For Russellville High School graduate Sophie Hill, winning the crown at the Watermelon Festival pageant is a dream she’s had for a long time – and that goal was realized Saturday.

“This pageant is really special to me,” explained Hill. “I’ve participated in it since I was a little girl, and my grandmother always made my watermelon outfit.”

Although Hill said she was surprised and honored to win, she added it’s about more than being crowned. “I greatly enjoyed being in the pageant. I love getting to uplift other women my age and support the younger girls in the pageant.”

Hill will receive a $500 scholarship. She’ll also carry on the tradition of cutting the opening ceremony watermelon to kick off the festival Aug. 19, at 5:45 p.m. when she, along with the category queen winners, will be officially presented.

A freshman at Northwest-Shoals Community College, Hill is majoring in salon and spa management. Her plans include transferring to Athens State University after finishing at NW-SCC. Once there, she said she will pursue a degree in post-secondary education to teach cosmetology.

“Thank you to each contest for being part of the 2022 Watermelon Pageant,” said Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cassie Medley. “Thank you to the sponsors of the Watermelon Pageant, along with businesses that contributed through tees, awards and decorations.

“Thank you to Blaze Bishop, the Chamber directors and the Junior Leaders. Because of their hard work, the pageant was a huge success.”