CARIBOU, Maine — The 2019 Little Miss Caribou and Miss Caribou Scholarship Pageant was held on Saturday, March 23, at the Caribou Performing Arts Center.
Mallory Elizabeth Maynard, the 8-year-old daughter of Spencer and Heather Maynard, earned the Little Miss Caribou crown, while 18-year-old Grace Gallagher, the daughter of Jane Gallagher and Mark Hamill, became the 2019 Miss Caribou.
The combined pageant was sponsored by the Lister Knowlton VFW Auxiliary under the direction of Cheryl Bossie. Pageant emcees were Nicole DiVito and Meagan Thompson.
Proceeds benefit the Jefferson Cary Cancer Center. Kaitlyn Umphrey, the oncology nurse navigator at the center, explained how the pageant proceeds have provided medical equipment for the center, including most recently a rocker recliner for the comfort of patients receiving treatment.
Umphrey also highlighted the center’s two oncologists, Dr. Allan Espinosa and Dr. Dimas Yusuf. Last year, they saw 130 newly diagnosed cancer patients and they average nearly 3,000 office visits per year at the cancer center.
All contestants were scored on personal interview, fashion/physical fitness, talent and a gown walk by a panel of three judges.
In the Little Miss portion of the pageant, Maynard performed a Celtic dance to ”Galway Piper.” She also received awards for second highest ticket sales and tied for the Highest Interview Award.
Sadie Lynn Hunter, 7, the daughter of Matthew and Amy Hunter, was first runner-up. She performed a contemporary dance routine to “Everywhere I Go.” Hunter also won first place for highest ticket sales and tied for the Highest Talent Award.
Emily Dianne Zell was second runner-up. She is the 8 year old daughter of James and Bethany Zell. She performed a monologue entitled “Aroostook County Winter” that she co-wrote with her mother. She received the Highest Talent Award.
Addy Deschesne received awards for Miss Congenitality and third place in highest ticket sales.
Other contestants included Elyza Landeen, Lillie Michaud, Annabelle Smith, Isabella Robbins, Marleia Stevens and Taylor Griffeth.
During the Miss Caribou segment, Gallagher performed a sign language interpretation to the song ”This Is Me.” She will receive a $500 scholarship along with her crown.
Entertainment was provided by 2018 Little Miss Caribou, Vivian Jean Bell, who sang ”A Million Dreams.” In addition, the 2018 Miss Caribou, Makenzie Conroy, sang,”Like I’m Gonna Lose You.”
