Millsap crowned Miss Benton County

GENTRY — Courtney Millsap, 18, daughter of Wally and Kay Millsap of Gentry, was crowned Miss Benton County at the county fair on Aug. 17.

She competed against 11 others for the title and also won the swimsuit and evening gown competitions.

As the new 2011 Miss Benton County, she will go on to representBenton County at the state level.

"This was so special for me," said Kay Millsap, Courtney's mother, "because when I was in the Miss Benton County Pageant many years ago, I was first runner-up. Then my oldest daughter Heidi won first runner-up when she was in it in 1999. In 2002 Bridgette was in the contest and was first runner-up. Last year Courtney competed and was first runner-up.

"In the past, you could only compete for Miss Benton County if youwere a senior in high school. This year, they had rule changes and the age is between 17-21, which allowed Courtney to compete once again.

"She is 18 and she finally was able to break the first runner-up titles for the Millsaps," her mother said.

Courtney graduated from Gentry High School in 2011, where she was the president of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was on the varsity track and basketball teams.