When high school students think of Spring, they think of how close the school year is to ending. Before Summer break starts, banquets will be held and awards from the year will be handed out. One of the most prestigious accolades Central High School has to offer is Miss. Central. The title is almost like Homecoming Queen and Prom Queen combined, but it is recognized on a higher level. The best and brightest young ladies of Central are considered for the award. To qualify for this title, nominees must represent the school by being viewed as a well-rounded, exemplary student at Central High School. Students that are up for Miss Central are in the top third of the senior class academically, have had no discipline or attendance issues, and have been involved in CHS clubs, sports, organizations and participated in leadership and service at Central. This year’s nominees for Miss. Central include Skyler Dill, Timetrice Duckett, Kiara Jackson, Autumn Lloyd,  Samantha Scott, and Jadyn Snakenberg.

The qualities that these candidates share include being members of Beta Club, National Honors Society, and participating in a sport or JROTC. These organizations are not the only things that make them stand out.  Many of them have unique activities they have done to benefit the community, such as volunteering anywhere from the local blood drive to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.

“I was not expecting to be nominated. Senior Court is the highest honor you can hold at Central, and I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to be on the court,” shared nominee Skyler Dill.

There has been a slight change to the way the program is carried out; there are no longer court attendants. In years past, the attendants were students who followed the same criteria as the nominees for Miss. Central, but the administration thinks students are viewing the honor differently.

Mr. John Daum, teacher and organizer of the event, expressed his stance on the subject.

“Over the course of the past Seniors Days, there has been a shift in whether students saw being an attendant as an honor. I believe that students did not want to rent tuxes and buy dresses if they couldn’t ‘win’ Mr. or Miss. Central. I had numerous students say they did not want to participate.”

Teachers are not the only ones who hold a strong opinion about cutting the court attendants. In contrast, students are disappointed with the decision.

“I feel like it is unfair to not have attendants this year, because of all of the people who could have been attendants do not get the same opportunity like the students in previous years,” Dill expressed.

The winner will be announced during Central’s Senior Day ceremony on April 28th. This year’s nominees for Miss. Central are exceptional young women that will proudly represent Central High School.