SPANISH FORT, Ala. — In one week, 10 graduating seniors will vie for the 2011 Miss Spanish Fort High School crown, and the fourth annual event promises a total departure from past pageants.

Wendy Knight, a first-time faculty sponsor for the pageant, said the “Puttin’ on the Ritz” theme is guaranteed to bring a little glitz and glamour to the Daphne United Methodist Church Community Life Center, and the crowd will get more than a typical show of beauty and poise.

Thirty girls in ninth  through 12th grades have registered for the festivities — including 10 freshmen, six sophomores and four juniors — but only the 10 seniors will compete for the crown currently worn by Alice Taylor, Miss SFHS 2010.

“Each of the three younger classes will name a beauty, but only the seniors get to compete for the title this year,” said Knight, an English and language arts teacher.

Meanwhile, each senior girl has selected an escort for the evening, and Southern Edge Dance Co. in Fairhope has choreographed an opening number for the troupe set to “Steppin’ Out with My Baby.”

“It’s a real production number, and I’m so amazed by how much progress they’ve made, especially the boys,” said Knight, noting several of the escorts are athletes stepping far outside their comfort zones to perform.

“The guys are just wonderful, and that alone will be worth the $10 (ticket price),” Knight said, adding, “It’s really going to be a wonderful evening, and it’s so exciting that a senior girl will represent the school as Miss Spanish Fort High School.”

In addition to Miss SFHS and the class beauties, Knight said a senior contestant will be named Miss Congeniality.

Tickets can be purchased from any contestant or at the door, but only those with advance tickets will be admitted to the building at 5 p.m. Day-of ticket holders must wait until 5:30 p.m. for admittance, and the pageant begins at 6 p.m.

“We’re very excited, and I know the crowd is going to get its money’s worth,” Knight said.

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