Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Washington's 2009-10 Junior Miss chosen in Pullman

Niina Al-Hassan, first runner-up, Pullman,
and Lara Roche’, second runner-up, Clarkston.
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Mattie Bergeson, Moses Lake's Junior Miss, is Washington's Junior Miss for 2009-10. The Moses Lake High School senior was selected Saturday (Aug. 1, 2009) during the 52nd annual program held at Washington State University's Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum in Pullman.

Twenty-two high school seniors-to-be from across Washington performed to a theater audience filled with families and friends during the program's final competition. More than $8,400 in college scholarships and awards were shared among the Junior Misses.

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Kelsey Moser, Colton, scholarship and spirit winner (left) with Junior Miss Mattie Bergeson, Moses Lake.
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Bergeson received a $4,000 cash scholarship with her title. In addition, she won $200 scholarships in the fitness, self expression, and talent judging categories, and a $300 scholarship for overall spirit. For her talent she performed a fast-paced clogging routine. Bergeson will go on to compete in America's Junior Miss National Finals in Mobile, Ala., next summer. She plans to attend Brigham Young University and study business. Her parents are Brett and Janet Bergeson of Moses Lake.

The first runner-up, Pullman's Junior Miss Niina Al-Hassan, received a $1,250 scholarship. She also won a $200 scholarship in the judges’ interview category. Clarkston's Junior Miss, Lara Roche’, was the second runner-up. She received a $750 scholarship, as well as a $ 200 scholarship in the scholastic category.

Receiving the overall $500 scholastic award was Colton's Junior Miss, Kelsey Moser, who also received a $300 spirit award.

Other preliminary awards of $200 went to Asotin’s Junior Miss,Anjela Uhlenkott, in fitness; Connell/North Franklin’s Junior Miss, Sarah McGary, in self expression; and Kettle Falls’ Junior Miss, Jadyn Young, in talent. Colfax’ Junior Miss, Heather Harder, earned a $200 scholarship in the scholastic category while Spokane’s Junior Miss, Jade Heidinger, received a $200 scholarship in the interview category.

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Heather Harder, Colfax, in Junior Miss promotional photo emphasizing 2009 program's "Beach Party" theme.
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Also competing in the program for 2009-10 were Kaityn Mullett of Valleyford, Christie Francis of Leavenworth, Lexi Peterson of Mattawa, Emily Herman of Ellensburg, Katie Siewert of Buckley, Katrina Werlinger of Royal City, Briana White of Ritzville, Marlee Andrews of Grandview, Susan Reider of Davenport, Jaime Dienst of Omak, Nancy Xiao of Carnation, Karissa Posey of Kalama, and Tiffany Yeates of Quincy.
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Anjela Uhlenkott, Asotin
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Washington's Junior Miss scholarship program is an official preliminary of America's Junior Miss (AJM), the oldest and largest scholarship program for high school senior girls. The nonprofit program's goal is to honor young women who excel and encourage them to obtain a college education and assume roles of leadership in their communities and professions. Since 1958, the program has helped more than 700,000 young women obtain education and scholarship opportunities.

During the past 52 years, AJM has awarded nearly $90 million in cash scholarships to Junior Miss participants in programs across the nation. In addition, almost 200 colleges and universities offer scholarships to Junior Miss participants, including Washington State University.

Polina Carlson of Leavenworth represented Washington during the 2009 competition.

National sponsors of America’s Junior Miss include the City of Mobile and Mobile County. National category sponsors are: Alabama Power, Encore Rehabilitation, Mobile Gas, Regions Bank, and the Bobo Baker Scholarship Fund. The 53nd annual America’s Junior Miss National Finals will be in Mobile, Alabama, in June 26, 27 and 28, 2010.