White, Patterson earn royal titles
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Little Miss and Junior Miss Presque Isle 2012 were crowned April 13 at the annual pageant, held at Presque Isle Middle School. Winning the titles for this year were Lulu White as Little Miss and Lydia Patterson as Junior Miss.
Staff photos by Kathy McCarty
WAITING FOR THE RESULTS 
— Contestants in the Little Miss and Junior Miss Presque Isle 2012 pageants linked pinkies as they nervously waited for the judges’ decisions on who would win the crowns at this year’s event. Pictured from left, in the forefront, are Little Miss contestants Danika Haskell and Lulu White. In back are Junior Miss contestants: Grace Cyr, Emily Sjoberg, Lydia Patterson, Lindsey Lagerstrom, Brooke McLean and Yessenia Vilar.
The event, sponsored by the United Way of Aroostook, served as a fundraiser for the nonprofit organization. Emcees for the evening were Jason Parent and Claudia Stevens. Judging the pageant were Barb Blackstone, Tanya Boardman and Helena Ford. Determining the winners were auditors Cindy Flanagan and Gayle James.
WILL FLANNERY accompanied his daughter, Miranda Flannery, as she took her last walk as Junior Miss Presque Isle 2011.
Contestants were judged in four categories. Interviews, which were held prior to the night’s festivities, counted as 30 percent of the girls’ overall total. Casual sportswear represented 20 percent of the final figure, with talent counting 20 percent and the gown segment 20 percent.
The 2011 queens, Junior Miss Miranda Flannery and Little Miss Madison Hedrich, were interviewed and performed for the last time as reigning royalty. Flannery considered her year as a learning experience.
MADISON HEDRICH gets a helping hand from the stage from her dad, Todd Hedrich, as she takes her final walk as Little Miss Presque Isle 2011. 
“The opportunity gave me confidence I will carry with me. I want to go to college and work toward a world studies degree — European history — and someday become a teacher,” said Flannery, prior to taking the stage to sing “Danny Boy,” a favorite song of her grandfather’s and representative of her Irish heritage.
Hedrich said parades were her favorite part about being queen.
“The most fun was the Light Parade. I got to sing Christmas carols, but it was cold,” said Hedrich. She entertained by dancing to “My Boy Lollipop.”
Stevens thanked all who made the evening possible.
“It takes a lot of people to pull a show together,” said Stevens. “United Way donations all add up. Don’t think your little bit doesn’t count.”
This year’s contestants for Little Miss included Danica Haskell and White. Haskell, daughter of Chris and Cathy Haskell, danced to “Tonight, Tonight” for her talent and was named first runner-up and was named Little Miss Princess. Her future goals include either becoming a marine biologist or Zumba instructor.
White, daughter of Joseph and Chalice White, played piano to “When the Saints Go Marching In” on her way to winning the title. She indicated she’d like to become a dentist.
In the Junior Miss category, there were six contestants: Grace Cyr, Yessenia Vilar, Emily Sjoberg, Brooke McLean, Lydia Patterson and Lindsey Lagerstrom.
Cyr, daughter of Mark and Heidi Cyr, performed a monologue entitled “Just Call me Bo.” Cyr sees herself one day becoming a farm animal veterinarian or wildlife veterinarian.
Vilar, daughter of Jasmine and Jason Cote, clogged to “Who’s That Chick.” She would like to go to college to get her veterinary medicine degree and someday open her own clinic.
Sjoberg, daughter of Kevin and Susan Sjoberg, performed a self-choreographed en pointe dance number to “A Thousand Years.” She received the Spirit Award, by a vote of her peers.
McLean, daughter of Angel and Troy McLean, chose the country song “Good Time” to dance to. Her future plans are to become a hair stylist.
Patterson, the daughter of Arianna Patterson and Michael Sullivan, performed a self-choreographed lyrical dance to “First Love.” Her plans include going to the New York School of Arts and becoming an actress. In addition to winning the crown, Patterson was also named Miss Hospitality for raising the most funds.
Lagerstrom, daughter of Paul and Sarah Lagerstrom, danced to a lyrical number entitled “Pony It’s OK.” Her future plans are to become a therapist for children. She was named first runner-up.
Patterson won’t be the only member of her family serving as a representative for the city this year however. Her older sister, Hanna Patterson, was named Miss Presque Isle 2012. White and Patterson now will go on to compete in the Miss Potato Blossom pageants in July. Should they win their categories, the first runners-up in their respective divisions would assume the role of Miss Presque Isle.
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| LYDIA PATTERSON strikes a pose during the Junior Miss Presque Isle competition held April 13. Patterson received the hospitality award for high ticket sales and was named 2012 queen. | LULU WHITE was prepared for the soccer field during the sportswear competition at this year’s Little Miss pageant. White will be representing the Star City after being named the 2012 queen. |
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| DANIKA HASKELL appeared ready for the tennis court, during the sportswear segment of the Little Miss pageant. As first runner-up, she was named Little Miss Princess. | LINDSEY LAGERSTROM pauses before the judges during the sportswear event during the Junior Miss Presque Isle competition, held at the Presque Isle Middle School. She was named first runner-up. |
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| BROOKE McLEAN pauses for the judges in a white gown accented in black at this year’s Junior Miss competition. | YESSINIA VILAR looked ever the princess during the evening wear segment of the Junior Miss Presque Isle Pageant. |
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| GRACE CYR looked lovely in her gown at the Junior Miss Presque Isle Pageant, held April 13. | EMILY SJOBERG wore an elegant blue gown as she competed in the Junior Miss Presque Isle pageant at Presque Isle Middle School. She received the Spirit Award. |
