The Gazette-Enterprise

SEGUIN — Dancing to the jungle beats, singing their own tunes and trying to sweat-out the competition, 14 high school juniors took the stage on Saturday with hopes of being named Guadalupe County’s 2009–2010 Junior Miss. Brooklyn Eikenburg, a New Braunfels Christian Academy junior, was shocked to hear her name called as the 2009–2010 Junior Miss.

“It was really unexpected,” she said. “I just tried to have fun with it and I guess that paid off.”

Fulfilling the shoes that were laid before her is what Eikenburg said she is looking forward to doing.

“I am excited to be a part of this program and to try to be how Molly [Cordes] was to us, be there to help the girls,” she said.

With ‘Juniors In The Jungle’ as the theme for the evening, the girls had a lion’s share worth of work ahead of them.

The night started off with a group dance, comprised of all 14 of this year’s contestants and last year’s Junior Miss, Molly Cordes.

Mike Andrews, who served as the master of ceremonies, kept the audience entertained between the performances — as did Cordes as she and Andrews exchanged playful comments and collegiate jokes throughout the evening.

The contestants were divided into two groups that alternated their time on-stage in order to give the girls enough time to prepare for either their talent performance, the group fitness component, or their self expression portion.

The six-minute workout showcasing endurance, strength, flexibility, and coordination Eikenburg said was the most challenging.

“Physically the fitness was really hard,” she said. “But the talent was really nerve-racking because you are up on the stage by your self.”

Agreeing with Eikenburg, Bonnie Birdsong, first runner-up and self expression winner said the difficult performances caused some mental anguish.

“Some of the routines were really hard and it was hard to calm my nerves, but really the whole thing was so much fun,” she said.

Birdsong, said she could not believe when she her name was called as the first runner-up.

“I was really surprised and excited up there because that is a group of amazing girls,” she said. “It overshadows everything else. Looking back on it I just had fun the whole time.”

Because she looks up to her family, Eikenburg said she was glad she had the experience and that there is something she can take away from it.

“One of my sisters has done it before and my sisters are really big role models for me,” she said. “I’m just really excited. I learned a lot of life experiences, meeting new people, and having confidence in myself.”

Other winners for the evening included Taylor Winters, claiming the talent award with her monologue, the youth fitness award went to Laurin Bless, top ticket seller was Hannah Bonds and the spirit award went to Jessica Gardner.

The recipient of the spirit award is nominated by the other contestants. Every time Gardner was on stage, her personality shined through.

“This award stands out on its own, my peers voted for me and just the fact that they like me that much kind of left me speechless,” she said. “I’m shocked.”

Although Gardner had made an agreement with her parents to compete in the program, she said her outlook on the experience was more than what she hoped for.

“I wanted violin lessons, but my mom said she would not pay for them unless I did junior miss,” she said. “It turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.”

These local students were not only vying for the chance to represent the county, but for college-granted and cash scholarships that were given through the different awards. Second runner-up Heather De Leon was looking toward her future when she signed up to compete.

“After years of watching the program and seeing how much fun it was and the great scholarship opportunities that they are offering, I knew that is the program for me,” she said. “This was an amazing opportunity and I recommend it for all junior girls.”

For the title of Junior Miss, Eikenburg receives more than $15,000 in various college-grants and cash scholarships.
Birdsong said the girls gained a few other prizes, as well.

“I met Brooklyn, she is one of the coolest people I have ever met and I never would have met her without being in this,” she said. “There are a lot of cool people from Seguin and a lot of friends that I will keep.”

It was an emotional night for Cordes as she goodbye to her title and welcomed Eikenburg into the Junior Miss family. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she reflected on the events previous and gave praise to her family and friends for all of their support.

Cordes will represent Guadalupe County at the state level for the title of Texas Junior Miss.

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