The Pearl River County Junior Miss 2012 program will be held at 6:30 p.m. on  Saturday, February 19, 2011 at the Picayune Crosby Auditorium.

Lindsey Lewis, the Program Director, says,  “This year’s program will be very special as the Junior Miss program embarks on a new journey. The organization is changing their name to more fully express its place as America’s premier scholarship program for young women. Eight contestants will vie for the title of the first ever, Distinguished Young Woman of Pearl River County. The winner will go on to compete for the state title of Distinguished Young Woman of Mississippi held in Meridian during the summer.”

Lewis says, “Saturday night will be a look back at the Junior Miss past, remembering all the young ladies who have graced the Junior Miss stage throughout the years. This year’s theme is ‘Pearl River County’s Junior Miss: a memorable past and a distinguished future.’  The contestants will compete for scholarship dollars in the self-expression, talent and fitness categories and scores will be combined with previously the previously judged scholastic and interview categories.”

The young ladies have had quite a journey with rehearsals and preparation for this event.

Board member, Nancy Hall, says, “They concluded last week with a Mother Daughter Tea that was put on for them by the Civic Woman’s Club. Sandy Houston, President— Kathleen Penton and Past President— Darlene Adams, along with the ladies of the club, graciously arranged for everything; we just showed up to a beautifully decorated Senior Center; we had a wonderful time.”

“The girls used this opportunity to hold their “mock interviews.”  This is where they present themselves to a panel to be interviewed and answer questions. They all exemplified poise and grace. They have worked so hard to prepare themselves for this,” she continues.

Meet the young ladies in this year’s competition:

Contestant #1 —Morgan Ashley McCormick

McCormick attends Pearl River Central High School. Her career goal is to pursue a degree in speech pathology. Her college choices include both PRCC and Mississippi State University. She is currently active in: Blue Angels Dance Team, as Lieutenant • Parliamentarian, Student Council • Member, National Honor Society • Reporter, Beta Club • Events Coordinator, Junior Auxiliary’s Crown Club • BASICS Student Choir, First Baptist of Picayune • Youth group

member, First Baptist of Picayune • Dancer, Mrs. Leisha’s Dance Studio. Her talent will be the selection “Whatif”, from A Light in the Attic, by Shel Silverstein, in Monologue.

Contestant #2 — Melissa Ashley Dragon

Dragon attends Picayune Memorial High School. Her career goal is to pursue a degree in forensic science. She plans to attend Louisiana State University. She is currently active in: Cheerleading • 9-11 security council • Tidal Rave show choir • Lady Tide soccer team manager • FBC Basics youth choir • FBC “Promise” Ensemble. Her talent will be performing selections from Gone With the Wind Movie Soundtrack in Ballet on Pointe.

Contestant #3 — Victoria Danielle Farmer

Farmer attends Picayune Memorial High School. Her career goal is to pursue dance and choreography. She is currently active in: Resurrection Life Ministries • Leisha’s Dance School • Picayune High Tide Productions (theatre) • DECA • FBLA • First Priority • Juniorettes.  Her talent will be performing Far Far, by Yael Naim, in Dance.

Contestant #4 — Taylor Ashlynn Bennett

Bennett attends Pearl River Central. Her career goal is pursue an education in law. She plans to attend the University of Mississippi. She is currently active in: National Honors Society • Secretary of Junior Civic Women’s Club • PRCHS Student Council • PRCHS Beta Club • PRCHS Future Business Leaders of America • PRCHS Blue Angels Dance Team • Leisha’s Dance Company • Leisha’s Dance School Competition Team • FBC of Picayune “XA” Youth Group. Her talent will be performing Fever, by Michael Buble’ in Dance.

Contestant #5 — Shelbie McBeth

McBeth attends Pearl River Central High School. Her career goal is to pursue an education in cosmetology/ barbering. She plans to attend Pearl River Community College. She is currently active in: PRC Blue Angels Dance team • Dancing at Spotlight Dance Academy • Youth Group at Sanctuary of Praise • Science Club • Allied Health. Her talent will be performing At Last, by Etta James in Vocal.

Contestant #6 — Sarah Elizabeth Butt

Butt attends Pope John Paul II Catholic High School. Her career goal is to pursue an education in dermatology. She is currently active in: Varsity Cheerleading, Junior Lieutenant • Soccer • Dance. Her talent portion will be performing the Fame theme song, by Naturi Naughton & Collins Pennie, in Dance.

Contestant #7 — Kaelyn Nicole Wolfe

Wolfe attends Pearl River Central High School. Her career goal is to pursue an education in music education. She plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi. She is currently active in: Miss Sarah’s School of Dance Competition Team • Pearl River “Central Attraction” Show Choir • First Baptist Church “XA” Youth Group • Pearl River Central Varsity Swim Team • First Baptist Church of Picayune “Promise” Choir • Playing Piano • Future Business Leaders of America Parliamentarian • “Sounds of PRC” High School Varsity Choir • Pearl RIver Central Varsity Track Team • Pearl RIver Central Varsity Cheerleading. Her talent portion will be performing “I Can Do That,” from Broadway’s A Chorus Line, Music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban,  in Musical Theatre.

Contestant #8 — Jessica Kathleen Cox

Cox attends Pearl River Central High School. Her career goal is to pursue a degree in Pharmacy or Sports Medicine.  She plans to attend Mississippi State University. She is currently active in: PRCHS Blue Angel Dance Team – 3 years – Team Lt. • D & L Studio Competition Team – 5 years • BETA Club – 3 years • Roseland Park Baptist Church Youth Group • Roseland Park B. C. 1 to 1 Mission Team • D & L Studio Student Teacher. Her talent portion will be performing Set Free, by Katie Grey, in Dance.

The young ladies hope to see everyone come out and support them as they compete for valuable scholarships and the chance to represent the area in a larger arena.