Keela Ray stayed up late Wednesday night studying about peaches. Her hard work paid off Thursday when she was crowned 2009 Miss Peach Queen.

“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.”

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.