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Morgan Zipperer crowned Miss Ebenezer Middle School
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On March 1, Morgan Zipperer was crowned Miss EMS 2008. 

“Dreams Come True” was the theme for this years pageant complete with Cinderella’s castle and carriage to adorn the stage. The emcee for the evening’s production was Lori Benassi-Parker, drama teacher at EMS. All musical arrangements were from Disney movies and the contestants opening dance number, choreographed by Emily Armstrong and Taylor Moore, was to “Just Can’t Wait to be King”, from Disney’s “The Lion King.” 

First runner-up was Ansley Simpson; second runner-up was Kailyn Mikulsky; highest GPA award went to Ashlee Griffith; highest AR points was Cara Usher; and Miss Photogenic was awarded to Karly Jackson. The 25 contestants voted Ashlee Griffith as Miss Congeniality.

The Miss EMS Pageant Committee and contestants donated more than $400 of the pageant proceeds to the Effingham families of the Imperial Sugar Refinery Explosion. 

Effingham School Board Approves $203M budget with Potential Property Tax Increase
2026 budget
This chart illustrates how the Effingham County School District’s $203 million general fund is allocated for fiscal year 2026, including spending on salaries, benefits, transportation, health services, and safety and security. (Courtesy of Effingham School District)
The Effingham County Board of Education approved a $203 million fiscal year 2026 budget Thursday night, reflecting an 11% increase over last year. The rise is largely due to an $8 million spike in health and retirement benefit costs for employees. To help cover the shortfall, the district may raise the property tax millage rate, potentially increasing homeowners’ taxes by up to 12 percent.
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