Kori Kinney wins title of
Miss Presque Isle 2010
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Six young ladies took to the stage March 27, hoping to be crowned Miss Presque Isle 2010, with Kori Kinney ultimately being selected to represent the Star City for the coming year.
The evening began with contestants taking part in an opening number, featuring a Motown theme. Emcee Jason Parent introduced the judges and auditors for the evening, who included: judges Jola Blackstone Hebert, Lori McPherson and Pamela Nason; and auditors Benton Cash and Cindy Flanagan. Contestants were judged in four categories: The interview held earlier in the day counted as 40 percent of their overall score; with sportswear counting as 15 percent; talent as 30 percent; and the evening gown competition making up the final 15 percent, during which contestants were asked a brief question.
Miss Presque Isle 2009 Haley Johnston spoke of the afternoon tea the contestants had attended.
“The interview is one of the most important parts, because it helps to ease nerves. You get to meet the judges and it puts you at ease for the rest of the night,” said Johnston, who plans to attend the University of Maine at Orono, with plans to major in biology with a focus in pre-optometry.
Johnston said she had many fond memories having served as queen during such a special time in the city’s history.
“One of the most memorable moments of the 150th was the birthday party. It was the first thing I did as Miss Presque Isle. I met so many who’d come back for the event. I have a lot of fond memories. It was a great experience,” she said.
Johnston and Little Miss Presque Isle 2009 Molly Kingsbury provided entertainment between segments of the competition, giving contestants time to change wardrobes between appearances.
Naoimi Donovan, daughter of Tim and Linda Kelley and Kirk Donovan, danced to “Lift Me Up,” by The Benjamin Gate. During the evening gown segment, she was asked how she’d respond to those who say ‘war is wrong.’ Donovan said having a father who’s been on active duty, she felt the statement was wrong.
“Soldiers are doing everything they can,” said Donovan.
Jordyn Kinney, daughter of Derrick and Jolene Kinney, and the late Michael Beaulieu, sang “Temporary Home,” by Carrie Underwood, during the talent portion of the pageant. Kinney was asked how she would encourage friends to volunteer. She said she’d take a more hands-on approach.
“I offer friends a hand when they volunteer,” said Jordyn Kinney, who earned the $75 award for High Ticket Sales, having sold 67, and earned the first runner-up nod from the judges.
Rilee Elliott-Currie, daughter of Noel and Sheila Currie and Alan and Chris Elliott, received a gift for being named Miss Congeniality. She performed a piano selection that included variations on the theme from the “Canon in D” by Pachelbel. She was asked what makes a good role model.
“People should be themselves,” was Elliott-Currie’s reply.
Kori Kinney, daughter of Norman Kinney and Tracy Kinney, wowed the judges and the audience with her rendition of “There Are Worse Things I could Do,” from the musical “Grease,” on her way to being named Miss Presque Isle 2010. She was asked which magazine cover she’d prefer appearing on.
“’Seventeen’ magazine, because it doesn’t focus on just looks but includes positive role models for girls,” said Kori Kinney.
Sarah Gorneault danced to “Fireflies,” by Owl City, for her talent. The daughter of Henry and Trudy Gorneault, she was asked what her favorite subject to photograph was and why.
“I’d say children and scenery. With children, you get the unexpected. With scenery, you wait 15 minutes and it changes,” said Gorneault.
Maddasin Willette, daughter of Mike and Pam Willette, sang “Never Alone,” by Lady Antebellum during the talent segment of the pageant. Willette was named second runner-up. Her question involved giving a stranger a tour of Presque Isle, what would she show them.
“I’d take them to the Braden (Theatre). It’s been around many years,” said Willette, noting she’d also “given you free popcorn.”
Johnston, in her farewell speech, called her experience a “journey.”
“I’d call my year as Miss Presque Isle a journey but also an opportunity. It helped me create who I am and who I will become,” said Johnston. “I’ll never forget being a representative of Presque Isle.”
Johnston wished her successor luck in the coming year.
“I wish the winner the best of luck in her journey. Being queen, you’re looked on as a role model in the community,” said Johnston.
Now it’s Kori Kinney’s turn to begin her own journey. With only days as queen beneath her belt, she was busy representing the Star City at two pageants the following week — Junior Miss and Little Miss Presque Isle 2010, held April 2 and 3, respectively. In the weeks and months ahead, she’ll make many more appearances, attending festivals and riding in parades, including the Maine Potato Blossom Pageant and Parade in July.
Staff photos/Kathy McCarty
CROWNING MOMENT — The new Miss Presque Isle 2010, Kori Kinney, is pictured being crowned by outgoing royalty, Miss Presque Isle 2009 Haley Johnston.
JORDYN KINNEY performed a vocal selection for her talent. She was recognized for high ticket sales and was named first runner-up at the Miss Presque Isle 2010 pageant.
MADDASIN WILLETTE sang for her talent presentation during this year’s pageant. She was named second runner-up.
ROYAL GOODBYE — Haley Johnston, Miss Presque Isle 2009, makes her final walk as the reigning queen, escorted by her father, John Johnston.
SARAH GORNEAULT takes center stage during the evening gown portion of this year’s pageant, wearing a plum-colored gown.
RILEE ELLIOTT-CURRIE is presented with the 2010 Miss Congeniality Award by Miss Presque Isle 2009 Haley Johnston.
NAOIMI DONOVAN wore a shimmering black gown during the evening wear portion of the Miss Presque Isle 2010 pageant.
CUTTING LOOSE to the tune “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” contestants in the Miss Presque Isle 2010 competition enjoyed themselves during the Parade of Gowns, as the judges tallied the evening’s results. Pictured, from left: Jordyn Kinney, Kori Kinney, Maddasin Willette, Naoimi Donovan, Rilee Elliott-Currie and Sarah Gorneault.
