Staff Writer
The 2010 Miss Caribou Scholarship Pageant was held May 2 at the Caribou Middle School. The annual pageant, sponsored by the Caribou Lioness Club highlighted the theme, “Cabaret Club” and the featured stars included contestants Brianna Gorence, the daughter of Paula and Richard Gorence; Elizabeth Keaton, the daughter of Michael and Susan Keaton; and Alyson Michaud, the daughter of Scott and Hope Walton.
Alyson Michaud, who was crowned the new Miss Caribou, participates in the Gown Promenade during the May 2, 2010 Miss Caribou Pageant.
The afternoon affair was emceed by WAGM-TV Morning Newscaster Dick Palm. The opening number, brought the three contestants and the reining Miss Caribou, Danielle Lane appear onstage dressed in red and black performing a dance number to “Come to the Cabaret.”
Following the opening number, Palm introduced the three pageant judges Jolene Kinney of Mapleton, Kim Griffeth, Fort Fairfield; and Janine Stackpole, Mars Hill; who would bear the burden of naming the 2010 Miss Caribou from the three very talented young ladies.
Prior to a lyrical dance on point, enchantingly performed by Hannah Hebert, 2010 Teen Miss Caribou, more than 30 local and visiting queens were called to the stage and introduced.
The first portion of the annual pageant got under way with the Physical Fitness Walk, during which contestants appeared in casual wear as Palm related a brief history of each.
Danielle Lane, Miss Caribou 2009, performed a vocal selection to “Haven’t a Chance,” accompanied by Kellie Moody at the piano, while the contestants were preparing to present their own talent selections. Lane also appeared on stage later in the program, once again treating the audience to her vocal prowess.
Brianna Gorence was first up in the talent presentations, performing a self-composed Celtic dance to “Raggle, Taggle Gypsy”; Elizabeth Keaton, contestant two sang, “Orange Colored Sky,” and Alyson Michaud presented a piano and vocal rendition of “City.” The talent portion of the competition is worth 30 percent of the contestant’s overall score; and in the event of a tie following all categories, the highest talent score would determine the winner.
After a brief intermission the three contestants appeared in the Gown Walk and On Stage Interview. The formal interview segment with the judges had taken place prior to the beginning of the pageant but during the gown appearance each were asked a specific question by Palm that had been prepared by the judges.
As the nerve-wracking interview questions were completed Gorence, Keaton and Michaud stepped aside to catch their breath as Danielle Lane sang, “Gravity,” and Samantha Fortin, 2010 PreTeen Miss Caribou performed a baton and dance routine to, ”Party in the U.S.A.”
Once again the 2010 Miss Caribou contestants graced the stage in their evening gowns escorted by Caribou High School senior Finn Bondeson, who also participated in the opening number.
The traditional Farewell Walk was next on the program and as a recorded goodbye from Miss Caribou 2009 Danielle Lane, escorted by her father Kurt took her final steps as the city’s reigning queen.
With anticipation gleaming in their eyes and their smiles a bit more relaxed, the three 2010 Miss Caribou contestants, each extremely talented — each a true role model within their school and the community, stood shoulder to shoulder on the CMS stage, where, in years past, other Miss Caribou contenders also stood, anxiously awaiting to hear their name spoken.
As Master of Ceremonies Palm held the sealed envelopes, cheers rang out from the pageant-goers, supporting their favorite contestant.
Alyson Michaud captured the queen’s title and for the next year will represent the city as Miss Caribou 2010.
Brianna Gorence was first runner-up to the queen’s crown and was also the judges’ choice as winner of the essay category of the event, which carried with it a plaque and $100.
Elizabeth Keaton was named winner of the interview category receiving a plaque and $50.
Sponsors of the contestants include: The Maine Dance Academy, County Physical Therapy, Friends and Family of Brianna Gorence and Friends and Family of Elizabeth Keaton.
The Lioness members also offered their appreciation to: Sleepers Shopping Center, 2010 Junior Miss Caribou Victoria Keaton, 2010 Little Miss Caribou Amber Moir, Bonnie Bouchard for providing flowers used in the pageant, Vicki King, sound system, Images Hair Salon (Lynn Jackson and Jody Cyr), and mock interview judges, Vicki Labrie and Lynn Jackson.
Also Lioness members: Lisa Chase, Shirley Dumas, Jennifer Brown, Imelda Mayo, Petie Noble, Robyn Holdsworth, Heneriette Lagasse, Jan Thompkins and Joan Dube were recognized.
