SPANISH FORT, Ala. — A beaming Jamie Matthews was recently crowned “Miss SFHS” at the Daphne Civic Center in front of approximately 500 spectators.

She said she feels certain that this will be a motivating factor in her daily life to be the best she can be.

“It will inspire me even more to represent my school and the SFHS student body with class and dignity,” she said.

At the pageant, her favorite quote by Helen Keller was recited by the emcee: “When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.”

“Any time I have a sense of accomplishment, it’s exciting. So, for me, this is an event in my life that I will always remember,” she said this week.

She considers being crowned Miss SFHS to be an honor and feels fortunate to have been selected. When she heard her name called, her first reaction was a surreal feeling.

She was totally surprised because she felt she gave an inadequate answer to the judges’ interview question regarding her future career choice, she said.

She cried after her interview where she was asked to explain why she wanted to pursue getting a major in criminal justice at the University of Alabama.

Melissa Brown, one of the event organizers, said that Matthews is a happy, optimistic and outgoing student. Brown said that Matthews has friends at all levels, including freshmen through seniors, so many people know her. She must have given the impression of being likable to the judges as well as her peers, Brown said.

“The whole thing is fun. You meet new people,” Matthews said.

Her favorite part was the dance routine. Matthews was born in Mobile, later moved to Daphne and started school in Spanish Fort when she was in the middle of the eighth grade. The high school sophomore has been a junior varsity cheerleader for two years.

In addition, she is a member of the fellowship of Christian athletes, Girls Service Club, Project Outreach and Key Club. And, she maintains a 3.5 GPA and is on the A-B honor roll. Matthews’ hobbies include reading, travel, shopping, tumbling, cheer leading, working with children, church activities and going to the beach. She said she is also very family oriented.

On the night of the pageant, the crown was passed from Principal Michael Lucci to Brown’s father, mother and then finally to her sister who placed the crown on her sister’s head, Matthews said. Her sister, Beth, was Queen Daphne in 2006, so the family tradition continues, she said.

Brown said that though Matthew’s mother told her she was proud of her daughter winning the Miss SFHS title, but was more proud of her daughter winning Miss Congeniality because that was voted on by her daughter’s peers.

Matthews’ advice to future contestants is to relax, don’t get stressed and have fun, she said.

“Try go get to know people. Get a new friend,” she said.

Some students call out to her “I’m watching you,” or “Hey, role model,” which she said reinforces her need to set a good example. When she gives up her title for the next Miss SFHS she said she knows her character will continue to develop because of the experiences she has gained throughout the year.

Matthews had some minor mishaps the night of the pageant including losing a hook off her dress right before she had to make her entrance on the stage and then stumbling slightly on the netting in her gown while leaving the stage, she said with a laugh. Matthews said she eventually wants to try out for the Dogwood Trail and also the Baldwin County Junior Miss Pageant.