Name: Summer Ruckner
School: Brandon High School
Location: Brandon, Mississippi
African-American girls continue to break barriers in Brandon, Mississippi. In recent years, the selection of the Brandon High School’s Homecoming Queen has become more diverse.
Today, Southern Laced had a chance to talk with Summer Ruckner about being crowned the 2016-2017 BHS Homecoming Queen.
Q: What made you run for Homecoming Queen?
A: I wanted to do something different.
Q: Why did you want to win?
A: To encourage other African-American girls to fulfill their dreams regardless of the school that they attend.
Q: What are some things that set you apart from the other candidates for Brandon High School’s Homecoming Queen?
A: Keeping a smile on my face everywhere I go and staying positive.
Q: What’s the best part about being crowned the 2016-2017 BHS Homecoming Queen?
A: Having young girls look up to me and wanting to follow in my footsteps.
Q: How does it feel to know that you are an inspiration to little girls and women in your local community?
A: It’s a blessed feeling.
Q: Tell us a little bit more about yourself. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?
A: I am involved in two clubs at school, which are DECA and Dog Pack. I have also been involved in Girl Scouts for 13 years. I’ve been dancing at church for 8 years.
Q: Name one person you truly admire. Tell us why you admire him or her.
A: My First Lady Leslee Harvey (of Pilgrim Rest Church in Brandon, MS) because she inspires me to grow up and be a phenomenal woman.
Q: What motivates you to not give up on your dreams?
A: My family.
Q: What song best describes your life right now?
A: God Provides by Tamela Mann because the song says that you shouldn’t have to worry about anything because God will always provide for your every need.
Q: What has been the happiest moment in your life?
A: Being crowned Brandon High School’s 2016 Homecoming Queen.
Q: If you could meet a famous person, who would it be?
A: If I could meet a famous person, it would be Oprah Winfrey. She’s a very successful black woman who encourages me to go higher.
Q. What important life lesson have you learned this year?
A: I learned that you cannot be afraid to step out and fulfill your dreams.