FINNESSEY CROWNED MISS JACKSON

Miss Christmas: Miss Christmas, Holly Bauer (right) and first runner-up Ashtia Jewell.

Junior Miss Christmas: Junior Miss Christmas Kelsey Powell (center) with first runner-up Rebecca Koeller (left) and Rachel Kahle

Miss Holly: Miss Holly, Mary Bauer (center), with second runner-up Larissa Petzoldt (left) and first runner-up Karly Hinkebein.

Little Miss Snowball: Little Miss Snowball, Mallroy Blanton Cowger (center), with second runner-up (left) Kelsey May and first runner-up Taylor Nolan.

Little Miss Snowflake: Little Miss Snowflake, Christen Siebert (center) with second runner-up Makinley Power (left) and first runner-up Hannah Noe.

Shandi Finnessey of St. Louis, was crowned Miss Jackson, while Christina Icaza of Jackson was the first runner-up at the Miss Jackson Scholarship Pageant was held Nov. 18.

Miss Jackson was awarded a $2,000 scholarship. The competition was held in conjunction with five other local Christmas pageants for girls ages 4-24. Finnessey will be active in many civic and cultural events in and around the Jackson area. In addition to speaking engagements to local civic groups, she will work area agencies to promote awareness of the physically and mentally handicapped.

Finnessey is a December 1999 graduate of Lindenwood University. She is currently a full-time substitute teacher. She plans to get a graduate degree in psychology and wants to be a psychologist.

Icaza, who was also Miss Jackson runner-up last year, in addition to winning Miss Springfield honors, is daughter of Dr. Ramiro and Diane Icaza.

The Miss Jackson and Miss Christmas Pageant were delighted this year to have "The Missouri Girls" as their featured entertainment. A crowd of over 400 filled the Jackson High School Auditorium to watch an evening of entertainment and see the new Miss Jackson crowned.

Another large crowd watched as the afternoon Christmas Pageants were entertained by over 50 young girls vying for titles. Winners were Little Miss Snowflake, Christen Siebert; Miss Snowball, Mallory Blanton Cowger; Miss Holly, Mary Bauer; Junior Miss Christmas, Kelsey Powell; and Miss Christmas, Holly Bauer.

The Jacksonian Charter Chapter of the American Business Women's Association are proud sponsors of these Christmas Pageants. This is their ninth year of sponsorship and have awarded over $15,000 in scholarships. Any civic group or school may inquire about having Miss Jackson for an appearance by contacting Linda Wilson at The Jackson Chamber of Commerce (243-8131) or Marybeth Williams (243-4676).