Patterson, Bearden

claim Presque Isle teen titles

    PRESQUE ISLE — The Presque Isle High School Auditorium was filled with excitement May 1, as 11 young ladies competed for two titles: Miss Teen Presque Isle 2010 and Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle 2010. The pageants served as a fund-raiser for the Class of 2012. 

    Taking home the title of Miss Teen Presque Isle 2010 was Hanna Patterson, with the honor of Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle 2010 going to Maddison “Maddie” Bearden.
    Contestants in each pageant were scored in four categories: 30 percent for the interview, held prior to the evening competition; 15 percent for casual wear; 35 percent for talent; and 20 percent for the evening gown portion.
    Four young ladies competed for the Miss Teen Presque Isle crown.
    Patterson, daughter of Derrick Kinney and Ariana Patterson, danced to “Glitter in the Air” for her talent. In addition to being named the new queen, Patterson also received the award for High Ticket Sales. During the evening gown competition, questions were posed and contestants answered. When asked what she thought was one of the biggest problems teens face today, Patterson replied, “Pressure from their peers and the media to be something they’re not and the need to fit into a mold.”
    Becca Maxwell, daughter of Clarina and Albert Nadeau and Del and Stacie Maxwell, sang “I Never Told You” for her talent. She was asked to explain what ‘courage’ meant to her. Maxwell answered, “When someone stands up for something they believe in, no matter what anyone else thinks.”
    Alicia da Cruz performed a dance routine to “Do You Remember.” The daughter of Suzette and Carlos da Cruz was named Miss Congeniality, won the Talent Award and was named first runner-up for her efforts. She was asked if she could make a charitable contribution, what would it be for and why. Her response was, “For students pursuing a career in music or any other musical ability they have.”
    Erica Hemphill rounded out the field for the Miss Teen Presque Isle portion of the pageant. The daughter of Eric and Kelly Hemphill danced to the tune “Woods” for her talent. Hemphill was asked what was she most proud of recently. She answered, “Placing fourth in the state swim meet. It’s something I’ve always wanted to accomplish.”
    Between events, the 2009 queens were interviewed. Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle 2009 Lydia Patterson was asked what advice she’d given this year’s contestants. “My advice would be to be yourself. That’s the best way to have fun,” she said. The little sister of 2010 Miss Teen Presque Isle, she performed a duet of “You’re the One That I Want” from the musical “Grease,” accompanied by her friend, Kamden Bates, of Presque Isle.
    Emily Wright, 2009 Miss Teen Presque Isle, played the piano for her final appearance, performing the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun.” She said her favorite part of her reign was taking part in local pageants and the time spent with the other queens.
    The Pre-Teen Pageant consisted of seven hopefuls vying for the title.
    Bearden, the daughter of Jeff Bearden and Kathy Bearden, danced to the tune “The Scientist.” In addition to being named Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle 2010, Bearden also won the Talent Award.
    Mayce Kinney, daughter of Jirad and Kim Kinney, was named Miss Congeniality by her peers. Kinney gave her rendition of “God Bless the USA” during the talent portion.
    Abigail Shaw sang “The Climb” for her talent. She is the daughter of Andy and Amanda Shaw.
    Yessenia Vilar, daughter of Jason and Jasmine Cote, clogged to the tune “Naturally” for her talent. She was named first runner-up for her efforts.
    Emily Poitras danced to the music of “Too Cool” during the competition. She is the daughter of Brian and Kathy Poitras.
    Victoria Williamson, daughter of Theodore and Marla Williamson, was recognized for High Ticket Sales and was named second runner-up. She performed a dance routine to “What a Wonderful World” for her talent presentation.
    Miranda Drost, daughter of John S. Drost and Bobby Jo Pelkey, danced to the music of “Butterfly Fly Away.”
    Lydia gave a rather unique farewell speech, devoting her last moments as queen to encouraging others to celebrate Earth Day every day by recycling and reusing whenever possible. She said she was inspired by her fifth grade teacher, Mrs. York. “We have a lot in common, including (views on) how to save the Earth,” she said. “Plant a tree tomorrow, the Earth will thank you for years to come.” Bates served as her escort for her final walk as royalty.
    “Who reigns next isn’t as important as the fact you’re all up here tonight, with the support of family and friends,” said Wright in her farewell speech, taking a moment to acknowledge someone who’s love and support she couldn’t live without — her sister, “Lizard.” She was escorted by her father, Barry Wright, for her final appearance as queen.
    The evening ended with the new queens being crowned. The conclusion was extra special for the Patterson family — with one sister giving up her pre-teen title and the other assuming the duty of teen queen for the coming year — as Lydia assisted with the crowning of her big sister, Hanna.
    The new queens will next compete in their respective categories at the Maine Potato Blossom Festival Pageant in July in Fort Fairfield. Between now and then, they’ll join other queens in upcoming parades and other festivities throughout the area.

 

 

Staff photos/Kathy McCarty

 

 

 

Maddison “Maddie” Bearden looked determined to stand still while being crowned Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle 2010. Assisting are, in back, Miss Teen Presque Isle 2009 Emily Wright and, at right, Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle 2009 Lydia Patterson. In back watching the coronation are Pre-Teen contestant Emily Poitras and Miss Teen contestant Alicia da Cruz.

 

 

 

Newly-crowned Miss Teen Presque Isle 2010 Hanna Patterson, at center, made it a bit easier for the 2009 queens to help her with her crown during the May 1 pageant in Presque Isle. Pictured with the new queen, from left: Lydia Patterson, Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle 2009 and Patterson’s little sister; and Emily Wright, Miss Teen Presque Isle 2009. This marked a rare occasion when local queens shared more than a stage but family ties as well.

 

 

 

Walked away with several honors at the May 1 pageant, including the title of Miss Congeniality, the Talent Award and she was named first runner-up. 

 

 

 

Looked lovely during the evening gown competition at the Miss Teen Presque Isle Pageant held May 1 at Presque Isle High School.

 

 

 

Posed gracefully before the judges during evening gown portion of the Miss Teen Presque Isle pageant May 1.

 

 

 

Posed on stage for the judges during the evening gown portion of the Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle Pageant.

 

 

 

Escorted by her father, Barry Wright, made her last walk as reigning Miss Teen Presque Isle 2009 during the May 1 pageant, held at Presque Isle High School.

 

 

 

Was named Miss Congeniality during the Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle 2010 pageant, held May 1 at the Presque Isle High School.

 

 

 

Was named first runner-up during the Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle 2010 pageant, held May 1 at the high school.

 

 

 

Shared the stage for her last performance as Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle 2009, dancing to “You’re the One That I Want” from the musical “Grease,” accompanied by her friend, Kamden Bates, of Presque Isle. 

 

 

 

    Makes her entrance during the evening gown competition at the May 1 Miss Pre-Teen Pageant in Presque Isle.

 

 

 

Received the award for High Ticket Sales and was named second runner-up during the Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle 2010 Pageant, held May 1 in the Star City. 

 

 

 

ABIGAIL SHAW

Pauses for a moment during the evening wear portion of the Miss Pre-Teen Persque Isle pageant May 1.