Byrd Named 2008 Greene County Junior Miss

By Yvette Hillman/HomeTown Traditions

With stars in their eyes and a song in their heart, 14 young ladies preformed on Broadway on Saturday evening with Hannah Elizabeth Byrd carrying home the 2008 Greene County Junior Miss title.
As Greene County's Junior Miss, Hannah will receive more than $1,600 in scholarships, along with large scholarship offers from four colleges and universities; and will complete for the Mississippi Junior Miss Title, which will be held in Meridian this summer. Hannah received an additional scholarship funds for the Karen Merritt Memorial Talent Award and the physical fitness award.
Hannah is the daughter of William and Theresa Byrd of Sandhill and said she would like to attend the University of Mississippi with a career goal of a dental hygienist.
Falon Nettles was named first alternate, with a $700 cash scholarship and an $800 scholarship offer from William Carey College. She also won the scholastic award and additional scholarship funds. Falon is the daughter of Scott and Kerrie Nettles of Leakesville; she said she would like to attend Mississippi State with a career goal of Civil Engineer.
Paige Hollinghead of Stateline was named second alternate, with a $500 cash scholarship and an $800 scholarship offer from William Carey College. Paige also took scholarship funds for the the Scholastic award the Fred Dobbins Memorial Scholarship for winning the Panel Evaluation Award. Paige is the daughter of Andy and Juanita Hollinghead and said she would like to attend Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College with a career goal in cosmetology.
Toby Kristine Sartin of Leaf was chosen third alternate, with a $300 cash scholarship She is the daughter of Johnny Sartin and of Mark and Kimberly Scott. She would like to attend the University of Mississippi with a career goal of Pediatrician.
Chelsea Dueitt of Leakesville was chosen fourth alternate, with a $200 cash scholarship. She is the daughter of Wayne and Dedra Welford and of Brent and Leslie Dueitt. She would like to attend Mississippi State University with a career goal in Journalism. Chelsea also won scholarship funds by winning the “Spirit of Junior Miss” Award, which is chosen by the contestants themselves.
The Ruth Greene Memorial “Be Your Best Self” essay award and went to Christina Dunnam of Leakesville. She is the daughter of Patricia Smith and Trey Hinton.
The 2008 Greene County Junior Miss Program was held at the Leakesville Junior High Gymnasium and dedicated to the late Fred Dobbins, who served as Master of Ceremonies for the past 36 years. It is sponsored annually by the Ladies Variety Club.