Starr's Mill

senior Carlee Baker recently won the title of Miss Starr's Mill at the

second annual Miss Starr's Mill Pageant, after placing third a year ago.

"I think

this year I was more confident in myself," said Baker, when asked

what the difference was between the two pageants. "I think I had

a better idea of what was expected of the contestants as well."

The 21 contestants

in this year's pageant competed over three nights for a $1,500 scholarship

and the title of Miss Starr's Mill. Seventy percent of their score came

from the results of the talent and interview portion of the contest, while

the remaining 30 percent came from their scores from the casual and evening

wear categories. After the first two nights of the competition, the contest

was narrowed down to 10 finalists who competed in the talent, interview

and clothing categories once again. Senior Andrea Allen finished first

runner-up, while junior Heather Lannan finished as second runner-up.

Baker performed

a monologue from Neil Simon's "The Good Doctor" for the talent

portion of the competition, while other contestants, sang, danced and

recited poetry.

"The talent

level was so much better this year," said Baker. "I think a

lot of people who attended last year's pageant realized that they could

compete this year."

The interview

process involved casual discussions between the judges and contestants

based on their activities, interests and hobbies. While the casul wear

and evening wear categories involved the contestants wearing beautiful

clothes.

The theme for

this year's pageant was Mardi Gras and the event was festive, especially

with the opening dance number, which included the all-male dancing group

The Clydesdales. The Clydesdales also escorted the contestants on stage

during the evening wear competition.

In addition

to the $1,500 scholarship, Baker will represent the school at meetings

and functions and will host the final night of next year's comeptition.

Baker was doubly lucky because she also won the Prom Package raffle, thanks

to a large family entering the drawing each night of the pageant.

"It was

definitely my luckiest night, so far," said Baker, who is excited

about the remainder of her senior year at Starr's Mill. She will pay the

role of Audrey in the drama department's upcoming production of "Little

Shop of Horrors" and is currently interviewing with some of the top

colleges in the nation. Some of her top choices are Yale, New York University,

UCLA and North Carolina School of the Arts.

When asked

if he was going to compete in any other pageants, Baker said she was unsure.

Her director at Starr's Mill, David Spearman, is encouraging Baker to

compete in one of the prelimiary pageants for Miss Georgia, though she

has yet to make up her mind.

"It would

have to be a scholarship pageant with a talent portion of the competition,"

said Baker, who added that she made lots of new friends at this pageant

and had a great time.

The Miss Starr's

Mill Pageant is a fundraiser for the Starr's Mill drama department and

it was a huge success, which makes Baker, one of the drama department's

rising stars, very happy.