By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY—The Oak Mountain High School performing arts center sparkled with rhinestones, brightly colored gowns and smiles as girls glided across the stage during the second annual Queen of Hearts Pageant on Feb. 13.

More than 20 young ladies, from four months to 13 years old, participated in the fundraiser pageant, organized by the OMHS Choir Boosters and benefiting the OMHS Choirs.

The judge panel, including current Miss Shelby County Hayley Barber, 2013 Miss Alabama Chandler Champion and Miss Shelby County Scholarship Program director Pamela Oliver, chose winners in each of the pageant’s five age groups.

Current Miss Birmingham Mi’a Callens, an OMHS grad and choir alum, emceed the pageant.

Ayzlynn Jayna Burks, 11 months old, was crowned the Tiny Princess of Hearts. Jolie Chase Mullinax, 15 months, took first alternate and Sela Marie Howard was named second alternate in the zero to 2 years age group.

In the 3 to 5 years age group, Alex Cork, 4, took home the Little Princess of Hearts and Miss Photogenic titles. Lilly Washington, 3, was named first alternate.

Grier Feldman, 8, was crowned the Princess of Hearts, while Avery Elizabeth Cork, 6, and Kennedi Ry’Leigh English, 6, were named first and second alternates respectively in the 6 to 8 years age group.

Eden Howard, 10, took the Little Miss Queen of Hearts title in the 9 to 11 years age group. Ava Brooke Heath, 9, was named first alternate and Avery Harris, 10, was named second alternate. Juliana Elizabeth Golden, 10, was named the pageant’s People’s Choice winner.

Jocelynn Myiah Acosta, 13, was crowned the pageant’s Miss Queen of Hearts. Jocelyn Eve Ewing, 13, was named first alternate in the 12 to 13 years age group.

The day before the pageant, each contestant had an opportunity to practice and prepare on stage during a rehearsal. Throughout the pageant each girl was encouraged and supported by both the judges and OMHS choir students.

“There was a different confidence on the stage tonight,” Pageant Director Cassandra Callens said. “The girls seemed to have gotten a lot out of it.”

Not only did the pageant showcase some of Shelby County’s lovely young ladies, it also showed off the talent of the OMHS choir members. Students Meredith Hayes, Caroline Stewart and Evan Pezant each performed during the pageant’s opening, intermissions and closing.

Choir members also helped run the pageant behind the scenes, escorting, assisting and encouraging pageant contestants.

“They helped with anything the pageant director needed,” Choir Director Michael Zauchin said.

The pageant’s proceeds support the OMHS choirs, helping fund anything from competition expenses to equipment.

“It funds anything that we might need,” Zauchin said.

Along with the help from the OMHS students, a number of dedicated volunteers helped make the pageant a success, Callens said.

Zauchin, OMHS Choir Assistant Director Gia Graddy, Kim Kristenberry, Kim Parker, Angelia Stuart and Barbie Poe were all instrumental in supporting the second annual Queen of Hearts Pageant, Callens said.

“That really blessed me,” Callens said of the OMHS community support the pageant received.