(MOBILE, Ala.) June 28 -
She's America’s Junior Miss 2009. And tonight, Kentucky native Michelle Rodgers talks to NBC15 about how this will change her life. Last night, Michelle Rodgers took home the 50-thousand dollar scholarship awarded by the America’s Junior Miss Program.She couldn't believe it when her name was called. "Kentucky...that means me. I had to look at the girl next to me to remember that was actually me...it's a surreal feeling and it's unbelievable....I’m thrilled about what I get to do." For Michelle Rodgers, winning America’s Junior Miss means doing things she's only dreamed of. She says,"ill get to talk to groups all across the country...I’ll get to sing at events. I know I get to sing the national anthem at a couple of football games."
She competed against girls from all 50 states and walked away the winner of the $50,000 dollar scholarship awarded by the America’s Junior Miss Program. Something that Rodgers mother, Karen never thought she'd witness. "She's an outdoorsy girl. She does all sorts of stuff; she's never done anything like this before." She says her daughter's never been interested in doing beauty pageants.
But what makes Junior Miss so different is that it's not a pageant; it's a program that focuses on the big picture. "It really focuses on their academics and their speaking abilities." Rodgers received a medallion to symbolize her academic achievements. She will be attending Northwestern University in the fall, double-majoring in theatre and business.
Next, Rodgers will head to New York city next week to appear on Good Morning America.
