The 13th annual Miss Starr’s Mill High School Scholarship Pageant is January 9, 10, and 11.
Preliminary shows start at 7 p.m. and the finals begin at 7:30 p.m. The pageant, which is the annual fundraiser for the drama department at Starr’s Mill, has grown to be the largest high school scholarship pageant in the nation. This year it will award about $7,000 in college scholarships.
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Our donors continue to be very good to us,” says pageant founder and director David Spearman. “Without them, this pageant and the scholarships we award would not be possible.” Donors include: Dr. Scott McPherson, The Southern Federal Credit Union, Georgia Digestive Health Care, Chick-fil-A, Zach Stutts, and Craig Evans of State Farm Insurance.
There are 32 contestants this year vying for the scholarship monies and the title of Miss Starr’s Mill 2014. Contestants, who participate in casual wear, evening wear, performing talent and personal interview, include: Meetra Nisanian, Stefani Coppolla, Helena Resler, Chandler McBride, Jenna Gay, Kiara Louris, Megan Kuzanek, Erica Lantz, Jinsol Kim, Kelly McCarty, Yuri-Grace Ohasha, Marissa Owen, Mariah Blanks, Kailee Martin, Jacqueline Harms, Alyssa Falla, Megan Steele, Sara Kuenn, Rebecca Marshall, Rachel Clink, Claire Williams, Kelly O’Shaughnessy, Michelle Smarts, Jacqueline Berthold, Elizabeth Jowers, Rachel LaRocca, McKenna Albesrtadt, Claire Edkins, Cayleigh Weekley, Camille Edwards, Marianna Pitts, Abby Feltner.
On the two preliminary nights, the contestants are divided into two groups. On Thursday, Group A competes in casual wear and evening wear, while Group B performs talent. On Friday, the groups swap events. Preliminary winners are named for each category each night.
On Saturday, all 25 contestants meet with the judges for an interview. Then, Saturday evening, the top 10 are announced; all scores are erased, except for the interview; and the top 10 once again compete in talent, casual wear and evening wear. After the three onstage categories, the top five are announced in random order. These finalists then have to answer a question on stage, before the judges mark their final ballots to determine the runners up and the winner.
“It’s an incredible three nights,” says Spearman. “We have some spectacular talent, and these girls are very bright. By the time we get to Saturday night, it’s an amazing show!”
In June, last year’s Miss Starr’s Mill winner, Emma Wernecke, will represent the school while participating in the Miss Georgia Outstanding Teen pageant. The pageant is the state qualifier for the Miss America Outstanding Teen pageant.
Tickets are available at the front office at the school. For more information call 770-486-2710.
