Staff Writer

Eight young women competed Saturday night for the opportunity to represent Troy.

The one to wear the crown as Miss Troy 2001 is Erin Wood. First runner-up was Whitney Locklar and second runner-up was Amanda Nicole Mathews.

Contestants in the 46th Annual Miss Troy Pageant were judged on street wear, evening wear and a five-minute interview conducted Saturday afternoon. During the competition at Troy Elementary School, the eight high school students were asked what value they possess will most benefit them in late life.

The eight contestants were narrowed to three before Wood was crowned by Miss Troy 2000 Holly Graham.

Wood, a senior at Charles Henderson High School, is the daughter of Tony and Lindy Wood. She plans to attend Troy State University and major in public relations and advertising.

In response to the question each was given, Wood said her Christianity and "obedience to God" is the one thing she believes will most benefit her as she goes through life.

The young woman voted "friendliest" in her senior class enjoys drawing, painting, singing and swimming in her spare time.

Locklar is the daughter of Wayne and Aylene Locklar. The 16-year-old Charles Henderson High School junior plans to attend Troy State University and study early childhood education.

She also believes her faith is the most important virtue she possesses. A lifestyle based on service and respect, she said, will help her succeed.

The future teacher enjoys spending time with children, taking pictures, riding four-wheelers, reading and going to church activities.

The daughter of Bruce and Rexanne Mathews is a 16-year-old student at Charles Henderson High school. She plans to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham and study athletic training. Her goal is to be an athletic trainer with a professional sports organization.

A sports enthusiast, Mathews enjoys cheerleading, gymnastics, exercising with her mother and watching her brother play baseball.

Mathews said standing up for what one believes in is the most important thing a person can do. That, she said, is something that will benefit an individual in whatever path he or she chooses.

Other contestants were: Rachel Paige Jennings, Adrienne Nicole Adams, Hannah Elizabeth Rodgers, Cherish Lee and Nancy Gibson.

Jennings is a junior at CHHS and is the daughter of Steven and Darlene Jennings.

Adams is the daughter of Dennis and Janice Adams and the late Connie Adams. She is a senior at CHHS.

Rodgers, a junior at Pike Liberal Arts School, is the daughter of Robert and Janie Ketchum and the late Jeffrey Rodgers.

Lee is a senior at CHHS. She is the daughter of Steven Lee and Sheila Lee.

Gibson, the daughter of David and Mabeth Gibson, is a junior at CHHS.

The Miss Troy Pageant is sponsored by the 21 Club.