City Beat | Keith L. Martin
While both vying for the title of Maryland Junior Miss this weekend, cousins Kali Phillips of Frederick and Katie Billotti of Middletown say that the event is more about camaraderie than competition.
The pair is among 10 finalists from across the state who will take the stage on Saturday at the Carroll Arts Center in Westminster for the annual scholarship competition.
Both were selected from a field of 50 that qualified by having at least a 3.25 grade point average and are entering their senior year of high school in September. Participants compete for scholarships in categories including fitness and academics. The overall winner will earn scholarship money and the chance to compete for more money at the national contest.
‘‘It’s been great already in meetings and rehearsals to have a really good friend there,” said Kali, 17.
Kali, who is home-schooled, said she was urged to compete by Frederick County’s Junior Miss 1978: her mom, Angela.
‘‘I thought this would be great for Kali to do as a way to earn some scholarship money,” said Angela Phillips, a Middletown High School graduate. ‘‘My only advice ... has been to keep it real, be honest and have a great time.”
Kali has her eyes on several colleges with her sights set on earning a business degree.
Kali’s cousin, Katie, 16, also plans to attend college after graduation from Middletown High next June. She is also searching for the right college to earn a degree in social work or early childhood development.
‘‘I think this is a great opportunity to earn some money for college,” she said. ‘‘I’m always trying to find a way to leave my little hometown to get to college.”
Katie’s dad, Sam, is Angela (Billotti) Phillips’ brother. Her mom, Cassandra, also competed in the state competition after winning the Frederick County Junior Miss title in 1983. There is no longer a county competition, just the state program.
Katie also said it has been nice to have a friend with her along the way and said no matter the outcome, the time together has been fun.
‘‘It doesn’t matter who wins,” she said. ‘‘If it is not us, we’ll enjoy the experience and if it is one of us, we’ll congratulate the other one.”
The Maryland Junior Miss Scholarship Program begins at 7 p.m. at the Carroll Arts Center. Tickets are $15. For more information, call 410-848-7272.
All former contestants — local and state — are also invited to a luncheon at Harry’s Grille on Main Street in Westminster at 1 p.m. the day of the program to celebrate the event’s 50th anniversary.
For more information or to register for the luncheon, call Cheryl Gaver Poklemba at 443-277-7694 or e-mail mdjuniormiss@comcast.net.
Students earncollege honors
*Samantha Wilson of Frederick recently earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and secondary education from Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania. Wilson is a graduate of Gov. Thomas Johnson High School and the daughter of Steve and Kay Wilson of Frederick.
The magna cum laude graduate was a resident assistant, Spanish language translator and tutor, and a member of several honors societies at the university.
*Melissa McClement of Frederick was named to Frostburg State University’s spring dean’s list.
To be eligible, students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours and earn a cumulative semester grade-point average of at least 3.4 on a 4.0 scale.
*Washington College in Chestertown recently awarded a diploma to Amelia Barnard of Frederick. Barnard earned her degree in human development with a minor in psychology.
*Craig Chilton of Frederick was recently named to the dean’s list at Washington College for the spring semester. Chilton, a junior majoring in psychology, earned a grade-point average of at least 3.4 for the semester.
Do you have an item for City Beat? Contact reporter Keith L. Martin at 301-846-2134, e-mail kmartin@gazette.net or fax news to 301-846-2124.
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