Abby Snook 2008-2009 and
Allyssa Rommel 2007-2008
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The
York County Junior Miss Program was started
by the York Junior Chamber of Commerce, now
known as the York Jaycees. It was held at
the York Suburban High School in October,
1966. Called a pageant at that time, the second
annual production was held in April, 1967.
Due to the success of awarding scholarship
dollars to outstanding young women, the program
grew rapidly. The following year, the winner
received $1000 in scholarships.
Jaycee
wives participated as Big Sisters, helping
the candidates to prepare for the big event.
George Trout served as Master of Ceremonies
for the production, a role he successfully
performed for the next 25 years. The York
High Stage Band provided live music throughout
the evening.
In
1976, the community support and awareness
of the program was extensive. Individuals
who were not part of the Jaycees organization
wanted to be involved in the program. Thus
the decision was made to incorporate, and
York County Junior Miss, Inc. was founded.
The
sponsors of the program played a key role
in the growth of the scholarships. Jack
Giambalvo was one of the earliest sponsors,
and continues to do so today. He was joined
by York College of PA, emphasizing the education
emphasis of the Junior Miss Program.
The
Dallastown Stage Band assumed the musical
performance portion of the production, and
for 21 years, Ronald Hill, the director,
shared his talents and those of the Dallastown
students with capacity audiences. Barry
Girling served as Technical Director for
more than 30 productions, with Dave Coombs
as Stage Manager.
York
Federal Savings & Loan, now Sovereign
Bank, joined the sponsor list. In addition,
Bradley Lifting, The Bon-Ton, Chloe Eichelberger, and Stewart & Tate, Inc.
became sponsors as well. With
dazzling costumes provided by
Tighe Industries was pleased to
sponsor this production that was now receiving
national attention.
The
York County Program has been recognized
by America's Junior Miss as one of the most
outstanding programs in the country, awarding
more scholarships than any other local Junior
Miss Program in the nation. Lyn Buckler-Bergdoll,
President of the Board of Directors and
Chairman of the program, also won the National
Chairman's Award in June, 2000.
Today
the program is held at Central York High
School on the first Saturday in May.
Doug Allen from WGAL 8 serves as Master
of Ceremonies and the West York Area High
School Stage Band, under the direction of
Tom Eyster, provides music and entertainment
for the event.
The
scholarships have increased steadily over
the years, and to date, over $400,000 has
been awarded to exceptional students in
the York Community. The winner of the title
now receives $10,000 to the college of her
choice. Additional awards are presented
to the runner-up positions and preliminary
category winners.
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