50 years of Miss Independence

Published 1:19 am Friday, June 29, 2012

Taking part in this year’s Miss Independence pageant are (front, from left) Allison Donadio, reigning titleholder Elizabeth Harris, Taylor Bradley, (middle, from left) Faith Hudnell, Jordan Cooke, Jordan Woolard, Sara Credle, Danielle Oliver, (top, from left) Megan Roberson, Carmen Hodges and Rachel Hollowell. Lindsay Faulk was not available for the photograph. (Contributed Photo/Amy Woolard)

BELHAVEN — Miss Independence 2012 will soon be crowned during festivities centered around Belhaven’s celebration of America’s birthday.
Eleven young women from throughout Beaufort County are seeking this year’s title, which has been awarded for more than a half century as part of the Belhaven celebration.
The pageant, which is co-directed by Brandy Grimes and Melissa Smith, will showcase the contestants in four areas of competition: private interview with the judges, creative expression, swimsuit and evening gown. There is also an optional talent category. Miss Independence 2012 will receive a prize package that includes a college scholarship.
The pageant will be held Tuesday beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the John A. Wilkinson Center in Belhaven.
Contestants for the title are:
• Taylor Bradley, daughter of Scott Bradley and Susan Bradley of Washington, a rising freshman at East Carolina University;
• Jordan Cooke, daughter of Michael Cooke and Amy Waters of Pinetown, a rising freshman at East Carolina University;
• Sara Credle, daughter of Terry and Debra Credle of Bath, a rising sophomore at Pitt Community College;
• Allison Donadio, daughter of Paul and Wanda Donadio of Washington, a recent graduate of Washington High School;
• Lindsay Faulk, daughter of Mitch and Shelia Faulk of Washington, a rising freshman at Pitt Community College;
• Carmen Hodges, daughter of Marty and Buffy Hodges of Washington, a rising senior at Washington High School;
• Rachel Hollowell, daughter of Bryan and Sherry Hollowell of Pinetown, a recent graduate of Northside High School;
* Faith Hudnell, daughter of Chris and Angela Hudnell of Pinetown, a rising junior at Northside High School;
• Danielle Oliver, daughter of Butch and Tabitha Oliver of Pinetown, a rising senior at Northside High School;
• Megan Roberson, daughter of Brent and Nancy Roberson of Bath, a rising senior at Washington High School;
• Jordan Woolard, daughter of James and Julie Woolard of Washington, a rising senior at Northside High School.
The Miss Independence title is one of three crowns being awarded this year. Also selected during Belhaven›s festivities are Young Miss Independence on Saturday and Little Miss Independence on Wednesday.
More information about the pageants and the Independence Day celebration may be found on the Belhaven Community Chamber of Commerce website: www.belhavenchamber.com.