Dorothy Romel crowned Miss Posen

The 2004 Miss Posen Pageant came to a resounding conclusion last Friday with the crowning of Dorothy Romel as this year’s queen. Romel, the daughter of Leo and Denyse Romel, also captured poise and appearance awards and co-winner of the congeniality award. The first runner-up was Courtney Romel who also received the coordination and talent awards and co-winner of the congenialty award. Second runner-up was Brittany Romel.

The pageant began precisely on time in the Posen High School gym when the spotlight turned to the podium and mistress of ceremonies Donna Jaskolski welcomed the packed house to a night of suspense and entertainment. The lights dimmed and the impressive audio system provided by Rex Manning began playing as the contestants started dancing their way through the crowd and onto the stage.

Dressed in matching black attire with white gloves and socks, the six young women put on a coordinated rendition of the pop favorite, “Thriller,” Choreographed by Jennifer Marceau. After the number, Jaskolski introduced judges Betty Werth and Carol Witherbee of Alpena and Don Willman of Traverse City along with the auditor, Lois Darga of Alpena.

THE TALENT presentations were varied and entertaining for everyone but especially pleasing to the group of proud parents seated down front and stage right. Marie Elizabeth Romel sang a vocal solo, “Better Things to Do.” Courtney Romel performed a rousing instrumental drum medley of her favorite songs. Dorothy Romel recited a sweet but sad poem, “But You Didn’t” and Brittany Romel sang, “Born to Fly.” Amanda Swan performed a brisk dance number to the tune of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.” Kendra Krajniak delivered an expressive and sensitive interpretive dance to “I Believe.”

DURING THE intervals between and within the different segments of the program, the emcee kept everyone entertained with bits of information ranging from the Posen Potato Festival events to basic statistics about the contestants. “If the girls were stacked head to toe, the six contestants would reach a height of about 33 feet, with the average height being about five foot four inches tall,” Jaskolski noted.

“Of the six contestants, three have brown eyes, one of them has green, one has blue and one has a greenish brown hue,” she said. She concluded with the girls’ hair colors: “Three brunettes, two blondes and one is a redhead. Their average shoe size is eight. All six of them have pierced ears.” “The young ladies’ favorite events at the Potato Festival include dancing the polka at the pavilion, the bump and run and the grand parade. I was also told that there are 33 food vending events at the Potato Festival and the girls like trying a little bit of their favorite dishes during the festival,” Jaskolski said.

THE POISE and appearance segment came right after the intermission. Each girl was asked whether a woman would make a good president of the U.S. and why. Every one of the ladies responded that a woman would make a good president but the reasons varied from the subli

me to the hilarious. One was even satirical. There was a rousing dance number by the Junior Miss co-winner, Kaley Darga. She displayed perfect poise and balance throughout the difficult routine. Kaley was followed by the other Junior Miss co-winner Jessica, Gartner, playing the “Turkish Rondo”, a fast paced and energetic piece for piano. The farewell address by Miss Posen 2003 Kyrie Kuffel was heartwarming and sincere by a queen grateful for the chance to represent her community at many events, including the potato festival, Relay for Life and numerous parades and pageants throughout northern Michigan.

She concluded that, “My experience was great and one never to be forgotten.” The pageant committee, headed by pageant director Jan Misiak, organized the program and made sure every segment was carried out smoothly and flawlessly. A list of all the gifts, gift certificates and money donations was displayed near the front entrance to the gym.