Kelsie Washington wins 2016 title
CARIBOU, Maine — Three contestants competed for the title of Miss Caribou 2016 at the Caribou Performing Arts Center last Friday. After completing an interview, answering a question in front of the audience, wearing their gowns and performing a unique talent, all contestants received an award from the Miss Caribou Committee.
Kelsie Marie Washington, 18, was named Miss Caribou 2016 and received a $500 scholarship to the school of her choice, available once she completes the first semester, along with a tiara, sash and a dozen roses, which were presented to her from 2015 Miss Caribou Kelsie Kiehn.
Washington is the daughter of Christiane and Rey Washington. Her sponsors include the Houlton School of Dance, Bangor Ballet, and the Wakeman and Washington families. She performed a self-choreographed contemporary pointe dance to “Time Lapse” by Ludovico Einaudi.
First runner-up Hannah Marie McDonald, 17, received a $200 scholarship. McDonald is the daughter of James and Cathy McDonald. She was sponsored by Farms Bakery and Beaulieu’s Garage and Body Shop. McDonald sang “This is the Moment” from the musical “Jekkyl and Hyde.”
Second runner up Julia Harris, 17, received a $100 scholarship. Harris is the daughter of Mark Harris and Amy Brady. Her sponsors were Eureka Restaurant and Bacon’s Auto. She gave a vocal and piano performance of “His Daughter” by Molly Kate Kesner.
As part of the pageant, Master of Ceremonies Betty Walker asked contestants an interview question.
She asked McDonald, “If I was new to the area and asked you to take me somewhere, where would you bring me and why?”
“I would definitely bring you to Burger Boy because they have the best ice cream,” McDonald answered, “and Reno’s because they have the best pizza. Then, I would take you to the Collins Pond parkway during sunset.”
Walker asked Harris, “What do you feel is the most serious problem facing your generation?”
“I believe the most serious problem facing my generation is the lack of motivation for education,” Harris said. “Teenagers our age aren’t so motivated to learn new things, which means we don’t have the experience for new jobs.”
“Do you feel that a future employer or college administrator should look at a candidate’s Facebook or social media page to determine the quality of the applicant?” Walker asked Washington.
“I believe they should,” answered Washington. “Some of the things that people post online are not appropriate. Companies need to figure out who they want to represent them, so they need to look at what all applicants have posted online.”
Near the ceremony’s end, Walker spoke to the audience about the Cary Medical Center Walk for Care.
“This year, the proceeds from the walk are going to go towards the Bryan’s Ride fund,” said Walker. “I don’t know if you know about this fund, but it was created by the family of a man who recently died of cancer. They have set up an account with the hospital that helps patients who have cancer and use the Jefferson Cary Cancer Center. They might need gas for a bangor trip, or money for medicine, and there’s a committee that will decide how much to give any patients who apply. Please join us, on the first saturday in October, for our walk. As a cancer patient, I know what it’s like to need some help paying for the expenses.”
