(L-R) Preteen Miss Buford: Kaylee Nicole Amber Rettenmeyer, Jr. Teen Miss Buford: Josephine Ibarra, Teen Miss Buford: Elisa Mariana Borja, Jr. Preteen Miss Sweetheart: Mollie Ruth Conner, Teen Miss Sweetheart: Peyton Jesse, and Preteen Miss Sweetheart: Joscelyn Mandall Photo – Carrie Abernathy Photography
BUFORD — The annual Little Miss Buford and Miss Sweetheart of Buford pageant were held for the first time at the new Buford High School Performing Arts Center. The pageant saw 135 girls on Saturday, February 29, ranging in age from 0-18 years old compete for 30 crowns.
This year’s event was also the first year that contestants had to do an interview round which was held on Friday night. Contestants were able to receive immediate feedback from the judges. The interview portion was well received and pageant director, Myra Sharp claims that the interview round is a “great opportunity for the young ladies to practice public speaking and interview skills.”
The pageant gives the contestants a chance to get glamorous new looks and the excitement of wearing a gorgeous gown. “Each year we come together to support and empower these young ladies as they develop life-time skills of poise and self-confidence. Often times, we celebrate with them as they conquer fears and learn what it truly means to perform under pressure. Confidence breeds beauty and we want each young lady to know that she can make a difference in her life and the lives of others through positive pageantry,” says Myra Sharp of the pageant and the girls who compete in it.
The pageant serves as a major fundraiser for the Buford Marching Band of Wolves. The money collected from this event goes towards the purchase of new equipment, repairs of existing equipment and uniforms, new music, and travel expenses to competitions.
Win or lose, this was a day that the young girls competing will never forget.
(L-R) Preteen Miss Buford: Kaylee Nicole Amber Rettenmeyer, Jr. Teen Miss Buford: Josephine Ibarra, Teen Miss Buford: Elisa Mariana Borja, Jr. Preteen Miss Sweetheart: Mollie Ruth Conner, Teen Miss Sweetheart: Peyton Jesse, and Preteen Miss Sweetheart: Joscelyn Mandall
Photo – Carrie Abernathy Photography
(L-R) Jr. Young Miss Buford: Charley Martin, Young Miss Buford: Lily Kate Slappey, Jr. Preteen Miss Buford: Abigail Eren Yurtkuran, Young Miss Sweetheart: Averi Reagan Sok, Jr. Preteen Miss Sweetheart: Holly Kathleen Madsen, Young Miss Sweetheart: Averi Reagan Sok, Jr. Preteen Miss Sweetheart: Holly Kathleen Madsen, and Jr. Young Miss Sweetheart: Morgann Elizabeth Rice
Photo – Carrie Abernathy Photography
(L-R) Young Princess Miss Buford: Cora Mae Slappey, Jr. Princess Miss Sweetheart: Anna Claire Southerland, Princess Miss Buford: Mariah Hope Slater, Princess Miss Sweetheart: Camille Rose Schmidt, Young Princess Miss Sweetheart: Maely Grace Martin, and Jr. Princess Miss Buford: Gabriella Peyton Canale Photo – Carrie Abernathy Photography
(L-R) Petite Miss Sweetheart: Corbin Gail Buffum, Tiny Miss Sweetheart: Maisley Harper Hastings, and Young Tiny Miss Sweetheart: Sydney Hope Bartlett Photo – Carrie Abernathy Photography
(L-R) Petite Miss Buford: Wrenna Ace Henderson, Tiny Miss Buford: Haylee Alexis McCarthney, and Young Tiny Miss Buford: Lila Claire-Ryan Truex Photo – Carrie Abernathy Photography
(L-R) Baby Miss Sweetheart of Georgia: Kinley Jade Sentelle, Wee Miss Sweetheart: Bryxton BreAnna Hansard, and Toddler Miss Sweetheart: Lauryn Latrice Gates Photo – Carrie Abernathy Photography
(L-R) Baby Miss Buford: Genesis Ximena Rangel, Wee Miss Buford: Harper Anne Slappey, and Toddler Miss Buford: Tinsley Pruitt Photo – Carrie Abernathy Photography