Moses Lake crowns new Junior Miss

Naomi Talbot ends her year as city rep

MOSES LAKE — This year's Moses Lake Junior Miss contestants shone even brighter than the sparkles in their hair and the shimmering dresses they wore.

Across the board, all 10 contestants oozed talent and poise throughout the program held at Moses Lake High School Saturday night.

"I think this is our best — of course, we always say that," said Jeni Chandler with a laugh after the program was over.

Chandler has been co-chairing the program with Sharon McConkie for the past five years, although they both became involved eight years ago when each had a daughter participating in Junior Miss. The women received the Local Chairmen of the Year Award for 2005 for their efforts with the Moses Lake Junior Miss program.

"We really believe it makes a difference," McConkie said, explaining why she and Chandler have stayed involved so long.

"I think it's just as enjoyable for us as it is for the girls," Chandler said.

The contestants certainly did seem to be enjoying themselves Saturday night, as they showcased their talent and fitness abilities, and were also judged on self expression by a panel of judges from outside of Moses Lake. Prior to the onstage exhibitions, the girls were judged on interview skills and scholastics.

This year's contest took on a "Happy Days" theme and had the participants, and dancers from Today's Generation Dance Studio, frolicking to favorite songs from the 50s. Debbie Roeber, a former Junior Miss herself from Spokane, served as mistress of ceremonies.

This year's contestants kicked the evening off with an opening number choreographed by Peggy Earl, then donned evening gowns during the self expression portion of the event when they all were asked one question onstage by outgoing Moses Lake Junior Miss 2004 Naomi Talbot.

During the talent portion of the evening, contestant Cara Oliphant played piano, Tanae Bergeson clogged to the song "Let's Get Loud," Keila Alvarado sang, Stephanie Moberg danced, Emily Dufault sang "New York, New York," Ashley Gessel performed a musical sketch, Chelsea Hays danced to "Le Jazz Hot," Kasandra Turman played "Let it Whip" on saxophone, Nesha Davis clogged to "Step in Time" and Danielle Baker sang "Out Here On My Own."

The fitness portion of the evening, choreographed by Roeber, was an impressive exhibition of the contestant's physical endurance and strength, which the participants executed smiling all the while.

Talbot ended her reign Saturday night, having spent an "amazing year" as Moses Lake Junior Miss 2004. "I have so much more confidence in speaking and in myself as a person," said Talbot in her farewell speech.

Alexis Curtright, Colleen Ochocinski and Claire Goodrich, 2004 first, second and third finalists respectively, also officially ended their duties Saturday and fondly recalled their experiences with the program over the past year.

For this year's contestants, there was a tie as to who most embodied the Spirit of Junior Miss among the girls, and so both Oliphant and Turman received the award. Oliphant also received the Scholastics Award and a $200 scholarship, and was named first runner-up for which she will receive another $800 scholarship. Baker was awarded second runner-up and a $900 scholarship.

Bergeson made a nearly clean sweep throughout the awards presentation at the end of the night, starting with the Community Service Award, Judges Interview Award, Self Expression Award, Talent Award and Fitness Award, all of which included $200 scholarships. It was hardly a surprise when she was also named Moses Lake's new Junior Miss.

"I think that we have a wonderful community and I'd like to represent it," Bergeson said backstage after the program. She added that she is looking forward to riding on Moses Lake's community float at numerous parades throughout the region this summer; Baker and Oliphant will accompany her. Bergeson will receive a $2,000 scholarship for earning the Junior Miss title.