By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA – An inaugural pageant that will help support the Helena Middle School baseball team is now accepting applications for interested contestants.

Helena Middle School will host the inaugural “Miss Queen of Diamonds Pageant” sponsored by the HMS baseball team on Saturday, March 9, beginning at 6 p.m.

The entry fee is $30 for the pageant and photogenic contest or $15 for just the photogenic contest. The deadline to return registration forms and payment is Friday, Feb. 22. The contestant’s entry fee may be paid by a sponsor such as a business, parent, grandparent, etc. The contestant that sells the most sponsors will win a cash prize. However, only one sponsor will be announced during their walk.

Admission to the pageant will be $5 for adults and students and the pageant will be held in the HMS gymnasium. The gym doors will open at 5:15 p.m.

Each contestant will do a 30 second introduction during the pageant as contestant dressing rooms will be available at 4:30 p.m. on the night of the contest. The contestants will remain in their assigned area until the contest is finished.

In addition to the pageant and photogenic contest, a people’s choice award will be given to the contestant with the largest donation and they will receive a crown.

Practice for the pageant will be held after school where a date and time will be announced at a later time.

No applications will be taken after Feb. 22. Applications are to be turned in to coach Trent Posey. For any questions, please contact Jennifer Plowden at Jennifer_plowden@bellsouth.net.

Checks should be made payable to Helena Middle School.