Maynard, Kinney
take 2013 titles
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Jorja Maynard joins Mayce Kinney as the latest contestants to earn the honor of representing the Star City, following their respective wins as Little Miss and Junior Miss Presque Isle 2013, during the annual pageant held April 12 at the Presque Isle Middle School. All proceeds from the event benefit the United Way of Aroostook. This year’s pageant raised $4,761.
Joining Jason Parent in emceeing the event was Kim Parent. Contestants joined 2012 Presque Isle queens Lindsey Lagerstrom, Junior Miss, and Lulu White, Little Miss, for the opening number, performing to the song “Gold.”
Serving as judges for the evening were Barb Blackstone, Stephanie Plourde and Jennifer Boutot. Auditors were Cindy Flanagan and Sheree Sweeney.
Junior Miss Potato Blossom 2012, Lydia Patterson, was interviewed and later sang Otis Redding’s “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay,” with participation by the audience.
With the interview portion of the competition completed prior to the pageant, contestants took to the stage for the second event, donning their favorite sportswear.
Next, more than a dozen visiting queens were introduced.
Participants then showed off their abilities during the talent competition. Little Miss contestants were first, with Maynard performing a baton/dance routine to the Chipmunks’ “Party House Rock.” She is the daughter of Jonathan and Lyndsey Maynard.
Olivia Charlotte Parsley, daughter of Denise Parsley and Chris Jalbert, did a hip-hop dance to “TTLYXOX.” She was presented a Star Award.
McKenzie Hafford sang “Octopus’s Garden” by the Beatles. The daughter of Paula Thompson and Doug Hafford, she was named first runner-up.
Ava Rakkel Stacey, daughter of Jim and Channa Stacey, did an interpretive Hawaiian dance to “Mahalo.” She was presented a Star Award.
White returned for her last performance as Little Miss 2012, with a hip-hop dance to the song “Where Is The Love.”
Junior contestants followed, with Yessenia Vilar doing a hip-hop dance to the Taio Cruz song “Higher.” Vilar was named second runner-up. She is the daughter of Jasmine and Jason Cote.
Kinney sang for her talent, throwing in a few dance steps as she wowed the crowd with “I Want To Be A Rockette.” She is the daughter of Jirad and Kim Kinney. In addition to winning the crown, Kinney also earned the Hospitality Award by raising $1,527 to benefit UWA.
Maddison Paige Cleaves, daughter of Alan and Carli Cleaves, danced to the song “The Cave,” by Mumford & Sons. Cleaves was named first runner-up.
Lagerstrom rounded out the talent portion of the show, dancing for the last time as Junior Miss 2012 to the tune “Pony It’s OK.”
The evening gown segment was the last of the competition. White and Lagerstrom then made their farewell walks, accompanied by their fathers, Dr. Joseph White and Paul Lagerstrom.
The Parade of Gowns rounded out the evening, with contestants and 2012 queens dancing to “Gold Remix.”
With judging finalized, the girls lined up to await the results. Awards were presented, including participation trophies, followed by the crowning of the two new queens. The event ended with Maynard and Kinney joining the runners-up for photo ops on stage.
Maynard and Kinney will now go on to represent the Star City in various parades and activities in coming months and will compete in Fort Fairfield in July during the Maine Potato Blossom pageants in their respective divisions. Should they win, their Presque Isle titles will be assumed by runners-up Hafford and Cleaves.
