Competitions

• Dawn LaShell Williams, a sophomore at Hinds Community College, competed in the Hinds Beauty Revenue pageant and placed in the Top 10. She is a business major and plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi. She is the daughter of Herbert and Dwan Williams.

Scholarships

• Kristen Westmoreland, a student at Alcorn State University, has been awarded a $5,000 scholarship by Union National Life Insurance. Recipients of this scholarship are chosen by the United Negro College Fund and must have a 2.5 minimum GPA and a parent/guardian who holds a current policy with the insurance company. Applicants must also write an essay.

Upcoming events

• Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert — 3:30 p.m. Dec. 6, F.D. Hall Music Center at Jackson State University; free admission; Romaine Richards, 601-953-1768.

• Warren Central High School Singe Feast — 7 p.m. Dec. 10-12, Madrigals’ dinner theater; tickets, $25, include meal; 601-631-2916 to make reservations.

• Graduate Scholarship Program Applications — Available from the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries Inc.; applicants must be pursuing graduate-level studies for one year in fields that address special needs of children (no administration or general education); application forms available through Feb. 1 at www.najanet.org.

• Pennies for Patients Campaign — Seeking schools to participate, January-March 2010; sponsored by the Mississippi office of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; schools may register by calling Sharon at 601-956-7447; more information at www.lls.org or www.schoolandyouth.org.

In brief

Applicants sought for scholars program

Applications for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program are being accepted for the 2010 academic school year. High school seniors and rising college sophomores and juniors are asked to apply before the Feb. 1, 2010, deadline.

Interested students may contact Carl Butler, program manager, at 202-720-9238 or 1890init@usda.gov. Applications are available at www.ascr.usda.gov/1890programs.html.