When most people think of the Junior Miss competition, they consider it a beauty pageant — but that is a common misconception, according to contestants in the 1998 competition, that gets underway at 7 p.m. tonight in the FHS auditorium. “I’m doing it for the scholarships; there are lots of scholarship opportunities,” said junior Priscilla Schlegel. “Plus, I wanted to get to know the other people better.” Kalispell’s Junior Miss participants will be judged Saturday night on their skills in performing arts, poise and fitness. They have already been interviewed by a panel of judges and submitted their transcripts prior to the program. “It’s a good test of discipline and composure, under a lot of pressure” said junior Gina Johnson. “But I’m not really nervous at all.” The 15 competitors began practice for the program a month and a half ago, three nights a week for two hours. Some contestants have increased their practice time this week in preparation for the upcoming competition. “I’m practicing every morning before school this week,” said Johnson, who is performing a contemporary jazz and ballet dance piece. The program will kick off with a group dance performed by all 15 contestants. From that point, they will be split into three groups where they will perform their individual talent and present the fitness portions of the program. The middle of the show will feature a presence and composure section. “I’m looking forward to the dance,” said Schlegel. “It will be the whole group together.” Competing in the 1998 Kalispell Junior Miss are: Kristen Kauffman, Emily Johnson, Elli Thomson, Abby Murray, April Gravelle, Molly Mason, Nancy Natividad, Corrin Saunier, April Walker, Gina Johnson, Whitney York, Cecilee Barton, Sarah Ondov, Priscilla Schlegel and Chandra Lutz. All participants are juniors at FHS. Said Johnson: “This is a new thing — I’m just doing it for myself.” |
