Covington County Junior Miss Devin Williamson had help from all sort of “pros” in preparing for Alabama Junior Miss events, set for this week in Mon-tgomery.

There was Ginger Nettles Taylor, who was named Covington County Junior Miss in 1984 and was crowned that year’s state Junior Miss as well.

Then there were the Powell sisters, Lauren and Allyn, both of whom have represented Covington County at the state level – Lauren in 2010 and Allyn in 2008.

Williamson said she has also been busy practicing her flute for her talent performance, in which she will play a flute solo titled “Tambourin” by Francois-Joseph Gossec, a classical piece, as well as going to the gym and brushing up on her interview skills through mock interviews.

And there was lots to do before leaving for Montgomery yesterday to live with her host family – Sam and Frances Johnston – for the next week.

“I’m so excited, because I’ve already met a lot of the girls,” she said. “And my host family is really nice.”

Her roommate will be Marshall County’s Junior Miss Mary Katherine Scarbrough.

“We have a lot in common,” Williamson said. “We’ve been talking a little bit over Facebook.”

The week’s competition is one Williamson has been preparing for since she was named Covington County’s Junior Miss in July.

Williamson is no stranger to music, she served the Andalusia High School band as drum major during football season, as well as plays flute in the band.

In fact, she’s a self-proclaimed “band geek.”

“I love being in the band,” she said. “Everyone is like family.”

Packing for the week’s events required a checklist.

“I’ve talked to a lot of moms,” said Paula Will-iamson, Devin’s mom. “They’ve been giving me tips on how to pack to help the girls since they’ll be tired.”

“We have to have outfits for everything,” Devin said. “We’ll go to all different functions in addition to having outfits for each of portion. We’re even going to an elementary school to perform some of our talents.”

But what Will-iamson was most excited about, outside of the competition, is the participant’s trip to the zoo.

“I want to go to Auburn and become a veterinarian,” she said. “Not just any veterinarian – a zoo veterinarian.”

Williamson said she has expectations of the week ahead.

“If I do my best, I’m going to be content,” she said. “The few squeaks the better. I love the opportunity. It’s been great. I hope I’ve been a positive role model.”

“My wishes for her is that she represents our county well,” Paula Williamson said.

The interview portion will be held Thursday morning, and preliminaries start Friday morning, with Williamson participating in fitness and self-expression. The talent prelim will be Saturday afternoon and the finals are Saturday night.

The Andalusia High School senior is Anchor Club president, City of Andalusia Ambassador, AHS peer helper and a member of the national honor society.

She is also the daughter of Alan Williamson.