MOUNT VERNON — For the 35th year, the Ohio’s Junior Miss scholarship program kicked off at the Memorial Theater on Friday evening, emceed by Dana Ullom-Vucelich.
The clicking of tap shoes filled the theater, in a homage to the dance career of reigning Ohio’s Junior Miss Kathleen Voss of Delaware County, who followed with her own tap dance to “Fascinating Rhythm.”
The 18 contestants were presented to the tune of “Uptown Girl,” dressed in the business-casual outfits in which they had been interviewed by the judges earlier in the day.
Voss displayed poise and grace throughout the evening, particularly exhibited during a fast, smiling dance to “Sweet Georgia Brown” that was immediately followed by an out-of-breath interview with Ullom-Vucelich, during which Voss didn’t miss a beat.
As the evening unfolded in the half-full theater — although many participants and audience members drove great distances in the snowstorm — contestants in the blue group, Nos. 10 to 18, performed their fitness routine. To “Girls Just Want To Have Fun,” they high-kicked, jumping-jacked and push-upped their way through the routine, smiling all the way.
Wearing outstanding costumes, the red group, contestant Nos. 1 through 9, presented their talent performances with a variety of polished skills, from playing the snare drums and belting out Broadway tunes to playing the cello and performing ballet.
Ullom-Vucelich told the audience that every Junior Miss class is known for an attribute or two, and that the class of 2008 will be known as “sweet and congenial.” She said the young women eat lunch as a group, are kind and thoughtful to each other, and presented thank-you cards to the volunteers.
For the self-expression portion of the program, the blue group performed a choreographed routine, then answered questions they received only moments before. Each contestant answered her question with verve and poise.
Several surprises were in store. Becky Jo Peterson of Mobile, Ala., the executive director of the America’s Junior Miss program, was in attendance and was introduced to the audience. Reigning Miss Ohio 2008 and former Junior Miss Roberta Camp showed off her stage presence with a display of impressive vocal talent.
Presentation of the preliminary awards was made with the Junior Misses on stage, clad in evening gowns. Service Above Self Leadership Award finalists were Kasi Eastep, Cardington’s Junior Miss, and Brielle Stark, Delaware County Junior Miss. The overall Service Above Self Leadership Award went to Megan Howard, Northridge’s Junior Miss.
The Stephen Zelkowitz Communication Award winner was Caroline Drennen, Greene County Junior Miss.
Be Your Best Self finalist awards went to Drennen and Sarah Hohman, Central Knox County Junior Miss, with the overall award to Howard.
The 50th anniversary Ohio’s Junior Miss Spirit Award went to Drennen and Kendra Sherbourne, Morrow County Junior Miss. Their awards were presented by Mark Miller, in memory of his wife, the late Mary Beth (Buffy) Simmons Miller, OJM in 1971, for whom this year’s award was named.
The traditional Friday night Fun Finale began with the host dads — Ullom-Vicelich dubbed them “the world famous dancing do-dads” — expertly hoofing it to “Singing in the Rain” while wearing black fedoras and carrying black-and-white striped umbrellas. Their cleverly choreographed routine delighted the audience.
Then the music cranked up a notch with a hip techno rendition of “Under My Umbrella” by the Junior Misses, clad in brightly colored raincoats and carrying colorful umbrellas as props. Their routine nicely mimicked that of the do-dads, and with considerably more finesse. The set ended with the dads and “daughters” dancing together, a Junior Miss on each dad’s arm.
Today’s finale and crowning of the 2008 Ohio’s Junior Miss will begin at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Theater.
The America’s Junior Miss program, in which the Ohio winner will compete with Junior Misses from every state, is scheduled for June 26 to 28 in Mobile, Ala.
