14 vie for Junior Miss title

September 08, 2006 Last Updated: September 08, 2006 03:03 PM Community

Program set for Sept. 16

The Butler County Junior Miss Scholarship Program will celebrate 45 years Sept. 16 as 14 contestants vie for this year's title.

The event will be held at 7 p.m. at the Butler Intermediate High School.

Scholarship funds will be awarded to the top three contestants based on personal interviews, scholastic achievement and talent, fitness and poise. Smaller scholarship awards will also be given to individual category winners.

In addition to receiving scholarship funds, the Butler County winner will proceed to the state pageant, set for Jan. 7 in Johnstown.

The state winner will advance in June 2007 to the America's Junior Miss Program in Mobile, Ala.

Choreographer and director for the Butler County pageant is Greta Curry. Barbara Brandon is producer and chairperson.

This year's Butler County contestants include:

• Gretchen Lynne Adler is the daughter of the late William and Linda Adler. Her custodians are Kenneth and Diana Ratay of Butler. A student at Knoch High School, she has earned a U.S. National History and Government Achievement Award and a President's Education Outstanding Academic Achievement Award. She also was named in Who's Who Among American High School Students. She will do a piano and vocal performance to "Listen to Your Heart." • Elizabeth Mary Jo Bartley is the daughter of Tim and Debbie Bartley of Mars. A student at Mars High School, she has been named to the high honor roll. She also is a feature twirler and is a co-captain of the Senior Young Americans competitive twirling team. She will do a baton twirling routine to "Hot Honey Rag" from the Broadway musical "Chicago."

• Rebecca Jeniece Bowser is the daughter of Thomas and Deborah Bowser of West Sunbury. She attends Moniteau High School. She has lettered in academics and has been named to the principal's honors program and the high honor roll. She will do a vocal performance of "I Am Changing" from the musical "Dream Girls." • Alayna Monique Carroll is the daughter of the late Laureen Carroll. Her guardians are Norman and Virginia Carroll of Butler. A student of Butler High School, she belongs to the National Society of High School Scholars, qualified for the National Honor Society and was named in Who's Who Among American High School Students. She will do a piano and vocal performance of Daniel Powter's "Bad Day."

• Megan Kathleen Flannery is the daughter of Shawn and Pam Flannery of Butler. She has participated in the spring musical, fall play and tennis at Knoch High School, where she is a student. She will do a comedic monologue titled "Sis Hopkins' Audition" by Walter Ben Hare. • Emily Sue Graham of Butler is the daughter of George and Pam Miller and Scott Graham. She is a student at Butler High School. Emily has been named to the high honor roll and has been a member of the National Junior Honors Society. She also has participated in all-school musicals. She will do a tap performance to "Bye Bye Love" from the movie "Ray."

• Katelyn Nicole Gruver is the daughter of Stanley and Pam Gruver of Butler. A student at Butler High School, she has been named a Young Musician of Note and has participated in district and regional orchestra and Butler County Strolling Strings. She will do a flute performance to "Hungarian Dance No. 5." • Courtney Elise Kerr is the daughter of George and Catherine Kerr of Butler. She is a student at Butler High School and has been named to the high honor roll. She also has received vocal training and has played varsity tennis. She will sing "Over the Rainbow" by Eva Cassidy.

• Meagan Marie Macurdy is the daughter of Keith and Paula Macurdy of Butler. A student at Knoch High School, she belongs to the Knochettes dance squad and student council and has participated in high school musicals. She will do a jazz dance performance to "Think" by Aretha Franklin. • Jessica Helen McCafferty is the daughter of Joseph and Joanne McCafferty of Butler. She attends Knoch High School, where she belongs to the chemistry club. She also belongs to the National Honor Society and the City Music Center Chamber Orchestra. She will do an oboe performance of Mozart's "Concerto in C."

• Bria Marie Nelko is the daughter of William and Sandra Nelko of Cranberry Township. A student at Seneca Valley High School, Bria belongs to the Pom Pons and participates in dance and track and field. She will do a jazz/acro dance. • Kady Monet Schorr of Butler is the daughter of the late Bruce and Tina Schorr. Her guardian is Margaret Schorr. A student at Knoch High School, Kady is active in playing piano and singing. She is on the honor roll. She will do a piano and vocal performance to "As Long as He Needs Me," from the musical "Oliver."

• Alyssa Marie Smaldino is the daughter of Tony and Karen Smaldino of Butler. She is a student at Shadyside Academy, where she belongs to the admissions committee, swim team and flute choir. She will do a flute presentation of "Walk This Way" by Aerosmith. • Jessica Rose Spafford is the daughter of James and Regina Spafford of Chicora. She attends Karns City High School. She plays varsity softball and volleyball, has participated in drama club and school musicals and has been named in Who's Who Among American High School Students. She will do a vocal performance to "Poor Wandering One" from "Pirates of Penzance."

WHAT: Butler County Junior Miss pageantWHEN: 7 p.m. Sept. 16WHERE: Butler Intermediate High SchoolTICKETS: $13 for pre-sale at May's Music Shoppe on East Jefferson Street or $15 at the door