Stephany Johnson Is Crowned New Miss Highlands County

By GARY PINNELL | Highlands Today
Published: January 25, 2009

SEBRING --

Stephany Johnson was crowned Miss Highlands County on Saturday night at the Highlands County Fairgrounds.

Ricki Albritton was the first runner up and Erin Hemler was the second runner up among the 11 contestants.

Ricki was also picked by her fellow contestants as Miss Congeniality; Ashley Hoffner was named Miss Photogenic at the Highlands County Fair beauty pageant.

Stephany replaced Leeza Freeland, who reigned as Miss Highlands County 2008.

Asked by the judges which superhero she would be, Stephany picked Supergirl, but with healing powers, "So no one would ever be sick."

The young women were judged on poise, personality, conversational ability and evening gowns.

Stephany is an 18-year-old senior at Lake Placid High School who wants to be a dental hygienist.

Asked why she won, Stephany thought she was real, and that she acted like herself. Her time is spent volunteering in the emergency room at Florida Hospital, as vice president of her senior class, and as a DARE role model.

After she serves 2009 as Miss Highlands County, she may enter the Miss Teen Florida contest.

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