PR2007 Feb 9

-Shannon C. Gryska-

Shannon Camper Gryska, is a native of Gadsden. She attained Music Education & Vocal Performance Degree from Wallace State College where she was on scholarship for the Concert Choir, Show Choir and Lead Female Vocalist for the Jazz Band. She received a Bachelors Degree in Mass Communications from The University of Alabama. The Communications School is where Shannon was the host of the nationally award winning talk show “Speak Easy.”

Through all of this Shannon began competing in the Miss America Organization at the age of seventeen by winning her first preliminary to Miss Alabama, from here seven years past, accompanied by seven preliminary titles, five top-ten finishes, three top-five finishes as well as the Nora Chapman Overall Interview Award, a preliminary swimsuit award and becoming a three time overall talent winner. This tenacity awarded her over $42,000.00 for her education. In 2004 Shannon won the opportunity to represent our State as Miss Alabama 2004-05. She spent her year traveling more that 7,000 miles a month for a culmination of over 436 appearances and 83 churches.

Shannon spent her years competing with a passion for her platform. Shannon began the Think Pink Campaign in Gadsden and was named youngest spokeswoman for the Susan G. Komen Foundation for North and Central Alabama. She raised over 112,000.00 for breast cancer aid and research. Shannon was awarded The Daily Points of Light National Community Service Award for her efforts to eradicate Breast Cancer, this is an award commended by the President of the United States.

Shannon is currently the Director of Community Education for Shelton State Community College. She has her own music ministry entitled “Crowned Ministries,” where she speaks and sings to churches and local youth and civic groups. She is married and currently resides in Tuscaloosa with her husband Teddy.