Some pageants are meant to bring entertainment. Others, like Miss Tennessee, aim to serve their community in a more positive and constructive way: to send young women to college.

Miss Carter County/Miss Watauga Valley is preparing for their 2019 pageant with nine contestants to take the stage.

Jim and Edna Potter first organized the scholarship pageant for college-age women in 1984.

Linda Adams has been co-director of the pageant alongside Becky Simerly since 2003.

“I always liked what Ms. America stood for,” Adams said. “There is so much community service involved.”

The pageant has a set of rules applicants must pass before they can become contestants. They must be between 18 and 25 years old, never been married and they must work or live in Tennessee. This includes going to school in the state.

“It used to just be ‘You have to live here,’” she said. “Many people apply online now.”

This year’s pageant will tie into the holiday spirit with a Christmas theme across its different judging criteria and will include appearances from previous year’s contestants and winners.

“This year’s winners will have the chance to compete in the state competition in Jackson in June 2019,” she said.

She said the way the pageant uplifts and supports the community is what inspires her.

“I enjoy getting to know the girls. We are like family,” Adams said. “I keep in contact with the girls after their competition as well.”

The scholarships the pageant awards the winners rely exclusively on donations they receive from the community, right up to the day of the pageant itself.

“There are so many angles to consider when organizing pageants like this,” Adams said.

The doors to the pageant will open at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at T.A. Dugger Jr. High School.

“Nine contestants is a good year for us,” Adams said. “We really appreciate the support from the community.”