February 18, 2010

State Junior Miss Program Plans At-large

Program, registration deadline March 5

Washington’s Junior Miss Program plans a 2010 at-large competition for high school junior girls whose communities do not have the scholarship program.

The program is planned for April 11 in Pullman. Those interested should register by March 5.

Margo Balzarini, program co-chair, said those who would like to compete in the at-large program must be U.S. citizens and plan to graduate from high school in 2011. Each contestant must have a 3.3 grade point average.

During the at-large competition, each participant will be required to perform a 90-second talent number and participate in fitness and self-expression routines that will last up to eight minutes.

Each participant will perform the self-expression routine dressed in a formal and be expected to answer an impromptu question.

The routines are taught to everyone on the day of the competition, Balzarini said.

Those selected to represent their communities will participate in the program’s statewide competition set for Aug. 4-7 at Washington State University’s Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum.

Those chosen from the at-large program also are required to pay a participation fee that is charged to all local programs.

The $295 fee is due within two weeks of being selected, the program chair said.

During the state program in August, the contestants will compete for more than $12,000 in scholarships and awards.

They will stay with Pullman families while rehearsing for the on-stage program Aug. 7 at the coliseum.

This is the 53rd year of the Washington’s Junior Miss Scholarship Program.

Its goal is to emphasize education by providing scholarship opportunities to outstanding, college-bound high school girls, and to encourage personal development in all young people, Balzarini said.

Those interested should contact Balzarini by phone at (509) 595-1144 or via e-mail at balzarini@colfax.com.

For more information on the Junior Miss program, visit America’s Junior Miss Web site at http://www.ajm.org.