2002 QUEEN'S COURT
2002 Queen Corie Smith
Nicole is the 20 year old daughter of Dave and Debbie Roman of Palmetto. She has brown hair and hazel eyes and her hobbies include acting, dancing, singing, shopping and spending time with her mother.
Nicole graduated from Palmetto High School in 2003. She was captain of the cheerleading squad her senior year, participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, chorus, concert band, soccer, Student Government and Class Cabinet. She received several academic achievements including Honor Roll, Scholarship “P” and the Principal’s Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement. She was selected from her peers to be a student ambassador and represent Manatee County in England, Ireland and Scotland. Nicole also served in ManaTEENS. She is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.
Currently, Nicole attends the University of South Florida where she is in the Alpha Delta Pi sorority and volunteers time at the Ronald McDonald House, Salvation Army and Shriners Hospital. She is pursuing a degree in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Musical Theatre. She hopes to work one day as a correspondent for the travel channel.
Princess Rachel Weeks
Stephanie is the 20 year old daughter of Mark and Joan Hildebrandt of Palmetto. She has brown hair and brown eyes and her hobbies are spending time with her friends and family, cooking, sewing, reading, listening to music and volunteer work.
Stephanie was in the class of 2003 at Manatee High School where she was an officer of the Physics Club and Health Occupational Students of America, and participated in the Medical Academy, the Senior Class Board, Ocean Awareness Club and lettered in track and field. Academically, Stephanie received the White M for academic achievement, was a member of the Renaissance program, a member of the National Honor Society and the National Beta Club. Stephanie Graduated in the top 10% of her class with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. She served her community as a member of the Key Club, ManaTEENS, Toys for Tots, Meals on Wheels and Southeastern Guide Dogs. Stephanie is a member of St. Francis Cabrini Church.
Currently, Stephanie attends the University of South Florida and is on the Dean’s List. She has received numerous scholarships and is a member of the Circle K Club. Upon completion of her degree from USF she plans to work as a labor and delivery nurse.
Megan Marie Bauer
Megan is the 18 year old daughter of Steven and Stephanie Bauer of Bradenton. She has blonde hair and green eyes and her hobbies are dance, cheerleading and community volunteer work.
A 2003 graduate of Edison Academy, Megan also attended Manatee High School her freshman through junior years. While at Manatee, she was a member of the Student Council, a Class Board member and a Class Senator. She was also the Sophomore Class President. In the area of academic achievement, Megan received recognition in the Renaissance program every semester while at Manatee. She also participated in the Jr. Varsity Cheerleading program and served as captain in 2000. Megan served her community through the Z-Club and the Mam’selles service club while in high school.
Currently, Megan is a freshman at the University of South Florida, where she is enrolled in honors courses. She is a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority and volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House and the Shriners Hospital. She is a member of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and upon graduating from USF in 2007, plans to return to Manatee County and pursue a career in business.
Whitney Nicole Blalock
Whitney is the 19 year old daughter of Brenda Blalock. She resides with her mother and stepfather, Alphonso Belsito, in Bradenton. She has brown hair and brown eyes and enjoys track, working out and going to the movies and the theatre.
Whitney was a 2003 graduate of Lakewood Ranch High School where she was the MVP on the weightlifting team, earned a varsity letter for track and field and was a member of the marching band. She is a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Whitney auditioned and earned a band scholarship to Edward Waters College located in Jacksonville where she did attend for a semester before returning to Bradenton. She will resume matriculation beginning this fall and plans to pursue a degree in Broadcast Journalism.
Jennifer Lynn Brown
Jennifer is the 19 year old daughter of Carla and Charles Beddow and Darrell Brown of Bradenton. She has blonde hair and brown eyes and her hobbies are shopping, going to the beach and watching movies.
Jennifer graduated from Manatee High School in 2002. She was involved in FCCLA, Class Board, Student Council and Prom Committee. She also served in Reinaunce Club for four years where she held the office of President. Jennifer also served in Manateens. She is a member of Palma Sola Bay Baptist Church. She has been a Wyldlife leader for the past three years and is now a YoungLife Campaigner leader.
Currently, Jennifer is attending Manatee Community College where she is on the Deans List with a 4.0 grade point average. She will receive her Associates in Science in May and then start the nursing program in the fall. She plans to become a registered nurse in labor and delivery and to work at Blake Medical Center.
Brittany Ann Flynn
Brittany is the 18 year old daughter of Timothy and Christine Flynn of Bradenton. She has blonde hair and green eyes and enjoys swimming, music, basketball, reading, writing, shopping and spending time with her family.
Brittany is a 2003 graduate of Lakewood Ranch High School where she was a member of the Key Club, served as secretary of Quill and Scroll, was newspaper editor, and participated in the track and basketball programs. In addition, she was active in music, participating in the symphonic band, jazz band and was a section leader of the marching band.
Currently, Brittany is attending Manatee Technical Institute where she will receive a certification in cosmetology. She plans to open and operate her own salon upon completion of her education.
Erin Joy Levy
Erin is the 19 year old daughter of Linda O’Connor-Levy and Alan Levy of Bradenton. She has red hair and hazel eyes and enjoys reading, painting, automobile mechanics and design, athletics and model car racing.
Erin is a 2003 graduate of Manatee High School where she was Vice President and Treasurer of Physics Club, Vice President of FCCLA, a member of the Drama Club, OSHA Safety Council, and lettered in Junior Varsity soccer, Varsity weightlifting, and academics. Additionally, Erin was an active member of the Jr. ROTC program where she received the Daedalian Achievement Award for outstanding performance. She was nominated her senior year for the National Honor Role and received distinction through the “Who’s Who Among American High School Students”. She is also a member of the national Vocational-Technical Honor Society. In her community, Erin has been active in Jr. Leadership Manatee, Adopt a Family, Toys for Tots, and the Friends of the Central Library. She is a member of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church.
Currently, Erin is attending both Manatee Technical Institute and Manatee Community College. She plans on transferring to a four year university where she will major in automotive design.
Amanda Leigh Paulson
Amanda is the 19 year old daughter of Lee and Barbara Paulson of Palmetto. She has brown hair and brown eyes and enjoys golf, working out, shopping and spending time with her family.
A 2003 graduate of Manatee High School, Amanda was an active member of the marching band and Auxiliary Flag Team where she served as drill assistant, lieutenant, and co-captain. She received a letter for her involvement in music and also lettered in track and field. She served on the Class Board, Prom Committee and Student Council. She was honored academically through the Music Honor Society, received the white M for academic excellence, was a Hall of Fame Nominee, and was named to “Who’s Who Among American High School Students”. Additionally, Amanda served her community in the Reinaunce service club where she held the office of treasurer and vice president. She was also active with ManaTEENS and completed over 650 hours of service. She is a member of West Bradenton Baptist Church where she has done several mission trips abroad, was a camp counselor and sings in the choir.
Currently, Amanda attends Manatee Community College where she earned a spot on the Dean’s list and has been invited to join the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She plans to transfer to the University of South Florida and major in secondary education. She would like to become a seventh grade teacher in the Manatee County public school system.
Lacey Moreland Shuttleworth
Lacey is the 19 year old daughter of Iris Shuttleworth of Bradenton. She has auburn hair and hazel eyes and enjoys gymnastics, cheerleading and socializing with her friends.
Lacey is a 2003 graduate of Lakewood Ranch High School where she was a Student Government Association Representative for two years, Junior Class Secretary, Junior Advisory Board Representative, and member of Key Club International. In addition, she was the Varsity Cheerleading Co-Captain for two years where she was honored by being selected to try-out as an NCA All American Cheerleader. She was also a member of the girl’s weightlifting team. She volunteered with the American Cancer Society, Manatee Glens, Blood Bank, Teen Court and tutored at Gene Witt Elementary School. She is a member of Tabernacle Church and active in the YoungLife program.
Lacey currently attends the University of South Florida majoring in Pre-Med and maintains a spot on the Dean’s list. She is a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority and the Phi Sigma Theta National Honor Society. Lacey stays active with community involvement at the Ronald McDonald House. She hopes to be admitted to medical school and specialize in obstetrics and gynecology.
Emily Jordan Stewart
Emily is the 20 year old daughter of William and Diana Stewart of Bradenton. She has brown hair and brown eyes and enjoys swimming, sports, swing dancing, watching movies and hanging out with friends.
She is a 2002 graduate of Manatee High School where she participated in Zonta Club, Footlighters, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Family Career Community Leaders of America, Cotillion, track and field and was captain of the Swim Team. In addition, she was named among “Who’s Who Among American High School Students”. She is a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church. She was a Wyldlife leader, attended Appalachian Extreme, Windy Gap, Confrontation Point and was a counselor at Southwind.
Currently Emily attends the University of South Florida College of Secondary Education and is on the Dean’s List. She is also a board member of the Student Activities Organization, Vice President of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and active with Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, USF STARS and chair of To Dragma. Upon completion of her education, she plans to travel to Spain and tutor children in English for one year before returning to Florida to teach dropout prevention in a secondary education facility.