NOVACON
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Grand Marshal:
Fantasia Barrino
From high school dropout to American Idol winner to four-time Grammy nominee, Fantasia Barrino is proof that sometimes life can be a fairy tale. In her empowering stage appearances, the soulful songstress discusses the joys and pitfalls of single motherhood; talks openly about her efforts to overcome her difficult past and to become fully literate...
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Queen Shenandoah LXXXI:
Jaqui Rice
Qui (her family and professional nickname) is currently a student at prestigious Georgetown University, where she is pursuing a double major in government and Spanish with a concentration on international relations. It is obvious from her first Festival press conference that Qui is a very focused and centered young lady who is close to her family.
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Firefighters' Marshal:
Larry Gatlin
Larry Gatlin was born in Seminole, Texas, in 1948, the son of an oil driller. The oldest of the three famous Gatlin Brothers, he was, by age seven, already accompanying younger brothers, Steve and Rudy, in singing at family and church events. Larry majored in English and developed “a love affair with the English language” that later served him well in his songwriting.
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Sayers was drafted by the Chicago Bears of the NFL in 1965; and, signed on with the same rookie class that produced Dick Butkus, the quintessential Bears’ linebacker. In Sayers’ rookie season, he scored an NFL record 22 touchdowns [14 rushing, 6 receiving, 1 punt return, I kickoff return]. He gained 1,374 yards from scrimmage and had 2,272 all-purpose yards in the shorter season of the day.
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Co-Sports Marshal:
Nadia Comaneci
At the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, Canada, a 14-year-old Romanian dynamo captured the hearts and minds of the world with her daring and her perfection. We came to know her simply as “Nadia”. By the time the 1976 Olympics had ended, Comaneci had earned seven perfect “tens”, three gold medals, one silver, one bronze, and countless fans.
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Marj Dusay was born and raised in Russell, Kansas, the second of six children. Both of her parents were educators: her father coached Junior College athletics and her mother was a grade school teacher. Marj’s upbringing included playing every sport imaginable. A gifted equestrian, she trained her own horses to ride in saddle club shows and riding contests...
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Prayer Brunch Speaker:
LaDonna Gatlin
LaDonna believes one defining moment can redefine our lives. She knows firsthand that we can’t live someone else’s dream — that in order to be our personal best, we must find our own voice and “sing our own song.” LaDonna literally grew up on stage singing with her brothers -- the legendary Gatlin Brothers. In the early 1970’s the Gatlins took their family harmony to Nashville. But a detour appeared on the road to stardom...
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Ladies Luncheon Speaker:
Doug Rinker
Doug is the President and General Manager for the Winchester Equip. Company. He is a member of the board for Virginia Storage Services, Bank of Clarke County, and Frederick County Industrial Development Authority. He is also the Chairman of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Youth For Christ, and President of the Frederick County Educational Foundation.
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Fast Forward Luncheon Speaker: Greg Dale
Greg is a Professor of Sport Psychology and Sport Ethics at Duke University. He is also the Director of Mental Training and Co-Director of the Leadership Program for Duke Athletics. In addition to his work with Duke athletes and coaches, Greg consults with numerous college and professional athletes and teams as well as corporate groups.
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Ken has understandably slowed down a little after a busy 42-year career in sports broadcasting that included stops for radio work in Sunbury, Lewisburg and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and television and radio work in Charlotte, NC; Pittsburgh, PA; Providence, RI; and then, back to Pittsburgh again.
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Power lifting has been a passion of Sterling’s for many years. He has won numerous gold medals and has broken many state records for his age and weight class. In 2006, after ten years of effort and winning gold medals at the state games, including one for best overall lifter in 2006, he was selected to represent Virginia and the United States in October 2007 at the World Games in Shanghai, China as part of Team USA.
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Sports Guest:
Kelley Washington
Local sports hero, Kelley Washington, has overcome a lot of frustration in his athletic career; and, this past February 3rd, he came within seconds of winning every football player’s dream: a Super Bowl Champions’ Ring! After spending several years after high school playing baseball, Kelley made a quick name for himself playing football for the University of Tennessee.
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