January 23, 2008
For Immediate Release
To: Local Media
From: DiDi Henry
Special Events Director
City of Prattville
(334) 358-0297


Miss Fountain City Finds Fulfillment in an Active Life

Since being crowned Miss Fountain City 2008, last November, Jaye Herrod has not had much time to stop and think about her crowning moment. She has been busy making numerous appearances in her hometown of Prattville. School visits have been her main focus but she has also visited area nursing homes, a P.E.E.R.’s youth court meeting, chamber functions, the Autauga County Junior Miss program and much more.

“I was honored to be selected by the judges to serve as Miss Fountain City 2008 but I will spend this year earning the title,” Herrod said. “It is a big responsibility but I am so thrilled to serve my community in this capacity,” she added.

Herrod, a full-time honor student at the University of Mobile, has a full calendar, as she juggles her responsibilities of school, school activities and her role as Miss Fountain City. She is also the outgoing Miss University of Mobile. She will give up that crown on February 2.

As part of her Miss Alabama/Miss America program, Herrod must write an essay about a national platform and give community service hours to that issue. Her platform is “The Pursuit of Character”. She has logged over 1,000 hours to this platform to date. Upcoming appearances for Herrod include the Prattville Mardi Gras parade, the Eufaula Women’s Conference, the Smith Center and Law Day.

“During the Christmas break, I had an appearance just about every day of the week and some of those appearances were back-to-back events, with two to three appearances per day. It was exhausting but so inspiring at the same time,” Herrod said. “I love going into our schools and talking with the children about the importance of character. No matter the age of the student, you can always find a way to incorporate character education into their lives.”

Herrod is available to speak to civic organizations, schools and churches. Please call 358-0297 to book your appearance with Miss Fountain City. For more information, visit www.MissFountainCity.com.

On Tuesday, December 18th, Miss Fountain City 2008 - Jaye Herrod and her guests entertained the residents at Green Spring Assisted Living Facility in Prattville. She had invited Miss Fountain City Outstanding Teen - Hannah McDonald and Autauga County Junior Miss - Savannah Lee Harvard to join her for the holiday program. Jaye played traditional Christmas hymns on the piano and all three young ladies led the residents in a holiday sing-along. Then each took a few moments to introduce themselves and talk about the importance of their platforms. Jaye and Savannah also played their talent pieces on the piano. The residents enjoyed the entertainment and wished each girl "good luck" as they go on to their state scholarship programs.

Miss Fountain City Visits PCA Students


Jaye Herrod, Miss Fountain City 2008, knows the value of reading and the value of children. The two passions came together recently during a visit to Prattville Christian Academy. Miss Herrod was invited to be a guest reader to PCA's pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first and second grade classes.

"My mother is a teacher and I plan on teaching, once I receive my degree from the Universty of Mobile", Herrod said. "I love interacting with the children and answering their questions. Of course, we discuss the book I read to them but most questions are about my Miss Fountain City crown".

Herrod read the book, "You Are Special" by Max Lucado, which emphasizes an imporant message to people from pre-kindergarten to 105 years old. "What matters most is what's on the inside and that God made us, so we are all special", Herrod said. The message of staying true to one's self rings true throughout the book, as the main character stuggles not to believe the labels that the world trys to place on him. This message is also a part of Herrod's community service platform, "The Pursuit of Character". She has donated over 800 hours of her time and talents to this issue to date.

The children had a lot to say about the shiny silver crown, atop Herrod's head, with the main questions being WHY is she wearing it and did she buy it at Libby Lu's Boutique? Herrod explained that she was selected to be an ambassador for the City of Prattville and will represent the City at the Miss Alabama Pageant this June. "With this crown comes a lot of responsibility. I was given the opportunity to wear this crown but I will work hard all year to earn it, " she said. Herrod regularly will make appearances throughout the year to speak to churches, schools and civic organizations about "The Pursuit of Character". She will also make numerous appearances for the City of Prattville and the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Herrod is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Herrod of Prattville. She is a full-time student at The University of Mobile, where she is pursuing a degree in music. Herrod is the third young lady to wear the crown of Miss Fountain City.

MIss Fountain is a preliminary to the MIss Alabama/Miss America system. To read more about this program or Jaye Herrod, visit http://www.missfountaincity.com/. To book an appearance with Herrod for your school, church or civic group, please call 358-0297.