Jamie Beth Lawson is 2009 Junior Miss

EVELYN HOWELL/HERALD STAFF WRITER

ROANOKE RAPIDS - Sheer excitement was in the air at the Roanoke Rapids High School auditorium as hundreds of folks watched and cheered as Jamie Beth Lawson was selected Miss Roanoke Valley Junior Miss 2009 from a pool of nine graceful contestants Saturday night.

With fingers trembling and shoulders shaking from the thrill of her name being announced as the winner, Lawson, wearing an elegant mint green evening gown, gently wiped away tears from her eyes as a large bouquet of beautiful flowers was placed in her arms.

As the winner of the scholarship program, Lawson receives $2,000. Lawson also received a medallion.

The Junior Miss contestants were judged in five categories. The interview and talent portions each counted for 25 percent of the contestant's total score. Self-expression and fitness were worth 15 percent each, while scholastic achievement counted for 20 percent of the total score.

There were two categories that were judged and scored before the event - scholastic achievement and the interview - meaning 45 percent of the of the score is done behind the scenes while 55 percent is done on stage.

Lawson, now a senior at Roanoke Rapids High School, won awards in three of the five categories, taking a spot in self expression, interview as well as scholastic achievement.

“I was nervous because this has been a very challenging experience,” said Lawson adding that she will work even harder to take her talent and physical fitness to a higher level when she competes in the state competition. “I'm not done yet,” she said while flashing a wide smile.

Lawson will go on to compete and represent the Roanoke Valley at the North Carolina Junior Miss program which will be held in Greensboro. She is the daughter of Greg and Lisa Lawson.

The theme for the evening program was “We've got it going on,” which goes hand in hand with the Roanoke Valley Junior Miss program, which celebrated 20 years of giving young ladies an opportunity to enhance their personal growth.

The theme also represents the Junior Miss girls (past and present) talent, strength as well as intelligence.

“Some people get this program confused with a beauty pageant but this is not a beauty pageant,” said Mildred Dotson, chairman of the program, adding that there is no crown or cape awarded to the winner. “We help girls to gain a better understanding and confidence in themselves which they will need later especially when applying for jobs.”

Allen Garrett, operations manager and morning radio host of WZRU 90.1 and 90.5 in Roanoke Rapids, was on hand to add a flavor of humor to the event as the host and emcee. This was his 13th year of hosting the event.

After the contestants finished their fitness routines, which consisted of an aerobics workout to the tune of “Everybody Dance Now” by C and C Music Factory, Garrett returned to the stage and said that he was exercising backstage right along with the young ladies and found it was “difficult to keep up with them.”

The 2009 contestants were Caroline Michelle Morriss, Roanoke Rapids High School, Jessica Blake Johnson, Roanoke Rapids High School, Jamie Beth Lawson, Roanoke Rapids High School, Katlin Elizabeth Howard, Roanoke Rapids High School, Vanessa Gabrielle Miller, Roanoke Rapids High School, Sarah Katelyn Long, Halifax Academy, Lauren Nicole Williams, Roanoke Rapids High School, Jeri Amanda Gums, Roanoke Rapids High School and Kelly Lane Griffin, Roanoke Rapids High School.

The audience observed and applauded in amazement as the contestants performed on stage.

From dancing and clogging to playing the guitar, contestants poured their hearts, their minds and spirits into each of their routines. The evening was filled with special entertainment that included performances by Roanoke Valley Junior Miss past winners and visiting Junior Misses.

Little Sisters and Little Buddies also participated in the program.

Hannah Moore, Roanoke Valley Junior Miss 2008, performed in the evening event and shared her thoughts in a heartfelt farewell to the audience. “This has been a great adventure and this program has helped me to grow as a person,” said Moore.

Jeri Gums, was selected as first runner-up and receives a $1,000 scholarship while Lauren Williams, receives $750 as second runner-up.

Three awards were given in each of the five individual categories,

The fitness award of $100 was presented to Kelly Griffin, Sarah Long and Lauren Williams.

The self expression award of $100 was presented to Jeri Gums and Lauren Williams as well as Jaime Lawson.

The talent award of $100 was presented to Jeri Gums, Lauren Williams and Sarah Long.

The scholastic award of $100 was presented to Katie Howard, Vanessa Miller as well as Jamie Lawson.

The interview award of $100 was presented to Kelly Griffin, Katie Howard as well as Jaime Lawson. One contestant was selected to receive the spirit award of $200 - Kelly Griffin.

The panel of judges consisted of Tina Kirkman, who currently serves as co-chairperson for the Rockingham County Junior Miss program, Kenny Kirkman , who serves as director of production for the Rockingham County Junior Miss program, Garde Parson, who has been chairman for Kinston's Junior Miss program for six years, Stacie Carr, who has been actively involved with the Rocky Mount Area Junior Miss Program for which she is formerly 1995 first runner- up, and Candice Brown Davis, who was named Tarboro-Edgecombe's first runner-up for which she now serves on the Rocky Mount Junior Miss Program.

The Scholastic Achievement panel consisted of Bob Davis, Jessie Warren, Erin Gall, Heather Johnson, and Johnathan Wirt, who are all qualified educators from college admissions offices. The panel reviewed and rated transcripts of grades and scores of contestant's scholastic tests.