Rolanda Turner describes herself as “energetic, always smiling, kind, and creative,” but one word that could never be used to describe her is “underachiever.”

Last fall was particularly full of accomplishments for Turner, who was named Homecoming Queen, Miss Pell City High School, and Miss Pell City Teen USA, the latter accolade qualifying her to compete for the Miss Alabama Teen USA title.

The PCHS senior explained why the honors mean so much to her and how they have a family connection.

About being named homecoming queen:  “I was doing jumping jacks on the field, I was so happy.  It was very shocking and a very big statement that the student body believed I’m a girl people can talk to, depend on, and represent the whole school.  Homecoming is a huge thing at PCHS, and I was honored that my peers believed in me.  I was also honored to be in the court with such amazing girls who were also nominated.”

About Miss PCHS:  “I wasn’t going to enter, because people told me you can’t win both, homecoming queen and Miss PCHS.  But (Principal Dr. Tony) Dowdy pointed out that one is chosen by the student body, and the other is chosen by judges.  So I entered, and I was shocked when I won.  I still am.”

About Miss Pell City Teen USA:  “I competed with my sister (Re’Chelle Marie Turner), who was Miss Pell City USA.  We were the first sisters to compete in that pageant at the same time.  We’re also the first sisters to both be named homecoming queen at Pell City.”

At PCHS:  Turner is president of the Interact Club, the SGA’s first vice-president, an FBLA senator, Debate Team treasurer, and a member of the dance line, varsity track, cross country, and tennis teams, First Priority, French Club, French Honor Society, and Math Honor Society.  She has been selected by school administrators to attend the JSU Emerging Leadership Conference, was named Most Likely to Become President by her classmates, and, as a junior, placed third in the FBLA state public speaking competition, qualifying for nationals.

Another endeavor:  “I’m an author.  My seventh grade teacher challenged the class to write a poem, and mine was called ‘The Egg.’  The theme was a mother nurturing her children, and it was entered in a contest and eventually published in a poetry anthology, so I can call myself a published poet.  I love writing.”

Her GPA:  3.6.

Her favorite academic subject:  “Math.  I love challenges, and it tests me.  I’m taking two math classes now, calculus and trigonometry and statistics.  I learn something different every day when I go into math class.”

Rolanda Turner Style:  “I’d call it chic, creative, versatile, and colorful.  I love fashion.  I wear heels every day at school.  A lot of my friends have never seen me in tennis shoes or flats, and you won’t see me in them unless I’m sick.  When I dress well, I feel well and confident about myself.”

Something an acquaintance might be surprised to know about her:  “I weighed 240 pounds when I started high school.  I’ve lost 80 pounds since freshman year.  I’m very proud of that accomplishment, and I did it by eating healthy – fruits and salads — and drinking water.”

An important lesson:  “One thing I’ve learned in high school is to accept yourself.  When I was my bigger size, I was bullied.  It affected me emotionally.  I was so depressed in life.  I was never happy.  When I talk to young children now, I tell them that bullying is not cool and fighting is not the answer.  Taking care of yourself and having pride in yourself is.”

Her parents:  Rory and Mariecia Turner.

Mother knows best:  “I wouldn’t be half the person I am if not for my mom.  She believed I could lose weight and be Miss PCHS more than I did.  I’m very thankful for her.”

Her brothers:  “My little brother – his name is Rory Turner Jr. – has been on the homecoming court eight years in a row.  He escorted my sister and me every year.  Her older brother, Maurice Turner, is an animator in Atlanta.

After high school:  “I plan to attend the University of Alabama to do my undergraduate work and then go to UAB for the remaining eight years of OB/GYN studies.  I am absolutely in love with children, and if I can spend my life helping bring healthy, happy babies into the world, I’d love that.  I am so eager to be Dr. Turner.”

One of the biggest problems facing today’s teenagers:  “Pregnancy.  It’s a problem in my school and nationwide.  So many girls feel that they have to give in to having sex.  When they get pregnant, a lot of them drop out of high school, which is really sad because education is the basis for whatever you do in your life.  I’ve known some who have gotten pregnant and dropped out, and that makes me really sad.  I wish so much for them.”

What can be done?  “If schools would teach sex education nationwide, it would reduce the teen pregnancy rate.  Peer pressure is such a big problem, and people should be taught to be leaders and to want to do better in life.”