T&D Features Editor
F
ull of personality best describes the winners of The Times and Democrat's first Kid Idol.
One hundred twenty-five contestants were split into three categories -- 0- to 2-year-olds, 3- to 6-year-olds and 7- to 10-year-olds -- and garnered an impressive 39,903 votes during three rounds of voting, according to The T&D's Georgianne Walton, assistant to the publisher.
But in the end, Kaileigh Wise, Simeon Gordon and Aubrai Brailey came out on top to take first-place honors in their respective categories. Second- and third-place finishers were Nathan Williams, Kylie Bolen, Ayanna Daniels, Jayden Glenn, Jacob Jeffcoat and Shantasia Jenkins.
"This was such a fun contest to be a part of!" said Carla Hall, T&D's marketing and promotions director. "I think all of the kids who entered are winners, and the students in The T&D Region are winners because all of the proceeds will go to support Newspapers in Education. This program provides free newspapers for teachers to use as a teaching tool in their classrooms. It's a valuable program, and we really appreciate everyone's support."
Winners received prize packages that included gifts from sponsors -- photo sessions with Bair Prints, gift ce.jpgicates from Mary Nell's and gift cards from Community Resource Bank and TCBY.
KAILEIGH WISE
First-place,
0- to 2-year-old division
There's not much you're going to get an 11-month-old to do, but the few things she does, she does well, said her mother, Bambi Wise.
"She's a great child" who walks and crawls everywhere, Wise said. Kaileigh likes to play with her dog Cocky, go exploring outside, swing and shop for toys and clothes. Her favorite TV show is "The Wiggles," and she dances and tries to sing with every song.
Kaileigh's favorite food is sweet potatoes, and she enjoys eating anything sweet, like ice cream or cake. According to her mom, she's always in a good mood and really enjoys life.
Wise said her in-laws are the ones who suggested they enter Kaileigh in the contest.
"I just told everybody I knew, and everybody voted, I guess," she said of their winning strategy. "We had people in Columbia voting for her, too."
Kaileigh, of Orangeburg, is the daughter of Tommy and Bambi Wise and the granddaughter of David and Teri Linder of Bamberg and Frankie and Patsy Wise of St. Matthews. She attends Branchville Christian Church.
"Her dad and I are just so excited and want to tell everybody 'thank you,'" Bambi Wise said. "We're excited we're the winners and just glad we could show her off to everybody."
SIMEON GORDON
First-place, 3- to 6-year-old division
Mary Frances Strong, grandmother of first-place finisher Simeon Gordon of Orangeburg, thought immediately of her adorable 5-year-old "Sim Sim" when she saw the ad announcing the Kid Idol contest in The T&D.
Strong got permission from Simeon's mother and sent in the entry. Then, she said, the hard work began.
"I said, 'We've
got to jump on the bandwagon. We've got to solicit votes,'" Strong said. Family members began asking everyone they knew -- neighbors, friends, coworkers, members of New Mount Zion Baptist Church -- for their T&D ballots to enter on Simeon's behalf.
"Sim Sim even called his uncle in New Jersey and said, 'Uncle Jimmy, you need to send some money. I want to win,'" Strong said. "People made from $1 to $3 donations, and some put in more than that -- $25, $50. When they knew what the fund-raiser was for ... that's why everyone was helping out, being it was a good cause."
All proceeds from Kid Idol went to NIE. While free ballots were available in every edition of The T&D throughout the contest, additional votes could be purchased for 50 cents per vote for a favorite contestant. Free voting forms were also available at The Times and Democrat's Broughton Street office.
Simeon, a kindergartner at Edisto Primary School, is the son of Edisto Elementary School counselor Angela Gordon and the late Capt. Sandor Gordon, who was killed in a car accident in Orangeburg in 2005 just months after returning home from a tour in Iraq. His grandparents are James and Mary Strong of Orangeburg and the Rev. Sammie Gordon Sr. and his wife, Hester, owners of
Gordon's Shoe Shop and Tax Service on Russell Street. He has one br
other, 14-year-old James.
James said his little brother reminds him of their father.
"Simeon acts just like him, looks just like him -- the smile and everything," he said. "I look like my mom."
Simeon enjoys science and, at his young age, is a "computer whiz," Strong said, participating in a summer computer program at South Carolina State University when he was just 3 years old.
In addition to playing games and working on the computer -- and visiting his favorite Web site, CartoonNetwork.com, Simeon enjoys rainbow ice cream, "Spider Man" movies, collecting insects, reading books about insects and animals, gymnastics and drawing. At his grandfather's business, Simeon knows how to operate the cash register and asks customers "Can I help you?" when they enter the store, Strong said. She said he loves to talk to anyone he meets.
Simeon said he wants to be a "bug scientist," or entomologist, when he grows up.
When asked what he thought of winning his division of Kid Idol, Simeon said, "I like the prizes," and "thank you" to all of his supporters.
AUBRAI BRAILEY
First-place, 7- to 10-year-old division
It really came as no surprise to Aubrai Brailey's grandmother, Queen Brailey, that Aubrai took top honors in her Kid Idol division.
"She's my heart," Queen Brailey said of the little girl who worked so hard to win the title.
The beaming grandmother entered Aubrai, of Orangeburg, in the contest without her or her mother's knowledge.
"She had support from family in California, Texas, Greenville, Philadelphia, Columbia, Virginia, Florida," Queen Brailey said. "When it first came out, she (Aubrai) wrote a little announcement for the church" and placed it on Trinity United Methodist Church's clipboard. Too, she said Aubrai asked the preacher if she could make an announcement at a Sunday service.
Her wish was granted.
"She got up there and said, 'Trinity church members, I'm running for the T&D Kid Idol," and I'd like your support, Aubrai's grandmother said. They instructed members what to do, but Queen Brailey said some of the older members still weren't sure how to vote, so "they were like, 'Take this piece of money. I don't know what to do.'"
Queen Brailey said Trinity parishioners think highly of Aubrai. Whenever there's a church social or function, she said it's impossible to keep tabs on the youngster because she's busy giving hugs.
So it wasn't a shock when Aubrai, following The T&D's announcement she had won, "got up in church again and thanked everyone. ... She said, 'I'll be standing at the door to give you all hugs of thanks," Queen Brailey said. "She's just amazing."
Aubrai is the daughter of Crystal Brailey and Steven Rhem and the granddaughter of the late Nicholas Brailey and Queen Brailey of Orangeburg and Ladressta Clark of Ocala, Fla. She has three siblings -- Jessica, 12, Marva, 5, and 1-year-old Nile.
"We're just really proud of her. She's an outgoing young lady, and we want to keep it that way," said mom Crystal Brailey. "We just pushed and pushed, and this is our reward," she added of the vote-collecting process.
Queen Brailey said you never know what the 7-year-old is thinking or going to say.
"She says that she's a Christian," she said. "She loves the church and participates in everything that comes along in the church."
Aubrai has visited 14 states and most recently, visited the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn.
That visit was emotional for Aubrai, Queen Brailey said.
"She looked at some of it, and she said, 'Ganny, I need to take a break," she said.
"She has always had an extensive vocabulary," Queen Brailey added. "You would ask her the meaning of a word, and she may not know it, but she would use the word in the right context."
The straight-A student is a second-grader Marshall Elementary School, where she says her favorite subject is science. Aubrai recently placed second in the school's science fair for her project, "The Crayon Melting Race."
Aubrai is active at Trinity UMC, where she serves as an acolyte, is a member of the rotation Bible church school and has participated in church productions. She is a member of Jack and Jill of America Inc., Vicki Smith Dance Studio, a former member of April's Gymnastics, played T-ball for the city of Orangeburg Parks and Recreation Department and is a piano student with Michael Ellis.
In addition to playing with her siblings and cousins, Aubrai enjoys working on the computer, reading and spending time with her dog, Brodie.
Aubrai said her favorite movie is the "Lion King."
"I saw the play once (in Atlanta), and it was good," she said.
The youngster also likes cookies and cream ice cream and the color red. She said she's still not sure what she wants to be when she grows up.
"I was thinking of being a doctor," Aubrai said. As for possibly a career in modeling? "Maybe," she said.
That might not be a long shot; Queen Brailey said Aubrai will begin taking etiquette classes at Betty Lane School of Charm and Modeling soon.
"I feel good because this is the most exciting thing that's happened in my life," Aubrai said. "It was great. I enjoyed it."
Of her church and the support they showed her during the Kid Idol contest, she said, "They were very helpful, and they always pray for me. I just want to thank all of my church.
"Thank you and God bless you, because they are really blessed to have me."
With a laugh, her grandmother added, "I think you're blessed to have them, too."
NATHAN WILLIAMS
Second-place, 0- to 2-year-old division
Nathan Williams' mom Jennifer Williams said she saw the Kid Idol ad and thought it would be something fun for her 2-year-old to do.
"I always wanted to put him in pageants and stuff, but his daddy said no," Jennifer Williams said. "But this is something I could get him to agree on." Nathan's dad is J.W. Williams.
While Nathan, of Cope, considers his family members his best friends, he also has a special place in his heart for the family's many pets: 18 dogs, eight ducks and two goats. He loves to go outside to feed and play with them. Nathan also enjoys fishing, riding on the tractor or the "big rig" and playing in the water.
Nathan's grandparents are Ronnie and Kim Ulmer, Donnie and Shannon Williams and Rose Jernigan.
Jennifer Williams said most of the money collected for Nathan's votes was given by her parents' customers at The Keg and Homestyle Kitchen.
"I'm proud of him," she said of her son. "I really am proud of him."
KYLIE
BOLEN
Third-place,
0- to 2-year-old division
"She is an Idol in our eyes," said Renee Bolen, Kylie Bolen's mom. "We just wanted to let her meet new people."
Kylie, of Orangeburg, never meets a stranger and is quite the sharer, her family says, adding that the bright, funny 2-1/2-year-old is a "natural-born entertainer" who enjoys her great-grandma "B"'s macaroni and cheese, which she loves to help make; swimming in her uncle's pool; watching her favorite cartoon, "Handy Manny"; playing at the park; taking care of her baby dolls and her twin cousins, Morgan and Ansley.
Kylie's parents are Blake and Renee Bolen, and her grandparents are Dayle and Wanda Bolen, Tom and Claudette Moreno and Danny and Kay Smoak. Her great-grandmothers are Nell "B" Bolen and Thelma Blake.
Renee Bolen said she and her family solicited votes from coworkers and friends and believes their support helped Kylie win third-place.
"We are so proud of Kylie and love her so much," she said. "We want to thank everyone who voted for her and helped her reach third-place.
"Congratulations to all the contestants that were entered in the contest, and thank you, T&D, for allowing us to share our cute kids."
AYANNA DANIELS
Second-place,
3- to 6-year-old division
Three-year-old Ayanna Daniels, daughter of Annette Daniels and Corey Snipes of Orangeburg, is not new to winning titles.
In 2005, she was crowned Little Miss Kidz Will Be Kidz before her latest honor.
"We just asked everybody who had a newspaper to bring us a newspaper or some money," said mom Annette Daniels.
Ayanna attends Greater Faith Baptist Church Child Development Center and is a pre-ballet and pre-tap student at Tamalyn's Dance Centre and takes gymnastics at April's Gymnastics. She performed in her first dance recital on May 17 and recently placed first in a K-3 animal art poster contest.
Ayanna is the granddaughter of the Rev. Dorothy L. Brown, Mary Dantzler and Gloria Daniels.
Ayanna, who enjoys macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, string beans, broccoli and the color green, enjoys dancing, making up songs, riding her bike and going to the park with friends. Her favorite story is "Mouse and The Mole," and her favorite song is "Jesus Loves Me."
JAYDEN GLENN
Third-place, 3- to 6-year-old division
"We saw it in the newspaper, and I said this might be good exposure because I do want to get him started in modeling," said mother Karen Glenn, who was a print model when she was younger. "I want to get him into runway because he's going to be tall."
She said Jayden Glenn, 3, was able to win third place in his division because of all the support he received from family, friends, neighbors and his teacher at Greater Faith Child Development Center.
"It was wonderful to have that support through all three rounds," Karen Glenn said.
Jayden's hobbies include playing ball with his 6-year-old sister, Kayla, and helping his mom with his little brother, Christen, 1. Jayden, of Orangeburg, also enjoys taking his Escalade for a spin with Kayla, and his favorite TV station is Noggin.
This was Jayden's first contest, and his family said it looks forward to him competing in many others. The family wanted to especially thank James and Shirley Hall and Earl Bruce and family for their support.
JACOB JEFFCOAT
Second-place, 7- to 10-year-old division
Jacob Jeffcoat of Neeses has a big heart when it comes to others. He enjoys the outdoors and like to ride four-wheelers and play baseball.
"He's a bit shy, but once he gets to know you, it's all over," said his mom, Robin Weaver. "He might talk your ear off."
Jacob, who will turn 8 in June, has told his family he wants to take over the family business, Direct Carpets, when he grows up.
The straight-A student is a second-grader at Edisto Primary School and has one brother, Justus, 12. His parents are Robin and Jerry Weaver, and grandparents are Bart and Patty Roraff. Jacob also has a special aunt and uncle, Shirley and Larry Davis.
To all of the people who supported her son, Weaver said, "Thank you for the votes."
SHANTASIA JENKINS
Third-place,
7- to 10-year-old division
"I think it's great to win the award," Shantasia Jenkins said as she talked about her Kid Idol prizes, which included a CD player and bracelet-making kit. "My mom signed me up to be in it."
Shantasia is the daughter of Sammie and Gloranna Jenkins of Orangeburg. She is the granddaughter of John David and Alice Nelson, Bessie Nelson and Sammie (Sr.) and Bernice Jenkins. Shantasia has three sisters -- Danielle, 23, Dyneishia, 21, and 3-year-old Sameiah.
Gloranna Jenkins said most of the votes for Shantasia came from fellow church members at Oakey Spring Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield, friends and family.
Shantasia is a second-grader at Whittaker Elementary School. Her favorite subjects are reading, music and language arts. In her spare time, Shantasia enjoys riding her bike with her dad and sister and spending time with her dog, Candace. She enjoys eating pizza, hotdogs and ice cream.
Shantasia wants to be a nurse when she grows up.