News From the Harvest Festival
A crowning achievement
Posted on 09-14-2009
ROYALTY - 2009 Milton Harvest Festival Princess Alyssa Williams. Photo by Kevin Mertz/Standard Journal.
Photos and Article By Kevin Mertz
Published: Monday, September 14, 2009. Standard Journal News. Reprinted with permission.
MILTON - There's new royalty in Milton.
Three pageants, featuring a number of talented young ladies, were highlighted events during the first weekend of the 33rd annual Milton Harvest Festival.
On Saturday evening, Alyssa Williams was crowned Harvest Festival Princess.
As part of the competition, the five finalists for the crown were asked what about Milton would they would like to see posted on a sign along Interstate 80 and why. Each young lady answered with a smile, and drew rousing applause from members of the audience, who appeared to be enjoying the festivities as much as the contestants.
"Milton, Pa., where people come together," Williams answered. "Milton is a place with a lot of diversity, where people come together and they each bring something to the town."
Williams is the daughter of Dale and Victoria Williams, and was sponsored by the Milton Rotary Club. She is a member of the Milton Area High School Class of 2010 and is involved in band, concert choir, PYEA, show choir, PMEA band festivals, drama club, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and spring musical.
The runner-up for the crown, Bernadette Fuentes, said the sign should read “Come to Milton, it’s a happy place.”
“I believe that Milton is a place that should truly make all of you very happy,” Fuentes told the crowed.
She’s also a member of the Milton Area High School Class of 2010, and is the daughter of Elizabeth and Richie Fuentes. Her sponsor was the Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce.
The other three finalists were Tyteayanna Zimmerman, Carin Hauck and Brittany Snyder.
Contestant Lindsay Byers was honored with the Betty Zechman Spirit Award, given to the contestant who demonstrates kindness and helpfulness.
The fun for local girls didn’t stop with the crowning of the Milton Harvest Festival princess on Saturday. The excitement continued on Sunday afternoon with the Mini, Dainty and Little Miss pageant, and the Young and Junior Miss pageant.
MINI MISS — Ashley Shamblen is the 2009 Mini Miss pageant winner. Photo by Kevin Mertz/Standard Journal.
Ashley Shamblen, 5, was crowned Mini Miss. She’s the daughter of Lisa and Merrill Shamblen. Olivia Fox, 5, was the runner-up. Her parents are Gary and Betty Jo Fox.
DAINTY MISS — Zoe Paul was a proud winner after being crowned Dainty Miss on Sunday evening. Photo by Kevin Mertz/Standard Journal.
Six-year-old Zoe Paul was named Dainty Miss. She’s the daughter of Angie Paul. The runner-up in the Dainty Miss competition was Madalyn Chappell, 6, daughter of Kenneth III and Jodi Chappell.
LITTLE MISS — Angela Ayala emerged as the winner of the Little Miss pageant. Photo by Kevin Mertz/Standard Journal.
Angela Ayala, 7, claimed the crown in the Little Miss category. She’s the daughter of Christina and Juan Ayala. The runner-up was Morgan Rhodes, 7, daughter of Matthew and Rebecca Rhodes.
YOUNG MISS — Brianna Dorneman, 8, is all smiles after being crowned Young Miss on Sunday. Photo by Kevin Mertz
The Young Miss crown went to Brianna Dorneman, 8, the foster daughter of Tom and Pam Powell. Megan Schreck, 8, daughter of Shane and Charlene Schreck, was the runner-up.
JUNIOR MISS — Alexis Temple is all smiles after being crowned Junior Miss. Photo by Kevin Mertz/Standard Journal.
Twelve-year-old Alexis Temple was crowned Junior Miss. She’s the daughter of Roni Larose-Shaffer and Wayne “Sam” Shaffer, and Lynn Temple. The runner-up was Lindsey Engleman, 11, daughter of Jim and Jodi Engleman.
Kevin Mertz: 570-742-9671
kevin@standard-journal.com