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Twin Cedars has announced the Royal Court for the 12th annual Behind the Mask Mardi Gras Ball.

The annual event serves as a fundraiser for Twin Cedars Youth and Family Services, a non-profit that offers programs for abused and neglected children, child advocacy, residential programs, foster care and much more. The event will be held on Feb. 1.

Each year, Twin Cedars names a “Royal Court” comprised of community volunteers who raise money for the non-profit by vying to be crowned the annual King and Queen of the Mask. The royal court seeks “votes” in the form of donations to Twin Cedars. Every dollar donated to the candidate equals one vote for them. The candidates with the most votes are crowned king and queen during the Behind the Mask Ball.

This year’s Royal Court includes:

KING CANDIDATES

P.T. Alford

Peter (P.T.) Thomas Alford Jr. is married to Alyssa Alford. They are expecting a baby girl, Annie Alford, in March of 2025. Alford was born in LaGrange, where he has lived the majority of his life. He graduated from LaGrange High School in 2015 and LaGrange College in 2020. Alford graduated from the Mercer Law School in 2023, and after law school, he returned to LaGrange to practice law with his dad at the Alford Law Group, where he primarily practices civil domestic law, criminal defense, juvenile law and personal injury law. Alford is the lead parent attorney in the Troup County Juvenile Court in dependency cases. In summary, I am the parent’s attorney in litigation against DFCS. He loves to play golf, play guitar and spend time with his wife and friends. They attend St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

Logan Burns

Logan Xavier Burns was named after characters from the Marvel comic book team, the X-Men. The 33-year-old is a proud member of the Right Hand Roofing team and enjoys passionately evangelizing the gospel of Jesus Christ. He and his wife, Shelby, have two little girls—Saylor, who’s five going on 15, and Indie, our adventurous 16-month-old. 

Burns likes to live by the quote: “God is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in Him; therefore, do not waste your life on selfish ambitions.” 

Jeremy Dockins

Jeremy Dockins is currently the Special Agent in Charge of the GBI West Georgia Gang Task Force, where he oversees the agents, budget and daily operations of the unit. Originally from Griffin, GA, Dockins came to play baseball at LaGrange College, where he earned a business management degree. He later earned a master’s degree in public safety administration from Columbus State University while attending Command College. Dockins is married with two children. His family lives in LaGrange and attends Wesley Methodist Church of LaGrange. Dockins has also coached baseball and football for the past 13 years.

Brent Hester 

Brent Hester is the owner of H&H Solutions, a local Technology and Security company here in LaGrange. Brent is dedicated to giving back to his community by supporting local sports teams, as well as The Callaway Cavalier Chorus. He enjoys watching all the teams in the Miracle League, where he proudly sponsors the Miracle League’s Hotshots. In his spare time, Brent enjoys traveling, camping, and riding side-by-side. Married for 17 years to his wife Samantha, and they have two wonderful children, Makinley and Mason. Passionate about supporting Twin Cedars, he believes that stronger families lead to a stronger community.

Evan Kirby

Evan Kirby is the Preaching Minister for the Broad Street Church of Christ in LaGrange. He, his wife Kristin, and their three daughters, Ella, Lydia, and Iris, have lived here since 2018. Kristin is the director of First Presbyterian Montessori School as well as the Children’s Minister at Broad Street Church of Christ. Ella, Lydia, and Iris are students at Hillcrest Elementary, where they participate in many events and activities. Evan is a 2020 graduate of Leadership Troup and will graduate with his Masters of Ministry in Ministerial Counseling in May of 2025. The Kirby girls love to participate in Tumble Town 2, recreational sports, Strings Attached, and Panther Buddies, among many other activities. Not only are the children active in the community, but Evan and Kristin are heavily involved with the work at Branches of Hope, LaGrange Boardgame Society, and the benevolence ministries at Broad Street Church of Christ. 

Mitchell Turnham

Mitchell Turnham is the Director of Radiology at Wellstar West Georgia, where he has been for almost six years now. Turnham currently resides in Valley, AL, with his wife of 20 years, Amber. They have two children: Mason, 19, and Mady, 17.

“Twin Cedars has such a strong history of helping others from all sorts of backgrounds. Their mission to have programs that allow children and families to reach their full potential is something that I admire. I always encourage my own children to strive to reach their goals. Once I read about the great work Twin Cedars does for the children and families of the surrounding areas, I knew I wanted to be a part of this wonderful organization. I’m motivated by the values of this team to encourage, lead and guide, and support others that need it,” Turnham said.

QUEEN CANDIDATES

Keri Drake

Keri Drake is the current Community Director for The Yard on Mill. As an Alabama native, Keri received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from The University of Alabama in 2019. She obtained her Master of Science in Sports Management in December 2023 from LSU and is currently seeking her MBA. Keri settled into LaGrange in 2020 and has become an enthusiastic resident of LaGrange and Troup County. Under her leadership, her resident community has won Best Apartment Complex in Troup County four years in a row. Keri supports community initiatives as an active member of the local graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Theta Xi Omega chapter. She is a member of the Troup County Chamber of Commerce, and in 2023, Keri was tapped to participate in Leadership Troup. 

Traci Nixon

Traci Nixon was born and raised in Coweta County. She has always had a passion for helping and serving others and dreamed of working in the medical field. Nixon relocated to LaGrange in 2018, where she found her passion and a wonderful work family at Hometown Family Medicine. She has been employed there now for six years and has grown close to the Troup County community, and loves being there to serve our patients. Traci has been married to T.C. Nixon for four years. They have four children: Julianna (17), Peyton (17), Brady (16) and Jaxon (14).

Ameia Cotton-Williams

Ameia Cotton-Williams is the daughter of Roger and Wanda Cotton and is the baby out of four beautiful girls. Ameia was born and raised in LaGrange, GA. She has built a remarkable career dedicated to community service, leadership, and empowerment. As a daughter, mother, wife, and active member of her community, she embodies the values of service, advocacy, and growth.  Ameia’s educational background, with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Miles College and a Master’s in Public Administration from Strayer University, laid the foundation for her influential career in both the public and private sectors. She made an impactful contribution as Vice President and Co-owner of Hamil and Associates, Inc., a probation services company, where she managed operations and worked closely with probationers, law enforcement, and government agencies. Her role enabled her to shape policies and contribute to the rehabilitation of individuals within the justice system.

Tasha Hubbard-Davenport

Tasha Hubbard-Davenport is currently employed with The Troup County Sheriff’s Office as the Accounting and Purchasing Coordinator. She is also a part-time Supervisor with United Parcel Service. Tasha received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a minor in Marketing from The University of Phoenix in July of 2018. She is a Certified Peace Officer and has been employed with The Sheriff’s Office for 25 years. Tasha said she loves serving the community. She is a member of Confidence Missionary Baptist Church. She is also the Treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of LaGrange. Tasha is married to Eric C. Davenport, and together they have six children, Eric (Jennifer), Justin, Deontae, Kimberly (DeQuan), Andre, and Gabriel (Zandra), and seven wonderful grandkids, Kaileigh, Jairus, Cadence, Laila, Zoee’, Laila, and Dj. Tasha said It is her honor to be one of Twin Cedar’s Queen Candidates. Every contribution made will benefit families that Twin Cedars serve and will help make a positive impact in their lives.

Sarah Beth Childress

Sarah Beth Childress is a Macon, GA native who recently moved to LaGrange in May of 2024 with her husband, Drake Childress. Sarah Beth obtained her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of West Georgia in 2020. She currently works for Piedmont Healthcare as a Provider Onboarding Associate. In her free time, you can find Sarah Beth on the McCluskey tennis court, enjoying a cheat meal at her favorite restaurant, Charlie Joseph’s, or on the LaGrange Thread walking her Aussie doodle, Masters. Childress is a member of LaGrange Junior Service League, where she can serve the community through different service projects. One of her favorite projects has been delivering beds to children who may not have one in their home. Seeing little faces light up after a new bed, comforter, and pillow are delivered is a constant source of joy.

Kristina Moore

Kristina Moore is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker KPDD and certified yoga instructor at The Center For Mindful Exploration, Yoga at Hillside, with a passion for helping people turn their dreams of homeownership into a reality. She is deeply involved in helping our community not only grow but thrive. Moore has volunteered at various events, from Yoga In The Field to speaking at our local schools and supporting causes that make a difference, especially those focused on youth development, home ownership, and wellness.

Nikki Franklin

Nikki Franklin is an Alabama native with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management and a minor in Management Information Systems.  She and her husband Larry are proud owners of EmberGlow GA, a local artisan collective in Downtown LaGrange, offering handmade, locally sourced, and fair trade retail gifts. They also own The Copper Carrot Bakery, with locations in West Point and LaGrange. Franklin is the founder and driving force behind the annual Spring Artisan Market in Downtown LaGrange and is deeply committed to giving back to the community.

Symone Brown 

Symone Brown is the Branch Manager at Community Bank & Trust and is actively involved in several community organizations, including JSL, United Way, and Read-Learn-Grow. In addition to her work at the bank, she is committed to supporting initiatives that positively impact our local community. Brown has a 9-year-old daughter, Brynlie, who inspires her every day to give back.

Dr. Kerry Hensarling

Hensarling grew up in Auburn, AL, and graduated from Auburn High School in 1995 before spending the next eight years in Mobile, Alabama, at the University of South Alabama for undergrad and medical school. After medical school, Hensarling moved to Lexington, KY, where she completed her residency at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center in Obstetrics and Gynecology before returning home to the loveliest village on the plains in 2007.

Hensarling has been married to her husband, Robert, for 17 years, and they have five boys together—Kyle, Craig, Tanner, Ellis, and Quinn.