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Local Pageants this weekend

March 11th, 2016 by WCBC Radio

Nearly two dozen young women from the region will compete for the titles of Miss Appalachia, Miss White Oak and Miss Northern Maryland March 13 at 2 p.m. in the Robert S. Zimmer Theatre at Allegany College of Maryland, Willowbrook Road.

Tickets will be available at the door, with cost of admission reduced for children 12 years of age and under.

More than 14,000 contestants participate each year in local and state events, but only 52 are selected as national finalists to compete for the Miss America title in Atlantic City, N.J.

“Thousands of volunteers organize the local and state preliminary competitions, promoting community involvement throughout the United States and furthering scholarship and achievement among young women in their communities,” said Teresa Whetzel, executive director of the local pageants. “This program rewards hard work and determination, along with talent and commitment to service.”

“It’s not just the glitz of a crown. It’s about young women contributing to the community and scholarship they win to help pay college bills,” said Whetzel.

Returning as emcees are Shane Riggs, managing editor of Allegany Magazine, and Miss Queen City 2004 Sarabeth Whetzel Rice.

The contestants will compete in five phases of competition: talent, private interview, physical fitness in swimsuit for the Miss contenders and sportswear for the teens, evening wear and onstage question. Preteens are not scored, however, they will participate in the above phases.

Miss contestants are Victoria Graham, Julia Sternly, Aimee Spiker, Leah Ellis, Karyn Kittrell, Kelly Milliken, Annie Noffsinger, Ella Sisler, Aynia Dorsey, Keirsten Tawney and Taylor Steed.

Teen contestants are Gretchen Stenger, Aryana Briner, Michaela Smith, Alyson Mellon, Jillian Johnson, Lily Bourgstein, Larissa Manique and Erika Long.

Preteens are Taylor Mitcham, Riley Barnard, Kendall Pennell and Jolene Whetstone.

Miss Maryland and Miss Maryland Outstanding teen competitions are held in June at the Historic Maryland Theatre in Hagerstown.

The new titleholders will be crowned by Miss Maryland 2015 Destiny Clark and Miss Maryland Outstanding Teen 2015 Jessica Bayuk.

Miss Maryland and Miss Maryland Outstanding teen competitions are held in June at the Historic Maryland Theatre in Hagerstown.

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