At the Troy City Council meeting on July 14, the Council and Mayor Jason Reeves held ceremonies to recognize the city’s Pageant Queens and state championship track teams from Charles Henderson High School.
The council presented the Troy queens that were in attendance with pins that they will be able to wear on their sashes, including at the Peanut Festival in Dothan later this year. The Troy Queens for 2026 are Miss Troy Julianna Knight, Little Miss Troy Everly Lloyd McLendon, Junior Miss Troy Emma Kate Jordan, Teen Miss Troy Layla Moultry, Baby Miss Troy Kinsley Odom, Young Miss Troy Rollins Carlisle, Spirit of Troy Bailor Bright, Future Little Miss Troy Madison Mitchell, Tiny Miss Troy Linsley Sanders, Itsy Miss Troy Mollie Grace Blackmon and Petite Miss Troy Lily Anne Branson.
The Council also recognized Troy’s 2026 Queens. (Josh Boutwell)
“It’s always a special night when we have a council meeting where we can celebrate our young people that have accomplished something,” Reeves said. “That’s what makes tonight really special.”
Reeves and the Council also presented members of the CHHS boys and girls track teams with a commendation and plaques commemorating their state championships. The girls team won a Class 4A-5A Outdoor Track State Championship in the 4×100-meter relay. The relay team consists of Payton Ousley, Shai’Vonne Grace, Harmony Hubbard and Skylar Wright. Ousley also won a state championship 60-meter dash during the indoor season.
The boys team took home the 4A-5A Indoor Track State Championship in the 4×200-meter relay. The relay team consists of Kourtni Christian, Briece Baker, Javion Hall and Joshuan Daniels.
“One thing about track and field is it is a sport of life,” CHHS Track Coach Tyree Reed said. “What you put into it is what you will get out of it. One thing about these kids is they put in the time and effort to be the best. At times, you may fall short and that’s okay in the sport of track and field because you always get another attempt.
“This is also what makes this accomplishment special. It’s not easy to win when you’re supposed to win, when it matters getting the job done is all that matters. They put that in the forefront and I couldn’t be more proud of the effort they put in.”
The mayor and council each delivered words of encouragement to the track team, as well.
“What y’all did running is really a lot like what we do here,” Reeves said. “It takes teamwork and it takes everyone being able to move fast and hand off that baton. I am very proud of what you have accomplished and am very grateful that we have a community with such great young people.”
Councilwoman Sharon McSwain-Holland told the athletes she hoped to see them leading in the community in the future, as well.
“Anytime you get a chance to celebrate the youth it always brings the crowd and I thank you all for what you are doing to represent the great City of Troy,” she said. “I hope to see you one day making a difference in our city beyond sports, as well.”