won every year. It has been a delight for Kiwanis to watch her grow up. You hold a special place in our hearts.”
The signs, designed and constructed by Andrew Ring, were purchased by the generosity of Woodsfield Kiwanis, the employees of Citizens Nation-al Bank, Paul Conner in memory of the late Barbara Conner, William E. Moore, Carl and Lynn Rousenberg, Carey and Becky Bott. The signs will be installed by Village of Woodsfield employees.
Those attending the event were treated to a performance by Miss Ohio. Karissa lent her beautiful voice to a selection of pieces from Broadway shows including Cats, My Fair Lady and Flower Drum Song. “She’s a Butterfly” was dedicated to Aiden Russell, who is a former Monroe County Relay For Life mascot.
After the performance, Carey Bott remarked, “I have attended a lot of concerts and paid a lot to see them and I tell you I got a deal today!”
Photo and article by Martha Ackerman of the Monroe County Beacon.
How nice!! It's so great to see Karissa's town supporting her so much. She deserves every minute of it, too. She's a great Miss Ohio :).
ReplyDeleteI wish Karissa would have made the Top 15 at Miss America. She is gorgeous and talented.
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