Eley named 2011 state Sunburst queen

COLUMBUS – Middle Point native Ayla Eley was crowned state Sunburst queen during a pageant held recently in Columbus.

Eley, 19, qualified for the state finals by winning a preliminary pageant in Dublin. She competed in the division for 18-27 year olds, and received first-place finishes in swimwear, evening gown and campus-work attire modeling. She also won the talent competition, singing Taylor Swift’s latest song: “Mean.”

Eley also received the top award for best portfolio, composite, and was awarded the title of “most photogenic” during the pageant. She also won side awards for “best evening gown,” “best hair,” “best personality” and being top “super model” of the pageant.

Eley is now qualified to compete in the Sunburst International competition, which is to be held in Atlanta, Ga., in July.

For her efforts, she received a total of nine trophies, 12 tiaras, four medals and a U.S. savings bond.

Van-Del Drive-In and Boyd Theatres sponsored her in the pageant.

Eley is a freshman at Columbus State University and plans to transfer to The Columbus College of Art & Design in the fall to pursue a degree in commercial photography.