Wednesday, February 19, 2003
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Wednesday, February 19, 2003 |
Baker crowned Miss Starr's Mill at recent pageantBy MICHAEL
BOYLAN
Starr's Mill senior Carlee Baker recently won the title of Miss Starr's Mill at the second annual Miss Starr's Mill Pageant, after placing third a year ago. "I think this year I was more confident in myself," said Baker, when asked what the difference was between the two pageants. "I think I had a better idea of what was expected of the contestants as well." The 21 contestants in this year's pageant competed over three nights for a $1,500 scholarship and the title of Miss Starr's Mill. Seventy percent of their score came from the results of the talent and interview portion of the contest, while the remaining 30 percent came from their scores from the casual and evening wear categories. After the first two nights of the competition, the contest was narrowed down to 10 finalists who competed in the talent, interview and clothing categories once again. Senior Andrea Allen finished first runner-up, while junior Heather Lannan finished as second runner-up. Baker performed a monologue from Neil Simon's "The Good Doctor" for the talent portion of the competition, while other contestants, sang, danced and recited poetry. "The talent level was so much better this year," said Baker. "I think a lot of people who attended last year's pageant realized that they could compete this year." The interview process involved casual discussions between the judges and contestants based on their activities, interests and hobbies. While the casul wear and evening wear categories involved the contestants wearing beautiful clothes. The theme for this year's pageant was Mardi Gras and the event was festive, especially with the opening dance number, which included the all-male dancing group The Clydesdales. The Clydesdales also escorted the contestants on stage during the evening wear competition. In addition to the $1,500 scholarship, Baker will represent the school at meetings and functions and will host the final night of next year's comeptition. Baker was doubly lucky because she also won the Prom Package raffle, thanks to a large family entering the drawing each night of the pageant. "It was definitely my luckiest night, so far," said Baker, who is excited about the remainder of her senior year at Starr's Mill. She will pay the role of Audrey in the drama department's upcoming production of "Little Shop of Horrors" and is currently interviewing with some of the top colleges in the nation. Some of her top choices are Yale, New York University, UCLA and North Carolina School of the Arts. When asked if he was going to compete in any other pageants, Baker said she was unsure. Her director at Starr's Mill, David Spearman, is encouraging Baker to compete in one of the prelimiary pageants for Miss Georgia, though she has yet to make up her mind. "It would have to be a scholarship pageant with a talent portion of the competition," said Baker, who added that she made lots of new friends at this pageant and had a great time. The Miss Starr's Mill Pageant is a fundraiser for the Starr's Mill drama department and it was a huge success, which makes Baker, one of the drama department's rising stars, very happy.
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