Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Nine young ladies competed for the title of Miss Teen Presque Isle 2008 in an effort to raise funds for the Class of 2010. In the end, it was Haley Johnston who took the title.
For the first pageant of its kind in the Star City, the class is pleased with the amount raised.
“We were looking for a way to raise money for the Class of 2010. The idea of a pageant came up and after some discussion, we decided to try it,” said Pam Willette, adviser for the Class of 2010.
Willette said since there were already pageants for a Little, Junior and Miss Presque Isle, it was agreed to go with the ages in between those popular programs.
“For a first run, I’m really happy about it. The class raised about $2,300 between the two pageants. The kids were just tickled – those participating and those planning the event,” said Willette. “We had no trouble getting contestants for the first Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle 2008 and Miss Teen Presque Isle 2008.”
Willette said both events were handled primarily by students.
“The pageants were all student-driven. The emcees created opening numbers, the boys in the (class) cabinet were picking out crowns,” said Willette, noting plans are already being made for these pageants again next year. “Before the kids went home – before everybody won, the kids were asking if they could do it again next year.”
Mistresses of ceremonies for the evening were Maddasin Willette and Whitney LaPointe. Choreography was provided by Lorraine Hughes.
“Special entertainment was provided at both pageants by members of the Class of 2010, Nate Ackerson and Keenan Eaton. Everyone loved their act and they seemed to love doing it. They’ve even said they’d be interested in doing it next year if we do this again,” said Willette.
Performing as the Blues Brothers, Ackerson and Eaton entertained contestants and audiences at both events.
In all, nine young ladies competed for the title of Miss Teen Presque Isle 2008.
Sarah Gorneault, daughter of Henry and Trudy Gorneault, performed a Middle Eastern dance to “Thom Karuvil Irunthom.” Gorneault hopes to study law when she attends college.
Haley Johnston, daughter of John and Debby Johnston, did a jazz dance to “Ray of Light.” Johnston will attend the University of Maine at Orono, where she plans to major in pre-optometry.
Macie Tompkins, daughter of Julie Palmieri and Parker Tompkins, sang “I Won’t Say I’m in Love.” Tompkins said her goal is to become a psychologist.
Jodie Buckley said she planned to attend Husson where she would like to study to become a physical therapist. Buckley is the daughter of Patrick and Laurie Buckley. She sang “In Better Hands.”
Julea Gorneault received the Talent Award for her dance performance to “I’m Holding Out for a Hero.” She is the daughter of Henry and Trudy Gorneault. She plans to attend the University of Maine at Presque Isle for the early childhood education and development and business programs, with hopes of one day owning her own daycare.
Jordyn Burby, daughter of Darcy and Jason St. Thomas, danced to “To the Beat of My Heart.” Burby said she’d like to study parapsychology and someday become a writer.
Jordyn Kinney was named first runner-up at the pageant. She is the daughter of Derrick and Jolene Kinney and the late Michael Beaulieu. She sang “Popular” for her talent. Burby said she would like to attend the University of Maine at Orono to study early childhood development.
Naiomi Donovan, daughter of Tim and Linda Kelly and Kirk and Christina Donovan, was named second runner-up for the event. She performed a hip-hop dance to “Show Me the Money.” Donovan said she plans to attend UPEI to study to become a veterinarian.
Rilee Ellliott-Currie, daughter of Sheila and Noel Currie and Alan Elliott, performed a routine showing the evolution of dance. She said she hopes to one day become a trauma surgeon. She took home the High Ticket Sales and the Congeniality awards.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
NINE YOUNG ladies competed to be the first to wear the crown as Miss Teen Presque Isle during the June 14 pageant. Pictured waiting to hear the judges’ decision, from left: Rile Elliott-Currie, Naiomi Donovan, Jordyn Kinney, Jordyn Burby, Julea Gorneault, Jodie Buckley, Macie Tompkins, Haley Johnston and Sarah Gorneault. Johnston was named the winner, with Kinney taking first place runner-up and Donovan finishing second runner-up. Julea Gorneault received the Talent Award, while Elliott-Currie received the award for High Ticket Sales and was named Miss Congeniality by her peers.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
CONTESTANTS in the Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle 2008 pageant appeared on stage in formal wear as they awaited the judges’ decision. Pictured, from left: Madison Shaw, named third runner-up; Meghan Everitt; Rachel Maxwell, named fourth runner-up; and Kelsey Gilson, second runner-up.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
SIX OF THE 17 young ladies who competed for the title of Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle 2008 waited patiently for the winner to be announced. Pictured, from left: Patricia Valiquette; Emma Kinney; Justine LaBier; Katelyn Ford, co-winner of Miss Congeniality; Jordan Buckley, named Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle 2008 and winner of the Talent Award; and Krystal Kingsbury.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
THE BLUES BROTHERS, a/k/a Keenan Eaton and Nate Ackerson, provided entertainment at both the Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle 2008 and Miss Teen Presque Isle 2008 pageants, held June 14 at the Presque Isle High School Auditorium.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
WAITING TO HEAR the results of the first Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle pageant were, from left: Lauren Graves, co-winner of Miss Congeniality; Morgan Wilcox; and Cassidy Soucier.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
DRESSED IN GOWNS, contestants at the first Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle pageant waited to find out which of the 17 participants would win the title. Pictured, from left: Cameo Madore; Samantha Currier; Victoria Williamson, named fifth runner-up and winner of the High Ticket Sales Award; and Megan McKnight, first runner-up.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
KATELYN FORD and Lauren Graves, contestants in the Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle 2008 pageant on June 14, tied for the honor of Miss Congeniality.
