KIMBERLY BELLAMY
Caroline Leland felt she had a chance of winning the Junior Miss title, but she also had a fear of public speaking. After the competition Saturday night, Leland walked out with more confidence and the title of the 2010-11 Tarboro-Edgecombe’s Junior Miss.
Leland won awards in scholastic achievement, talent, fitness, interview and self expression. Self-expression was the area that brought her the most anxiety.
“That was a challenge for me to speak in front of people. Last night (Saturday) was the easiest I’ve delivered a speech in front of people,” Leland said.
Not only was the self-expression difficult, but practicing in front of the other 11 contestants was a challenge she said got her out of her comfort zone.
“She’s worked hard through all the rehearsals. She’s a very mature young lady and does well in all areas,” said Susan Hughes, coordinator of the Tarboro-Edgecombe program.
Hughes said Leland has three appearances scheduled within the next two weeks.
“It’s really exciting to get involved with the community in this way. I’ve gained a greater value of the community with so many people supporting me,” she said.
Leland was humbled by the experience and said it was a matter of numbers that resulted in her winning.
“There were other girls who could have easily won,” she said.
The six judges evaluated the contestants on their individual performances on a scale of 1-10, added and weighed the scores according to the category’s percentage.
Both done prior to the on-stage performances, the interview is worth 25 percent and scholastics is worth 20 percent. Talent is worth 25 percent, fitness is 15 percent and self-expression is 15 percent.
After a variety of dances, piano performance, vocal performances and speeches, the judges chose the recipients of the scholarships.
Courtney Mitchell, Ashley Walls, Megan James, Jordan Griffin and Leland placed in scholastic achievement.
Chelsea Hopkins, Griffin, James and Morgan King placed in the fitness competition. Amber Rudd, Courtney Mitchell, Leland and King placed in the talent competition. Griffin, King, Leland and Morgan Varnell placed in the self expression.
James won a $700 scholarship, a silver bowl and a trip to the state Junior Miss program as first runner-up.
Griffin was second runner-up, winning a $500 scholarship and a silver bowl.
Each of the preliminary awards earned the winner a $100 scholarship. The winner of the scholastic achievement award earned a $200 scholarship and a silver bowl.
Leland earned a $1,200 scholarship, clothing for the state competition, a medallion, diamond earrings from Brewer’s Jewelry, a pearl bracelet with a custom clasp from Wade’s Design, a silver bowl and personalized note cards from Papertrails and Southwest Printing.
Other contestants that were recognized included Ashely Walls for earning the most for the signature page in the program and the Spirit of Junior Miss award, and Kira Crawford for the most advertisement sales.
“These girls are examples of the excellence for which our program stands. These girls are very special. They are pace setters, they are achievers, they are leaders,” said Brittany Harrell, mistress of ceremony and the 2006 Tarboro-Edgecombe Junior Miss.
Leland is the 16-year-old daughter of Dr. William Leland of Tarboro. She is a junior at Faith Christian School in Rocky Mount.
