JACKSON'S CHRISSIE ICAZA IS SECOND RUNNER-UP; SIKESTON WOMAN CROWNED MISS JACKSON

The Miss Jackson Scholarship Pageant was held Nov. 13, in conjunction with 5 other local Christmas pageants for girls ages 4-24. Meridith McDowell, 18, Sikeston, was crowned Miss Jackson, Jennifer Hover, 21, Springfield, was the first runner up and Jackson's Chrissie Icaza, 18, was the second runner up. Miss Jackson was awarded a $2000 scholarship. McDowell 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 speak to area grade schools about peer pressure and self-esteem. She will also perform with a local dinner theater group as a guest soloist. McDowell will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the Jackson's Annual "Children's Funfest" held in April."The Missouri Girls" provided the featured entertainment at this year's pageant. A crowd of over 400 filled the Jackson High School Auditorium to see the new Miss Jackson crowned.

Other winners were Rachel Bullard of Kennett, Miss Christmas; Casey Robison of Sikeston, Junior Miss Christmas; Amanda Wallace of Jackson, Miss Holly; Lindsey Brotherton, of Jackson, Miss Snowball; and Haley Corbett of Portageville, Little Miss Snowflake.

Miss Jackson: Jennifer Hover, first runner-up; Merideth McDowell, winner; Chrissie Icaza, second runner-upMiss Christmas: Holly Bauer, first runner-up; Rachel Bullard, winner; Haley White, second runner-upJunior Miss Christmas: Whitney Ulrich, first runner-up; Casey Robison, winner; Melisha Miller, second runner-upMiss Holly: KatieBoyer, first runner-up; Amanda Wallace, winner; Samantha Moyers, second runner-upMiss Snowball: Myriah Miller, second runner-up ; Mallory Cowger, first runner-up; Lindsay Brotherton, winnerLittle Miss Snowflake: Taylor Miller, second runner-up; Haley Corbett, winner; McKenzie Mitchell, first runner-up;