Lewistown, PA, -- Plans are underway for the 2001 Miss Central Pennsylvania Scholarship Pageant, which is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 24 at the Lewistown Area High School.

On Saturday, December 9, an orientation for contestants was held at the Burnham Lions Club Community Building. The contestants met with chairpersons of the various committees, had publicity photographs taken, signed contracts and viewed videotapes about the Miss America program.

Miss Central Pennsylvania 2000, Nikesha Moore, and Miss Greater Juniata Valley 2000, Allison Mattner, were also present to speak to the contestants and offer advice in their quest for the titles of Miss Central Pennsylvania and Miss Greater Juniata Valley 2001. The orientation activities concluded with an informal meal provided by Kentucky Fried Chicken of Lewistown.

Pageant organziers indicated that they are currently in the process of soliciting scholarships for the pageant winners from local businesses and organizations. Representatives of the pageant and contestants are also selling program book advertisements.

The Miss Central Pennsylvania Scholarship Pageant is a preliminary event to the Miss Pennsylvania and Miss America Pageants with the winners representing central Pennsylvania in the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant in June.

Reserved seat tickets for the pageant are now on sale and can be obtained by contacting Ann Clark at (717) 248-7396. Both reserved seat and general admission tickets will also be available at the door the night of the pageant.