
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, March 3, 1995                   TAG: 9503030070
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SENIOR GIRLS VIE FOR JUNIOR MISS TITLE

The 1995 Virginia Junior Miss program, the state competition for the national America's Junior Miss program, has been ongoing this week in Roanoke. The event culminates in the announcement of the winner on Saturday night at William Byrd High School.

The contest is a nationwide scholarship competition for high school senior girls to recognize, reward and encourage excellence. It focuses attention on the achievements of college-bound young women and presents scholarships to the top honorees.

Regional contestants are Trimble Leigh Bailey, daughter of Mike and Denise Bailey, Roanoke County's Junior Miss; Amy Denise Bragg, daughter of James Bragg and Carolyn Lilly, Bedford County Junior Miss; Loree Beth Clark, daughter of Frank and Sharon Arthur, Roanoke City's Junior Miss; Heather Lea Crowe, daughter of Thomas Crowe and Susan Rourke, Franklin County Junior Miss; Summer Alia Higgins, daughter of Lloyd and Judy Higgins, Carroll County's Junior Miss; Sara Elizabeth Ivey, daughter of Henry and Susan Ivey, Vinton's Junior Miss; Maria Annette Turner, daughter of Richard and Dana Turner, Martinsville-Henry County Junior Miss; and Catherine Loraine Welford, daughter of Mack and Alice Welford, Salem's Junior Miss.

More than $6 million in scholarships and other awards are presented to contestants at the local, state and national finals each year. More than 200 colleges and universities contribute scholarships, and each state winner is guaranteed a full four-year scholarship at selected schools.

At all levels of the competition, contestants are evaluated on the following criteria: 30 percent for panel evaluation in which perception, poise under pressure, a sense of values, eloquence and abilities in human relations are considered; 20 percent for scholastic achievement; 20 percent for creative and performing arts; 15 percent for fitness and 15 percent for presence and composure.

The program is conducted by a nonprofit corporation governed by a board of civic, business and educational leaders. More than 20,000 young women enter the program each year. The 50 state winners advance to the national competition to determine America's Junior Miss.

The final show, open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. at William Byrd High School. Tickets, available at the door, are $7 for reserved seating and $5 for general admission. For more information, call 890-3299.

by CNB