Meet Naomi Talbot, Moses Lake's Junior Miss 2004

Thirteen contestants present summer sizzling entertainment

Seven turned out to be a lucky number for Naomi Talbot on Saturday night as she was named Moses Lake's Junior Miss 2004 and a $2,000 scholarship

Talbot was one of 13 contestants who entertained a packed Moses Lake High School theater for nearly three hours, as well as showing the five-judge panel each had what it takes to be selected Junior Miss.

"Am I dreaming?" asked a visibly shocked Talbot after the program. "This is such a surprise. But I'm also very excited and honored to represent Moses Lake."

Talbot also won the talent, fitness and poise portions of the competition, along with a $200 scholarship for each category. Dressed as a fan dancer, Talbot was perfect in her ballet presentation danced to music by Mozart.

The evening's theme "Summer Sizzle," was carried throughout the program with Beach Boys music, including an intermission act by Our Beach Boys, a local singing group.

With the stage decorated in Hawaiian motif, complete with a grass hut, the contestants began the program dancing to the Beach Boys "Surfin' USA." Randi Tucker, Junior Miss 2003, and finalists Whitney Bator and Rachel Jorgensen were featured with the contestants.

Today's Generation entertained the audience with several presentations during the program. The younger group kept the theme with a sizzling hula dance. Tucker, a member of Today's Generation, danced with the group and later in the evening, performed the clogging number which earned her first place in the talent portion of the state Junior Miss competition which took place in January.

Debbie Roeber, mistress of ceremonies for the night, sang "Masterpiece," dedicated to the parents of the contestants. Roeber is a former Spokane Junior Miss and has been a supporter of the program for many years. She has emceed the Moses Lake program several times.

"I had to borrow a few dresses from Casa del Sol," she quipped, modeling a bright red gown. "I just had a baby and none of my gowns fit me."

The 13 contestants were judged on talent, fitness, poise and an interview, which was held with the judges before the program. Scholastics, which account for 20 percent of the total, were reviewed by a panel from Eastern Washington University.

The talent category included vocal performances from classical to Motown, and instrumental pieces on the piano, flute and trumpet.

Before passing on the title, Randi Tucker thanked the community for their support and the great experience she had representing Moses Lake over the past year. A slide show documented the year with scenes from float-building to the various parades the court attend throughout their reign.

"This has been the busiest year of my life," Tucker told the crowd. "While it has been incredibly hectic, it has also been one of the most memorable times in my life, one that I will forever cherish."

The 2004 Junior Miss Court includes first finalist, Alexis Curtright, who won a $700 scholarship, second finalist Colleen Ochocinski, winning a $600 scholarship, and third finalist Claire Goodrich, who won a $500 scholarship.

Melinda Sylvester and Santana Stockman both won a community outreach award for selling the most tickets, and a $100 scholarship. The Spirit of Junior Miss award and a $200 scholarship went to Colleen Ochocinski. Alexis Curtright won the scholastics category and a $200 scholarship.

Talbot, the daughter of Gayle and Steve Talbot, said Junior Miss is a great experience, one she is glad she decided to take part.

"I made so many good friends this year," Talbot said, shortly after winning the 2004 program. "It is a privilege to have known these girls, and to represent this community for the next year."

Talbot attends Moses Lake High School and plans a career as a dance teacher.