With one rehearsal already under their belts, the senior high girls from across Butler County have gotten a taste of what to expect from participating in Junior Miss.

The 2010 county program, “Go Wild with Junior Miss,” is set for Saturday, August 22 at the Ritz Theatre.

“We met earlier this month and the girls present learned the individual portion of the fitness routine, which has increased from 32 counts to 56 counts. Their parents also got to attend. Everyone gained valuable information about what is required for the girls to participate,” said Starla Jones, director of the Butler County Junior Miss Scholarship Board.

Junior Miss contestants compete in several categories on and off stage, including Self-Expression, Talent, Fitness, Interview, and they are evaluated on their academic accomplishments. “Junior Miss looks for that well-rounded individual – it is not just another beauty pageant,” Jones stressed.

BCJM finalists will earn cash scholarships, with the winner going on to vie for the title of Alabama’s Junior Miss at the state finals in Montgomery in January 2010.

“So far, we have 17 girls from across the county who plan to participate. Their Little Sisters – junior girls who plan to participate in Junior Miss next year – are out collecting ‘Good Luck Signatures’ for a minimum donation of $1. These signatures will go on the participant’s page in our program,” Jones said.

“The girls all work very hard to be a part of this event, and we hope their friends, families, teachers and other supporters will turn out to cheer them all on.”

The August 22 event is set for 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets ($10 for adults and $5 for students) will be sold at the door. No reserved or advanced tickets will be available.