It’s not everyday traffic on Broad Street comes to a halt for a pep rally, especially for one that’s being held in front of City Hall. Yet that’s exactly what happened Thursday in honor of one former Selma citizen who is quickly gaining national attention.

Organized by Councilwoman Bennie Ruth Crenshaw, the pep rally was a way for the town to show support for 23-year-old Shondrell Hunter.

Hunter, a second-year student at The University of Vermont Law School, will be competing this Saturday for the title of Miss America in Atlantic City, N.J.

The Selma High School graduate won the title of Miss Vermont in early July and is now representing the state during the pageant.

Mayor James Perkins, Jr. had already claimed Sept. 20 as Shondrell Hunter Day and given the contestant a key to the city.

Crenshaw said she decided to host this pep rally on the advice of her daughter, who knew Hunter when they were in high school.

To help out at the pep rally, Selma High cheerleaders and the band came out to get the crowd pumped up.

The cheerleaders even created their own special cheers for Hunter, getting the crowd to shout out &uot;Drell&uot; in unison.

Carolyn Powell, a representative for U.S. Rep. Artur Davis, sent greetings from the congressman.

Crenshaw stated that Hunter is a good example of someone who can overcome boundaries and do something positive.

Council President George Evans and Councilman Sam Randolph also helped to organize the pep rally.

The Miss American pageant will be broadcast nationwide Saturday on NBC.