By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

On a hot, balmy July 2010 night, a beautiful, articulate dancer, Megan Picklesimer, was crowned Miss Shelby County 2011.

Picklesimer, daughter of Jeff and Suzanne Picklesimer of Chelsea, recently graduated from Troy University with a major in broadcast journalism.

Her Miss SC platform, Literacy Matters, comes from a lifelong love of reading and writing. Since June 2009, Picklesimer has written a blog of her platform and life experiences (see MissShelbyCounty.org for link).

Her future plans include graduate school to pursue a master’s in education with scholarship money she has won through the pageant system.

Miss Shelby County is a preliminary title for Miss Alabama, which has a program for young girls, ages 7-11, called the Rising Stars. Each title holder chooses a girl to mentor throughout her reign. The Rising Stars do not compete but learn throughout the year as they get to experience special memories with their mentor.

Picklesimer comes from a large, loving family she calls the Pickles. With many young cousins that she is close to and loves dearly, she decided to choose her Rising Star from outside her family. Picklesmier chose Morgan Jeffries as her Rising Star, a precious 9 year old who was thrilled chosen to be as Miss Shelby County’s Rising Star.

“She chose me,” said Jeffries. “She could have chosen any girl, but she chose me! Miss Megan was so nice to me. She was the greatest mentor and so much fun.”

Jeffries is the daughter of Hayden and Eric Jeffries and the granddaughter of Rep. Mike and Carol Hill and Linda Jeffries, all of Columbiana. She is a rising fourth-grade student at Elvin Hill Elementary, named for her great-grandfather.

Some of the highlights of Jeffries’ Rising Star year with Miss SC were: to ride in the Columbiana Christmas Parade; to go to a Chelsea High School football game where Miss SC signed autographs; to have a manicure together before the Miss Alabama Pageant; to rehearse together at the Miss Alabama Pageant; and to be presented on stage with Miss SC on opening night at the Miss Alabama Pageant.

“Morgan was so precious this year,” said Picklesimer. “She is so sweet and mature. I have great hopes and aspirations for her.”

Megan Picklesimer has represented Shelby County well this year. She will crown her successor, Miss Shelby County 2012, Friday night, July 22, at 7 p.m. at Shelby County High School.

Phoebe Donald Robinson can be reached by email at phoeberobinson@bellsouth.net.