Ayana Walker performs. (Photo contributed) Ayana Walker, a junior at Jenkins County High School, has been recognized as statewide runner-up in dramatic interpretation. Ayana won first place at the Region 3 Literary Meet on March 12, earning her the opportunity to perform at the state Literary Meet March 20, at Northside High School in Warner Robbins.

Walker chose an excerpt entitled “Sister Monroe” from Maya Angelou’s autobiogra- phy, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. She memorized the lengthy piece, added movement, gestures along with vocal and facial expression to interpret a child’s view of how Sister Monroe “got the Spirit” one Sunday morning at church.

Walker received high praise from the judges, one of whom gave her a perfect score with the comment, “Don’t change a thing!”