SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Varsity cheerleaders at Spanish Fort High School found a way to raise funds and community spirit — they plan to hold a Little and Tiny Miss pageant to pay for their travel to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans where they will perform in a half-time show with other cheerleaders from around the country.

Cali Quinlivan, cheerleading sponsor at Spanish Fort High School, said the teens thought of the fundraiser.

“During our fundraising discussions, the cheerleaders had the idea of hosting a pageant for younger girls in our area,” she said. “This will be the first pageant held, and we hope to have enough interest to continue for years to come.”

She said she hopes the competition will do more than raise funds.

“I am also very excited about SFHS cheerleaders having the opportunity to work with these young girls,” she said. “I believe it will be a great learning experience for both groups, and the cheerleaders will have a chance to be role models to these little girls who admire them weekly at the football games.”

Cheerleader Tori Hudson, 17, said another reason for holding the contest is that  there are “not really a whole lot of things in Spanish Fort where kids can all come together,” and she hopes this will remedy that.

Emily Harper, 16, agreed.

“It’s just an opportunity for younger girls to go out and have a good time,” she said. “They don’t have the opportunity like older girls do.”

“There’s Miss SFHS (a high school pageant) for older girls and this gives younger girls a chance to go out and have fun — it’s something to look forward to.”

Hudson and Harper have been cheerleading since seventh grade and said that coming together will benefit the children.

Quinlivan said that there will be many aspects to the competition.

“My favorite part of the pageant is that it is focused on having fun,” she said, adding the event allows these girls to spend time with others and hopefully develop friendships. “I am also very excited about SFHS cheerleaders having the opportunity to work with these young girls.

“I believe it will be a great learning experience for both groups, and the cheerleaders will have a chance to be role models to these little girls who admire them weekly at the football games.”

Little Miss contestants include girls kindergarten age through 2 years old; Tiny Miss contestants cover those ages 3 through 5. Both groups will be judged on a beauty walk and answering on-stage questions. Awards will be based on stage presence, eyes, smile, hair, photogenic quality and hospitality.

Life lessons

Quinlivan said the pageant can teach young girls poise and many other things.

“Pageants can develop self-confidence in young girls; help them become comfortable speaking with others and in front of crowds, and make new friends in the community,” she said. “She will hopefully learn to be proud of whom she is and to know every individual is beautiful in their own way.

“Pageants also allow girls to experience the thrill of competition. Competitions build character and teach sportsmanship.”

Quinlivan hopes the children and the community can benefit and enjoy.

“Hopefully, the viewers will see this as an opportunity for their daughters, grand-daughters, sisters, nieces or just friends to form friendships with other girls and learn that you can have fun while participating in competitive events.”