The Southwest Voice

larger view larger view larger view larger view larger view

What happens when 43 girls from all over California get together for 12 days to compete for $35,000 in scholarships? Probably not what you would expect!  Bakersfield’s Junior Miss, Bethany Feil, was amazed to see “how there could be 43 girls about the same age together with no cliques, no feeling isolated, just lot’s of getting along!”

The city of Rohnert Park, California recently hosted the California Junior Miss Scholarship program which is celebrating 50 years in California.  Junior Misses are characterized by scholastic achievement, community involvement, creativity and the quest for excellence in every facet of life.  The girls were judged in 5 categories: 25% Judges Interview, 20% Scholastics, 15% Fitness, 15% Self Expression, and 25% Talent.   Joyce Chang, former California Junior Miss says, “The beauty of the Junior Miss program lies in its blessed ability to change those it comes in contact with.”

Was our local girl changed?  Yes!  Bethany feels more confident about her spiritual ideals, morals and future goals.  She realizes that one person can make a difference.  

Bethany was awarded an individual scholarship of $500 for the Fitness category and also a $500 scholarship for her “Be Your Best Self” essay. 

Would Bethany recommend this program to others?  Absolutely!  She believes this is truly an “outstanding program.”  She’s excited about the local programs and would encourage high school juniors to check with their counselors for information in January.  She’s already planning to return to Rohnert Park next August to help out as a “has been”!  Once a Junior Miss, always a Junior Miss!