Former Clark County Junior Miss scholarship competition rolling out new name

Twenty high school seniors will take the stage in Clark County’s inaugural Distinguished Young Women program, formerly known as Junior Miss.
Program coordinator Donna Fuller said the format of the competition has not changed, and young women still will be judged primarily on scholastic achievement.
“Even though Kentucky did not struggle with fundraising like some states, that’s the reason they’re regrouping and changing the name,” Fuller said.
Program coordinators at the national level thought Distinguished Young Women was a better name to convey the program’s emphasis on academics, confidence and poise, Fuller said.
“Nothing has changed but the name,” Fuller said.
Only minor changes are planned for the event in the future, and Fuller said that in 2012 contestants will no longer wear evening gowns during the self-expression category.
“In our committee’s hearts and minds, it will always be Junior Miss,” Fuller said.
This year’s judges will have a difficult time choosing a winner from a field of strong contestants, Fuller said, and she praised the academic achievements of the participants, as well as their interview skills and talents.
“It’s a strong group of girls, all-around,” Fuller said.
The program will be on Friday at 7 p.m. in the George Rogers Clark High School auditorium, and tickets will be available starting at 6:30 p.m.
In addition to the performances of the contestants, the students from Dancer’s Pointe and Clark County Attorney Brian Thomas also will perform.
“It’s going to be a good year,” Fuller said.
As with Junior Miss, the Distinguished Young Women competition will focus on teaching contestants to be able to carry themselves confidently in any situation, and prepare them for challenges they may face in the future, Fuller said.
“Our goal is still to try to show these high school girls that giving your best doesn’t always mean winning, but you can feel confident about what you’ve done,” Fuller said.
This year’s participants are:
— Kelsey Lauren May is the daughter of Karen and Jeffrey May. Her little sister is Kailey Faris, and her talent is playing the piano.
— Caroline Glenn is the daughter of Reece and Sarah Glenn. Her little sister is Alex Schwab, and her talent is singing.
— Kate Bush is the daughter of Mike and Julia Bush. Her little sister is Bailey Harrison, and her talent is a vocal and dramatic performance.
— Brittany Cuffe is the daughter of Jeana Gay and William Cuffe. Her little sister is Danielle Lee, and her talent is singing.
— Makenzie Waltermire is the daughter of Tim and Pam Waltermire. Her little sister is Addison Lowry, and her talent is a gymnastics routine.
— Katy McKinney is the daughter of Greg and Diane McKinney. Her little sister is Madison Grimes, and her talent is clogging.
— Conley Baker is the daughter of Dr. Scott and Stacy Baker. Her little sister is Haley Thornberry, and her talent is singing.
— Ryan Terry is the daughter of Mary and Dave Terry. Her little sister is Mallory Flynn, and her talent is singing.
— Julie Willian is the daughter of Lewis and Carol Willian. Her little sister is Samantha Pettus, and her talent is playing the piano.
— Haley Taylor Abney is the daughter of Kandi and Rolla Abney. Her little sister is Emily Jackson, and her talent is playing the guitar and singing.
— Hannah Elizabeth Mohr is the daughter of Jeff and Sherry Mohr. Her little sister is Rachel Wade, and her talent is a vocal and dramatic performance.
— Chelsea Sheree Griffith is the daughter of John and Tammy Griffith. Her little sister is Katie McCrary, and her talent is reciting a monologue.
— Avicia Nicole Rodgers is the daughter of Paul and Karen Rodgers. Her little sister is Peri Drury, and her talent is singing.
— Sarah Elizabeth-Helen Grashel is the daughter of Mary and Marvin Grashel. Her little sister is Joanna Guerrant, and her talent is singing.
— Bethany Nicole Lawrence is the daughter of Lisha Stone and Cleveland Lawrence. Her little sister is Hannah Washing, and her talent is playing the piano.
— Allison Leigh Becknell is the daughter of Donna Becknell and Keith Becknell. Her little sister is Allison Ratliff, and her talent is dancing.
— India Williams is the daughter of Amy and Lawrence Williams II. Her little sister is Bellamy Miller, and her talent is singing.
— Kayla Lynn Harrison is the daughter of Brad and Tracie Harrison. Her little sister is Haley Tye, and her talent is playing the dulcimer.
— Sarah Elizabeth Sams is the daughter of Keith and Joan Sams. Her little sister is Sophie Sams, and her talent is playing the piano.
— Ragan Mckenzie Clark is the daughter of Ty and Sondra Clark. Her little sister is Caty Steele, and her talent is playing the guitar and singing.

Contact Rachel Parsons at rparsons@winchester-sun.com.