Jacobsen named Lakeland Junior Miss

Sarah Jacobsen on Saturday night earned the title of Lakeland's Junior Miss 2011 and will go on to represent the other 19 participants at the state competition in November in Coeur d'Alene.

"I'm still kind of in shock about it," Jacobsen said Sunday. "I'm excited to be able to represent Lakeland. It means a lot of hard work, but also a lot of fun."

Jacobsen, 17, of Hayden Lake, said the participants all became a lot closer going through the program together.

Jacobsen is the daughter of Karen and Mike Howell.

Debbie Waddell, program director, said, "The judges certainly had their work cut out for them with 20 truly amazing young woman to choose from. I'm thrilled with the judges selection and I'm confident that Sarah will do a phenomenal job representing Lakeland in the upcoming year."

The scholarship program event was at Lakeland High School in Rathdrum, and the theme was "Saturday Nite Jazz."

First alternate was Samantha Riggs, and the second alternate was Taylor Patik.

"The standing-room-only crowd was given one captivating performance after the other with a fitness routine mixed with drum sticks beating to the tune of 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,'" Waddell said. It was a "high-energy routine that required every ounce of the stamina the participants were able to offer."

She said there was an elegant self-expression number that showcased the girls' grace, elegance and speaking abilities.

Savanna Dingman received a $150 fitness scholarship. Dingman's fellow participants selected her for a $150 scholarship for being the one participant that exemplifies the true spirit of Junior Miss.

Samantha Riggs received a $150 self-expression scholarship for her speaking abilities. Riggs also received a $150 scholarship in the interview category, and a third for scholastic achievement.

Hailey Miller sang her way to a $150 talent scholarship.