Emily M. Hobbs wins Junior Miss title
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The eighth annual contest was presented by Junior Auxiliary of McMinnville and Middle Tennessee Radiology, its crown corporate sponsor.
Jenee-Maree Northcutt, the 2002 Junior Miss title-holder, and Allison George, retiring JA Little Sister, presented special awards.
First runner-up was Hannah Marie Higgins, daughter of Danny and Lisa Higgins; with Chelsea O’Kelley, daughter of Holly Lands and Butch O’Kelley, as second runner-up. Kara Green was third runner-up. She is the daughter Tyra Green, Ed and Kim Green. Rounding out the top five finalists was Rachel Chastain, daughter of Bryan and Theresa Chastain.
Others among the top 11 were Kelsey Alexandria Aune, daughter of Jacqueline Aune and the late Burt Aune; Kelley Bratcher, daughter of Jerry and Janie Bratcher; Caitlin Bliss Darnaby, daughter of Bill Darnaby, Cathy and Bill Arter; Krista Beth Payne, daughter of Steve and Mary Payne; McKenna Ashli Rhea, daughter of Ted and Alpha Rhea; and India Starr Ware, daughter of Vanessa and Terry Panter and Jeffrey and Janet Ware.
Named Miss Congeniality by her peers was Hannah Marie Higgins. Talekia Lashae King, daughter of Sonjia Winfrey and Tommy King, was selected Most Photogenic by Sabrina and La-Fonda Photography. Krista Beth Payne was also chosen to serve as JA Little Sister by the sponsoring organization.
The new Junior Miss, standing five feet, four inches tall with hazel eyes and light brown hair, was wearing an elegant floor-length gown of periwinkle blue accented with a full ballerina skirt. The fitted bodice, bedecked with crystals and sequins on small diamond designs, was styled with an elongated waist and crisscross lacing in the back.
The teen beauty is a sophomore at Warren County High School where she is a member of the tennis team, Student Council, Key Club and EXCEL. Emily has excelled as a 4-H Honor Club member, receiving the state Horizon Award. Other special interests include competition barrel racing and pole bending while riding her quarter horse, Joe. She attends Hebron Church of Christ and her goal is to pursue a career as a physical therapist.
Stage escorts were Nathan Smith and Chris Bassham. Entertainment was provided by Paula’s Dance Academy with musical presentations by Charlotte Patterson and Jodi McAfee.
The contest was open to female residents of Warren County, ages 14 to 16. Prior to the pageant, each participant answered questions in a personality interview conducted by the judges. Introduction on stage and the evening gown appearance accounted for the remaining score percentages.