Mohawk High School senior named county Junior Miss

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Elissa Houk, a senior at Mohawk High School, was named Lawrence County 2009 Junior Miss during a competition that took place Sept. 6 at New Castle High School.

The 17-year-old daughter of Dr. Alan and Loree Houk, who began dancing when she was 3, performed a pointe variation from the ballet “La Bayadere” by composer Leon Minkus for the talent portion of the competition. In addition to the title, she received a $2,700 scholarship and will have an opportunity to compete for the state Junior Miss title on Nov. 1 in Johnstown, Pa.

Also recognized

First runner-up was Gabrielle Hanna, daughter of James and Michelle Hanna and New Castle High School senior, who received a $1,500 scholarship; second runner-up was Nicole Vanasco, daughter of David and Karole Vanasco and Laurel High School senior, who received a $1,000 scholarship; and third runner-up was Jonalyn Salzano, daughter of Johnny and Cyndi Salzano and New Castle High senior, who received an $800 scholarship.

Twenty-two high school seniors from Lawrence County were finalists for the event and were judged on an interview, school grades and SAT scores in addition to individual performances.