JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Miss Tennessee competition happens next week and local competitors are preparing to head to Nashville.

On Friday, a sendoff event was organized for Miss Johnson City, Miss Historic Jonesborough, Miss State of Franklin, and other teenage contestants. They are scheduled to head to Nashville on Monday.

The competitors say they are glad to have their families, friends, and community supporting them.

“It means everything,” expressed Lily Brock, Miss Johnson City. “Growing up in Johnson City, this community has been a big part of my life, and having their support is essential as we come together before heading out. The Miss Tennessee week involves a lot of nerves, so this event is a joyful moment before we have to really concentrate and get ready.”

“Having a whole community and a supportive group wanting us to succeed means the absolute world,” remarked Abigail Utterback, Miss Historic Jonesborough. “The preparation period has been extensive, but the constant positivity throughout has been a tremendous blessing.”

“Seeing the support that our family and our supporters have shown us today has been so special,” Miss State of Franklin Shelby Koerten said. “I know a lot of us are very excited and have a lot of anticipation for the competition coming up this week. So, to just see this, you know, wrapping of support around us has been very encouraging for us moving forward.”

At Friday’s event, the next scholarship competition was announced. It will be held in the Jackson Theatre this fall in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Miss Historic Jonesborough scholarship pageant.