FAIRHOPE, Alabama — The Eastern Shore Optimist Club presented the 52nd Dogwood Trail Pageant and Scholarship Program Saturday evening at the Fairhope Civic Center.

When the festivities were completed, six Eastern Shore young women were selected to serve on the 2012 Dogwood Trail Court from among 42 participants. The new court is comprised of: Rebecca Schneider, a sophomore at Spanish Fort High School; Jennifer Trenier, a junior at Spanish Fort High School; Emily Vincent, a sophomore at Hope Christian School; Emily Jennings, a junior at Spanish Fort High School; Zoie Fogle, a junior at Fairhope High School; and Helen Hanson Stitt, a junior at Fairhope High School.

Each member of the court receives a $1,000 cash scholarship to the college of her choice from the Eastern Shore Optimist Club, which also furnishes the antebellum costume court members wear at their public appearances. An additional scholarship is awarded through Faulkner State Community College.

Other awards presented during the evening included: $250 cash scholarships, courtesy of the Dogwood Trail Program, to Aubrey Wiggins and Christina Irion for having the highest grade point average among the sophomore and junior participants, respectively; a $100 cash award, courtesy of the Dogwood Trail Program, for the highest dollar ad sales to Emily Cook; a $100 scholarship, courtesy of the Dogwood Trail Program, to Caroline Nelson for best essay; a $250 scholarship, courtesy of the Eastern Shore Optimist Club, to Isabelle Doucet for winning the Crystal Kae Davis Spirit of Dogwood; and a $250 scholarship, courtesy of BancorpSouth Bank, for best interview to Jennifer Trenier. Iberia Bank furnished $250 scholarships to two participants who tied for best presence and composure: Zoie Fogle and Jennifer Trenier.

The theme for the evening was “What A Wonderful World.” Each participant represented a country, which was the basis for the creative introductions that led off the pageant. Goodrich Aerostructures provided $250 cash scholarships to two participants who tied for best creative introduction: Rebecca Schneider and Taylor Roney.

The field of 42 was narrowed to 12 finalists by a panel of five judges. Taylor Roney, Sarah English, Katie Musall, Caroline Minter, Zoe Woods and Emily Cook were also in this group.

Over the next 12 months, the Dogwood Trail Court will make around 100 public appearances, representing the Eastern Shore as goodwill ambassadors. Their first official appearance in their colorful antebellum gowns will be at the 2012 Arts & Crafts Festival, March 17.

The 2011 Dogwood Trail Court, who completed their year of service at the pageant include: Emily Harper, Colleen Anusiewicz, Anna Wright, Anna Atchison and Caroline Musall.

The Eastern Shore Optimist Club funds the pageant with their annual Christmas Tree sale. The 2012 sale will open Nov. 23 at School Street and Magnolia Avenue.