Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Germaine Scott, the 17-year-old daughter of Richard Scott and Tammy Scott, is the latest recipient of the title of Miss Presque Isle, having been selected from a field of eight contestants during the April 5 pageant held at Presque Isle High School.
Scott entertained the audience and judges with a vocal selection from “Les Miserables” titled “I Dreamed a Dream,” accompanied on piano by her grandfather, Dan Ladner. Despite the piano being out of tune, Scott – in costume for the performance – sang her heart out to the delight of audience and judges alike. During the evening gown portion, she wore a stunning purple gown with floral accents and responded to a question posed by the evening’s emcee, Jason Parent.
When asked what life skills are gained by participating in a pageant, Scott responded by saying, “It’s okay to be yourself. There’s no one else exactly like you.”
For her efforts, she received a $1,000 scholarship, a gift, crown and sash. Scott will now go on to represent the Star City, competing for the title of Miss Potato Blossom 2008.
First runner-up for the title of Miss Presque Isle 2008 was Brittany Bearden, 17, daughter of Monica Bearden and Jeff Bearden. Bearden also won the award for high ticket sales. She was awarded a $500 scholarship. Bearden offered a dance routine to the tune “I Believe.” During the evening gown competition, Bearden was asked what she’d do if she were Hillary Clinton for a day. She responded by saying, “I’d go to the high school to address issues, because we’re the generation she’d be serving as president.”
Allisen Donovan, 17, daughter of Linda and Tim Kelly and Kirk Donovan, was named second runner-up. She received a $250 scholarship. Donovan sang “Orange Colored Sky” for her talent. In response to a question regarding organ donation, Donovan said she’d, “bring in people who’ve survived due to donations,” explaining that the public would better understand through another’s experience.
Tiffany Belanger, 17, daughter of Tammy Walton and Jody Belanger and stepdaughter of Tina Belanger, was awarded Miss Congenialty. She performed sign language to “Daddy Can You See Me.” When asked what issues future social workers in schools will face with students in five years, Belanger said parenting issues, since “parents won’t be around as much due to the need to work. That’s why support from others is important.”
Other contestants included Kassandra Dumais, 18, daughter of Denise and Steven Dumais. She danced to “Ponde Relpay.” She was asked, if given an opportunity, what she’d discuss with the superintendent on behalf of classmates. Her reply, “I’d speak on peer pressure – pressure to do drugs and other things.”
Rebekah Shaw, 16, daughter of Sonja Plummer-Morgan and Stephen Shaw and the stepdaughter of James Morgan, danced to the song “Step Up.” She was asked if she agreed with Gov. John E. Baldacci’s school consolidation plan. Her reply, “I don’t agree,” and stressed “the importance of going to school in your home town and having home town pride.”
Autumn Whittaker, 16, daughter of Sherry Jandreau and Douglas Whittaker, danced to the song “Till The Dawn.” Asked whether personal electronic devices should be allowed in school, Whittaker said, “No, they can be misused to cheat on tests or gossip” and therefore shouldn’t be allowed in schools.
Morgan Svitila, 17, daughter of Cheryl Lyons and Joseph Svitila, performed a dance routine to “Bridging the Gap.” She was asked what impact, if any, indulging children’s wishes would have. “Negative,” was Svitila’s answer. “It teaches kids to want and they don’t learn to earn,” noting by doing so, children can never be happy.
The April 5 pageant marked the last appearance as queen for Nicole Ballard, Miss Presque Isle 2007.
“I’ve cherished this past year and will never forget it,” said Ballard as she bid farewell during her final walk, on the arm of her dad, Patrick Ballard.
Scott appeared in shock when her name was called. Svitila, standing next to the winner, was quick to congratulate Scott, giving her a hug and literally lifting her off the floor. After being crowned, it was time for photos. As well-wishers swarmed the stage, Scott could be seen in a warm embrace with her dad, hand over her mouth, with a look on her face as if to say ‘I did it, Daddy!’ And did it she did. Now comes the fun part of scheduling parade rides and guest appearances as she takes on the duties of Miss Presque Isle 2008.
Staff photos by Kathy McCarty
REBEKAH SHAW looked lovely in a pastel dress during the evening gown portion of the Miss Presque Isle pageant April 5.
TIFFANY BELANGER is presented with a gift by 2007 Miss Presque Isle Nicole Ballard, after being named Miss Congeniality at the April 5 pageant.
NICOLE BALLARD, escorted by her father, Patrick Ballard, makes her last appearance as 2007 Miss Presque Isle, taking her final walk as queen around the auditorium at PIHS April 5.
GERMAINE SCOTT, accompanied on piano by her grandfather, Dan Ladner, sang “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Miserable” for her talent. Scott took home the title of Miss Presque Isle 2008.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
DADDY, I DID IT! – Sharing the joy of being crowned Miss Presque Isle 2008 during a candid moment following the April 5 pageant, Germaine Scott gazes up at her father, Richard Scott, covering her mouth, muffling a gasp at the fact she’ll now represent the Star City as royalty for the next year.
ALLISEN DONOVAN performed a rousing rendition of “Orange Colored Sky” during the April 5 pageant and was later named second runner-up.
MORGAN SVITILA wore a light green gown for the April 5 pageant at Presque Isle High School.
KASSANDRA DUMAIS pauses for the judges in her pink dress during the evening gown segment of the April 5 pageant.
BRITTANY BEARDEN, wearing a pretty lavender dress, smiles as she makes her way across the stage during the evening gown portion of the competition. She was named first runner-up and also received the High Ticket Sales Award.
AUTUMN WHITTAKER takes to the stage in a festive dress during the evening gown portion of the April 5 pageant.
