Romance was in the air Saturday night at Greenville High Auditorium. Classic love songs echoed through the room as 52 of Greenville Middle School's loveliest lasses promenaded across the stage in sparkling gowns.

The occasion was the annual Miss GMS Beauty Pageant. Twenty-six girls vied for the title of Miss GMS 5th and 6th Grades, while 26 more hoped to capture the title of Miss GMS 7th and 8th Grades.

It was petite Taylor Owens, an 11-year-old fifth grader, who took the title of Miss GMS 5th-6th Grades.

Taylor, who wore a stunning rose-pink gown, enjoys swimming, playing the piano, practicing gymnastics and science class.

First runner up, Kristen Welch, in a charming red and white halter-top gown perfect for the Valentine season, is a 10-year-old fifth grader who enjoys ballet, reading and going to the beach. Second runner up, Linsey Niehaus, wore a pretty black and white ensemble. She is an 11-year-old sixth grader who enjoys gymnastics, math and visiting the beach.

Other Top 12 winners for the junior division were Kendra McNaughton, Telesha McDonald, Brittany Blankenship, Elizabeth Dicks, Danesia Williams, Andrea Burt, Brittany Jones, Le'Sadra Cook and Jessica Smith.

In the senior division, eighth grader Iesha McCall, a vision of Cinderella herself in a breathtaking white ball gown, was crowned Miss GMS 7th and 8th Grades.

Iesha enjoys dancing, spending time with friends, and social studies class.

First runner up, seventh grader Hannah Stewart, wore a striking red and white gown. Hannah, 12, enjoys cheerleading, singing in local churches and English classes. Eighth grader Connor Murphy-White, second runner up, wore a sparkling aqua blue gown with silver trim. Connor, 13, enjoys a number of activities, including softball, reading and the performing arts.

Other Top 12 winners for the senior division were Brittany Jones, Sarah Gordon, Tabatha Acreman, Sarah Roper, Reneasha Gardner, Lauren Poole, Jessica Scott, Cortnee Myers and Katie Spann.

The yearbook staff mounts the annual event. W.S. Godwin, longtime educator in the Butler County School System, served as the emcee for the evening.