The 2011 Tennessee Junior Miss Scholarship Program came to an end Saturday night with the announcement of the winner of the “2011 Distinguished Young Woman of Tennessee” medallion.
Tullahoma’s Junior Miss Sarah Kathryn Brock was named as the recipient of the “2011 Distinguished Young Woman of Tennessee.” Brock received her Silver America’s medal from the 2010 Tennessee Junior Miss representative Chelsea Milligan.
Brock was among 22 young women from across the state who competed for the title, scholarship and award recognition this week in Cleveland.
Brock received a $5,000 scholarship to the college of her choice in addition to her title.
The young participants were judged by a group of panelists in categories including talent, interview, self-expression, scholastic and fitness. Overall awards were presented in each categories.
Brock also received an additional $1,000 in scholarships for receiving the “Overall Interview” and “Overall Talent” categories.
The “Alternate” winner was Soddy Daisy’s Junior Miss Kaylee Ann Disterdick, who received a $2,000 scholarship. Disterdick also received $1,000 in additional scholarships as winner of the “Overall Fitness” and “Overall Self-Expression” awards.
Caylee Grace Cochran, Rhea County Junior Miss, received a $500 scholarship and the “Spirit of Junior Miss” award.
The final ceremony, which was held at Lee University’s Dixon Center, was emceed by the 2000 Tennessee Junior Miss Latricia Thomas.
The Tennessee Junior Miss Scholarship Program began 53 years ago by a group of Jaycees from Mobile, Ala., who wanted to start a program to recognize and reward the nation’s most accomplished and well-rounded young women.
The Tennessee Junior Miss co-chairs are Charles and Traci Dunn Fant. Traci was the recipient of the 1991 Cleveland and Tennessee Junior Miss.
The 22 participants who competed in this year’s competition were Chelsea Thompson, Signal Mountain Junior Miss; Hannah Feezell, McMinn County; Jasmine Hudson, Davidson County; Cassandra Privett, Pigeon Forge ; Rachael Phillips, Hamilton County; Mary Claire Price, Cumberland Valley; Devon Vaughn, Cleveland; Kaylee Disterdick, Soddy Daisy; Laura Gonyea, Williamson County; Melody Shenkman, Gatlinburg; Olivia Case, Marion County; Caylee Cochran, Rhea County; Whitney Johnson, Hendersonville; Melissa Finazzo, Sevier County; Kathryn Woody, Loudon County; Elizabeth Orman, Sumner County; Sarah Brock, Tullahoma; Amanda Brooks, Loudon; Montana Dunn, Blount County; Brittany Munro, Ooltewah; Sarah Stokely, Cocke County; and, Shelbi Bias, Knox County.
