Hanner, from Pell City, said competing at Alabama’s Junior Miss was a great experience for her.
“I had so much fun and I really enjoyed getting to know all of the other girls,” Hanner said. “I was there for over a week, which seemed like a long time to me, but by the end of the competition, I couldn’t believe it was over. I really did enjoy my time there.”
Hanner had the chance to room with Cherokee County’s Junior Miss, Audrey Leach.
“I became very good friends with Audrey,” said Hanner. “She is such a sweet, Christian girl and I am glad we ended up as roommates. It is amazing how much we have in common. I am so thankful that I had the chance to meet her and I hope we always stay in touch.”
While in Montgomery, Hanner and Leach stayed with their host family, Ken, Donna and Emma Jane Stricklin.
“They were simply the best,” Hanner said. “I could not have asked for a better family for the week. Everybody says that they treat you like a princess at the state competition and I found that to be true.
“They made me feel very comfortable and welcome in their home and gave me so much support. I greatly appreciate everything they did for me. I already miss my ‘little sister,’ Emma Jane.”
As far as the competition went, Hanner said it was great.
“We practiced really hard all week long and it took a lot of work,” she said. “But that first night when you get out on stage and hear your friends and family all screaming for you it is so worth it. It really is a once in a lifetime experience and even though I didn’t win anything, I had the best time. I really just wanted to do the best that I could and make my county proud as well as glorify God and I hope I did so.”
Hanner also wanted to thank everyone for the overwhelming support she received while at state.
“It meant the world to me to have so many people praying for me and cheering for me, Hanner said. “You are all a huge blessing and I am so proud to be from St. Clair County and so thankful to represent it.”
“St. Clair County should be proud of having such a fine representative at Alabama’s Junior Miss,” said Carol Hornsby, local director for the St. Clair County Junior Miss. “Milea’s performances in Montgomery were outstanding and her enthusiasm for this program is most evident. She is a very intelligent, articulate, and Godly young woman who tries to always be her best self. Our local committee is so proud of her achievements.”
