JR. MISS TITLE: Third Time A Charm For Qualls

Jr. Miss Highlands County 2008 Photo Gallery

SEBRING - After being the first runner-up twice, 15-year-old Chelsea Qualls used her experience, poise and smile to win over the judges and be crowned Junior Miss Highlands County 2008.

An exuberant gathering of family and friends cheered on the Sebring native, with blond hair and hazel eyes, during the pageant Tuesday at the Highlands County fairgrounds.

Between poses for photos with her jubilant supporters, Qualls was all excitement.
"There's like no words to describe it. I'm so happy."

Qualls said the way she answered the interview question helped her win this year.
The five finalists were asked what they liked the most about the Highlands County Fair.

Responding to the question on stage, Qualls said the fair offered an opportunity for friends and family to have fun and was a place to see people they hadn't seen before.

"I was more focused and ready," Qualls continued. "I wasn't as nervous this year. I think that helps because nerves show a lot."

Dressed in a brown T-shirt, Qualls' father, Tony, stood tall as the winner's dad. His shirt had lettering proclaiming he was Chelsea's dad.

"It's extremely exciting. She's worked very hard," he said. "She's a very smart girl and I'm very proud of her. Lucky number seven, I even got her seven roses for a lucky seven."

Qualls' mother, Melissa, who also sported an identifying T-shirt, was also excited.
"Third time is the charm," she said.

Qualls hopes to start her own law firm in Highlands County, and plans include attending the University of Florida Law School.

The first runner-up tiara went to 12-year-old Laura Arumugam, daughter of Rodger and Karen Arumugam.

Arumugam's sister, Loisel, said, "I'm very proud of her. She's been in a couple of other things, but she's been awesome tonight. She had a very good answer when they asked her about the fair. She looked super gorgeous along with all the other girls."

Arumugam's goals include being an excellent student and ultimately becoming a model and a neurologist.

The other top five finalists were:
Kassie Canevari, 14, - second runner-up.
Erin Hemler, 15, - third runner-up.
Shawnee Lester, 15, - fourth runner-up.
Celeste Breylinger was named Miss Congeniality and Canevari was named Most Photogenic.