alafarmnews

April Dawn Hawthorne, a 20-year old Troy University student, was crowned Miss Alabama Agriculture during the closing session of the 83rd annual meeting of the Alabama Farmers Federation, Dec. 6 in Mobile.

Miss Hawthorne, the daughter of Steve and Melody Hawthorne of Kinston, represented Pike County in the contest. As the winner, she received a $2,000 scholarship and the use of a 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer for the next year. Miss Hawthorne will represent Alfa Farmers at a variety of events during the coming year where she will promote the state’s largest industry – agriculture. The pageant is sponsored by the Federation’s Young Farmers Division.

First alternate in the pageant was Margaret “Grace”

April Hawthorne of Pike County, center, was crowned Miss Alabama Agriculture Dec. 6 in Mobile. She is joined by her court, from left, first alternate, Margaret “Grace” Smith of Autauga County; second alternate, Christina Vranich of Dale County; third alternate, Anna Linley of Morgan County and Miss Congeniality, Katlin Mulvaney of Lee County.

Haley Mims of Montgomery County, right, was the winner of the Talent Find Competition sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation at the organization’s 83rd annual meeting in Mobile, Dec. 5-6. First alternate in the talent contest was Buffie Barnett of Tallapoosa County.

Anna Lee Linley of Morgan County was named third alternate in the pageant. She is the daughter of Vicki Linley of Decatur. She received $300. Pageant contestants elected Katlin Mulvaney of Lee County Miss Congeniality. She is the daughter of Donald and Janet Mulvaney of Opelika.

In other competition, Haley Mims, 25, of Montgomery County, was the winner of the Talent Find Competition sponsored by the Federation. She performed “Amazing Grace” and received a $1,000 cash award. Mrs. Mims and her husband, Doug, live in Montgomery where they are student pastors at Evangel Temple.

First alternate in the talent contest was Buffie Barnett of Tallapoosa County, who performed “That’s Him.” She is the daughter of Ricky and Barbara Barnett of Jackson’s Gap and received a $500 cash award. The Federation’s annual meeting was Dec. 5-6 in Mobile and attracted more than 2,000 farmers from throughout the state’s 67 counties.