By Rikki Cason<br><a href="mailto:rikki.cason@journal-register.com">E-mail Rikki</a>
Traveling for the first time alone, Alissa Gee got on a plane Monday heading to Mobile, Ala. Though she will miss her high school graduation, the Lyndonville senior has another accomplishment in mind — competing in the 2009 America’s Junior Miss Scholarship Program.
In November, Gee was named the 2009 Orleans County Junior Miss and then went on to take the New York State title in March.
“I’m still in shock,” Gee said.
Gee will be in Mobile from Monday through June 28. The national Junior Miss competition will take place June 25 through 27. Gee said the week leading up to the competition will take the contestants to several parties and autograph signings. They also will participate in a parade, do community service, complete bonding exercises and rehearse the competition.
“I’m looking forward to meeting all the girls,” Gee said. “I’m hoping it’s a lot of fun.”
She said she thinks the week will be a good way to forget the stress of the final night and just relax.
For the program, Gee will participate in interview, self-expression, scholastics, fitness and talent.
For the talent, portionGee will now be performing a flute solo. In the local competition, Gee played the piano for her talent, but said that she hoped that a flute solo was more unique.
Gee’s mother, Elizabeth Carpenter, said that this competition offers a lot more chances to win a scholarship opportunity than at the local levels.
The winner of the national competition will receive a $50,000 scholarship; first runner up will receive $25,000 ;and second runner up will receive $17,000. There also are five $1,000 scholarships given away in each of the five categories.
Both Carpenter and her eldest daughter, Ashlee, are former Orleans County Junior Misses. Gee said that knowing what it takes to participate in the program, the two were very excited and proud of her accomplishment.
Both Carpenter and Ashlee, along with her sister, Sarah, will travel to Mobile to cheer on Alissa. Those wishing to send cards and letters of support or flowers to Gee can send them to the Cox family, 14 Turnin Lane, Mobile, AL, 36608.
Gee will attend Roberts Wesleyan College this fall for music education. Gee is only the second contestant from Orleans County to win the state level and go on to compete in America’s Junior Miss. The first was Debbie Bently, also from Lyndonville, in 1990.
The 2009 Junior Miss Scholarship Program will air online June 27, at www.NBC15online.com.
