Plan to join Sierra Waller, Miss Neuse 2012, as she relinquishes her crown to the winner of the 2013 Miss Neuse Scholarship Program, to be held Saturday night.
Sponsored by and benefiting Hugo Volunteer Fire & Rescue, the program will begin at 7 p.m. in the Grainger Hill Performing Arts Center, with 16 young women representing four area high schools vying for the title.
More than $4,200 in scholarships will be presented after the contestants have been judged in four categories: interview, 30 percent; creative expression, 15 percent; talent, 40 percent; and gown, 15 percent.
The psychedelic show, exhibiting “disco fever,” will include entertainment by Waller and other specialty acts, including Katie Dixon, Brandi Whitman and the Miss Neuse Dancers. A highlight of the entertainment will be Dr. John Herlong and Nora Parker showing their dance moves. The dancing couple took home the Judge’s Trophy from the Stars Dance for the Arts event held Jan. 12 at the Community Council for the Arts.
Waller is a North Lenoir High School junior and the daughter of Marilyn Haddock and the late Zeb Waller Jr. The program is directed by Reid Taylor and choreographed by Mandy Odom, with Diane Howard serving as pageant chairperson.
Contestants are: Haylee Jo West, Layla Raeann Brinkley, Krista Faye Whitley, Courtney Blake Hill, Taylor Nicole Brisson and Kristen Nicole Ervin, all North Lenoir students; Meredith Leanne Rhodes, Madison Brynn Price, Courtney Lynne Murphy, Savannah Kay Heath, Haley Brooke Stallings and Hannah Michelle Hill, South Lenoir High School students; Hailee Tyndall Whitfield of J. H. Rose High School; and Caroline Minges Carlyle, Jenny Margaret Delaney and Sydny Patterson Vick, Arendell Parrott Academy.
Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door and can be purchased from any contestant or by calling Linda Nimmo at 252-523-9753.
2013 Miss Neuse Scholarship Program
7 p.m. Saturday
Grainger Hill Performing Arts Center
300 Park Ave., Kinston
Tickets: $12 advance, $15 at door
Info: Linda Nimmo, 252-523-7953