Ashton Phillips Ashton Phillips, formerly of Jackson, was chosen to be part of the 2008 Christmas on the River Court last Saturday, Oct. 4, in Demopolis. Phillips is a junior at Thomasville High School and the daughter of Daphne and David Gilliam of Thomasville and Robin and Troy Phillips of Sims Chapel.

As a part of the court she will be required to attend several Christmas on the River events including the Lighting of the Love Tree on Nov. 30; the Crowning of St. Nick, Dec. 1; Christmas in the Canebrake at the historic mansions, Bluff Hall and Gaineswood, Dec. 4; and the Christmas on the River parade, Dec. 6.

The court is selected from contestants who live within 50 miles of Demopolis. Contestants were required to interview privately with the panel of judges, display poise and grace on stage, and five finalists were subjected to an impromptu interview on stage with an emcee.