Celeste Breylinger Is New Junior Miss

In the group photo for the program, Celeste Breylinger is one of the six girls in the back row. On Friday night, she was center stage after being picked by the judges as Junior Miss Highlands County.

"I think I won because I had confidence," said Celeste, 14, an Avon Park High School student who enjoys dance and softball. "I'm a happy person and I smiled a lot."

It must have worked with the three Okeechobee judges, Madonna and Donnie Arnold, and Virginia Bryant.

To the music of "Boot Scootin' Boogie," the 17 contestants, wearing straw hats and jeans, strutted onto the stage at Highlands County Fair in front of 300 people. They were led by Chelsea Qualls, the 2008 Junior Miss.

To get in the top five, contestants were judged on poise, personality, conversational ability and appearance. Those criteria put Gina Haley, Rebecca Luepshen, McKenzie Waldron and Alana Nielander in the top five.

After the girls answered a final question - "Why do you think it's important to be a good role model?" - Alana was named fourth runner-up, followed by Gina, Rebecca, McKenzie and Celeste.

Alana was also named Miss Photogenic; McKenzie was picked by the girls as Miss Congeniality.

Each winner received a bouquet, tiara, sash and a silver tray.

Miss Highlands County will be selected on Saturday night and featured in Monday's Highlands Today.

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