By Alabama Public Radio
Mobile, AL – Sponsors awarded $23,000 in scholarships Thursday night at the second preliminary round of America's Junior Miss. 50 contestants competed in the areas of scholastics, fitness, talent, self-expression and interviews. 20 scholarships were awarded by the America's Junior Miss Council and by Mobile Gas and Regions bank. Four $1,000 awards were also presented in each category, along with a $3,000 spirit prize. The young women will compete in the national finals Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Mobile Civic Center Theater.