Many contribute to success of Alaska Junior Miss program

The Alaska Junior Miss Scholarship Program held its annual competition Feb. 7 at the Soldotna High School Auditorium. Twenty-three high school seniors from around the state converged on the peninsula for a week-long stint to compete for the coveted title of Alaska's 2004 Junior Miss. Because we are a nonprofit organization, it takes the generosity of others to make our program a success. Therefore, I would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for their contributions:

Alaska Junior Miss Board: Mary Green, Reean Pitts, Rhonda Orth, Linda Schirmers, Janet St. Clair, Annette King and Teresa Gamble.

Program MCs: Rachel Warbelow and Jessica Baumer.

Production Team: Linda Shirmers, Robert Burgess, Debbie Dominic, Sandra Goodwin, Laura Saltz, Scottie Turvin, Bruce Schirmers, Sherri Sather, Holly Kopp and Jennifer Luckman.

Program Judges: Larry Poteat, Sue Herman, Pat O'Toole, Bruce Trifthauser and Shirley Wallingford.

Scholastic/Essay/Mock Panel: Sherrill Miller, Barbara Dilley, Kevin Spence, Bill Reeder, Mary Lucia White, Thomas Anderson, Becky Moore, Janet Arneson, Bob Lambe, Marjorie Torgerson, Ryan Kapp, Rosie Reeder, Theresa Cotton and Brad Hibberd.

Tabulator: George Stein.

Host Families: Dan and Kathy Gensel, Fred and Gloria Hammon, Mike and Sylvia Reynolds, John and Jacquie Steckel, Mrs. Clara Anderson, Dr. Bob and Molly Bauder, Dr. Vern and Kathy Davidhizar, Jim and Betty Harris, Larry and Esther Harvey, Brad and Linda Hibberd, Roger and Rica Phillips, and Mike and Lisa Dehlbom.

Drivers: Bud Draper, Roylene Stout, John Steckel, Linda Story and Bruce Schirmers.

Ticket Sales: Jennifer Cowan and Linda Cusack.

Choreography: Martina Tovoli, Terry Ellington, Trish Kopp, Taryn Reese and Bunny Chong.

Security: Marv St. Clair and Koury Eways.

Ushers/Runners: Megan Bauder, Lauren Bauder, Kelsey Cusack, Jaquelyn Cowan, Ricki Jackson and Kristen Huff.

Reception: Ashley Doremire, Kenai Peninsula College Student Union and Peninsula Grace Brethren Church.

Other contributors/donors include: Alaska Balloon Creations, Magic Moments Photography, Healthy Changes, Halcyon Spalon, Arctic Beauty Supply, Sweeney's Clothing, Jim Steffy and Technicians, Kenai Flowers & Gifts, Red Cabin B&B, Fred Meyer, Coca-Cola, Alaskan Fishing Adventures, Soldotna Rotary Club, University of Alaska, Call of the Wild Cabins, IBEW Local 1547, Peninsula Internal Medicine, Lambe, Tuter & Wagner, G&S Construction, Agrium, Twin Cities Veterinary Clinic, Wells Fargo Bank, Allan and Alfie Norville, First National Bank Alaska, Soldotna Dental Clinic, Lakeview Gas Ltd., Debra Howell, The Music Box, Printer's Ink, ACS, Arby's, Bridges Inc., Christ Lutheran Church, Coach Dan Gensel and KSRM Radio, Cook Inlet Academy, Edward Jones Investments, Fitness Place, Godfathers Pizza, Gottschalks, Hey Good Lookin', Home Depot, Hutchings Chevrolet, Jersey Subs, K-Beach Elementary, Kenai Chrysler Center, Kenai Peninsula Food Bank, Kenai Senior Center, Kim Schmitt, Mike Frost, Moose is Loose, Peninsula Clarion, Redoubt Elementary, Ron Lund, Signal Communications, Soldotna Chamber of Commerce, Soldotna Elementary, Soldotna High School, Soldotna Senior Center, Sterling Elementary, John Kobylarz, D.M.D., Krissi Alsworth and Gordon Griffin.

Last but not least, we appreciate all the community members who came out to support the event. Thank you all, and I apologize to anyone we may have missed!

Teresa Gamble, publicity chair

Alaska Junior Miss Scholarship Program