The 2010 Escambia Academy Homecoming Queen has an opportunity to become Alabama’s Homecoming Queen next month at the 31st annual event in Birmingham.

Kristen Matthews, daughter of Hooper and Diann Matthews, will be competing with other finalists from across Alabama for the state title.

“I am really excited about the competition,” Kristen said. “I was able to talk to some of the other contestants when I was in Memphis, Tenn., for the Liberty Bowl. We’ve kept in touch and we’ll be there together. I will at least know a few people when I get to the competition.”

The competition, set for March 26 and 27, is filled with finalists chosen by a panel of judges based on resumes submitted by those hoping to earn a spot in the event.

“I sent in my resume and from what I understand, the judges chose the finalists based on their resumes,” Kristen said.

Kristen’s resume included academic and extracurricular accomplishments and activities, she said.

The competition will name one young lady as Alabama’s 2011 Homecoming queen. The winner will receive a cash scholarship plus an all expense paid trip to the national finals to compete with the queens from the other states for America’s Homecoming Queen. The national competition will be held at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., later this year.

America’s Homecoming Queen, Inc., is a non-profit organization promoting education, educational travel and community service in all 50 states.

In addition to the competition in Birmingham, Kristen will also be entered in the “Alabama’s Favorite Homecoming Queen” competition, held exclusively on-line. To cast a vote for Kristen, visit the organization Web site at www.americashomecomingqueen.com.

Kristen is a senior at Escambia Academy and plans to attend Auburn University following graduation this spring.

“I have already enrolled in some summer courses at Auburn,” Kristen said. “I’ll be going up toward the end of the summer to take the last mini-term classes.”

With plans to major in business, Kristen is undecided about what she’ll do in the future.

“Right now my plans are to major in business,” Kristen said. “I’m not really sure what I want to do after graduation. I’ve changed my ideas on majors a couple of times and just changed my mind last week. I’m not sure exactly what I’ll do in the future, but I’m preparing with a college education.”

To learn more about America’s Homecoming Queen or to cast your vote for Kristen in the on-line competition, visit www.americashomecomingqueen.com.