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photo by Tim Reeves
Keela Ray said the hardest part of preparing for the pageant was learning and memorizing so much about Chilton County’s peaches. But, she said, the work has prepare her to represent the county.
Ray crowned Miss Peach
Published Thursday, June 25, 2009
Keela Ray stayed up late Wednesday night studying about peaches. Her hard work paid off Thursday when she was crowned 2009 Miss Peach Queen.
Photo by Tim Reeves
This year’s Peach Court includes (L-R) Linlee Karn, Miss Congentiality; Jessica Swindle, third alternate; Katie Hilyer, first alternate; Keela Ray, 2009 Miss Peach Queen; Leigh-Anna Shavers, second alternate; and Kayla Posey, fourth alternate.
"I was up until 2 a.m., trying to remember how many species of peaches there are," she said. "I was even studying right before I walked out (for the questions and answer session)."
Ray, 17, is the daughter of Chris and Wendy Smith and a student at Isabella High School. She said she looks forward to representing Chilton County.
"I just can't believe I won. I've always wanted to be Peach Queen and now my dream has become a reality," Ray said.
Wendy Smith said her daughter worked hard to earn the title.
"Everything that child tries to accomplish ... it's always 100 percent," Smith said. "I'm so proud of her."
Photo by Tim Reeves
Keela Ray reacts to being named the 2009 Miss Peach Queen during Friday’s pageant at Chilton County High School.
Completing the top five were Kayla Posey, fourth alternate; Jessica Swindle, third alternate; Leigh-Anna Shavers, second alternate; and Katie Hilyer, first alternate.
Hilyer also won the evening's swimsuit competition, while Linlee Karn was named Miss Congeniality.
Ray joins Little Miss Peach Grace Nolen, Young Miss Peach Anna Calhoun and Junior Miss Peach Jill Vinzant as this year's Peach Court.
The queens will be on hand at Friday's Peach Jam Jubilee and Saturday's Peach Parade.
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Comments
Posted by bama6983 (anonymous) on June 25, 2009 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations to all the winners. I would like to tell all the girls that were in the Miss pageant that they did great. I think they had some of the hardest questions on stage that I have ever heard in peach and they all did a great job answering them.
Keela nailed her questions. Congrats...
Posted by mewyatt (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations Leigh Anna. You are a beautiful, intelligent and sweet young woman. We are very proud of you.
Posted by Rickey (anonymous) on June 29, 2009 at 1:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
CONGRATULATIONS Miss Ray! You are our crowned Queen and we are so proud of you! We look forward to supporting you in future endeavors ... perhaps Miss Alabama and then Miss America :) and hey, what the heck, maybe Miss Universe! Much success to you during your reign.
In closing, I remain, Your Majesty's devoted subject!
Rickey Owens-Smith
San Diego, California (native Chiltonian)
Posted by dee (anonymous) on June 30, 2009 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations to all those who participated whether you won or did not win. It takes a lot of work and self-discipline to compete in any competition and you should all be applauded for your efforts! Don't give up if you did not win this year! We learn by doing!
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