Tyneisha, who is a student at Dover Elementary School, had a special reason for deciding more than a year ago to learn to sign. Her mother, Michelle Mathews, has been deaf since about age 3.

"Sometimes I feel bad for every child that is deaf," Tyneisha said.

On Saturday, Tyneisha, 9, demonstrated her new language skills during the 21st annual Junior Miss Plant City pageant, and won the top spot in the competition. She wore a "Miss USA" costume for a part of the contest that featured a parade of countries.

Tyneisha and her mother live with La Roseat Anderson, who is Michelle Mathew's cousin. Anderson said Michelle Mathews, who also is mute, knew from "everyone jumping" that her daughter had won.

"She was real pleased and real proud," Anderson said.

The event at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center is sponsored by Junior Elite Women's Club. The pageant was open to area girls 9 to 12 years old.

The pageant's theme was "Touch the World Through Love, Dignity and Beauty." Contestants were judged in four categories: "Parade of Countries," sportswear, talent and evening wear.

Tyneisha received her crown from last year's winner, Alexis Richardson. In March she will participate in the Florida Strawberry Festival. She also will represent Plant City in such events as the Plant City Christmas Parade and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade.

In addition to her crown, Tyneisha received a $100 U.S. Saving bond from Sunshine State Federal Savings and Loan Association in Plant City.

Reggine Brown, 10, was first runner-up. The daughter of Kimberly Brown and Reggie Brown, she attends Shore Elementary Magnet School for Visual, Performing and Communication Arts in Tampa.

Olivia Massey, 9, was second runner-up. The daughter of Debora and Lee Massey, she attends Roland Middle School in Tampa.

Tywanna Barr, 10, was third runner-up. The daughter of Reicko Gilchrist, she attends Burney Elementary School in Plant City.

Runners-up received trophies, flowers and gift certificates from area businesses. In addition the first and second runners-up received $50 U.S. Saving bonds from Hillsboro Bank and Valrico Bank.

By Kathy Steele, TBO News