Lambert wins Junior Miss Presque Isle crown

By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer

PRESQUE ISLE — Twelve young ladies took to the stage at the Presque Isle High School Auditorium April 2 in hopes of being crowned Junior Miss Presque Isle 2010, with Jacqueline “Jackie” Lambert achieving the honor by the end of the evening.

    Jason Parent served as emcee for the United Way of Aroostook-sponsored event. As the pageant began, the 12 contestants joined Junior Miss Presque Isle 2009 Megan McKnight on stage to perform the opening number and introduce themselves to those in attendance. This year’s theme was “Staying Alive,” with the girls donning outfits reminiscent of John Travolta’s white suit in the movie “Saturday Night Fever.”
    Parent then introduced the judges and auditors. Judging the event were Barb Blackstone, Stephanie Plourde and Chelsea Kaiser. Serving as auditors were Cindy Flanagan and Gayle James. McKnight and Little Miss Presque Isle 2009 Molly Kingsbury were introduced, followed by a performance by Little Miss Potato Blossom Queen 2009 Taylor Hedrich.
    Contestants were judged this year in four categories: interview, which equaled 30 percent of their overall score; sportswear, 20 percent; talent, 30 percent; and evening gown, 20 percent. The interview segment was held at an earlier tea, where the girls met and talked with the judges. The sportswear/modeling walk competition was the first segment to be judged for the evening.
    McKnight followed, introducing the visiting queens. The MoonDance Cloggers, under the direction of Kim Lauritsen, provided entertainment, allowing contestants time to prepare for the talent portion of the competition. After the contestants performed, McKnight returned to the stage for her own talent presentation. The evening concluded with the gown competition, McKnight’s farewell walk and contestants’ Parade of Gowns to the tune “Last Dance.” Kori Kinney, who was crowned Miss Presque Isle 2010 a week earlier, made her first official appearance as queen, singing “I Can Love You Better Than That,” as contestants’ scores were tallied.
    Contestants were asked a wide range questions during the evening gown portion of the competition.
    In addition to being named Junior Miss Presque Isle, Lambert also placed second in the talent competition, with a James Bond-themed tap dance routine. She is the daughter of James and Barbara Lambert. When asked who inspired her, Lambert credited her seventh-grade social studies teacher, Mr. Sipe. “He taught me to see the world around me,” she said.
    Emma Kinney was named first runner-up. The daughter of Derrick and Jolene Kinney, she sang “Popular,” a song from the play “Wicked.” She was voted Miss Congeniality by the other contestants and Miss Hospitality for raising $876 for the event. Kinney was asked to describe herself in three words, to which she replied “honest, caring and fun to be around.”
    Logan Caron, daughter of Keith Caron and Buffy Hafford, was named second runner-up. Caron also received the talent award, for her hip-hop routine to Will Smith’s “Switch,” as well as the physical fitness award. She was asked what three words would best describe her. She said “loving, sporty and outgoing.”
    Named third runner-up was Michaela Jo Dumais, daughter of Shawn and Brandy Dumais. She finished the evening as the second-highest fund-raiser, with $585 raised for the UWA. She sang Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” for her talent. Her question was what color best described her. “Purple; it’s bubbly yet a serious color — and it looks good on me too,” said Dumais.
    Tori Harvath took third for her fund-raising efforts, with $414 going to the United Way. The daughter of Wendy Emery, she performed a clogging routine to Miley Cyrus’s “Time of Our Lives.” Harvath was asked what the best part of Presque Isle was, answering “the snow in winter and going outside.”
    Tiffany Kinney, daughter of Elizabeth York, sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” for her talent. She was asked what it took to be successful. “You should be honest and pursue your dreams, no matter what others say,” said Kinney.
    Bonnie Corey performed a dance routine to a mix of “Circus” and “Fire Burning.” The daughter of Eric and Christie Corey, she was asked who she admired. “My parents, because they love me, they’re there for me and always talk to me,” Corey said.
    Jenna Neece, daughter of Michael and Shelly Neece, was asked her opinion of beauty and why. “It’s a person’s inner beauty that matters — being confident in yourself,” she said. Neece danced to Michael Jackson’s “Scream.”
    Emily Brawn was asked her favorite television personality. “Demi Lovato; she’s such an amazing singer,” said Brawn. The daughter of Gary and Jean Brawn performed the “Star Spangled Banner” using sign language for her talent.
    Bailee Robichaud, daughter of Tony and Jennifer Robichaud, performed a lyrical dance to “Footprints in the Sand.” She was asked what the best part of living in Presque Isle was. “It’s a small town and everyone knows everyone else and you can talk to them,” she said.
    Madison Shaw performed a piano piece called “La Folia.” The daughter of Robert and Paula Shaw was asked who she admired and why, answering “my little sister,” noting how, even when being ignored, her sister still looked up to her. “I love you and give this night to you,” she said.
    Natanya Pictou, daughter of Shannon and Sandra Pictou, performed a dance routine to The Jackson Five’s “Dancing Machine.” Her question was what qualities she thought made her a good friend, to which she replied “kind, generous and trustworthy.”
    Lambert will now begin preparing for her next big challege, competing for the title of Junior Miss Potato Blossom in July of this year.