If you are interested in participating in the 2009 Miss Scotland pageant, but have yet to submit an application, now is not the time to procrastinate.

Tomorrow at 5 p.m. marks the deadline to submit entry forms to compete in this year’s event, to be held next month at Scotland High School. Mark Doerffel, band director for the school system and a coordinator of the 2009 pageant, wants to be certain that all interested parties return their application materials on time.

“We want to make certain that everyone has the opportunity to be a part of the Miss Scotland Pageant,” he said, “so we encourage you to submit your entry forms and information prior to the 5 p.m. deadline on Friday.”

Forms may be downloaded from the Scotland County High School band’s website, but must be physically returned to the high school front office by 5 p.m. Friday.

The Miss Scotland pageant will take place on Feb. 28. Categories include “Teeny Miss Scotland” for the under threes; “Tiny Miss Scotland” for those girls ages three to five; “Little Miss Scotland” for girls in grades K through five; “Junior Miss Scotland” for those enrolled in grades six through eight; and “Miss Scotland” for young women in grades nine through 12.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the three winter guard programs in the school system. These groups travel around the state and region participating in competitions from Charleston to Atlanta and Raleigh. The high school group is preparing for a return trip to Dayton, Ohio in early April for the Winter Guard International World Championships.

For entry forms and guidelines to participate in the Miss Scotland Pageant, visit the Scotland County High School band’s website at www.scotlandband.org or call 276-7370 ext. 4126.