While the media insists on portraying fairy-tale beauty, it is refreshing to know that a certain pageant focuses on more realistic qualities in young ladies.

The Junior Miss contest is a pageant that recognizes the academic (20%), fitness (15%), elegance (16%), interviewing (25%) and talent (25%) of each contestant.

Rockingham County High has six junior participants in the event, which took place March 27, at Morehead High School. The girls from our school who entered the contest are Alicia “Shantae” Dones, Mary Lou Herndon, Tara Heuser, Christy Ragan, Bridget Rogers, and Sarah Santoro.

Nineteen girls from Rockingham County entered the Junior Miss pageant, hoping for the title, trips, and scholarship money. The Rockingham County High contestants will be up against five contestants from Reidsville High School, seven Morehead girls, and a single McMichael attendant. The girls spent every Sunday since Christmas practicing from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. and had to learn a dance and fitness routine in order to enter the pageant.

All the girls had the same response to their favorite aspect of the program. They agreed that they enjoyed meeting different girls and making new friends through the pageant. They also commented that Junior Miss does not seem like an actual competition because of the fun and camaraderie.

Alicia “Shantea” Dones bought a candlelight white dress for her first pageant. She practiced many hours in order to accomplish her talent, singing “Adonai,” a Hebrew song. “If I don’t win, I’ve gained a meaningful life experience and many great memories,” she stated.

Christy Ragan joined the pageant in order to satisfy her grandfather’s last wish, who passed away in December. Christy’s talent is singing “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack, for which a vocal coach helped her prepare.

Sarah Santoro had something to celebrate even before the winner was announced. She won a trip to the Bahamas with one other person when she purchased her pale green dress for the event. Sarah played the piano, the only girl in the county to do so. “It’s a great opportunity,” Sarah added as she encouraged upcoming junior females to join in the fun.

Joining a beauty contest is not ideal for many young ladies. However, Junior Miss focuses on the more important things in a high school girl’s life. All contestants are well rounded and are some of the best representatives of Rockingham County High.