By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM—Pelham High School was filled with eager families and friends the evening of April 9, as 11 ladies were about to make their debut in the newly renovated auditorium to compete for the title of Miss PHS.

The ladies each performed a beauty walk in an elegant, floor-length gown and answered a question on stage for the judges. While several ladies were presented with awards throughout the evening, senior Jenna Bennett was crowned Miss PHS by the end of the night.

Bennett, 17, is a member of Pelham High School’s varsity tennis team, art club, Junior United Nations Assembly of Alabama and the Shelby County Distinguished Women program.

She also serves as first vice president of juniorettes, SGA senior class vice president as a representative for Alabama Girls Day. Bennett was voted most involved by the senior class and is a member of the National Honor Society and National English, Spanish and Art honor societies.

Bennett’s onstage question was: What is you favorite subject in school and why?

“My favorite subject in school would have to be AP literature,” Bennett said. “This year has challenged me to embrace the literature that I used to not understand at all, and I have a wonderful teacher who has prepared me for this AP test coming up. Hopefully it will help me in college.”

Bennett said she plans to attend Jacksonville State University in the fall to pursue a degree in business.

Senior Tatum Ball was named the first alternate for PHS, and she also received a slew of other awards. The other contestants voted Ball as Miss Congeniality, and the judges also named her Miss Photogenic for her submitted photos.

Senior Chyanna Rausch was named second alternate. There was a tie for third alternate between junior Tori Peeler and sophomore Ryleigh Chambers, and junior Cristina Crandall was the fourth alternate.

The top scoring contestants in each grade were named the Elite Winners. Jasmyne Hill was the ninth grade Elite Winner, Chambers represented the 10^th grade, and Peeler was named an Elite Winner for the 11^th grade.