The Miss Jubilee Pageant is more than a beauty competition; it changes lives.

This year’s pageant has eight contestants representing areas from Selma to Camden to Lafayette, La. The competition will be held March 3 at 7 p.m. at the Larry D. Striplin Performing Arts Center.

Contestants Hope Middlebrooks from Pine Hill, Askhari Little from Selma, Kayla Perryman from Camden, Kiremia Lee from Selma, Malika Francis from Lafayette, La., Dalanie Duhon from Lafayette, La., DeManda Smith from Selma and Myeshia Clark from Lafayette, La. are all vying for the 2011 title.

Mariah Wilson, Miss Jubilee 2010, said her win exposed her to many influential people, like the former wife of Nelson Mandela, Winnie Mandela, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

“As ‘Miss Jubilee’, you’re the face of the Jubilee and that’s an honor,” Wilson said. “The competition is a role model for young people; it taught me how to carry myself. It was a wonderful experience.”

In its 17th year, the Miss Jubilee Pageant offers scholarships, trophies and a chance for winners to represent their communities at the Jubilee events and meet civil rights icons.

Felecia Pettway, coordinator of the event, said the pageant prepares girls for future success.

“This is a different type of pageant,” Pettway said. “Contestants can not only showcase their talents but they can enhance their communication skills through their knowledge of current events.”

“Every year we try to get contestants from everywhere,” Pettway said. “Many of our contestants have gone on to be lawyers, educators and nurses. It’s just amazing the success they’ve had after the competition.”

Jerria Martin, Selma native and Miss Jubilee 2006-2007, said the pageant “opened up a whole new world for me,” and set the foundation for her calling as a minister.

“I had the opportunity to pray and hold hands with thousands of people to close out the Jubilee ceremony,” Martin said. “I met President Obama, former President Clinton and Frederick Douglass IV. Clinton later sent me a handwritten letter telling me how much my prayer moved him. It made a difference for me.”

Wilson said the competition is more than winning money and having notoriety.

“It’s hard work,” Wilson said. “You’re a representative of your family and your community and you should be ready to carry on any task.”

Wilson is currently a junior at the University of Alabama, pursing a degree in pediatric nursing. Martin is currently attending Princeton University for a master of divinity degree.