Erica Evans was awarded the title of Delaware’s Junior Miss 2007 on Sunday, Oct. 1. With the title, Evans received $1,550 in cash scholarships and also college-granted scholarships from both the University of Delaware and Wesley College.
Coastal Point • Laura Ford:
Delaware’s Junior Miss contestants pose for a picture after the competition. Indian River High School’s Erica Evans won the title of Delaware’s Junior Miss on Sunday, Oct. 1.
Evans is the first candidate from Indian River High School to ever have been awarded the title. She said the school has been very supportive and their enthusiasm has been “amazing.”
“Mr. Steele (Indian River High School principal) made an announcement at school and to the faculty,” she said. “I am proud to represent Indian River.”
The school was part of the reason Evans decided to partake in Delaware Junior Miss. Although Melissa Grunewald, state chairwoman for Delaware’s Junior Miss, goes to various high schools to recruit girls to compete, she said most hear about the competition via word of mouth. And that is exactly how Evans learned about the contest.
Both a friend and the Indian River guidance counselor had mentioned the competition to her. “I heard a lot about it and I really liked what it stands for,” said Evans. “You get the opportunity to be a positive role model for the youth of the state and the nation.”
America’s Junior Miss competition, which is approaching its 50th year anniversary, has always attempted to aid outstanding college-bound seniors. Its mission has an emphasis on education, providing scholarship opportunities for senior girls and also encouraging personal development among the young women.
The competition aids in showcasing the contestant’s talents and building confidence. One of the philosophies of Junior Miss is to “always do your best” and “be your best self.” There are many renowned former Junior Miss winners — including future journalist Diane Sawyer, in ’62, entertainer Kathie Lee Gifford, in ’71, and actress Debra Messing, in ’86 – who help to prove success in this philosophy.
Evans not only won the Delaware Junior Miss overall title, she also was ranked first in several of the individual events. Scholastics are judged based on the contestant’s high school academic record. The records are sent to the judges prior to the competition and then they are ranked accordingly. Evans ranked first in this portion of the competition, which accounted for 20 percent of her overall score.
Self-Expression is another category in which Evans triumphed. It is an on-stage routine to observe the contestants’ grace and poise. Evans said she used her prom dress for her evening gown in this event. Evans said the girls were actually encouraged not to go and buy new outfits for the competition. “It’s not about the outside look,” said Evans.
“We look at the total girl,” said Grunewald. “We’re looking for the all-American girl.”
Evans appeared to fit the bill, winning first place in the interview portion of the competition as well. Answering the question; “What do you feel is the greatest issue teens deal with today?”
Evans said many teens are consumed with their bodily image, which is greatly affected by the media. She said teens need to learn how to “embrace who we are.”
Participants also competed for the title in the areas of fitness and talent. Grunewald said there are always a variety of skills the contestants choose for their talent. This year’s talents ranged from lyrical ballet to the French horn. Evans chose to sing Linda Ronstadt’s “Long, Long Time” while playing an acoustic accompaniment on the guitar. The guitar is a new talent for Evans, one that she only began this past year. “I practiced every day,” said Evans. “I’m really happy with how it turned out.”
A panel of judges who, according to Grunewald, are experts in their fields graded the contestants on each of these categories. “There are experts in dance, singing, physical fitness or past Junior Misses who come back,” she said. “They are well-rounded experts.”
The girls practiced for three days prior to going in front of the judges. They learned a choreographed opening-number routine, the “very involved” fitness routine and prepared mock interviews for each other.
Evans said, “They were full days, but I still would want to stay up and talk about the experience with the other girl participants.”
She said this was one of the best parts about the competition, “getting to know other girls and how they contribute to their community.”
“It’s really just a great experience,” said Grunewald. “Whether the girls win or not, they really enjoy themselves.”
Evans concurred; she said that although she was thrilled to have received and to carry out the title of Delaware’s Junior Miss, “No matter what the outcome, it was a great experience to be a part of the program.”
Evans will continue to represent Delaware in America’s Junior Miss National Finals in June 2007 in Mobile, Ala. It is a competition that has the potential for her to earn more than $100,000 in cash scholarships.
Such a scholarship would definitely be of use to Evans, who is looking into Duke and Brown as her two top college choices. Evans hopes to major in chemistry and one day be working in medicine.
“We are very excited with Erica,” said Grunewald. “She will be a great representative.”
Evans was probably the most excited to have received the title, however. “My smile was so big,” she said. “It was an experience I know I will never forget.”