Features Editor

All four of Pike County’s high schools will be represented in the 2000 Pike County Junior Miss Program as eight young women vie for the prestigious title and an opportunity to represent Pike County in the Miss Alabama Pageant.

Aryanez Alburquerque, Amanda Garrett, Sharika Johnson, Tori Jones, Lauren Meeks, Alicia Rouse, Kelli Sims and Miki Wilkes will compete in the Pike County Junior Miss Scholarship Program Aug. 5 at the TSU Crosby Theater.

The areas of competition will be talent, poise, fitness, interview and scholarship.

"The Pike County Junior Miss Board is searching for an all-around young woman to represent Pike County at the state program in Montgomery in January ," said Angie Grice, chairperson of the local Junior Miss board. "Of course, we hope our Junior Miss will win the state competition and represent Pike County at the National Junior Miss Program in Mobile next June. The national program is sponsored by Coca-Cola, HealthSouth and TNN, which broadcasts the national program live every year."

Grice said the first national program was held in 1959. Since that time, there have been representatives from all 50 states competing each year.

"More than $35 million has been given in scholarships for high school seniors through the Junior Miss Program," Grice said. "The Junior Miss Program encourages excellence with its ‘Be Your Best Self’ program."

"Our Junior Miss has opportunities to speak at schools and impress on the students what it means to her to strive for excellence in every area of her life," Grice said. "She has an opportunity to be a role model and make a difference in the lives of other young women."

Grice said judging a Junior Miss Program is very difficult because of the high quality of competition. But, much of the judging has been done before the young women ever step on stage.

"Forty-five percent of the judging happens before the girls go on stage," Grice said. "The judges’ interview, which is 10 minutes, counts 25 percent of the total and scholastic counts 20."

On stage, talent counts 25 percent and fitness and poise count 15 percent each. The winner will score high in all areas, Grice said.

Andrea Domizio, the reigning Pike County Junior Miss, will hand over her title Saturday, Aug. 5 and another young woman will have an opportunity be Pike County’s Junior Miss.

"We are looking forward this exciting night and we encourage everyone to come out and support their favorite contestant," Grice said. "The program will be held at the Crosby Theater so seating will not be a problem."

Tickets are $5 and the doors will open at 6 p.m.