Junior and Miss Ashland queens
crowned at May 5 pageant
By Susan Feeney-Hopkins
Special to The Star-Herald
ASHLAND — The Ashland District School auditorium was the site of the Junior and Miss Ashland pageants Saturday, May 5.
Pageant photos by Susan Feeney-Hopkins
OUTGOING MISS ASHLAND Taylor Baker made her last official appearance as an Ashland queen. She sang during the recent pageant and helped crown the new queens.
A total of seven girls competed in the two pageants. In the upbeat opening number, the stage remained dark for the first few moments while the girls danced with glow sticks providing for some really neat visuals. Each contestant then introduced themselves before exiting the stage.
The contestants then modeled their Everyday Wear, chosen as a reflection of their personality. A few standouts were Taylor Morton, who sported her best Red Sox attire, while Kali Pelletier wore her signature wool cap and backpack. All of the girls displayed such self-assurance; it was very inspiring to see these young women so certain of who they are. During the talent portion of the event, the girls really shined. Again, each of them showed such confidence and displayed true, individual talents.
The pageant was sponsored by Bessey’s Auto, Hornets Hometown Convenience, Ashland Food Mart and Lasting Moments Photography, which also provided photography services for the pageant.
ASHLAND’S NEWEST QUEEN — Sydney Curtis, 14, of Ashland, was crowned Junior Miss Ashland. Here, she receives her crown from outgoing Miss Ashland, Taylor Baker.
Lacey Jandreau, 7, of Portage Lake, appeared in her first public role as Little Miss Ashland 2012. She performed a dance and acrobat routine. Miss Pre-Teen Ashland 2012, Kassandra Nelson, 10, of Portage Lake, also made her first official appearance as queen, giving another moving performance in sign language. It should be noted that Jandreau’s and Nelson’s titles were changed from their initial crowning. This is because the titles of Tiny Miss and Little Miss were in conflict with another area pageant. It was decided to change the titles to better differentiate them from one another. Taylor Baker appeared for the last time as Miss Ashland first by singing the new country hit “Glass” by Thompson Square, and then again, to crown the new queens.
TAKING HER FIRST WALK as Ashland’s newest queen is 18-year-old Brooke LaBelle, who was crowned the 2012 Miss Ashland at the May 5 pageant.
Judges for the competition were Christine Ouellette, Lauren Antworth and Casey Haines. Jessica Nason, the director of the Junior and Miss Ashland pageants, was presented with gifts from the contestants as a token of their appreciation. They all agreed Nason was dedicated and “worked really hard” for them. Michelle Eastman did another outstanding job as mistress of ceremonies. During the evening gown competition, Eastman asked the contestants questions which were sealed and chosen randomly by each girl as she completed her stage walk. Some of the questions provided for some laughs, such as the question, “What TV show best describes your family?” chosen by Laura Sturgeon. Sturgeon responded with “Days of Our Lives.” Other questions were of a more serious nature such as the contemporary issues facing young people today. When Kali Pelletier was asked about the problem of substance abuse, she wisely advised a good way to avoid using drugs was to, as she does, “keep good friends.” 
PAGEANT DIRECTOR Jessica Nason, left, received a surprise gift of appreciation from contestant Gabrielle Cyr on behalf of the pageant contestants who thanked Nason for her “dedication and hard work.”
A special surprise for the girls came while awaiting the judge’s results. Personal messages from the contestants’ loved ones were read aloud. All of them shared a common thread, mentioning the character and personal strength the girls possessed. It provided a very touching moment for the girls and their families.
Competing in the Junior Miss Ashland pageant were:
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| TAYLOR MORTON, 11, of Ashland, recently participated in the Junior Miss Ashland pageant held May 5 in the school’s auditorium. Morton is shown here in the opening performance and introduction. | SYDNEY CURTIS, 14, Ashland’s newly crowned Junior Miss, is shown here singing “Ave Maria” during the talent portion of the competition. Curtis proved to be a very talented and poised singer. |
• Taylor Morton, 11, who looked lovely in a purple gown and sang, “Your Grace Still Amazes Me.” Morton is the daughter of Donna and David Morton of Ashland.
• Sydney Curtis, 14, the daughter of Julie and Matt Carney of Ashland, who gave a beautiful rendition of “Ave Maria” really highlighting her outstanding vocal ability and elegance. Curtis was crowned Junior Miss Ashland 2012.
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| LAURA STURGEON, 13, was confident in her evening gown during the gown portion of the pageant. | SAVANNAH FLINT, 13, was well dressed during the evening gown portion of the Ashland Junior Miss pageant. Flint was named first runner-up. |
• Laura Sturgeon, 13, of Sheridan, who sang along to “100 More Years” looking lovely while doing so. Sturgeon is the daughter of Kelli and Stacy Sturgeon.
• Savannah Flint, 13, performed a self-choreographed lyrical dance to the rock favorite “The Unforgiven.” Flint is the daughter of Karen and Keith Flint of Ashland and was named first runner-up.
Competing in the Miss Ashland pageant were:
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| KALI PELLETIER, 15, of Ashland, proudly displayed her individuality by donning a top hat and “vogueing” during the evening gown portion of the Miss Ashland pageant. Pelletier was the second runner-up. | GABRIELLE CYR, 16, sang and played her guitar during the talent portion of the Miss Ashland pageant. Cyr was named Most Photogenic and first runner-up. |
• Kali Pelletier, 15, the daughter of Bonnie and Cary Pelletier of Ashland, who played “God Help the Outcast” on her clarinet.
• Gabrielle Cyr, 16, gave an outstanding performance singing “Jar of Hearts” while playing her acoustic guitar. Cyr is the daughter of Julie and Steve Cyr of Ashland. She was chosen by the audience as Most Photogenic and was crowned the first runner-up.
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| BROOKE LaBELLE, 18, strikes a pose in her Everyday Wear during the Miss Ashland pageant. LaBelle was crowned the 2012 Miss Ashland. |
• Brooke LaBelle, 18, the daughter of Sandy and Ned LaBelle of Ashland, was comfortable on the stage during her performance singing “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus. LaBelle was awarded with Most Ticket Sales and went on to be crowned the 2012 Miss Ashland.
