Jones and Johnson named runners-up

By AMY S. LANSDON

News Editor

The spirit of Junior Miss shone through every contestant who participated in the program at Troy State University’s Claudia Crosby theater Saturday night.

Aryanéz Alburquerque was named Pike County Junior Miss 2000-2001, and was also the winner in the scholastic category.

Alburquerque was awarded a cash tuition scholarship, silver charm, savings bonds donated by Troy Bank and Trust, Colonial Bank, SouthTrust Bank and Regions Bank, Vera Bradley Luggage donated by The Gazebo, a gift basket from Julie’s and Unlimited Kickboxing by Kinetic Energy Athletic and Performing Arts Center. She also received a gift basket from Julie’s for winning the scholastic category.

Alburquerque is a senior at Charles Henderson High School who is active in the Key Club, Spanish Club, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society and the Blue Machine Marching Band and the concert band.

For her talent, Alburquerque played a piano solo, Etude, Opus 27, No. 3 by Dimitri Kabalevski.

She plans to attend the University of Central Florida and study for a career as a media specialist.

Alburquerque attends Macedonia Baptist Church. Her parents are Manny and Anin Alburquerque. Alburquerque’s little sister for the program was Rachel Rascoe.

Although Alburquerque will represent Pike County at the Alabama Junior Miss competition, Angie Grice, chairperson of the Pike County Junior Miss Board, said all of the participants were winners.

"Everything was great," said Grice. "I think the judges did an excellent job. They had to pick one representative out of a group of winners.

"All of the girls were wonderful, and they all showed the spirit of Junior Miss."

First runner-up and Signature Page winner in the program was Tori Jones.

Jones was awarded a cash tuition scholarship and a silver charm.

Jones is a student at CHHS where she is president of Mu Alpha Theta and a member of the All-State Band. She is listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students and was selected as a delegate to Alabama Girls State. She also attended the Alabama Governor’s School.

For her talent, she played Briccialdi’ "Carnival of Venice" on the flute.

Jones plans to attend the University of Alabama and major in music therapy. She is a member of St. Martin’s Catholic Church.

Her parents are Charlie and Tamara Jones. Her little sister for the program was Courtney Dunn.

Sherika Johnson was named second runner-up in the program. She also won the "Be Your Best Self" category, and was the winner in the poise and talent categories.

She was awarded a cash tuition scholarship and a silver charm for second runner up. Johnson received a plaque and savings bond for the "Be Your Best Self" category; a gift certificate from Douglas Brothers for the poise category; and a $100 scholarship for the Troy School of Dance for the talent category.

Johnson is a student at PCHS where she is captain of the varsity cheerleaders and a member of the drama club, the National Honor Society and the Latin Honor Society. She is also a 4-H Club state representative.

For her talent, Johnson performed a dramatic interpretation selection and sang "Amazing Grace." Johnson plans a career in law and she will attend Spellman College.

She attends Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Her parents are Ricky and Arlisa Johnson. Her program little sister was LaTonya Reynolds.

Miki Wilkes was the winner in the fitness category. She was awarded two months tuition by Monica’s Cheer and Gymnastics and a gift certificate to Troy Health and Fitness.

Alicia Rouse was awarded the "Spirit of Junior Miss," and received a $25 savings bond from Kinetic Energy Athletic and Performing Arts Center. The "Spirit of Junior Miss" winner is elected by participants in program.

Grice urges girls who are junior this year to consider participating in the Pike County Junior Miss Program next year as seniors.

"There is a considerable amount of scholarship money given away," Grice said. "At state, this year, there will be $40,000 in scholarship money given away, and you don’t have to win every award to win some of the scholarship money."

Grice also said anyone who is interested in volunteering for the Pike County Junior Miss program is welcome and support is always needed. Businesses are encouraged to donate money so there will be bigger and better scholarships for the Pike County Junior Miss program.