DeMerchant claims crown during Little Miss pageant

17 years ago
By Debra Walsh
Staff Writer

    Pageants with pint-sized contestants can offer a good indication of the talent pool within a community. Judging from the singing and dancing at the 2008 Little Miss Caribou Pageant on Saturday, the city can expect to be well represented wherever these youngsters perform.

ImageAroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
    Dressed in evening gowns, the new Little Miss Caribou Kyleigh DeMerchant, center, and her court pose for pictures after a Saturday evening pageant at the Caribou Performing Arts Center.  The contest of second graders was based on their talent, an interview segment and their appearance. From left are Kirsten Lily Haney, Danielle Ann Hanson, Kyleigh Emma DeMerchant, Hanah Grace White and Jaelynn Elizabeth Doody.

    Crowned as the new Little Miss was Kyleigh DeMerchant, a second-grader at Hilltop Elementary School. Four other of her classmates also competed in the “Puttin’ on the Ritz” pageant.
    The five eight-year-olds were seen on stage during a fashion walk, performing a talent and wearing evening gowns. Another part of the competition was an interview of each contestant conducted by Sandi Bouchard, the evening’s mistress of ceremonies.
    Jaelynn Doody was asked about the last book she read, to which she replied “Sheep in a Jeep” and described the plot in detail.
    During her interview, Hanah White talked about her pets, which include fish and horses.
    “I have about 20 animals,” Hanah said.
    Kyleigh described her involvement in the Girl Scouts and how she likes the activities.
    “Today, we went bowling,” Kyleigh said.
    Danielle Hanson was asked where was her favorite place to eat. Her father owns a restaurant in Caribou.
    “My favorite place is Frederick’s (Southside) because my dad is there,” the contestant said.
    Kirsten Haney discussed her “favorite memory,” which was when she got a new dog.
    The pageant was held at the Caribou Performing Arts Center under the direction of Cheryl Bossie of Caribou.
    Sponsored by the Lister Knowlton VFW Auxiliary, the proceeds from the event will benefit cancer aid and research.
    Judges for the event were Jennifer Buzza, Tina White and Donna Rogers.
    Among the eight visiting queens was the 2008 Miss Caribou Molly Bouchard, who also performed during the evening.
    Contestant Kirsten Haney placed first in the ticket sales, while Danielle Hanson won second place and Jaelynn Doody placed third.
    Each contestant received a trophy for participating.
    Special thanks were offered to Candace Roy as the backstage manager, Shirley Dumas as ticket sales coordinator, Susan Keaton for designing the stage and Meagan Bossie for operating the stage curtain.
    Stylists from Images salon in Caribou provided hairstyle and make-up assistance.
    Abby and Paige Small of Caribou choreographed the pageant’s opening musical number and Duane McCubrey was the contest’s videographer.
    Special thanks were offered to Andre Dumas for his contribution to ticket and program printing.

 

ImageAroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
    The 2007 Little Miss Caribou Ashley Matlock waves at the conclusion of the dance routine she performed at the Satuday pageant to crown her successor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image    Jaelynn Doody performed a colorful baton routine during the talent segment of the Little Miss Caribou pageant on Saturday. Jaelynn was named the second runner-up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image    Kirsten Lily Haney performed an energetic dance routine to “1234,” during the talent portion of the pageant on Saturday. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image    Clasping the white lace overlay of her dress, Hanah Grace White, performed “I Can Only Imagine,” a Christian contemporary song, during the talent portion of the pageant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image    Danielle Hanson performed a dazzling jazz dance routine to “New York, New York” during the talent portion of the 2008 Little Miss Caribou pageant. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image    With Shirley Temple-like curls, Kyleigh Emma DeMerchant sang the Temple favorite “On the Good Ship Lollipop” as part of her winning performance Saturday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image    The opening number featured the 2008 Little Miss Caribou contestants and the 2007 Little Miss.