The crowning of the 24th Miss Moore County will take place at the annual Miss Moore County Scholarship Pageant scheduled Saturday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. at Owens Auditorium at Sandhills Community College.

Preparations are under way by the Miss Moore County Scholarship Association along with Miss Moore County 2010, Charity Haskins, and the 2010 Outstanding Teen 2010, Katie Kearns, for the show called "Dancing Queen."

The show centers around the presentation of young women, ages 18 to 24, for the Miss Moore County 2011 title, and young women, 13 to 17, for the Miss Moore County Outstanding Teen 2011.

The area of competition includes interview, talent, fitness and evening wear. Each of the contestants also chooses and participates in a community service project that is a part of the judging. They will be competing for scholarship money for furthering their education.

Those vying for the Miss Moore County title are;

n Blair Puleo, the daughter of Dr. Joel and Dr Ellen Puleo, of Pinehurst, a freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill. Her talent will be ballet en pointe, and her community service is "Helping Hands," to benefit the attitude towards learning.

n Lindsey von Gal, daughter of Krystin and Daniel Fix, of Pinehurst, a student at Meredith College, will sing during the talent competition."

n Chelsea Brower, the daughter of Tonyia and Kenneth McLaughlin of Robbins. A senior attending North Moore High School will perform a hip-hop dance as her talent. Her community service is "Teen Obesity."

n A tap dance will be Alisha Spivey's talent. She is a senior at North Moore High School and a resident of Robbins, with her parents, Bradley and Martina Spivey. "Diabetes Awareness" is her community service platform.

n Blaine Hooper, the daughter of Stephanie and Harper Wilmoth, of Southern Pines. She is a student at Sandhills Community College. She will perform a country vocal as her talent, and her community service project is "Young life in the Sandhills."

Those competing for the Miss Outstanding Teen 2011 title are:

n Savannah Faith Tracy, daughter of Randy and Mellissa Tracy, of Whispering Pines. The freshman attends Union Pines High School. For her talent she will present a cheering dance routine. "Skin Cancer Awareness for Everyone" is her community service project.

n Journey Alexandria Jackson will perform a dance routine. A sophomore at Union Pines High School, she is the daughter of Jodie Ramos and James Jackson. Her community service platform is "BEAMS: Breast Exams and Mammograms Save Lives."

n Amy Michelle Felix, the daughter of Toni and Brad Felix, of Seven Lakes. She attends West Pine Middle School and will perform a tap dance for her talent. She supports" Relay for Life" as her community service.

n Mekayla Paige Nelson, daughter of Keith and Vanlene Nelson, of Robbins, is a senior at North Moore High School. Her talent will be clogging. Nelson will be promoting education about diabetes for her community service.

n Paige Elizabeth Adkins, daughter of Paula and Joe Adkins, of Pinehurst, will perform a tap dance as her talent. She is a junior at Pinecrest High School, and her community service is about "Eating Disorders in Teens."

Sarah Thomas Jones, Miss Moore County 1994 and Amy Johnson, the 2002 first Miss Moore County Outstanding Teen, will emcee. Featured entertainers will be Holly Haskins Campbell, Miss Moore County 2004; Carolina Princesses 2010; Vanessa Mogensen, Miss Moore County Princess; and Ashley LaFell, Miss Moore County Outstanding Teen Princess.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 12. they are available from the contestants and at the door or by calling (910) 673-3185.