Juniors from any area high school who live in the 37377 ZIP code are invited to participate in the fifth annual Signal Mountain Junior Miss program.
"It's a great chance to win scholarship money and improve themselves in the process," said Vanessa Dexter, now in her second year of directing the Signal Mountain competition. "It's a fun program and really beneficial for the girls."
Participants practice Mondays and Saturdays beginning April 4 until the competition, which will be held Saturday, May 7 in the Signal Mountain Middle/High School theater.
Dexter said the program gives away an average of $3,000 in scholarship money each year, with $1,000 allocated to the overall winner and several hundred going to the winner in each category.
"Our goal is to give away more this year," said Dexter.
No fee is required to enter. Money for the scholarship fund comes from local businesses and private donors, she said.
Areas of competition include talent, fitness, interview, self-expression and scholarship.
"It helps get their college applications ready, they're able to go into job interviews more prepared and are better at public speaking," said Dexter of the benefits of participating in the program.
GIRL POWERVisit the American Junior Miss website for more information. To participate contact Vanessa Dexter at 902-7627 or vsdexter@comcast.net, or Jeannie Forehand at 886-3507.
"I think it's something every junior girl should get a chance to participate in because it builds their self-esteem," said 2010 Signal Mountain Junior Miss Chelsea Thompson. "I was able to come out with more of a sense of confidence in myself from the interview and walking and talking on stage."
The 2011 Signal Mountain Junior Miss will advance to the Tennessee Distinguished Young Woman competition in Cleveland in July.
The name of the national program was officially changed from Junior Miss to Distinguished Young Woman this year. Dexter said she decided to retain the Junior Miss name for this transitional year to avoid an abrupt change.