Saturday evening was a big night for 24 Northview High School students as they hit the stage to compete for the 2013 title of Miss NHS.

Anna Barry, NHS integrated science teacher and pageant sponsor, said this year’s contest may have been the best to date.

“This pageant was by far my favorite and I am so proud of each and every girl,” Barry said. “Their performance was splendid and I just wish that there could be more than one winner.”

While several girls did end Saturday night with a title, it was NHS senior Ariel Holland who left the stage as Miss NHS 2013.

Barry said, while Holland’s performance was outstanding, the group as a whole made for a remarkable pageant.

“To me, they were all winners because I feel it takes a tremendous amount of courage to step out and participate in this event,” Barry said.

“It was my honor and privilege to have worked with them over the past two months and they truly were my inspiration for this year’s pageant; I firmly believe that they are all rising stars.”

Barry said each contestant in this year’s pageant competed in an interview session worth 45 total points; an introduction worth 15 points; a physical fitness portion of the show worth 15 points; a poise and appearance session, also worth 15 points. Once those categories were concluded, Barry said the top five contestants participated in a stage question section of the pageant worth 15 final points.

This year’s top five included Holland, freshman Kaitlyn Abbott, sophomore Morgan Ward, senior Ashley Cunningham and sophomore Kendal Cobb.

Winners of this year’s pageant titles included: Cunningham, first runner up; Cobb, second runner up; Kamryn Brock, miss hospitality; Courtney Lambert, poise and appearance; Shaquanna Jones, physical fitness; Lily Townson, miss congeniality.

Barry said the show was a complete success and joy to work on, but added it would not have been possible without the help of an outstanding supporting cast and crew.

“I am also very thankful to all those who helped with entertainment and to my light, stage, and sound crew.  They were wonderful,” she said. “Also, I appreciate everyone who came out to support the girls.”