By By KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER
Lifestyles & Features Editor
BELHAVEN — A rising senior at Washington High School virtually swept the awards during this past weekend’s Miss Independence scholarship pageant.
Alexis Peed was crowned Miss Independence 2010 moments after she was also presented with the Miss Photogenic, Miss Congeniality and Most Talented awards during the pageant, held during Belhaven’s Independence Day weekend of festivities.
“I’m extremely excited and happy and confused at the same time,” Peed said after her coronation. “There were so many other girls here that were just as good.”
Peed is the 17-year-old daughter of Ricky and Kristen Peed of Washington. She received a $1,000 college scholarship, savings bonds totaling $150 and various other prizes. Her pageant sponsor was Chubby’s Carpet Center.
First runner-up honors went to Kayla Paul, who is also the reigning Miss Summer Festival. The 17-year-old daughter of Jay and Tammy Paul, she was sponsored by David Elliot Dentistry.
Elizabeth Harris, the 17-year-old daughter of Walter and Lisa Harris, was second runner-up. She was sponsored by Chocowinity Cellular. Rounding out the list of finalists was third runner-up Sydney Colbert, the 18-year-old daughter of Wayne and Lora Colbert. She was sponsored by O’Neal’s Cellular.
Eleven young women from across Beaufort County competed in this year’s pageant, which has been a part of the Belhaven festivities for over 50 years. Other contestants were Janel Robinson, 16-year-old daughter of Leroy and Terrencia Robinson, sponsored by First South Bank; Jordan Cooke, 16-year-old daughter of Amy and Mickey Waters and Michael Cooke, sponsored by J.A. Tankard Stables; Allison Armstrong, 16-year-old daughter of Delbert and Renee Armstrong, sponsored by Georgie’s Sport &Oyster Bar; Victoria Robbins, 16-year-old daughter of John and Mandy Robbins, sponsored by Sheer Elegance Salon; Kaitlyn Banks, 16-year old daughter of Robin and Teressa Banks, sponsored by Dr. Chesson; Megan White, 16-year-old daughter of William White and Patty Smith, sponsored by Elite Tattoo Studio; and Jennifer Woolard, 16-year-old daughter of Steve Woolard and Ron and Kim Bousquet, sponsored by Pamlico Land &Timber.
The contestants participated in four mandatory areas of competition: private interview with the judges, creative expression, swimsuit and evening gown. Peed, Harris, Cooke, Paul and White also took part in the optional talent category, which Peed won with a country vocal presentation.
Judges for the event were Kristen Stroud of Kinston, Erin Spillman Grimsley of Tarboro, Brianna Williams Hagen of Greenville and Hillsborough, Mary Beth Dawson of Kinston and Heather Griffin of Ayden. Pageant directors are Brandy Lee Grimes and Melissa Smith.
Entertaining during the pageant were Kimberly Clayton, Miss Independence 2009; Amanda Rose, the current Beaufort County Idol and former Miss Independence runner-up and talent winner; Hayden Stroud, Miss Mini Majestic Pitt County; Danielle Golterman, Royal Princess of North Carolina; Megan Griffin, Capital City’s Outstanding Teen; Blair Mozingo, Majestic Miss N.C. Pickle; Kaylee Griffin, STARS Honorary Queen; and the Centerstage Dance Company of Washington.
Awards were sponsored by Grimes, Smith, Vital Communications, Gabby Brown, Beaufort County Pageant Committee, Babe’s Florist and Wilson, Jones &Co.
Photos of the 2010 Miss Independence scholarship pageant can be viewed online at www.michaelcassaraphotography.com.