In celebration of the State of Alabama's new motto "Stars Fell on Alabama," 59 of Greenville High Schools most beautiful ladies vied for the coveted title, Miss GHS 2002.

Sponsored by the Greenville High School "Boomerang" yearbook staff, Tiger Drive was the place on Saturday night, where four judges were charged with the most difficult task of determining the winner.

With Todd Henderson serving as master of ceremonies, the stage was set, and the pageant began promptly at 7 p.m. with a unique opening ceremony, in which each of the 59 contestants stepped to the microphone and greeted the judges, introduced themselves and recognized their sponsors for the evening.

If one looked carefully, he could see one hurriedly scampering Mollie Utley, director of the pageant and sponsor of the Boomerang staff. But for all of her efforts, Utley was greatly rewarded, as the pageant went off without a single hitch.

After the opening introductions, each contestant came out on cue, to parade in gorgeous evening gowns for the judges, who made their notations before the next would be called out.

Following the individual viewing, the judges retired for the difficult task of narrowing the field of 59 down to 30.

During the intermissions, Wimberly Edwards and Lacey Jordan entertained spectators.

And when the judges came back to the auditorium, Host Henderson announced the top 30 girls from the first divisional cut.

Each of the 30 was escorted by dashing young men decked to the nines in tuxedos. The lucky young men were Marcus Briggs, Brandon Pope and Terry Williams.

Following the judges' second viewing for the evening, they again retired to deliberate n this time to cut the field by two-thirds, narrowing the girls down to the top 11.

Following the intermission, all 30 girls returned to the stage for the 11 to be announced.

As their names were called, each girl again came out to center stage for another view by the judges, in preparation for the difficult task of selecting the top three contestants.

The 11 girls were: Vickie Moorer, Erin McLaughlin, Jessica Thomas, Amber Owens, Patrice Christian, Cassandra McMillan, Katie Phillips, Nina Robinson, Jenea Scott, Terronda Green, and Brittany Bailey.

After the 11 stood for what seemed an extremely long forever, they once again stepped behind the line as the curtain was drawn, and the judges retired for their final deliberation of the evening.

When they returned, the top three winners were announced from the 11.

Voted as Miss Congeniality by the entire field of 59 contestants was Vickie Moorer. She was honored with a trophy for the title.

And then came the moment all had waited for, the time when the top three were announced.

In reverse order, Henderson announced their names.

As second runner-up Jenea Scott was selected. Then it was Brittany Bailey whose name was called for the title of first runner-up.

As all of the girls held their breath, the winner was announced.

Amber Owens, sponsored by her proud parents Jane and Barry Owens, was crowned Miss GHS 2002. Visibly shocked, but nonetheless radiant, Miss GHS was presented with a bouquet of yellow roses, and crowned with a shimmering tiara.

The judges were thanked for their services, and then the photo sessions began.