DERRY — Twelve young women compete Friday night for the title of Miss Greater Derry.

The contestants will share more than $19,000 in scholarships and prize money in this, the 23rd annual competition, set to begin at 7 p.m. at the Adams Memorial Opera House in downtown Derry.

The program is an official preliminary to the Miss New Hampshire pageant.

This year's show revolves around the theme, "The Elements," with opening numbers featuring current Miss Greater Derry, Lauryn DeBaie, and the NH Children's Dance Company. Choreographer for the show is former Miss Greater Derry Laura Foti, and Miss New Hampshire, Lindsey Graham, and NH Outstanding Teen, Katrini Rossi, will be on hand to help crown the new local titleholder.

Sponsors for the show include Gem Jewelers, Promises to Keep, New Hampshire Academie of Dance, ACR Limousine Service, Chase Production Services, Details by DiFranco Photography, Pinkerton Tavern, and Backmann Florist.

This year's Miss Greater Derry contestants include the following:

Brittany Dube, 18, Atkinson, and the daughter of Thomas and Michelle Dube. She will present a lyrical dance for her talent portion of the show.

Elizabeth Curette, 19, Hampstead. Her platform is "FLY: Fostering Literacy in Youth."

Mackenzie Martin, 19, Manchester. She will perform a ballet dance to Michael Buble's "Sway."

Samantha Massahos, 20, of Salem. Her platform is "Diabetes Awareness: Together We Can Find a Cure."

Holly Blanchard, 17, of Derry. A senior at Pinkerton Academy, she will perform a dance/twirl routine for her talent competition.

Krystal Muccioli, 19, Nashua, with the platform, "Volunteerism: Be the Change You Wish to See in the World."

Elysha Greenberg, 20, of Windham, the daughter of Frannie and Michael Greenberg. She will perform a flute solo to "Fuego."

Chantal McCabe, 19, of Candia. Her platform is "Empowering Young Women."

Alicia Rossman, 22, of Brentwood. Her platform is "Share our Strength: It Takes More Than Food to Fight Hugner."

Joanne Hemond, 19, of Derry. She will perform a hip/hop dance to "Can't Let Go."

Alyssa McLaughlin, 22, of Derry. She will perform a dance/twirl for her talent, and her platform is "Skin Cancer Awareness and Prevention."

Jillian Wheeler, 18, of Nashua. Her platform is "Music is NOTEworthy: Promoting the Arts Through Music."

Tickets for the Miss Greater Derry competition are $10 and will be available at the door on show night. For information.