First Miss Walnut Valley crowned

Sparks crowned Miss Walnut Valley

A little more than a week after finishing as the runner-up in the voting for Queen Alalah, Cowley College sophomore Jade Sparks was crowned the winner of the first annual Miss Walnut Valley Pageant held Sunday inside the Robert Brown Theatre.

Miss Walnut Valley is a preliminary pageant for the Miss Kansas and Miss America organization.  The event was emceed by Miss Kansas 2010, Lauren Werhan. 

Phases of competition included private interview, talent, swim wear and evening wear. Winners received scholarship money and prizes. Sparks also earned a spot in the Miss Kansas pageant in Pratt, KS.

Along with being crowned Miss Walnut Valley, Sparks received a $1,000 scholarship. She received an additional $200 in scholarship money for winning four phases of the competition.

Ashley Crane was named first runner-up and was awarded a $500 scholarship, while Erica Mahan received a $200 scholarship for being named second runner-up. Cowley College sophomore Shaelynn French was the third runner-up and received a $100 scholarship.

At Cowley, Sparks is one of four students on scholarship for Jennifer Blatchford’s dance program. She is also a student ambassador, a secretary for Act One, and a member of the CC Singers and Concert Choir.

Sparks performed a Jazz Dance to “Wonderful” and her platform is Jodi’s Voice: Increasing Stalking Awareness.

Other contestants were, Cowley College student, Tracey Marr, Ashley Mantei, and Hannah McComb.

Members of Ark City Dance and the Cowley College Jazz Combo performed at the event. While, prizes were provided by Donna’s Designs, Rogers Family Dentistry, and the Miss Walnut Valley Board.

Miss Walnut Valley Scholarships and Awards:

Miss Walnut Valley 2011 $1000.00 Scholarship – JADE SPARKS

1^st Runner-Up $500.00 Scholarship – ASHLEY CRANE

2^nd Runner-Up $200.00 – ERICA MAHAN

3^rd Runner-Up $100.00 – SHAELYNN FRENCH

People’s Choice Award $50.00 Scholarship by Miss Walnut Valley Board – JADE SPARKS

Talent Award $50.00 Scholarship – JADE SPARKS

Physical Fitness Award $50.00 Scholarship – JADE SPARKS

Evening Gown Award $50.00 Scholarship – JADE SPARKS

Interview Award $50.00 Scholarship – ASHLEY CRANE

Most Inspirational Gift Basket by Miss Walnut Valley Board – ASHLEY MANTEI