By Staff
Jamie Marie Peacock of Brewton was selected Escambia County Junior Miss 2004 Saturday evening by a panel of five judges in a process that began with an interview Saturday morning. This interview accounted for 25 percent of the overall points. The contestants were also judged on scholastics (20 percent), talent (25 percent), fitness (15 percent), and presence and composure (15 percent).
"I was in a fog," said Peacock after her win. "I still cannot believe it. It's such an honor. I'm still like, 'is this for real? Is this a dream?' "
Peacock, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Terry Peacock, performed a gymnastics dance routine to music from "Aladdin" for her talent. She is a student at T.R. Miller High School and hopes to become a dentist or a teacher. Her activities include Student Council president, National Honor Society, yearbook co-editor, pep club, science club, and Envirobowl. She was also a HOBY Ambassador, Girls State Representative, in the class top-10, and is in Who's Who Among American High School Students. Her little sister was Elizabeth Rush.
"I was both shock and thrilled," said Peacock. There were eight other outstanding young ladies on that stage with me and any one of them deserved the title."
First alternate was Brooke Elizabeth McGhee of Atmore. Brooke is the daughter of David and Cyndi McGhee and attends Escambia County High School. She hopes to attend the University of Alabama or Troy State University and study biomedical sciences. Her activities and honors include National Honor Society, who's Who Among American High School Students, SGA, Honors Student, dual enrollment, FCA, art club vice president, Youth Leadership Atmore, Rotary Academic All-Star, and Cheerleader Co-captain. For her talent she performed Acro-Jazz to music from "Aladdin." Her little sister was Marylynn Bryant.
Timiya Sharel Nolan was named second alternate. She attends W.S. Neal High School and plans to attend Emory University or the University of Alabama-Birmingham to become a Nurse Practitioner or doctor. She was been number one in her class for 12 years, a member of Mu Alpha Theta for two years, National Honor Society President, Junior class vice president, Neal Eagle Ambassador, Who's Who Among American High School Students, an Outstanding Student of America, Upward Bound for three years, and was freshman homecoming maid. She sang "Ave Maria" by Franz Shubert for her talent and Courtney Edwards was her little sister.
Third alternate was Ashley Marlene Mitchell. Ashley is the daughter of Harry and Lana Mitchell and is a student at Escambia County High School. She plans to attend the University if Alabama and become a psychologist. Her activities include National Honor Society, Rotary Club Academic All-Star, SGA, art club, sophomore homecoming maid, junior homecoming maid, varsity cheerleader co-captain 2002-2003, and varsity cheerleader captain 2003-2004. She performed "Hopelessly Devoted to You" by John Farrar for her talent. Her little sister was Jessie McKinley.
The award winners were Brooke McGhee, Spirit of Junior Miss and Presence and composure awards; Jamie Peacock, fitness and talent awards, and Timiya Nolan, Scholastic Achievement award.
The theme of the pageant was "Latin Craze," and was choreographed by Lynne Robinson. It was judged by Vickie Parish, Regina Cason, Rose Helen McCall, Suzanne Nichols, and Jo Ann Ford Waters. Local country singer Brian Lisenby and the Lynne Robinson Dance Troupe provided entertainment. Other contestants included Jessica Coleman, LaSharra Lee, Emily Delmore, Ashley Reynolds, and Hillary Shell.
Peacock pointed out the benefits of the junior miss program.
"This program allows a person to really evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. I have learned so much about myself and that I can do things I didn't even think were possible. I was so nervous about the interview but the judges were really personable and friendly. The Scholastic opportunities are fantastic! Mr. Hugh Miller and the members of the Escambia County Junior Miss, Inc. are to be commended for their hard work and support of this wonderful program. I hope that next year more young ladies in Escambia County will take advantage of being a part of this outstanding program."
Jamie will represent Escambia County at the Alabama junior Miss pageant in Montgomery in January.