Eight senior girls from Marengo County will compete Saturday, June 25, for the title of Marengo County’s Junior Miss 2006 and $6,000 in scholarship money. The girls will be judged on scholastic ranking and interviews, as well as poise, talent and fitness routines they will perform on stage.

The winner of the Marengo County Junior Miss program will participate in the 2006 Alabama’s Junior Miss program in Montgomery, in January. However, where the winner goes after that is undetermined as the America’s Junior Miss Program is apparently in trouble.

“Things are still up in the air as to the fate of the program,” Lindsy Gardner, who is organizing the Marengo County competition, said. “I’m fairly sure that if the program continues, it will not be called “Junior Miss.”

Gardner referred to a statement made by Bruce Triftshauser director of Alabama’s Junior Miss Program.

“The Board of Directors of America’s Junior Miss has decided to close the Junior Miss program due to financial problems in securing sponsors for TV. Many of the State Programs have joined together with the intent of continuing the program under another name. Alabama Junior Miss is franchised through the State Finals on February 17-18, 2006. By that time we are confident that another host city will be secured and this “national treasure” can continue for the young women of Alabama,” Triftshausen said.

Regardless of what happens at the national level, the eight girls competing locally will have the opportunity for scholarship money and to go on to compete for more scholarships at the state level.

The local competition will be held at 7 p.m. in the Canebrake Theater at the Old School on Main Street in Demopolis. The public is encouraged to attend.

Participating in this year’s competition are:

Savanna Joy Dickson is a senior at Demopolis High School. She is the daughter of She is sponsored in the program by her parents. Savanna is on the National Honor Roll, the Who’s Who Among American High School Students, and was chosen for the Duke University Talent Identification Program. Savanna is a cheerleader, has taken dance for seven years, and enjoys modeling. For her talent presentation, Savanna will perform a song and dance routine. Savanna hopes to attend Auburn University and would like to own her own business.

Cala Danielle Anderson is a senior at Sweet Water High School. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Anderson. Her sponsor for the program is Anderson Cabinets. Cala is on the National Honor Roll and Who’s Who Among High School Students. She is captain of the Colorguard, and a member of the Annual Staff and Student Government. For her talent presentation, Cala will perform a piano solo. Cala plans to attend Judson College to become a performing artist.

Jelicia Marie McIntosh is a senior at Marengo High School. She is the daughter of Mrs. Patricia McIntosh. BeEtta McIntosh is her sponsor for the program. Jelicia is in the National Honors Club, Upward Bound, and Student Council. She was secretary of her Junior Class. She has participated in the Campus Clean Up Project, Community Outreach Program, and Community Choir. For her talent presentation, Jelicia will sing. Jelicia wants to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham and become a pediatrician.

Lara Nicole Tucker is a senior at Demopolis High School. She is the daughter of Ken and Mary Tucker. Her parents are sponsoring her in the program. Lara is co-head varsity cheerleader and is secretary of the Anchor Club. She is involved in Beta Club, Interact, and FCCLA. She enjoys playing varsity softball. For her talent presentation, Lara will perform a monologue. Lara hopes to attend the University of Alabama to pursue a career as a psychologist.

Amy Lauren Lewis is a senior at Patrician Academy. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sim Lewis. She is sponsored in the program by Sweet Water Trucking. Lauren is the Junior SGA representative, nominee for Alabama Governor’s School, a varsity cheerleader, and a member of National Beta Club and National Honor Society. For her talent presentation, Lauren will perform a piano solo. Lauren would like to attend Auburn University and pursue a career in elementary education.

Julia Leann McKinney is a senior at Amelia Love Johnson High School. She is the daughter of William McKinney and MaryAnn McKinney. She is sponsored in the program by ALJ PTA. Julia has received the band award, French award, track award, and the Accelerated Reader Award. She enjoys cheerleading, dance line, and choir. For her talent presentation, Julia will dance. Julia hopes to attend Tuskegee University to pursue an education in political science.

Rachel Lynne Tucker is a senior at Demopolis High School. She is the daughter of Ken and Mary Tucker. Her parents are sponsoring her for the program. Rachel is a member of the yearbook staff, Student Council, Drama Club, Beta Club, and National Honors Society. She is Key Club secretary, reporter for Anchor Club, and Alabama DECA State Vice President. For her talent presentation, Rachel will perform on the piano. Rachel hopes to attend the University of Alabama and study math or chemical engineering.

Ashley Rena Richerson is a senior at Marengo High School. She is the daughter of Norman and Jackie Richerson. Lockett’s Trucking Company is her sponsor for the program. Ashley is active in the SGA and was vice-president of the Junior Class. She is listed on the National Honor Roll. She enjoys cheerleading, basketball, softball, and swimming. For her talent presentation, Ashley will perform a dance. Ashley hopes to attend Alabama A&M University to become a teacher.