Lucia Raine Martin claims Warren County Junior Princess title

By MARGARET HOBBS / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Lucia Raine Martin glows after being named the first Warren County Junior Princess in a pageant held at Hickory Creek Elementary. (Margaret Hobbs photo)

Lucia Raine Martin, 11-year-old-daughter of Ray and Chandra Martin, claimed the title of Warren County Junior Princess in the inaugural event. There was a total of 19 contestants competing in the pageant sponsored by the McMinnville Jaycees.

The pageant was held in the Hickory Creek Elementary gymnasium with Vicki Messick serving as emcee. Jaycee vice president, Harrison Woodlee welcomed guests and the court was presented by the 2001 Warren County Junior Miss Ren?e Poole and the 2001 Little Miss Warren County Bailey Spain. 1995 Little Miss Warren County, Talekia King assisted Messick with questions for the contestants.

Lucia Raine is a fifth-grade student at Hickory Creek Elementary and enjoys dancing and is a member of Paula’s Dance Academy first competition dance team. She also enjoys softball and is an honor student in Mrs. Nancy Wallace’s fifth-grade class. Her sponsor for the event is New Life Reality.

First-runner-up was Caitlin Mica’ McClain, daughter of Mike and Tammy McClain with Callie Brooke Durham, daughter of Tommy and Darlene Bryant and Rex Durham, as second-runner-up. Kandice LaShaie Dyer, daughter of Dan and Teresa McInnis, was third-runner-up.

Named Miss Congeniality was Mallory Morton, daughter of Bobby and Robin Morton.

Joining the finalist in the elite top 11 were, Lauren Lea Henderson, daughter of Ricky and Brenda Henderson; Hailey Danielle Jones, daughter of David and Lisa Jones; Olivia Grace Majors, daughter of Deitra Dunlap and Buddy Majors, Jr.; Tia Jade Merritt, daughter of Deborah and Darrell Merritt; Samantha Southard, daughter of Pam Southard and George Emery; Chelsea Danielle Thurman, daughter of Deana Myers and Bruce Thurman; and Karly Sarenda Wanamaker, daughter of Mike and Karla Wanamaker.

The pageant was open to female residents of Warren County between the ages of 9 and 11. Tonya Rains, Melissa Stover and Holly Hayes served as chairpersons for the event.