My name is Ava Clarke Edney. Yes, my Grannie is Lillian Clark Edney. My parents used her maiden name but added the “e.”

I am 7 years old and a student at Flowood Elementary School in Brandon. I have been chosen student of the grading period. I take gymnastics, model and have been on the cover of a few magazines. All of that keeps me busy, but I still find the time for a project at church.

I attend New Hope Missionary Baptist in Jackson. Dr. Jerry Young is the pastor. It was at New Hope where I was motivated to participate in a project for girls in Honduras. I knew the project would be much for a child my age, but I knew my Grannie would help me because she used to sew and she can get anything done.

She belongs to an organization, “Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers.” Her club is Catherine Williams. Within the club, they participate in International projects and that is where my project got a really big boost. Those MHV members, ladies and men are ex-ceptional. They took me over the top. MHV, as they are referred to, made over 70 dresses. That really was a contribution I had not expected, but it was so rewarding!

I do want to give a special thank you to Mrs. Catherine Herrod for donating some fabric, Mrs. Odeal Bowman, Mrs. Barbara Berry, Mr. Melvin Berry (I am told this is a husband/wife team) and my Grannie for all the dresses that were donated. I know it was a labor of love because they were beautifully and wonderfully made.

They could have opened a dress shop for girls right there in the Miss-Lou area.

I believe the girls will be as happy as I was when I opened the boxes and saw the beautiful dresses!

I want to also thank the people who gave Grannie the flip-flops. Her friends and sorority members made donations.

This is my second year taking part in the Honduras Project. I could not have done as well as I did without the assistance of the Catherine Williams MHV Club. Mrs. Bonita Reed, who is the club president, has a great group of people to lead in that club and my Grannie is one of them.

Thanks to all of you.

 

Ava Clarke Edney

Brandon