By Staff
special to The Star
March 21, 2004
Seventeen-year-old Danielle Smith, a senior at Northeast Lauderdale High School, was recently crowned 2004 Miss Mississippi Teen America through the Miss Teen America Program.
The pageant was Feb. 14 in Rea Auditorium on the campus of Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson.
Contestants participated in a judge's interview, formal wear, swimwear and talent competition. Smith won all categories, and got a perfect score in interview. A dancer and gymnast, Smith performed an acro-dance routine to the song, "And I am Telling You," sung by Jennifer Holliday.
Smith was presented with the official 6-foot trophy, crown and roses during an onstage ceremony. She will also receive a $10,000 tuition scholarship to Nova Southeastern University, a $1,500 cash award for travel expenses to the national pageant, 500 autograph pictures to sign throughout the year, a life-size cut-out for display throughout the year, free evening gown rentals from Puttin' on the Glitz in Clinton and Brookhaven, and free wardrobe and accessory rentals from Sparkles in Crystal Springs. She will appearing an upcoming issue of Pageantry Magazine.
During her reign, Smith will appear throughout the state, do volunteer community service work, entertain at local and state events, and speak on the importance of self-esteem to today's young people.
She is the daughter of C.D. and Linda Smith of Meridian. She has studied dance and gymnastics for 14 years at Pat Gray Academy of Dance under the supervision of Pat Gray, Sharon Howard and Richelle Gray.
Smith will represent Mississippi July 3-10 at the National Miss Teen America Pageant in Nashville.