Miss SHS crowned Saturday night

Published 10:48 am Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Ann Jackson Edwards, left, and Katie Mein were crowned Young Miss SHS and Miss SHS, respectively. -- Cain Madden | Tidewater News

Ann Jackson Edwards, left, and Katie Mein were crowned Young Miss SHS and Miss SHS, respectively. — Cain Madden | Tidewater News

COURTLAND—For two local girls, Saturday night was anything but normal.

Katie Mein and Ann Jackson Edwards were facing off against 12 of Southampton High’s most beautiful for the crowns of Miss Southampton High School and Young Miss Southampton High School.

Mein, a senior, was crowned Miss SHS, and Edwards, a sophomore, was crowned Young Miss SHS.

“At first I was extremely shocked,” said Mein. “But it is definitely a privilege to represent my school through Miss SHS.”

“It’s just amazing,” Edwards said. “I’m so excited. I’m so thankful for having the opportunity to be in the pageant.”

Avá Morton was the first runner-up for Miss SHS, and Travesha Anderson was the second runner-up. The runner-up for Young Miss SHS was Elizabeth Eom.

Miss Audience Choice was Edwards; Miss Congeniality was Morton; Miss Community Service was Kiara Jordan; Young Miss Community Service was Jesse Fox; Miss School Service was Amanda Hewett; Young Miss School Service was Charlotte Cifers; Best Interview was Morton for Miss and Edwards for Young Miss; Best Denim on Denim was Jax Dwyer for Miss and Eom for Young Miss; Best Trend-Setting Style was Madison Alderman for Miss and Eom for Young Miss; Best High Fashion was Zoe Beale for Miss and Cifers for Young Miss; Best Evening Wear was Anderson for Miss and Edwards for Young Miss; Best Question and Answer was Amber Gurganus for Miss and Olivia Goff for Young Miss; and Miss Photogenic and First Impression was Jordan.

Melissa Edwards, SGA sponsor and pageant organizer, said that Miss SHS went well.

“I am so proud of all 14 young ladies,” she said. “I love the fact that each one of these girls gained confidence and had fun with fashion.”

Ann Jackson Edwards said that the experience definitely was a confidence booster.

“I entered because I just knew it would give me an opportunity to meet a ton of great girls and enjoy myself,” she said. “Last year, I regretted not joining it, so I definitely wanted to do it this year.”

Mein said that getting to know the other girls was the best part.

“It was a lot of fun because I got to meet a lot of great girls, and I got to go through a great experience that anyone should be able to go through,” she said. “I decided to enter to branch out, meet new friends and build up my confidence for being on stage.”

Morton, who was the first Miss SHS runner up, enjoyed the experience, especially spending time with her fellow contestants.

“It was an honor to be in the Miss SHS Fashion pageant, especially it being my first pageant ever,” she said. “I had a blast getting to know the other contestants and plan to do more pageants in the future.”

Melissa Edwards said that she was proud of the people who worked to make it happen.

“I am also proud of the many Student Government Association students behind the scenes; so many students worked hard and were not even seen on stage,” she said. “This is a school effort and it is wonderful to look back and see the talents of the SHS students along with their generosity for charity.”

Renee Markivich, the co-SGA sponsor, said that she was happy the school was able to raise money for the Trooper Hill Toy Drive.

“It is a very worthy cause, the contestants and SGA worked so enthusiastically and tirelessly to reach our goal and help our community.”

Eom enjoyed the community aspect.

“Participating in the pageant was a wonderful experience,” she said. “I enjoyed working with everyone and raising money for the Trooper Hill Toy Drive. Being awarded runner-up Young Miss SHS 2014 was truly an honor and an experience I will never forget.”

Ann Jackson Edwards said the experience was one of those that almost left her speechless.

“It has been amazing, and it has gone by so quickly,” she said. “Everything has just been flying by, and I am about to start crying. I met a ton of great girls. It has just been great.”