The Shadow
Anna Elizabeth Wilson, 17-year-old daughter of Ronald and Dawn Wilson, was crowned the 2009 Miss Fall Foliage Queen Saturday night at a pageant held at Alleghany High School.
The first runner-up was Kasey Star Ruble, daughter of Chad and Jaime Bruce; the second runner-up was Paige Lynn Martin, daughter of Daryl and Mary Lynn Martin; the third runner-up was Ashleigh Nicole Brie, daughter of Jim and Lisa Bragg; the fourth runner-up was Kirsten Michel Holly, daughter of Scott and Tonya Holley.
The title of Miss Congeniality, which was voted on by the contestants, was awarded to Alisabeth Della-Onva Stanley, daughter of Mirecce Elmore and the late John Stanley Jr.
Proceeds from the 24th annual pageant, which is sponsored by the Preceptor Gamma Rho chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, will be used to fund scholarships for an Alleghany High School and Covington High School student as well as donations to other area organizations including the humane society and Christmas Mother.
After an opening dance number featuring all of the 23 contestants and the 2008 Miss Fall Foliage Queen Cierra Mendoza, the contestants competed in sports wear, dress wear and evening gown competitions. Personal interviews with the three judges were completed Saturday afternoon before the pageant.
The Mistress of Ceremonies was Shirley Hippert Thompson, the 1990 Miss Fall Foliage Queen. Cierra Mendoza served as co-emcee.
Entertainment for the evening was provided with lively dance numbers by students from Garlynda’s Fancy Feet Dance Studio. Vocal selections were performed by Katie Riley and Emily Comer.
Contestants’ escorts were Travis Fridley, Ryan Hall, Cassidy Burns and Josh Laprade.
Members of the AHS stage crew were Cody Ratliff and Ben Black.
Members of Preceptor Gamma Rho are Bonnie Walker, president; Debra Bolt, Becky Eggleston, Pam Folks, Emma Fridley, Elizabeth Fridley, Diane Hicks, Dorinda Jack, Debbie Rose, Mary Sue Vest, Gail Weinsheimer, Linda Williams, Cyndie Matthews, Cindy Humphries, Donna Craft and Anita Rice.
Contestants and their sponsors were:
Carolina Wolfe, Seibel Heavy Equipment; Kasandra Cantreras, Blue Ridge Lumber; Courtney Charles, Allison McCormick of Great Reflections; Kathren O’Conner, B.A. Rupert Real Estate; Samantha Bowers, the Law Office of David B. Davis; Sara Tolley, Melissa Stull Photography and Kasey Ruble, Photos by Sue.
Angel Shiflett, T & T Carpet and Cleaning Service; Shawnee Smith, Thunder Alley; Brandi Elmore, Picket Fences; Alisabeth Stanley, Homer’s Parts and Accessories; Katherine Day, Patricia W. Henderson, D.O., P.C.; Ashleigh Brie, Shoe Box and Sports Center and Kirsten Holley, Cafe Michel.
Montana Persinger, Perry’s Home Improvements; Hannah Dressler, Country Cottage and Crafts; Kara Smith, Rebecca Perkins of Kut-N-Up; Chelsie Shamblin, Michelle Shamblin of Guys and Dolls; Paige Martin, Dominion Virginia Power; Anna Wilson, John and Sheryl Stone, Nationwide Insurance; Kelsey Saunders, Cleaning Handy Man Service; Katelyn Martin, H&R Block of Covington and Hollie Fisher, Yo’s Cleaning Service.
