Karagan M. Turner claims Little Miss Valentine

By Janice M. Howard / Style Editor for the Southern Standard

Karagan M. Turner walked away with the title and crown as winner of the 2004 Little Miss Valentine Pageant. She is the 6-year-old daughter of Phillip and Tamy Turner.

There was a total of 28 contestants vying for the honor during the 37th annual contest sponsored by Morrison Ruritan. The event took place Feb. 14 at Morrison School with Denise Hillis as mistress of ceremonies. Pianist Pam Gross provided the background music.

First-runner-up was Autumn Lillian Brindley, 4, daughter of Jeff and April Stiles and John Brindley, with Alexis Bailey Wanamaker, 6, as second-runner-up. She is the daughter of Kirk and Tyla Wanamaker.

Named Little Miss Congeniality was Alexis Hope Hobbs, 4, daughter of Troy and Stephanie Hobbs.

The remainder of the contestants comprising the top 10 were Sierra Montez Bozeman, 3-1/2, daughter of Kiki and Earnest Bozeman; Rylie Danielle Chisam, 3, daughter of Daniel and Dodie Chisam; Kaylin Prater Barrett, 3, daughter of Dustin and Elizabeth Barrett; Rebecca Michelle Beaty, 3, daughter of Billy and Sara Beaty; Carah Ann Rigsby, 5, daughter of Harold and Teresa Rigsby and Saylem Ryan Powell, 5, daughter of Darrell and Julia Moore and Phillip Powell.

The 2003 title-holder, Haile West Adams, daughter of Regina Adams, crowned the winner.

For the occasion, the winner was attired in a pink party frock with a chiffon overlay. The sleeveless princess silhouette was styled with a square neckline and creating a unique design all along the front were oversized watercolor pink flowers.

Three white lattice panels forming the stage backdrop were draped with garlands of red tulle and entwined with ivy. Pots of greenery in brass containers flanked the central point of interest.

Serving as ushers were Jacob Roach, son of Grant and Kim Roach; Jacob Thurne, son of John and Sandra Thurne; Jerrick Gunter, son of Sabrina and Bo McKnight; Carmack Rigsby, son of Harold and Teresa Rigsby; Ryan Sliger, son of Stacy and Tammy Sliger; McCall Turner, son of Chad and Jennifer Turner; and Salem Wanamaker, son of Terry and Paula Wanamaker.