Candidates from across the state arrived at Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church this weekend for nine days of rehearsals, events, laughter, tears and friendships to last a lifetime.

It's all in preparation for the annual Alabama's Junior Miss Program. State finals are next weekend, January 19 and 20.

Butler County's Junior Miss, Elisa Campbell, is one of the 53 candidates vying for the state title, along with over $50,000 in cash tuition scholarships and more than $2.2 million in college-granted scholarships.

Elisa, a senior at Fort Dale Academy, is the daughter of Judy Campbell of Greenville.

She won the county title, along with several category awards, at last fall's program held at Greenville High School.

Fellow Fort Dale Academy senior Brittany Singleton, Lowndes County Junior Miss, will also compete for the state title.

The categories Elisa, Brittany and the fellow candidates will be judged in are: scholastics (20 percent), interview (20 percent), talent (25 percent), fitness (15 percent) and self-expression (15 percent).

&#8220The program's goal is to honor young women who excel in all these areas. We want to encourage them to continue on the path of excellence completing their college educations and assuming roles of leadership in their communities and professions, thereby setting an example for other young women to follow,” said Terry Ballant, publicity director for Alabama's Junior Miss.

The America's Junior Miss Program was founded in 1957 and is the oldest and largest scholarship program for high school senior girls, helping thousands of bright young women pay for their educations and pursue their dreams.

For ticket information for Alabama's Junior Miss, contact Mary Frances Thorman at 334-271-7580 or e-mail at mfthorman@charter.net.