The 2017 String of Pearls at Pearl River Community College won the national championship in pom category March 25 at the American Dance and Drill Team competition in Dallas. They also brought home awards for second runner-up in jazz dance and third runner-up in hip hop. They are, from left, front row Ellen Hall of Purvis, Katelyn Brown of Richton, Madden Stockstill of Picayune, captain Kristi Smith of Carriere, Anna Breeland of Picayune; second row, Hayle Shoemake of Picayune, Carolyn Willis of Carriere, Megan Wright of Wiggins, Cassady Compretta of Bay St. Louis, Keanna Mitchell of Picayune; third row, Nala Carter of Picayune, Lindsey Hooge of Clinton, La., Katy Fuller, Abby Russell, Kirsten Brunson and Abby Montgomery, all of Picayune. Kara Fleming is director of the String of Pearls, which have won 18 ADDT national championships.
