The Junior Orange Bowl Committee (JOBC) is getting ready for a night of glamour and royalty. A competition to choose three young ladies to represent the JOBC as goodwill ambassadors to all the children at the Festival’s events is about to begin.
The JOBC is looking for girls between the ages of 12 and 14 to participate in the Royal Court Search for the 2010-11 festival. This 60-year old tradition is much more than a beauty pageant; the girls are selected based on personality, poise, academics, and community service. The winners will ride on a float in the annual Junior Orange Bowl Parade.
The contestants must pass a preliminary selection in order to participate in the final. In the final, judges will select three lucky ladies to be the queen and princesses. Collectively they are known as the Royal Court.
The Miami-Dade preliminary is scheduled for the Cocoplum Women’s Club in Coral Gables on Oct. 29. The final will take place on Nov. 7 at the Miami Elks Lodge No. 948, 10301 SW 72 St. in Kendall.
Contact details can be found on the Royal Court page of the website at www.jrorangebowl.org/royal-court-search.
Community involvement is one of the most important traits that the judges will consider. The JOBC hopes to encourage the participants to be future leaders and role models in the community.
The 2010-11 queen and princesses will be expected to reign over all the events of the Junior Orange Bowl Festival, especially the 62nd Junior Orange Bowl Parade on Jan. 2, 2011. During the festival, the Royal Court will participate in various award ceremonies and serve as diplomatic ambassadors to all the kids participating in the festival’s events.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for all young girls to experience,” said Enid Miguez, chair of the JOBC Royal Court Search Committee. “Not only do they gain self-esteem, confidence, and compassion; they learn the importance of selflessly serving the community. I commend all the participants on their courage and dedication.”
Many of the girls who participate in the Royal Court Search discover their passions in life and go on to pursue them; becoming prominent figures in society. Past winners have gone on to become successful businesswomen as well as influential community leaders.
Sponsors for the Royal Court Search include: Alberto Romeu Photography, Aon Private Risk Management, Coral Gables Firefighters’ Benevolent Association, Cookies by Design, GBS Beauty Supply, Miami’s Community Newspapers, Miami Elks Lodge No. 948, Slesnick & Associates, Snow’s Jewelers, The Giving Tree, and YW Associates.
The Junior Orange Bowl Festival is possible with the support of the City of Coral Gables, Miami Children’s Hospital, Orange Bowl Committee, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Cultural Affairs Council, Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council, Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.
The JOBC, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that serves the community of South Florida and the youth of the world by providing opportunities for wholesome, competitive and multi-cultural experiences.
For more information, call Enid Miguez, chair, at 305-778-8886 or visit the JOBC website at www.jrorangebowl.org.
