Gorneault named Miss Presque Isle
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Julea Gorneault earned the title of Miss Presque Isle 2011 during the pageant held Saturday, April 30, at Presque Isle High School, topping the field of seven contestants for the win.
Staff photos by Kathy McCarty
CROWNING MOMENT —
Kori Kinney, Miss Presque Isle 2010,
crowns Miss Presque Isle 2011 Julea Gorneault
at the pageant held April 30 at the Presque Isle High School Auditorium.
Gorneault topped the field of seven contestants to win the title.
Competing for the 2011 title, in addition to Julea Gorneault, were: Sarah Gorneault, Julea’s twin sister; Tia Cowett; Alecia da Cruz; Sophia Willette; Erica Hemphill; and Casey Bonville.
Sponsored by the Maine Epsilon Master Sorority of Beta Sigma Phi, the event used Zumba fitness as its theme, with the show kicking off to a lively salsa beat as the young ladies entertained the audience with their opening dance number
Pam Palm and Jason Parent served as emcees for the evening. Palm began by explaining that Beta Sigma Phi is “known as the friendship organization” and that members “help nonprofits with such things as holiday baskets.”
Contestants were judged in four categories: an interview, held at the Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library earlier in the day; physical fitness; talent and evening wear. Judges for the night included: Christa Albert, Angela Cormier and Loretta Harmon. Serving as auditors, with the task of tallying the final numbers, were: Benton Cash and Cindy Flanagan.
The competition got under way, with contestants modeling their choice of sportswear during the physical fitness segment. This was followed by the introduction of nearly two dozen visiting queens from throughout Aroostook County. Madison Hedrich, Little Miss Presque Isle 2011, provided entertainment, dancing to “My Boy Lollipop,” as the ladies prepared for their own talent presentations.
SARAH GORNEAULT,
daughter of Henry and Trudy Gorneault,
looked lovely in a plum-colored gown
during the April 30 Miss Presque Isle 2011 Pageant.
Sarah Gorneault, daughter of Henry and Trudy Gorneault, danced to “Set Fire to the Rain,” by Adele.
TIA COWETT,
daughter of Michael Cowett and Sherry Cowett,
looked ready for a ball in a floor-length red gown
during this year’s Miss Presque Isle Pageant.
Tia Cowett also did a dance number to Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.” She is the daughter of Michael Cowett and Sherry Cowett.
ALECIA da CRUZ
wore a floral motif gown in sunny shades
during the Miss Presque Isle 2011 event
held April 30
at Presque Isle High School.
She is the daughter of Carlos and Suzette da Cruz.
Alecia da Cruz, daughter of Carlos and Suzette da Cruz, proved light on her feet as well, performing to The Script’s “Breakeven.”
SOPHIA WILLETTE,
daughter of Michael and Pamela Willette,
wore a darling blue gown with jeweled accents
for this year’s Miss Presque Isle Pageant.
During the April 30 event,
she was named co-winner of the title of Miss Congeniality.
Sophia Willette provided the evening’s only vocal performance, with her rendition of Linda Eder’s “Big Time.” She is the daughter of Michael and Pamela Willette.
IN THE GROOVE —
Julea Gorneault,
daughter of Henry and Trudy Gorneault,
clogged her way to the crown,
winning the Miss Presque Isle 2011 title
during the April 30 pageant.
Julea Gorneault, daughter of Henry and Trudy Gorneault, clogged to “Shake It” by Metro Station.
ERICA HEMPHILL,
daughter or Eric and Kelly Hemphill,
wore a shimmering teal gown
during the Miss Presque Isle 2011.
She was named second runner-up.
Erica Hemphill performed a ballet en pointe to the “Glee” casts’ rendition of “Faithfully.” She is the daughter of Eric and Kelly Hemphill.
CASEY BONVILLE
wore a dazzling gold and black gown
during the April 30 Miss Presque Isle Pageant.
The daughter of Fred and Sandra Bonville,
she tied for Miss Congeniality,
won the high ticket sales award
and was named first runner-up.
Casey Bonville chose Sarah Bareilles’ “King of Everything” to dance to. She is the daughter of Fred and Sandra Bonville.
Emma Kinney, recently-crowned Junior Miss Presque Isle 2011, provided entertainment, dancing to Miley Cyrus’s “When I Look at You” as contestants prepared for their next stage appearance.
QUEEN’S FAREWELL —
Kori Kinney,
Miss Presque Isle 2010,
is pictured at right during her farewell walk
on the arm of her father, Norman Kinney,
during the Miss Presque Isle 2011 Pageant,
held at the Presque Isle High School April 30.
Kori Kinney, Miss Presque Isle 2010, also entertained, singing one final time as reigning queen. Her rendition of “Only Prettier” was met by much enthusiasm and applause by the audience. The daughter of Tracy and Norman Kinney, she’s currently studying to become a radiography technician.
“It’s a great opportunity to repay my hometown,” said Kori Kinney, noting she wants to return to Presque Isle to work upon graduation.
Kinney said she’s enjoyed her year representing the Star City.
“I’ve had fun and meet a lot of wonderful people. My advice to whomever wins tonight is to smile and be proud of what you’ve done so far,” said Kinney.
The contestants returned, taking the stage to model their evening gowns and answer questions.
Sarah Gorneault, wearing a plum-colored gown, said she plans to attend the University of Maine at Presque Isle, majoring in business with a minor in accounting, and hopes to someday own her own photo business. She was asked “what word in the English dictionary is your least favorite.” Her reply, “the word ‘hate.’ No one needs to use it. My favorite would be the word ‘accomplishment,’ because you can accomplish anything, big or small.’
Tia Cowett, in a bright red dress, said her plans include attending the University of Southern Maine, majoring in business management, with hopes to one day be a CEO of a major corporation. She was asked “are schools doing enough on bullying.” She said, “I don’t feel schools are doing enough. They attack the issue but don’t do anything further.”
Alecia da Cruz wore a multi-colored gown in sunny tones of orange, yellow and a hint of lavender. Her plans include attending UMPI and/or Cedarville University in Ohio, specializing in social work. She was asked if she won, what would her plans include as queen. “I plan to join the Youth in Government group in high school, then propose a bill at the state meeting in Bangor.”
Sophia Willette chose a dark blue gown with jeweled accents. Her plans include her love of music, with the New England School of Music being her school of choice, where she will study audio engineering. Her ultimate goal is to move to New York to start a family and be a music producer. She was asked how she would promote volunteerism. “I’d get my friends together and promote volunteering. It would be fun to do,” said Willette.
Julea Gorneault donned a tangerine-colored dress, with floral designs. Plans for her future included attending UMPI, majoring in education for special needs children, with hopes of becoming an effective educator. She was asked “what do you see as the greatest crisis” facing youth today. “Social networking — it’s used for bullying others and worldwide spying. That’s not what it’s meant for; it’s purpose is communication,” said Gorneault.
Erica Hemphill’s wore a teal blue gown. Future plans include attending Husson College, where she’ll major in psychology and become a member of the swim team. Hemphill would like to return to Presque Isle to work upon graduation. She was asked what she thought was the biggest problem facing teens. She responded, “Technology. It’s the gateway to bullying and removes the social aspect of communication.”
Casey Bonville rounded out the competition, wearing a sparkling gold and black number. UMFK is in Bonville’s future, where she’ll study business management, with plans to one day own her own business — as an event planner and/or photographer. The question posed to Bonville was what she’d do, if she won and went on to be Miss Potato Queen. “I’d raise awareness of potatoes — how good they are and how they help the economy,” Bonville responded.
As the judges began their task of determining a winner, Kori Kinney made her final appearance as royalty, taking the arm of her father, Norman, for her final walk around the auditorium.
Contestants returned to the stage for a little fun, taking part in the Parade of Gowns, prior to the awards being presented. The Pageant Committee was introduced and thanked for their efforts. Committee members include: Betsy Fitzherbert, director; Emily Peers, co-director; Mandy Putnam, choreographer; Kristi Kingsbury; Susie Johnston; Matt Lajoie; and Robbie Johnston. The many sponsors of the event were also thanked.
Once the votes were tallied, Palm and Parent announced the award winners. Earning the $75 award for high ticket sales was Bonville, with 93 tickets sold. For the first time co-winners were selected by fellow contestants for the title Miss Congeniality, with gifts presented to Bonville and Willette. Hemphill was selected as second runner-up, earning a $250 scholarship. Bonville was chosen as first runner-up, winning a $500 scholarship and the possibility of representing the city, should the winner be crowned Miss Potato Queen or otherwise be unable to fulfill her duties in the coming year. The final award and $1,000 scholarship was presented to Julea Gorneault, who will now represent the city as Miss Presque Isle 2011, taking part in various parades, festivals and activities in the coming year, including competing in the Maine Potato Blossom Festival in July.
