The North Royalton Festival Pageant kicks off the festivities of the annual Community Festival every year. It’s always an exciting event for all involved and this year was no different. The special event took place on Thursday, August 10, at 7 p.m. at the North Royalton High School Performing Arts Center, and it brought together some of the finest youth in North Royalton.
Nineteen contestants were very excited to take part in the festivities of the evening. They came for the chance to be crowned and represent our city in the coming year. The pageant promotes self confidence, and also brings out the best in these young people who are supportive of each other. It’s nice to win, but for those who did not walk away with the crown, it was great just to be with friends for a wonderful evening of hugs and camaraderie.
Joshua Blasco had a lot of fun being Little Prince. He entertained the audience with a comedy routine. He said he loved being Little Prince all year and loved riding in the parade and all the gifts he received.
Outgoing Little Miss Kaylee Bargmann said, “I loved representing North Royalton as Little Miss. I had lots of fun being in parades and seeing friends support me in the crowd. The experience taught me confidence in talking in front of others. I have learned to not be shy. It was a fun year and a big honor.”
Symonne Harrison summed up her year as Sweetheart by saying, “I loved being the 2016 Sweetheart of North Royalton. I made new friends, attended various events throughout the year, spread awareness for Autism and spent time with the elderly at multiple nursing homes. I’m very thankful for this title and appreciated the honor to represent our community.”
Jennifer Steffes remarked on her year as reigning 2016 Princess. “ This past year as Princess North Royalton 2016, I have been able to boost my confidence, and be more outgoing towards others. But most importantly, I am determined to strive for happiness and always have a positive mind. I’m so glad for this experience and what it has taught me!”
Erin Simonek. 2016 Miss NR, loved the experience and said, “It is amazing how this pageant shapes girls into becoming successful, intelligent women. I’m so honored to have had the opportunity to compete in the North Royalton Festival Pageant since 2007. I truly have a passion for what pageants have to offer and I am forever grateful for every experience and lesson I got out of the system. This has been a stepping stone for my life and I’m looking forward to continuing with pageants within the Miss America Organization.
Ms NR Senior Annette Bowen gave a heartwarming farewell by saying that she wasn’t sure about entering the contest. She said she went to her mailbox and was reading the Recorder when she saw the informaton. She thought about it and decided to go for it. “I was honored to be Ms Senior North Royalton. I loved every part of it and being with everyone,” she said.
Contestants were interviewed by judges the afternoon of the event, which accounted for 50 percent in the scoring process. In the evening portion of the program, judges looked for poise, composure, posture, carriage, grooming and appearance. Younger contestants are asked to answer a question that was known to them. Contestants in the 13-21 age group answered an on-stage question that was not previously known to them.
Mary Kay Manning served as emcee for the evening’s program, and was assisted by former Miss North Royalton, Stephanie Shoop, who currently holds the title of Miss Northern Ohio.
Here now are the winners of the 2017 North Royalton Festival Pageant:
Little Prince – Winner is William Thresher; first runner-up is Carson Evangelista. William is 7 years old and attends Albion Elementary School. He is involved in youth wrestling and baseball. He recently took First Place in Weight Class for wrestling. William’s favorite musician is Elvis and he loves his music and the way he dances. His hobbies include dressing up in camo and playing U S Marine.
Little Miss – Brooke Pudelski captured the Little Miss title, with Victoria Jacubenta as first runner-up, and Sophia Koukios as second runner-up. Brooke is 9 years old and will be entering 4th grade at Royal View School. She trains in dance six days a week. She also is currently a Peer model for an Adapted Dance Program for handicapped children. She has received the honor roll every quarter in 3rd grade. She also has received many trophies for dance and qualified to dance at a national dance competition. Brooke’s favorite music is pop because she enjoys singing and dancing to it.
Sweetheart – Abigail Deal was crowned Sweetheart North Royalton. First runner-up is Taylor Jacubenta, and second runner-up is Corlyn Stauffer. Abigail is 10 years old and in the 5th grade at the North Royalton Middle School. Abigail is involved in swimming, soccer, piano and theater. She has received the “A” Honor Roll, President’s Education of Excellence award, and a 3rd place soccer trophy. Her hobbies are swimming, hanging out with friends, shopping, playing soccer, performing piano pieces, and performing theater.
Princess – Winner in the Princess category is Elena Hornik. First Runner-up is Claire Casey, and 2nd runner-up is Ashley Workman. Elena is 13 years old and in the 8th grade at the North Royalton Middle School. She takes cheerleading, soccer, track and skiing. She is in the National Honor Society, Principal’s Award and Bear Award. Her hobbies are horseback riding, babysitting, reading and gardening.
Miss NR – Megan Jean Blem is the new Miss North Royalton. First runner-up is Emily Sprunger. Megan is 20 years old and attends Cuyahoga Community College. She plays softball, paints, is active in drama, choir, and the praise team at Royal Redeemer. She has received the Helping Hand award, honor and merit roll. Her favorite music is pop, especially Bruno Mars and Twenty One Pilots, because they both put her in the mood to have a good day. Her hobbies include painting, exploring nature, reading, writing poems and short stories.
Mr. NR – “It will be an honor to represent the city of North Royalton,” said newly crowned Mr. North Royalton, Curtis Sprunger. He added that he really enjoyed the experience and meeting everyone. Curtis is 17 years of age and a senior at the North Royalton High School. He plays varsity football, recreational baseball, is in the show choir and sings acapella. He is in the National Honor Society and is a Suburban League Scholar Athlete. He enjoys all music but mostly country. His hobbies are singing, exercise and outdoor adventuring.
The newly-crowned Miss North Royalton and her court will now represent North Royalton as ambassadors for the coming year. They will be called upon to participate in ribbon-cutting ceremonies, take part in parades, and attend festivals and other events in our city and also other areas.
Each pageant winner received a cash prize, trophy, medallion, flowers, a crown by iSparkle, sash, as well as a box of chocolates, and numerous gifts. Special thanks go out to Gross Builders for sponsoring this wonderful event for our community.
The winners will be introduced at the opening of the Festival on Friday, August 18, at 6 p.m. at the gazebo. Stop by to meet our new Miss North Royalton and her Court.