SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Families seemed relaxed Saturday night, enjoying the music and the atmosphere at the Daphne Civic Center, which was decked out in green trees adorned with small twinkling lights, for the Miss Spanish Fort High School pageant.

The pageant was presented by the Girls Service Club and the theme was “Fabulous 50s Weekend”. Then, excitement grew as 30 contestants were whittled down to the top 10 finalists. Four runner-ups were announced and Jamie Matthews was crowned the first Miss SFHS.

“I was blown away by how dignified and organized it was,” Principal Michael Lucci said of the pageant. “They did an extraordinary job.”

Kristie Davis, a technology teacher and Melissa Brown, a family and consumer science teacher were organizers. Brown said they had presented ideas to the school administration based on what they felt was the best structure.

“We wanted our judges to focus on selecting a winner that impressed them as a total young lady with role model characteristics and they did just that,” Brown said.

First runner up was Haley Robinson, second runner up was Avery Miller, third runner up was Shelby Robinson, and fourth runner up was Allison Bean. Matthews was also the recipient of the Miss Congeniality award.

Lucci estimated the crowd to be approximately 500 people, he said, and the crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves.

“It went like clockwork,” he said.

“All thirty girls who competed in the pageant are to be commended for their participation and hard work,” Melissa Brown said.

The contestants performed creative introductions and self expression routines in three groups and performed a choreographed dance. Each participant strolled down the stage in an evening gown competition and were handed a flower by Greg Asbill, Mr. SFHS. Asbill will represent his school through the remainder of the school year. Asbill was elected by senior classmates as being someone who is a role model and respectful person, both in the community and at school, according to the school’s Web site.

“We even had an entertaining master of ceremonies,” Luccie said of Justin Moore. “Next year, it will be even better.”

Entertainment was provided by Las Canciones. Solos were performed by Rebecca Womack and Melinda Price, SFHS choir members. Some of the contestants won gifts from pageant sponsors.

“We look forward to the pageant’s continued success in the future,” Brown said.