The engagement of LaWanda Shavét Polk to Leroy Jerome Allen Sr., both of Port Gibson, is announced today. Vows will be exchanged at 4 p.m. Sept. 3, 2011, at Castle Hill Pavilion in Florence. A reception will follow. All relatives and friends are invited to attend.

Miss Polk is the daughter of Doris Polk of Port Gibson and the late Arthur Lee “Bozzie” Brown of Pattison. She is the granddaughter of the late Jessie King and the late Addie Parker and Evan Wilson.

Mr. Allen is the son of Ethel Mae Allen of Hermanville and Robert Lee Allen of Port Gibson. He is the grandson of the late Betsy and William Allen and the late Abraham and Laura Lee Johnson.

The bride-elect is a 1994 graduate of Port Gibson High School, where she was named Star Student and was a member of the National Honor Society, Esquirette Club and JROTC Color Guard.

She received a bachelor’s degree from Alcorn State University, where she was a member of the Food and Nutrition Club, Family and Consumer Sciences Club, MAMP and the Honors Program.

Miss Polk is a nutritionist for the Mississippi State Department of Health.

The prospective groom is a 1978 graduate of Port Gibson High School. He attended Walden University.

Mr. Allen is an electrician with Duckworth Realty.