BELHAVEN — Jordan Woolard was crowned Miss Independence 2012 Tuesday evening, continuing a tradition that has been a part of Belhaven’s celebration of America’s birthday for more than a half century.
The daughter of James and Julie Woolard of Washington, she is a rising senior at Northside High School. Along with winning the crown, she also received the pageant’s photogenic, creative expression and ad sales awards.
Alison Donadio, a recent graduate of Washington High School and daughter of Paul and Wanda Donadio of Washington, was first runner-up for the crown and winner of the swimsuit award.
Second runner-up was Faith Hudnell, a rising junior at Northside High School and daughter of Chris and Angela Hudnell of Pinetown.
Jordan Cooke, a rising freshman at East Carolina University and daughter of Michael Cooke and Amy Waters of Pinetown, finished as third runner-up.
Danielle Oliver, a rising senior at Northside High School and the daughter of Butch and Tabitha Oliver of Pinetown, was voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants.
The judges’ choice for the optional talent award was Lindsay Faulk, a rising freshman at Pitt Community College and the daughter of Mitch and Shelia Faulk of Washington.
Other participants in the pageant, held at the John A. Wilkinson Center in Belhaven, were Taylor Bradley, daughter of Scott Bradley and Susan Bradley of Washington, a rising freshman at East Carolina University; Sarah Credle, daughter of Terry and Debra Credle of Bath , rising sophomore at Pitt Community College; Carmen Hodges, daughter of Marty and Buffy Hodges of Washington, a rising senior at Washington High School; Rachel Hollowell, daughter of Bryan and Sherry Hollowell of Pinetown, a recent graduate of Northside High School; and Megan Roberson, daughter of Brent and Nancy Roberson of Bath, a rising senior at Washington High School. Awards were presented by Elizabeth Harris, Miss Independence 2011, and pageant co-directors Brandy Grimes and Melissa Smith. Serving as emcee was Blair Monzingo, reigning Miss Goldsboro and top 11 semi-finalist in last month’s Miss North Carolina scholarship pageant. Special guests included former Miss Independence and Little Miss Independence titleholders.
Miss Independence and her court were selected following competition in evening gown, swimsuit, creative expression and personal interviews with the judges.
The new Miss Independence joins other royalty crowned as part of Belhaven’s festivities. Last weekend, Tiffany Oliver was named Young Miss Independence. She is a student at Bath Elementary School and is the daughter of Butch and Tabitha Oliver of Pinetown.
On Wednesday morning, a Little Miss Independence pageant featured contestants between 4 and 6 years old. Results of that event will be featured in a future edition of the Daily News.