Contestants vie for Miss Jasper title

By KATIE WALDROP Staff Writer

Courtesy photo LAST YEAR'S MISS JASPERS will relinquish their titles this Saturday. Pictured, left to right, back row, are Miss Teen Jasper Marcie Ratcliff and Miss Jasper Bridgette Tvrz. Bottom row, left to right,Young Miss Jasper Hope Hancock and Little Miss Jasper Makayla Woolems. "Celebrate Jasper" is the theme for the 43rd annual Miss Jasper Pageant to be held June 9 at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church Wesley Center on North Bowie.

The 43rd annual Miss Jasper Pageant is sponsored by the Jasper Evening Lions Club. Over $2,000 in scholarship money is awarded. This year the contestants escorts are able to win scholarship money as well. "It's a way to incorporate the guys into the pageant," said Chrystal Reeves, director.

The girls are judged on casual wear, formal wear, their talent and a one-onone interview they will have with the judges.

"The interview is to prepare them for college and job interviews they may have and the appropriate way to handle them," Reeves said.

Shilah Phillips, Miss Texas 2006, will serve as mistress of ceremonies and musical entertainment. Phillips is from Frisco and is the first African American woman to win Miss Texas. She was on season three of American Idol and was first runner-up at the Miss America contest.

Jessica Alvis Instead of an intermission this year Miss Texas will have a 20-minute concert for the VIP guests while they are having their meal.

New this year the contestants had a Hawaiian Luau at the Country Club.

"We wanted the girls to have a time to mingle with each other and have fun without having to practice or be judged," Reeves said. "They dressed in their best Polynesian dress and we presented them with authentic leis sent from Hawaii."

The girls also had a tea party where they learned how to set a table, manners and etiquette. Their escorts had a "guys night out" where they were taught things from how to tie a tie to how to act on a date.

The Miss Jasper contestants will not be presenting their talent in front of an audience this year. There will be a closed preliminary judging earlier in the day and only the winner will present her talent.

Tokia Watts "The girls have invited the reigning Miss Buna as a guest," Reeves said. "She has been at most of the girls' practices and has become a friend to them."

This year there are VIP tickets for $25 per person that include a VIP reception with Miss Texas, VIP seating, three-course meal, and an autographed program book that may be purchased from any contestant.

At 6 p.m. that evening the VIP guests can have autographs signed by Miss Texas before the pageant. General admission tickets can be purchased at the door for $5 per adult and $3 per child June 9 at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church Wesley Center.

Contestants for the pageant follow.

Miss Jasper

Jessica Alvis is the daughter of Rachel and David Alvis. She is sponsored by Mathews Construction, First National Bank and Century 21 Real Estate.

Tokoia Watts is the daughter of Rita and Jeff Watts. She is sponsored by Lake Area Seafood Restaurant.

Britni White is the daughter of Melinda and Tracy White. She is sponsored by Bottoms Up Tanning and Fitness, Lakeway Tire and Service and Amy Huffman.

Ashley Garcia is the daughter of Renee and Greg Garcia. She is sponsored by Iris and Duncan Foshee of Foshee Manufacturing.

Britni White Miss Teen Jasper

Megan Jordan is the daughter of Danna and the late John Jordan. She is sponsored by Holiday Inn Express.

Kamrie Quick is the daughter of Ronnie Quick and Robin Baxter. She is sponsored by family and friends.

Young Miss Jasper Savannah Harwell is the daughter of Brandy and Justin Harwell. She is sponsored by Lynn Pearson, MD and her parents.

Emily Smith is the daughter of Kristin and Gary Smith. She is sponsored by Sabine State Bank.

Laura Smith is the daughter of Kristin and Gary Smith. She is sponsored by Advanced Financial Services and Bob's Pawn Shop.

Victoria Boulware is the daughter of Barbara Boulware. She is the daughter of Platt's Lawn Service.

Little Miss Jasper

Kristen Nichole Crosson is the daughter of April and Christopher Crosson. She is sponsored by Advanced Financial Services, Rent-ACenter and friends and family.

Ashton Grace Boulware is the daughter of Amy and Kelton Boulware. She is sponsored by Smith and Barnhart.

Ashley Garcia Haley Sierra Taylor is the daughter of Amanda and Jerry Taylor. She is sponsored by Jan Williams of A Completed Work, Ben Hancock and her parents.

Britney Richard is the daughter of Jeannie and Thomas Richard. She is sponsored by Garland- Smith Abstract and Ta'Mollie's Mexican Restaurant.

Shelby McClelland is the daughter of Ami and Kurt McClelland. She is sponsored by Sprint Pipeline Services. Haley Taylor Megan Jordan Victoria Boulware Emily Smith Savannah Harwell Kamrie Quick Brittney Richard Shelby McClelland Ashton Boulware Kristen Crosson Laura Smith