Christine Paulk traded her gown for jeans the day after winning Miss Central Alabama Fair, but she didn’t trade the same winning smile.

Sitting in the library of Central Christian Academy, Paulk, 17, said she was surprised upon hearing her name when the master of ceremonies announced the winner.

Paulk thanked God, her parents, her friend Kathryn Alexander and Holbrook Ready-Mix, her sponsor, for winning Tuesday’s event.

Paulk competed with 22 other contestants Tuesday night at the Central Alabama Fair. The audience began watching the pageant at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, but the contestants began their work around 2:30 p.m.

Paulk said everyone had a one-on-one interview with the judges before stepping onto the stage Tuesday evening. Questions asked included, &uot;If a genie granted you three wishes, what would you wish for?&uot;

The day of the event wasn’t all questions and answers. It was also a day filled with preparation and stress.

Paulk said she got involved in the pageant because of her friend, Alexander, the 2002 Miss Central Alabama Fair. &uot;She was more excited than I was,&uot; Paulk said of her friend. &uot;I was still in shock. I still feel like it was all a dream.&uot;

Paulk won $400 and $100 savings bond as Miss Central Alabama Fair. The $400 is slated for savings, where it sits until Paulk begins The University of Alabama. The savings bond also goes to the bank to gain interest.

Paulk said she intends to gain a master’s degree in business and open a real estate agency. &uot;I’m more of a people person,&uot; she said.

While business is in Paulk’s educational future, history is a current favorite of hers. Paulk said she enjoys American history because of her teacher, Kay Stephens.

Before college comes around, though, Paulk said she looks forward to Selma’s Thanksgiving parade and the regional pageant.