By: Elizabeth Ruckel

Senior Shelby Johnson started her night off as contestant number one, but ended the night as Miss Highland Home School 2017.

In addition to the title, Johnson was also snagged Miss Photogenic 2017.

“I am happy to represent my school in another positive way,” Johnson said.

Keeping with the family tradition, Johnson’s mother, Ligeia Jinright, was crowned Miss Goshen High School her senior year in 1989. Jinright was also entered her competition as contestant number one.

“It was a honor to follow my mother’s footsteps as a Miss title holder,” Johnson said.

Johnson has held a title before at HHS, as she was named Teen Miss Highland Home in 2013. She participates in other statewide pageants, as well as Miss Relays.

Johnson says she worked hard to be crowned Miss HHS. ¨This title has been my goal for the past three years, and I never gave up,” she said. “I’m so glad I didn’t give up on my dream, or I wouldn’t have been standing on that stage Saturday night being crowned Miss HHS 2017.¨

This year’s pageant theme was Lights, Camera, Action. The contestants were judged on interview, evening gown, onstage question, casual wear and physical fitness.

The six contestants have been practicing numerous times a week and on the weekends since mid January.

¨My favorite category in the pageant was casual wear, and the category I was most nervous about was the interview,¨ Johnson said.

“I feel like the interview can make or break you. It shows the judges the real you, and it´s the time to set a good first impression.”

Johnson is a varsity volleyball player, as well as a 2017 Diamond Doll. After Johnson graduates, she plans to attend Aveda Institute in Hoover, Alabama to receive her cosmetology license.