Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Emily Wright will represent the city at various events in the coming year, having won the title of Miss Teen Presque Isle 2009 at the May 2 pageant held at the Presque Isle High School Auditorium.
A luau-themed opening number put participants and the audience in a festive mood at the Miss Teen Presque Isle 2009 competition. The pageant, a fund-raiser for the Class of 2010, saw contestants competing for crowns in both pre-teen and teen categories. Ten young ladies took to the stage hoping to take home the teen crown, as they were judged in four categories: interview, casual wear, talent and evening wear. During the evening wear portion of the event, each girl answered questions from the “coconut of destiny.”
On the way to winning the title, Wright, the daughter of Barry and Kimberley Wright, performed the Beatles’ song “Let It Be” on piano. For her effort, Wright tied for the talent award. Wright was asked what the best advice she’d ever received was, to which she responded, “My sister told me in a tough situation, go with your gut instinct — the one you’re most comfortable with.”
Julea Gorneault, daughter of Henry and Trudy Gorneault, performed a dance routine to “Freestyle” for her talent. Gorneault told the audience and judges what she liked about the community of Presque Isle was, “It’s a humble, small town that’s friendly and helpful.”
Miranda Lovely, daughter of Kim and Johna Lovely and the late Kenneth Thompson, chose to dance to the tune “I Believe.” Lovely was asked what her biggest accomplishment to date had been. “Moving to a new community and making new friends at a new school,” was her reply.
Sarah McEachern, daughter of Pam McEachern and Bruce McEachern, received the award for highest ticket sales. She performed a clogging routine to “Voulez-Vous.” She was asked what she viewed was the biggest problem facing youth today, to which she replied, “The biggest negative impact is the media” for showing inappropriate material, such as sexual activity, in television programs.
Hanna Patterson was named second runner-up. The daughter of Ariana Patterson and Derrick Kinney, she danced to the tune “Big Time.” When asked what advice she’d give a younger brother or sister, Patterson’s response was, “Be yourself.”
Sarah Gorneault, daughter of Henry and Trudy Gorneault, chose “Feeling Good” to perform a dance routine to during the talent competition. She was asked what she felt interested kids most, status or social issues. “American youth are more interested in status issues than social — how they look rather than the world around them,” said Gorneault.
Erica Hemphill, daughter of Kelly and Eric Hemphill, clogged to “The Fame.” When asked to describe a true friend, she answered, “A true friend is trustworthy, helpful and always there for you.”
Rilee Elliott-Currie was named Miss Congeniality. The daughter of Sheila and Noel Currie and Alan Elliott, she sang Miley Cyrus’s “The Climb.” She was asked what her most unforgettable experience was. “The youth 2007 event in Greensboro; Over 7,000 youth gathered to share their faith in the Lord,” said Elliott-Currie.
Whitney Michaud, daughter of Michael and Cheryl Michaud, performed a monologue/song to “The Step-Sister’s Lament.” Michaud was asked what her plans include after high school. “I plan to attend college, study early childhood education and raise a family of four,” she said.
Sophia Willette was named first runner-up and tied for the talent award. The daughter of Mike and Pam Willette, she sang “Fallen” for her talent. She was asked whom she would choose to meet if she could meet anyone. “Ray Charles, because he managed to persevere and overcome so much, touching many lives with his music, even mine,” said Willette.
Making their final appearances were outgoing queens Pre-Teen Presque Isle 2008 Jordan Buckley and Jordyn Kinney, who assumed the title of 2008 Miss Teen Presque Isle when Johnston was named Miss Presque Isle earlier this year.
THE OPENING NUMBER of the Pre-Teen and Teen Presque Isle 2009 pageants had a luau theme, complete with grass skirts and flowers. Here, participants are pictured at the end of their dance number. Those pictured include, in front, from left: Libbee Currie, Abigail Shaw, Madison Bearden, Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle 2008 Jordan Buckley, Lydia Patterson and Rachel Maxwell. In back: Whitney Michaud, Hanna Patterson, Julea Gorneault, Sophia Willette, Miss Teen Presque Isle 2008 Jordyn Kinney, Sarah Gorneault, Emily Wright, Miranda Lovely, Sarah McEachern and Rilee Elliott-Currie. Not visible was Erica Hemphill.
