By Emily Reed/ Freelance Writer
The moment Gina Jones heard her name called for the first time as the 2017 Miss YMCA of Chilton County is one she will never forget.
“Meeting my queen sisters for the first time and getting to know them is definitely at the top of enjoyable experiences since being crowned,” Jones, 17, said. “Shopping for the local foster children and knowing they would have a Christmas was also the best. I am also looking forward to helping with the Relay for Life events and helping crown the Alabama Angels pageant.”
The YMCA of Chilton County pageant features Tiny (ages 4-6), Little (ages 7-9), Young (ages 10-12), Junior (ages 13-15) and Miss (ages 16-18) categories.
Contestants model formal wear and spend a year promoting the YMCA, as well as receiving a one-year membership to the YMCA.
Jones, a Chilton County High School senior, said life after being crowned has been both rewarding and busy.
“We started our year off with a group meeting and then off to the Swedish festivities,” Jones said. “We joined the city of Clanton on Halloween night for Trick or Treat the Town by passing out candy and fliers inviting people to join the YMCA for one of the many programs they offer. Then I attended two Christmas tree lighting ceremonies and four parades where we rode on a horse and carriage. We took a trip to our local fair, and had an awesome photo shoot with Jason Bryant Photography. Then, we went shopping for the local foster children.”
Some of Jones’ responsibilities during her reign as Miss YMCA include helping coordinate events, planning outfits for her and her YMCA queen sisters to wear and working to be a role model for her four queen sisters.
“I also work with the YMCA on promoting them in our great community,” Jones said.
Jones said one thing she has learned since being crowned is the YMCA is more than a gym, it is a community.
“I hope others learn that the YMCA queens are not just about getting a crown and a title for a year, but it is about getting involved in the community and helping spread the word about our local YMCA and all the good that they do,” Jones said. “I also hope to work on being involved in childhood development.”
A typical day for Jones consists of her waking up for school at 6:15 a.m. where she spends most of her days working to complete her senior year.
Jones hopes to attend Samford University in the fall.
“When I’m not at school or working, I enjoy going on beach trips or camping with my family or trips to the movies or just hanging with my friends,” Jones said. “I even enjoy a few lazy days in bed reading a good book every now and then.”
Jones lives in Clanton and is the daughter of Roy and Amanda Jones.