Special to the Star-Herald
The Washburn Elementary School was recently the scene of the first ever presentation of the Ms. Washburn Jr. High pageant. The master of ceremonies was “Sir Braggs a Lot” (Rick Bragg) who introduced the contestants, including: Ima Flirt (Andrew McLaughlin), Mia Problem (Mitchell Worcester), My Remains (Nicholas Silver), Cherry Blossom (Michael Forand), Norma Ly (Justin Farley) and Ira Fuse (Nicholas Bragg). Their escorts were: Olivia Doody, Maegan Fitzpatrick, Kalle Griffin, Katie Olcott, Carmen Bragg and Rayah Saucier. All six contestants participated in the opening routine to the music of “All the Single Ladies.” Much to the delight of all, they did a fine job, just like the ‘ladies’ they were.
The audience participated in the evening’s entertainment by voting for the Audience Choice Winner. Votes were cast throughout the show, at a cost of $1 each.
Individual talents included Cherry Blossom performing a vocal selection “Nobody’s Perfect,” Norma Lee performed an outstanding self-choreographed number entitled “We are the Washburn Girls” and Ima Flirt offered up her original musical piece called “Saxophone Medley.” Ira Fuse gave a piano selection called “What is the name of this Tune?” and Mia Problem performed a modeling routine to “I’m Too Sexy.”
Each ‘girl’ strutted her stuff on stage in evening gowns and gave their response to a pre-arranged question. After this portion of the show, judges Leslie Martin, Dara Davis and Beth Hartford retired to make their decisions.
Receiving the People’s Choice Award and Best Hair title was Mitchell Worcester. Nicholas Silver was named winner of the Best Answer category, while Michael Forant took the trophy home for Best Legs. Justin Farley was given first place in the Best Walk category and Nicholas Bragg was named Most Photogenic. Claiming Ms. Congeniality, a title voted on by the contestants themselves. was Andrew McLaughlin, who also was named the first winner of the coveted title of Ms. Washburn Jr. High.
Those helping Director Brenda Devoe included members of the Drama Department: Laura Churchill, Diana Bragg, Kimberly Worcester, Filomena Irving, Kelly Hemphill, Amber Fields, Janet Stephenson, Debbie Drost, Daren Churchill, Kennedy Churchill, Carmen Bragg, Mackenzie Worcester, Kelsey Churchill, with a most generous donation from Dan Martin.
