Chinah Helmandollar ~ Miss Virginia 2009
 

            Chinah Helmandollar is a 23 year-old graduate of James Madison University where she earned a degree in Theatre.  She was the recipient of the Stratford Players Scholarship for theatre and the David Wilson Scholarship for excellence in theatre.  She was a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and she was named to the Dean’s List.  A native of Smith Mountain Lake, she has earned several thousand dollars in scholarship dollars through her participation in the Miss America Organization. Upon completion of her year of service, Chinah will pursue a career in acting as well as post graduate studies in stage and screen.

            Chinah believes strongly in her message, “Serving Virginians with Disabilities”.  She has served in several different capacities and venues, such as aiding students in special education classes by helping them with developmental, motor, and life skills.  For three years, she has volunteered at the state rehabilitation facility, Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, in Staunton, Virginia.  She recently completed her second year of service in the AmeriCorps’ “Serving Virginians with Disabilities” program where she has volunteered over 600 hours.  She is most proud of fusing her two passions together –  theatre and helping people with disabilities – by creating and leading drama workshops at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center. 

Chinah’s love of theatre and music has lead to impressive accomplishments.  She was the lead actor in a touring production of The Fisherman and His Wife that was performed over 30 times in Virginia’s schools.  In addition, she directed a one-act play entitled OEDI in the experimental theatre at James Madison University.  She also performed in the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and she has been featured on two CDs, singing and playing guitar.

           As Miss Virginia, she will travel 20,000 miles across Virginia sharing her message and entertaining.  She will visit many schools throughout her tenure encouraging Virginia’s youth to make healthy decisions.  Her presentation encompasses leadership, bullying, and the importance of saying “no” to alcohol, tobacco, and substance abuse.  In addition, Chinah serves as Virginia’s state ambassador for the Children's Miracle Network throughout her tenure of service.  


 Kathryn Rachel Scott - Dogwood Queen 2010

            Kathryn Rachel Scott is the daughter of Donnie and Cynthia Scott of Palmyra, VA.  She is an 18 year old graduate of Fluvanna County High School.  Kathryn Rachel is currently a student at Piedmont Virginia Community College where she will be pursuing a degree in Nursing or Surgical Technology.
            Kathryn Rachel has been a representative of the Charlottesville Dogwood Festival and has been promoting her platform "Serve Those That Serve Others" throughout her reign.  She has made approximately 30 appearances in the surrounding counties at parades, fundraisers, and fire departments raising awareness about, and supporting, the work that our local heroes do everyday.  As the Dogwood Queen she has emphasized the importance of community service, personal sacrifice, and the ability we all have to break negative stereotypes.
            Kathryn Rachel enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, baking, hunting/fishing, and riding horses.

2010 Dogwood Court

Miss Albemarle ~ Lauren Denea Hensley 



Lauren Denea Hensley is the 17 year old daughter of Jeff and Tammy Hensley of Charlottesville, Virginia.  Lauren is a Senior at Monticello High School and enjoys the Children's Ministry at Northridge Community Church, photography, baton twirling, reading, rock climbing, and watching her twin brother play baseball.  Lauren plans to attend Liberty University in the Fall.

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Miss Buckingham ~ Christina Elene Branzelle



Christina Elene Branzelle is the 17 year old daughter of Kenneth and Helen Branzelle of Wingina, Virginia.  Christina is a Senior at Buckingham County High School and enjoys cheerleading, singing, participating in community activies and Church.

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Miss Fluvanna ~ Cheryl Lee Koltz



Cheryl Lee Koltz is the 17 year old daughter of Patrick Strawderman and Kimberly Koltz of Palmyra, Virginia.  Cheryl is a Junior at Fluvanna County High School and enjoys snowboarding, cheerleading, theatre, cooking chili for charity events, and camping with family and close friends.

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Miss Greene ~ Brittany Leigh Gibson



Brittany Leigh Gibson is the 20 year old daughter of Sherwood and Lisa Gibson of Ruckersville, Virginia.  Brittany is a Sophomore at Piedmont Virginia Community College and is pursuing a degree in Business.  Brittany enjoys scrap booking, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

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Miss Louisa ~ Kayla Anne Dauberman



Kayla Anne Dauberman is the 17 year old daughter of Scott and Amy Smith of Louisa, Virginia.  Kayla is a Senior at Louisa County High School and enjoys competition and sideline cheerleading, athletic council, roaring leaders and is a SPCA volunteer.

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Miss Madison ~ Lauren Ashley Yowell



Lauren Ashley Yowell is the 19 year old daughter of Jesse and Cheryl Yowell Jr. of Madison, Virginia.  Lauren attends Piedmont Virginia Communtiy College and is pursuing a degree in Nursing.  Lauren enjoys softball, volleyball, swimming, fishing, shopping, working at their family restaurant, and spending time with family and friends. 

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Miss Orange ~ Lauren Marie Ashby Seal



Lauren Marie Ashby Seal is the 18 year old daughter of Delmer and Elain Seal of Orange, Virginia.  Lauren is a Senior at Orange County High School and enjoys playing field hockey, soccer, working in the community, going to Church, and spending time with family and friends.  Lauren is certified in CPR, first aid, and life guard training.



**All pictures courtesy of Gitchell's Studio**