Folk from Laurens will be watching the Miss America Pageant Saturday night with extra interest because Ali Rogers grew up there. Here, Ernie Whiteford, owner of a long-time family restaurant in Laurens, adjusts the letters on a sign to wish Ali "Good Luck". Whiteford said that he has known Ali for most of her life. "She and her mom came over when my son was born prematurely. Ali rock that baby while so my wife and I could get some sleep." Ali was 10-years old. "She was 10 going on 20. She was so mature", he said. TIM DOMINICK — tdominick@thestate.com Buy Photo