White stays busy as Miss Port St. Joe

Faith Christian School sophomore Celie White has been crowned the 2024 Miss Port St. Joe.

The daughter of Sarah and Matthew White has been busy at work in the community ever since she was selected for the honor in February.

White was selected by application for the title, open to any sophomore or junior at Port St. Joe High School or Faith Christian School. She was chosen by a panel of judges based on the highest scoring candidate from criteria that included video questions (40%), teacher vote (30%), grades (15%), community service (10%) and application turned in on time and all directions followed (5%).

Since her selection White has made appearances at the nursing home, Blues on Reid, Wewahitchka Duck Derby, Job Fair, Faith Christian Auction Dinner, Gulf County Day of Ball and the Junior Service League Easter Egg Hunt, among others. 

A fourth generation Port St. Joe native, White has been part of the cross country, track, and soccer teams, which she wrote has taught her “valuable lessons in teamwork, selflessness, discipline, and resilience.”

She has led worship during chapel at school, where she also has been active as an intern and a tutor of younger grades. White is a member of the yearbook committee, and has taken part in the Daughters of the American Revolution essay contest for four years, winning both first and second place each two times. 

“Attending a Christian school has provided me with numerous opportunities to serve children in less fortunate countries through platforms like Operation Christmas Child, where we pack and send shoe boxes filled with gifts and heartfelt prayers,” she wrote in her application.

“I aspired to become the next Miss Port St. Joe, not to showcase beauty, but to inspire young girls by highlighting the beauty and worth they possess within themselves,” White wrote. “I have learned that as a community, we possess great strength. I firmly believe that change begins with strong leadership. Giving back to this community should be an utmost priority, which is why I have committed to getting my hands dirty in multiple community service projects here as well as leading the next generation to do the same.”

White applied for the honor on a platform targeting peer pressure which she described as REAL, which stands for “Refuse, Explain, Avoid, Leave.”

When growing up, “the guilt of not doing what everyone else is doing can cause kids to make unwise choices that lead to unsafe circumstances,” she wrote. “Through my platform I strive to encourage others that you can still have a good time with your friends, while also making safe choices and encouraging others around you to do the same.”

As a goodwill ambassador, White attends local events and functions, and is working to support local businesses and civic organizations. “I also see an opportunity and a responsibility to encourage the young people in our community, through school and classroom presentations, to choose kindness in all circumstances,” she wrote. “But most importantly to shine the love of Christ to others through every act that I do.

“I am committed to leaving an influential legacy for the future generation that mirrors the remarkable legacy my family has left for me,” White wrote. “It is my utmost desire to embody Christlikeness, integrity, service, respect, humility, and dedication. I was taught to be unique and not conform to the ways of the world. For me, being a leader means taking the initiative to guide and direct others towards the right path. 

“As the oldest child of my siblings, I understand the importance of setting a positive example for my siblings within our home, so that they can carry those values into the outside world,” she wrote. “My ultimate aspiration is for others to embrace their true self and stand out, while leading with the love of Christ and shining as a beacon for his kingdom in this world.”