Page 10 - Florida Sentinel 2-12-19

Local
Teenager Competes In Grand Cotillion
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Jeromecia “Mecia” Williams is a 9th grade student in Hillsborough County. She re- cently entered the N. R. Christine Hayes Grand Cotillion.
This is her first attempt competing and her goal is to become “Miss Grand Cotillion 2019.” However, in order to accomplish this goal, the young lady needs sponsors. The com- petition will take place on Sunday, February 24th, in Maitland, Florida.
Mecia is the daughter of Ms. Felicia De- merson and Jerome Williams. The fifteen- year-old is currently a student at Bloomingdale High School, where she is enrolled in the Culi- nary Arts Program. She is on her way to be- coming a well-rounded young lady.
For now, her future plans are to attend Princeton and become a Geologist. However, she doesn’t limit herself and has considered becoming a model as well.
A member of Zion Temple Holiness Church, Mecia is also a member of the Inter- national Free and Accepted Masons and Order Of Eastern Stars, Blue Violet Felecia Williams Youth Corps.
Mecia and her sister, Felicia Williams, were both members of the organization. How- ever, after Felicia’s death, the organization added her name to the youth corps.
Ms. Demerson said she encourages Mecia to participate in various activities to broaden her horizon. She wants her to be aware of the many opportunities the world has to offer.
Mecia is shy and somewhat bashful, and
have few words. But, she is certain about one thing and that is she wants to bring the title back home.
The event will include a ballroom gown, po- etry, and a father-daughter dance, among other activities.
Anyone wishing to help Mecia become successful can contact Ms. Demerson at (813) 516-2544.
Popular TV Anchor Fired After More Than 20 Years
REGINALD ROUNDTREE
MECIA WILLIAMS
The name Reginald Roundtree became a house- hold word after he was hired by 10 News WTSP. How- ever, on Friday, Roundtree was terminated from the po- sition he has held for more than 20 years.
The television station did not offer a reason for the ter- mination. However, the sta- tion’s parent company, TEGNA, Inc., said the termi- nation was the result of an in- ternal review.
Roundtree’s attorney, Wil Florin stated in an arti- cle that the termination was in response to a discrimina- tion complaint Roundtree filed against the station. The 60-year-old former anchor al- leged that the station was en- gaging in a practice of age
discrimination.
The allegation was made
in a letter to the parent com- pany on January 28th.
According to his biogra- phy, Roundtree was born in Daytona Beach. He lived in New York until he turned 6. Then the family relocated to Miami.
After becoming an adult, Roundtree worked as a po- lice officer and obtained his first television job at WPEC TV in West Palm Beach. He was then hired by Channel 10 and has remained there since that time.
Roundtree is the recipi- ent of numerous awards, in- cluding the Officer of the Year Medal of Valor, numerous Emmy nominations, and sev- eral AP Awards.
PAGE 10 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019