Miss Hoover scholarship pageant returns

After a two-year hiatus, the Miss Hoover Scholarship Pageant is returning to the stage.

Executive directors Bragg Scroggins and Keith Brashier used to run the Miss Patriot Scholarship Pageant, which also included sections of Homewood. But after talking with the Hoover Area Chamber Commerce and other community members, the directors decided to bring the pageant back and rename it. 

In addition to the Miss Hoover pageant, this year there will also be the debut of the Miss Hoover’s Outstanding Teen pageant. Both will take place July 11 at Hoover High School, with the Outstanding Teen Pageant at 1 p.m. and the Miss Hoover Pageant at 6 p.m.

Miss Hoover’s Outstanding Teen serves as a feeder pageant for the Miss Hoover Pageant and helps younger participants, between the ages of 13 and 17, to prepare for the Miss pageant. Miss Hoover contestants must be between 17 and 24 years old.

Both pageants, however, help prepare participants for their futures, Scroggins said. The interview portion of the pageant provides practice for future jobs, and participants also have the opportunity to gain scholarships and sponsorships. Scroggins said former contestants have told him they felt more prepared for interviews and job applications as a result of their pageant participation.

“This organization prepares them not just for a crown, but for their future as well,” Scroggins said.

Two former Miss Hoovers have won the Miss Alabama title, and the most recent Miss Hoover was a Top-12 semi-finalist at Miss Alabama and Quality of Life winner.

All applications must be submitted by July 6, and the required paperwork is available on the Miss Hoover website, misshoover.com.

The pageant includes an interview, opening dance number, onstage question, swimsuit, talent and evening gown portions. The Outstanding Teen pageant includes an interview, opening number, fitness competition, talent and evening gown/onstage question portions.

Former Miss America Nicole Johnson, who won the pageant in 1999, is one of the judges of this year’s pageant, which Scroggins hopes will get community members excited for the competition.

“We’re expecting a great turnout,” he said.

Tickets for the Miss Hoover’s Outstanding Teen and Miss Hoover pageants are $15 for adults and $10 for children under the age of 12.