The Shadow
Thirteen was not an unlucky number for one pageant contestant Saturday night.
Megan Cole was crowned Senior Miss Queen of Hearts during the annual pageant held at Covington High School’s Curfman Hall. Megan was Contestant 13 in Saturday’s pageant.
Megan, 17, is the daughter of R.C. and Betsy Cole of Covington. Her sponsor was Cole Amusement Company.
First runner-up was Ashleigh Brie, the 17-year-old daughter of Jim and Lisa Bragg of Covington. Her sponsor was the Shoe Box and Sports Center.
Second runner-up was Laurel Haynes, the 18-year-old daughter of Frankie and Rhonda Haynes of Covington. Her sponsor was Patsy’s Dance Studio.
Third runner-up was Jennifer Parris, the 17-year-old daughter of Frenchy and Lorrie Parris of Falling Spring. Her sponsor was Creative Fabrication.
Fourth runner-up was Hollie Fisher, the 17-year-old daughter of Annette Williamson of Covington. Her sponsor was Yo’s Cleaning Services.
The Miss Congeniality award went to Jessica Tingler. The award is voted on by the contestants. Jessica is the 18-year-old daughter of George and Christine Tingler of Alleghany County. Her sponsor was Willy-T’s Bar-B-Q.
The Audience Choice winner was Stephanie Smith, the 17-year-old daughter of Eddie Smith and Barbara Smith of Clifton Forge. The audience votes on the award by presenting donations for their favorite contestant. Stephanie raised $95, with the $561 being taken in through all audience votes.
Saturday’s pageant was held as a fundraiser for the Alleghany Heart Unit, and is one of five pageants that the organization holds throughout the year. Saturday’s pageant raised $3,004 for the American Heart Association.
Other contestants in Saturday’s pageant included:
-Emily Depriest, 17-year-old daughter of Marshall and Athena Chittum. Her sponsor was Speedy Construction.
-Katelynn Grimes, 16-year-old daughter of Carlene Gibson of Covington. Her sponsor was Waco, Inc.
-Ashley Jerman, 16-year-old daughter of Kevin and Marcy Jerman of Covington. Her sponsor was Cathy Rice of Penny’s Pioneer.
-Paige Martin, 17-year-old daughter of Daryl and Mary Lynn Martin of Clifton Forge. Her sponsor was EIaine Mitchell’s Salon.
-Kellee Persinger, 17-year-old daughter of Dennis and Julie Persinger of Covington. Her sponsor was Aaron Persinger Logging.
-Chelsie Shamblin, 16-year-old daughter of Michelle Shamblin of Clifton Forge. Her sponsor was Michelle Shamlin of Guys and Dolls Salon.
-Heidi Sparks, 16-year-old daughter of Tim and Susan Sparks of Alleghany County. Her sponsor was The Club Car.
-Alisabeth Stanley, 18-year-old daughter of Reecie Elmore and Ashby Elmore of Selma and the late John Stanley Jr. Her sponsor was Homer’s Parts and Accessories.
The theme for the pageant was “Burning Love”. The 15 contestants competed in dress wear, casual wear and evening gown categories.
Emcees were Clint Collins, current Heart Unit president, and the outgoing Senior Miss Queen of Hearts Heather Hinebaugh, who relinquished her crown Saturday night.
Entertainment was provided by Austin Cole, Johnna Waugh, Garlynda’s Fancy Feet and the Rebels of Rhythm.
Escorts during the evening gown competition were Ryan Hall and Preston Waddell.
Judges for Saturday’s pageant were Emily Hall, the reigning Miss York County; Sarah Lee Fitzpatrick, the reigning Miss Blue Ridge; and David Desper of Waynesboro, who has been affiliated with the Miss America pageant for many years. Auditors were Shannon Fuhrman, Tammie Looney and Beth Ann Jamerson.
Other Heart Unit Queens of Hearts appearing at Saturday’s pageant included Noelle Brantley, Junior Miss; Montanna Hall, Young Miss; Cassie Conner, Little Miss; and Kirsten Smith, Tiny Miss.
The pageant directors were Amanda Burns, Melissa Stull and Tracy Barner. Burns also serves as pageant coordinator for the Heart Unit. Queen coordinators were Stull and Robin Jennings. Stull also provided choreography for the pageant.
The stage design was provided by Janet Wolfe, while Vance Gibson was in charge of door admissions and concessions.
Other pageant helpers included Mandy Arritt, Susan Tolley, Monroe and Leona Patterson, Kathy Gibson, Ashley Seldomridge, Karen May, Tiffany Reynolds, Betty Munsey, Tammie Looney and Amanda Taylor.
Other upcoming Heart Unit events include a designer handbag bingo Sunday at the Clifton Forge Moose Lodge, sponsored by Junior Miss Queen of Hearts Noelle Brantley; the annual Heart Unit Radio-thon on February 27 from noon until midnight; a Longaberger and Vera Bradley bingo February 28 at the Covington Moose Lodge, sponsored by Young Miss Queen of Hearts Montanna Hall; Junior Miss Queen of Hearts pageant, March 6; Young Miss Queen of Hearts pageant, March 20; Little Miss Queen of Hearts pageant, April 17; and Tiny Miss Queen of Hearts pageant, May 9.
All upcoming pageants will be held at Curfman Hall beginning at 6 p.m.
