Sarah Harden was crowned this year’s winner of the annual Miss Effingham County Middle School pageant.

Joining Harden in the Miss ECMS court were first runner-up Catie Rahn, second runner-up Bailee Wilson and third runner-up Maegan Horton.

Seventeen young ladies competed in the “salute to the big band era”-themed pageant. Contestants were judged on personality, poise and presence in casual wear, formal wear and on-stage interviews.

Rahn took first place in the photogenic and casual wear categories, and Horton was named Miss Spirit of ECMS and the formal wear winner.

Abigail Henry was recognized for having the highest grade point average.