Four new queens begin reign
MAPLETON NEWS
Attendees were welcomed to “Arabia” at the evening pageant that crowned Mapleton’s four new queens, held Saturday, April 2, 2016.
Earning crowns for 2016 were: Emily Collins, Little Miss Mapleton; Rossalyn Buck, Pre-Teen Miss Mapleton; Delaney Alward, Junior Miss Mapleton; and Shaye McHatten, Miss Mapleton.
Marcus Ouellette, president of the Presque Isle High School Class of 2017, which sponsored this year’s pageant, welcomed the audience and introduced Jason Parent as the master of ceremonies for the evening. Contestants and reigning queens introduced themselves during the opening number to the theme from “I Dream of Jeannie,” which was choreographed by Emily Sjoberg, member of the Class of 2017.
Following the introduction of the judges and auditors, Mapleton resident and 2015 Junior Miss Maine Potato Queen Paige McHatten was interviewed onstage followed by her ballet performance en pointe to “Elsa and Anna” from “Frozen.”
The first farewell of the evening was to Michaela Dube, 2015 Miss Mapleton. Dube was unable to attend the pageant as she was competing in the State Jazz Show Choir competition downstate. In her absence, she prepared a video farewell.
All 10 contestants competed in the casual wear competition. Each had the opportunity to answer the question, “If you were granted one wish, what would it be?” Each of the 22 visiting queens were asked the same question by Parent.
The second judged portion of the evening was the talent competition.
Competing in the Little Miss division were:
Rhianna Desjardins, the 7-year-old daughter of Josh and Nikki Poisson and David Desjardins, performed a ballet routine to “My Favorite Things. She received the high ticket sales and sponsorship awards and was named first runner-up.
Emily Hallett, the 7-year-old daughter of Chris and Andrea Hallet, performed a lyrical dance to “Journey to the Past” from “Anastasia.”
Collins, the 7-year-old daughter of Darren and Michelle Collins, performed a jazz dance routine to “Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead,” the “Glee” version from “The Wizard of Oz.”
Madison Oakes, the 7-year-old daughter of Bruce and Mindy Oakes performed a dance routine to “Better When I’m Dancing.”
Addyson Haley, the 8-year-old daughter of Fred and Jessica Haley performed a lyrical ballet to “I See the Light” from “Tangled.”
The 2015 Little Miss Mapleton, Lita Perkins was interviewed onstage, followed by her gymnastic routine to “Big Ole Hunk of Love.” She is the daughter of Scott and Andrea Thibodeau and Mike Perkins.
Competing in the Pre-Teen division was Rossalyn Buck, the 11-year-old daughter of Barry and Martha Buck, who performed a clogging routine to “Up Around the Bend.”
Libby Kinney, 2015 Pre-Teen Miss Mapleton, was interviewed onstage, and then performed a hip-hop dance to “Jai Ho.” She is the daughter of LeRae and Kevin Kinney.
Competing in the Junior Miss division were:
Alexa Perkins, the 11-year-old daughter of Scott and Andrea Thibodeau and Mike Perkins, performed a gymnastics routine to “Sweet Child of Mine.” Perkins was named second runner-up.
Alward, the 13-year-old daughter of Chris and Wendy Maple and David Alward, performed a hip-hop routine to “Dance with Me Tonight.” In addition to the crown, she received the photogenic award, which was voted on by the audience.
Meg Casavant, the 13-year-old daughter of Chris and Angel Casavant, performed a contemporary dance to “Skinny Love.” Casavant was named first runner-up.
Jaidyn Blake, 2015 Junior Miss Mapleton, sang “In the Arms of the Angels” after discussing her year with Parent. Blake is the daughter of Jeff and Jolene Blake.
In the Miss division, McHatten, the 17-year-old daughter of Matt and Kelly McHatten, performed a contemporary dance to “Dreams.” She also received the pageant’s Miss Congeniality award.
Sarah Morneault, 2015 Teen Miss Mapleton, spoke briefly with Parent, and then played “Turning Tables” on the piano. She is the daughter of Jeff and Regina Morneault.
The final judged portion of the evening was the elegant evening gown competition. All 10 contestants took to the stage one last time before the judges made their final selections.
McHatten shared her platform, which was based on the importance of volunteering and giving back to her community. The 2015 queens made their final appearances. Perkins was escorted by her father, Mike Perkins; Kinney was escorted by her father, Kevin Kinney; Blake was escorted by her grandfather, Randy McPherson; and Morneault was escorted by her father, Jeff Morneault. Each shared a pre-recorded speech while pictures of their reigns were projected on a video screen.
All contestants and queens participated in the parade of gowns, followed by the awards presentations. Each contestant received a participation trophy and all five of the Little Miss contestants received Little Miss Princess crowns. All four 2016 queens will now prepare for their respective Potato Blossom pageants in July.
Little League baseball
Mapleton’s recreation Little League baseball program is now accepting registrations for the coming season. Registration fees are $30 per resident and $50 per non-resident.
Further details and registration forms may be obtained from www.mapleton.me or from the town office.
There will be a baseball coaches’ meeting for all current and prospective Mapleton Little League coaches on Wednesday, April 27, at 6 p.m. in the town office conference room. Contact Town Manager Jon Frederick at 764-3754 with any questions.
Paint and sip
The Mapleton Daze Committee will host a paint-and-sip fundraiser on Sunday, April 17, at 1 p.m. at the Mapleton Lions Hall. The fee is $45 and participants will paint a 16 x 20 canvas with an instructor present.
For more information, call Deana Easler at 227-6128.
Birthdays
Happy birthday wishes this week to Sylvia McHatten, Ingrid Sutherland, Mason Bushey, Nickolas Michaud, Gordon Buzza Jr., Kelley MacFarline, Kate Frederick, Michaela Dube, Jesse Bard, Earlene Black, Kristina Braley, Chris Woodworth and Warren Elliott.
Anniversaries
Happy anniversary wishes today to Geoff and Sue Skidgell.
Jennifer Buzza is the correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 760-9115 or at jbuzza@ainop.com.