The results are in from the Rugby Preliminary Pageant, and what a fun night of entertainment it was! The pageant began with all 17 contestants and the three state titleholders performing an opening number to the song “Everybody’s Beautiful”. Throughout the evening, the 17 contestants competed in personal interview, sportswear (lifestyle and fitness for Miss Contestants), talent, and evening wear. They were judged in each category by a panel of five judges. The judges were: Becky Galt- 17-year director of the Miss Carrington Pageant; Jeana Peinovich – former Miss ND 1982 and Director of “Lend-A-Hand” at the Dakota Medical Foundation in Fargo; John Cunningham Network Coordinator at Dakota Central Telecommunications in Carrington; Judy Wolsky retired math teacher from Carrington; and Sandy Hageness Executive Assistant at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby. The Auditors who tabulated scores were Lavina Domagala, Co-director of the ND Outstanding Teen and Youth Pageant, and Amanda Loughman from Rugby.

The winners of the pageant were: Little Miss Rugby 2013 Katelyn Duchscher (of Rugby) and Little Miss Geographical Center 2013 Gabrielle Tweten (of Jamestown). In the Pre-Teen age division, Miss Rugby 2013 was won by Riley Grove (of Rugby) and Pre-Teen Miss Geographical Center 2013 was won by Annika Tweten (of Jamestown). Winners in the Junior Teen category were: Junior Teen Rugby 2013 Breanna Thompson (of Rugby) and Junior Teen Geographical Center 2013 Kourtney Sattler also of Rugby. The Outstanding Teen division winners were: Miss Rugby’s Outstanding Teen 2013 Noelle McVicar (of Fargo) and Miss Geographical Center’s Outstanding Teen 2013 Kayla Erker (of Rogers, ND). Carlie Meehan of New Rockford won the Miss Rugby title and Megan Yahna of Larimore won the Miss Geographical Center title. All of the winners will go on to compete at the state level.

The audience also got the chance to pick their favorite contestant with the People’s Choice Award. To vote, audience members could donate money in the vase with their favorite contestant’s picture on it. Half of all the money is donated to Children’s Miracle Network and the other half was awarded to the winner of the People’s Choice Award. This year’s People’s Choice Award went to Riley Grove.

Winners of the pageant received scholarships and gifts. Both Miss Rugby and Miss Geographic Center won $300 scholarships, an official crown and sash, $150 sponsorship to the Miss North Dakota pageant, and a photo shoot from Jennifer Zachmeier. The rest of the title winners received a crown, sash, $50 sponsorship to the state pageant, and also won a photo shoot from Jennifer Zachmeier.

DVD’s of the pageant can be purchased by calling Paola Trottier at 776-5201.Co-Directors Julie Grove and Angie Wolfe were pleased with how well the event went for the first year and hope to hold next year’s competition this fall.

– Submitted by Julie Grove