CORAL GABLES (SEPTEMBER 25, 2007) –  The Junior Orange Bowl Committee (JOBC) is giving young ladies, ages 12-14, a unique opportunity to vie for the chance to be the 2007-2008 Junior Orange Bowl Queen during the Royal Court Search. During this annual event, three lucky young ladies are selected to represent the Junior Orange Bowl as Queen and Princesses to a line-up of multi-cultural youth events, including the Junior Orange Bowl Parade in Coral Gables on December 29th.
The Junior Orange Bowl Royal Court Search will be held on Saturday, October 27th at the Miami Elks Lodge #948 on 10301 SW 72nd Street. A local tradition since 1951, the Junior Orange Bowl Royal Court Search is much more than a typical pageant. Through the Royal Court Search, young ladies are selected by a panel of professional judges based on many factors including personality, poise, charm and a strong sense of community. Good public speaking skills will be essential as the participants will be interviewed by a panel of judges and asked to answer spontaneous questions in front of an audience.
Young ladies who wish to participate in the Junior Orange Bowl Royal Court Search must fill out an entry form found on www.jrorangebowl.com. Additional copies may be obtained by calling the Junior Orange Bowl Committee office at 305-662-1210. Entries are limited to residents of Miami-Dade, Broward, or Monroe. A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate must be submitted with the entry form to verify that the applicant is between 12 and 14 years of age.
The responsibilities of the Queen and Princesses include attending the various Junior Orange Bowl events around Coral Gables and other parts of Miami. During these events, the Queen and Princesses will have the opportunity to interact with children from a large spectrum of backgrounds and cultures. Several of the Festival events, like the golf, tennis, and chess championships, are international events that attract young talent from all over the world. Other events like the Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Classic bring in teams from around the United States to compete with local high school teams. The highlight of the Festival is the Junior Orange Bowl Parade, where the Queen and Princesses will ride the Royal Court Float down Miracle Mile in Coral Gables.

Coral Gables (September 27, 2007) – The theme for the 20th annual Junior Orange Bowl Creative Writing Contest is “What It Takes To Be A Great Role Model.”  This essay contest is open to all eighth grade middle-school students in Miami-Dade County.  Students from public, private, and home schools are eligible to participate in this essay competition.
 
Entries must be received by November 5, 2007.  Essays may be up to 500 words.  Prizes are awarded to the three winning students and their teachers.  The awards ceremony is held at the monthly meeting of the South Florida Writers Association.  This event will be at Borders in Pinecrest on January 5, 2008.  All finalists will receive a Junior Orange Bowl certificate.