The engagement of Sarah Elizabeth Wheeless to Shea Lyle Hammond, both of Moselle, Miss., is announced today.

Vows will be exchanged at 6 p.m. Oct. 18, 2008, at The Castle at Eagle Lake. A reception will follow.

Miss Wheeless is the daughter of Ann H. Wheeless and John C. Jr. and Leah Wheeless, all of Vicksburg. She is the granddaughter of Elese Harvey of Ridgeland and the late Oscar Harvey and the late John C. Sr. and Linnie Wheeless.

Mr. Hammond is the son of Pam Hammond of Chatham and Allen and Nyoka Hammond of Meridian. He is the grandson of Vernon and June Hammond of Greenville and Allen and Margie Dodd of Sunflower.

The bride-elect is a graduate of St. Aloysius High School. She received a bachelor of arts degree in English in 1998 from the University of the South, Sewanee. She received a master of arts degree in biology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2006.

Miss Wheeless is pursuing a doctorate in science education at USM.

The prospective groom is a graduate of Vicksburg High School. He received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and is a 2008 master of science candidate. He was named 2008 Graduate Student of the Year.

Mr. Hammond is a wildlife intern with the U.S. Forest Service.

The bridal couple’s Web site is www.sarahandshea.com.