Tiana Griggs Gets Key To the City
Miss Georgia 2014 Tiana Griggs was gracious, poised, and emotional as she accepted the the Key to the City from Monticello Mayor Bryan Standifer and council members Saturday afternoon.
A large sector of the Jasper County community attended the ceremony held at St. James A.M.E. Church to honor the native Jasper Countian.
In addition to Miss Griggs accepting the key and thanking her local supporters through the “good and not good times.”
One particular highlight of the program was the 30 plus Little Princesses who donned their Sunday’s best, Georgia sashes, and tiaras in solidarity to salute Miss Griggs and show that queens can be and are everywhere.
Susan Jacobs emceed the program Saturday, and various people spoke on the positive influence and inspiration that Miss Georgia USA 2014 provided. Miss Griggs is from Monticello, and she, along with her mother, Teresa Griggs, and grandmother, Patricia Hunter were saluted Saturday.
Brittney Jackson read some of Tiana’s favorite quotes, and Shernita Hicks read a letter from Mom. Tributes were offered by the emcee and by Sheriff Donnie Pope, Mayor Pro Tem Bobby Jacobs, William Gibson, and Kathy Mudd.
Both Ms. Jacobs and Sheriff Pope told how Miss Griggs had inspired the community. Sheriff Pope went on to say the community as a whole is proud of Miss Griggs. “You’ve overcome many obstacles and the success you have achieved is amazing,” he said.
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He quoted from the Bible James 1:17 about the gifts that come from the Lord. He told her that she may not have set out to be a role model to everyone but that she is one.
“Allow your light to shine,” he said. He presented her with a CHAMPS tote bag.
Mayor Pro-tem Jacobs lightened things up with a joke, and went on to say how Miss Griggs had glorified God and supported the children in the community.
William Gibson bragged on how proud he was of Miss Griggs, and encouraged her to stay humble. He told her the sky is her limit.
He presented a flower to mother, and a plaque to Miss Griggs.
Mrs. Mudd, representing both The Monticello News, and the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce, spoke of what Miss Griggs had done for the community, and praised her for her community involvement and her beauty inside and out.
She presented flowers and a gift card to Miss Griggs from the Chamber of Commerce.
Mrs. Georgia 2015 Mitzie Braswell spoke on Miss Griggs’ platform, and spoke to what she had done in the community. Miss Griggs platform was all about community involvement and empowering women.
Patricia Hunter, Miss Grigg’s paternal grandmother, shared words of encouragement saying you just have to love the children. Don’t spank them; don’t belittle them, just encourage them and love them.
The beauty queen’s mother shared a letter written to her daughter that included a thanks for doing as she was told. “You are my fruit,” the letter said, “I am the branch and God is the tree. Keep smiling. God is not finished with you yet.”
Germaine Bly, Miss Griggs’ boyfriend, introduced her as his best friend and his girl friend. He said they’ve been on a long journey, and he can’t wait to see where they go from here.
Tiana then addressed the crowd, saying thank you so much. “Words cannot express how much I appreciate everything that has been said for me.”
She said she blames the sentimental gestures for messing up her make-up. She said her reign is over, and before it began she couldn’t fathom being where she is. She said at 27, at the Miss Georgia pageant, she was just gaining confidence. She said no one could believe that the pageant at 25 was her first pageant.
She encouraged everyone to uplift the little princesses, and told them to get involved in pageants before they are 25. She encouraged the community and family to cheer them on. She told the little girls they were beautiful.
She expressed thanks again, and gave a special thanks to those who have been there when it’s not pretty.
Mayor Standifer said it had been a beautiful program, and you can feel it when our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is in the midst. He spoke of the wonderful accomplishments of Miss Griggs.
Then he, along with council members, presented Miss Griggs with a key to the city of Monticello.
Lil’ Princesses included Ayler Appling, Robyn Asbell, Ariyah Burke, Harmoni Farley, Alona Jackson, Adrienne Jeffries, Janyla Lawrence, Taylor Merritt, Charlee Norris, Malayha Thurman, Saige Appling, MyKala Boles, Zoey Davis, Toni Gantt, Ayden Jackson, Ariyanna Jeffries, Kyla Levester, La’Mya Milligan, Sydney Shirley, Reagan Tripp, Janiah Wynn, Jordayn Asbell, Chloe Bostic, Kimmaya Epps, Jori Goolsby, Zoey Jackson, Hadassah Johnson, Jada Marks, Arriyana Nolley, Glenasia Stewart and Kaleigh Williams.
The Lil Princesses were presented to the audience at the beginning of the program by 2014 Deer Festival Queen Katelin Villareal and Little Miss Fawn Laynie Matthews. The young ladies were assisted by 2014 Miss Hurricane Brandi McMichael and Miss Homecoming Kolby DeGarmo, Chelsee Thomas, Lauren Pope, and Lanita B. Banks.
