Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Presque Isle High School Auditorium March 28 was the scene of the Miss Presque Isle 2009 Pageant.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
ROYAL GREETING — Haley Johnston, Miss Presque Isle 2009, takes her first walk as royalty, waving to the audience March 28 at the Presque Isle High School Auditorium.
From the opening number to Tina Turner’s Rolling on the River, to the final walk of Miss Presque Isle 2008 Germaine Scott, each moment was packed with entertainment and awe.
Nine young ladies competed for the crown this year. But when the evening came to an end, it was Haley Johnston who was selected to represent the city for the coming year.
Prior to the judges’ decision being announced, Scott shared some queenly advice with the nine contestants.
“As queen, I learned to hold my head high and be proud of whatever I do,” said Scott, advising the next queen to do likewise.
Contestants competed in four categories: interview, sportswear, talent and evening gown.
Autumn Whittaker, daughter of Douglas Whittaker and Sherry Jandreau, performed a dance number to “The Way You Make Me Feel,” by Michael Jackson. Whittaker plans to major in business, hoping to one day become a massage therapist.
Kori Kinney is the daughter of Norman Kinney and Tracy Kinney. She sang “How Do I Live,” by LeAnn Rimes, for her talent. Kinney said she wants to study nursing and one day become a surgical nurse.
Rebekah Shaw, daughter of James Morgan and Sonja Plummer-Morgan and Stephen Shaw, sang Carrie Underwood’s “I Told You So.” Shaw plans to major in business and one day open her own business. Shaw was named Miss Congeniality and second runner-up for the evening, taking home a $300 scholarship for the honor.
Shayna da Cruz performed a dance number to “He Lives in You,” from “The Lion King.” She is the daughter of Carlos and Suzette da Cruz. Her future plans include attending Bethany Bible College, with a focus on music and the arts.
Brittany Bearden, daughter of Jeff Bearden and Monica Bearden, danced to “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” by Whitney Houston. Bearden received a $100 award for High Ticket Sales. She plans to attend the University of Maine at Presque Isle where she plans to study athletic training.
Karrie Brawn was named first runner-up, taking home a $600 scholarship. She is the daughter of Gary and Jean Brawn. For her talent, she showed her artistic side, creating a balloon artwork to “Bron-yr-aur,” by Led Zeppelin. She plans to attend UMPI, where she will continue her art education.
Jordyn Kinney, daughter of Derrick and Jolene Kinney, and the late Michael Beaulieu, sang “There Will Come A Day,” by Faith Hill, for her talent presentation. Kinney said her plans include getting a bachelor’s degree in business, with a goal of opening a daycare.
Katrina Whittier, daughter of Roy and Debbie Whittier, performed a monologue entitled “Waiting.” She plans to attend the University of Southern Maine, majoring in journalism and media studies.
Johnston, daughter of John and Debby Johnston, performed a dance number to “Everybody’s Got Their Something,” by Nikki Costa. She plans to attend the University of Maine at Orono, majoring in biology, with a goal of getting a doctorate in the field of medicine to “better the lives of others.”
Johnston’s duties kicked into full gear April 4, as she represented the city during the Sesquicentennial Birthday Party, held at NMCC, where she greeted guests and helped serve cake during the big event. She will represent the Star City during the Potato Blossom Festival this summer, as well as numerous other events planned throughout the year, including all Sesquicentennial activities scheduled in the months ahead.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
ANXIOUSLY AWAITING THE RESULTS at the Miss Presque Isle 2009 Pageant, held at Presque Isle High School March 28, were, from left: Brittany Bearden, winner of the High Ticket Sales Award; Autumn Whittaker; Karrie Brawn, first runner-up; Kori Kinney and Shayna da Cruz.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
PINKIES LINKED, contestants of this year’s Miss Presque Isle Pageant nervously awaited the results during the March 28 event, held at Presque Isle High School. Pictured, from left: Jordyn Kinney, Katrina Whittier, Haley Johnston and Rebekah Shaw. Johnston was crowned Miss Presque Isle 2009. Shaw was named Miss Congeniality and second runner-up.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
OPENING NUMBER — Contestants for the Miss Presque Isle 2009 Pageant teamed up for a spirited opening number to “Rolling on the River” March 28 at the Presque Isle High School Auditorium. Pictured, from left: Kori Kinney, Haley Johnston (in back of Kinney), Rebekah Shaw, Katrina Whittier, Shayna da Cruz, Jordyn Kinney, Karrie Brawn, Brittany Bearden and Autumn Whittaker.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
QUEEN’S FAREWELL — Germaine Scott, Miss Presque Isle 2008, took to the stage to perform one final time as reigning queen, during the Miss Presque Isle Pageant, held March 28 at Presque Isle High School.
