By By MaryClaire Foster
Escambia Academy senior Alaina Arnold recently returned from her trip to Montgomery to compete in the state competition for Alabama Junior Miss.
Arnold joined 52 other girls from each county a week ahead of the competition to prepare for the scholarship competition. While Arnold did not place in the Top 8, she did win the overall award for the Be Your Best Self Best Essay scholarship.
Arnold said she has realized through volunteer activities what it takes to be her own best self.
Arnold wrote in her essay that being your best self is contingent on how you impact those around you.
The girls spent nine hours a day rehearsing for the program and also traveled to various functions held by chapters of local organizations.
Arnold said the week’s events were grueling, but at the same time “amazing” and well worth the time and effort.
She said the best part was getting to meet all of the girls, who shared similarities, but it was their differences that really brought them closer, allowing each to bring something special to the week.
Arnold also expressed a fondness for the host family she and Marengo County Junior Miss Hillary Stapp stayed with.
One of Arnold’s best experiences from the week was performing her talent, dance, to a local elementary school.
Arnold said besides the new relationships she formed, it was also what she learned about herself that she took away from the competition.