Somewhere in Time: New Beauties for the Next Generation

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Somewhere in Time: New Beauties for the Next Generation -

The Y2K Miss Saginaw County Pageant

By Richard Curry

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The Miss Saginaw County Pageant at Saginaw Valley State University

carried a thematic focus of 'Shoot for the Stars' and managed to burn very

brightly.

Danielle Duclos - Photo by Richard Curry

One of these 'stars', 7-year old Danielle Duclos, belted out the song Tomorrow from the play Annie, and when she finished I thought Big Daddy Warbucks was going to appear from the wings to give her a big hug. Danielle has never had a voice lesson.

Another glimmering visage, Teen Miss Saginaw County Ashley Kabobel did a

tap dance rendition of The Cotton Club and totally lit the place up. Her

number was energetic, athletic, and flat out terrific. When Ashely gets old

enough to compete for Miss Saginaw County, just hand over the title.

Miss Michigan, Che Vonne Burton, sang a song in an orange silk dress. I

don't remember the name of the song, but I do remember that Che is

absolutely lovely. Jr. Teen Miss Saginaw County sang In My Own Little

Corner, first with the mic turned off and then with it working. She never

missed a beat either way.

Terry Henne did a fine job as MC with plenty of humor. This year's lighting

was strikingly effective and Sally Kluck ran the program effectively with

her usual kind-hearted persona.

I'm not bragging, but I feel I have a pretty good eye for female talent. In 1998 I predicted Melissa Gulliver would win in 1999 and she did. After Leslie Reinbold gave her answer to a Terry Henne question pertaining to what Leslie would say on Tomorrow's News as a lead TV anchor, Leslie said "Last night at SVSU, Leslie Reinbold was selected Miss Saginaw County", I knew she would win. Her song was Everyone Says Don't - I Say Do - and she did. Her singing, sense of humor, and her look in a blue bathing suit helped bring Leslie the crown.

Miss Saginaw County Leslie Reinbold and Rose Therese Wechter.

Photo by Richard Curry

Here are two names from Nostradamus for the next two years: Rose Therese

Wechter - she's intelligent, kind and caring. She comes from a loving

family (13 and 2 of those were adopted). She's physically exceptional and

has a wicked smile. Rose is also very talented on the piano. As a senior at

Nouvel she wrestled varsity against boys. This never happened when I went

to school, but if it did I would have tried out for a new sport. She's my

prediction for winning in 2001.

My prediction for 2002's winner would be Brooke Dennison. Two years ago

Brooke babysat my grandkids numerous times at my home. I suggested she

tryout for Miss Saginaw County, and here she is. Brooke is tall and she

handles it with a refined gracefulness. She possesses a bubbly personality

and sparkling dark eyes. Brooke has distinguished facial features and is

warm and friendly. She wore red in the evening gown competition and donned

a red two piece bathing suit in that competition. She was stunning in both.

Her singing needs to be tweaked a bit, and when she does - look out Miss

Michigan!

Jennifer Marie Cunningham - Photo by Richard Curry

Other opening highlights included: Carly Brady's gold evening dress, Jennifer Marie Cunningham's rendition of Ava Maria (her dad and brother are named Richie). Jennifer Roberts 'River Dance' would have made Michael Flatley proud, and Rebecca Stumpo had an incredible operatic voice along with her hourglass figure and 4.0 GPA. Her pearled top dress was the night's best.

I'd like to say that this contest is one event you should pencil into your calendar for next year.

I'd also like to mention one audience member I met. She is Wendy Armstrong,

the winner of the 2000 Miss Auburn Contest. If looks and a smile win

titles, she'd be Miss America. I'm hoping people will bring their daughters

to try out next year. All the girls before last night's performance prayed

and held hands.

Miss Auburn 2000, Wendy Armstrong

Photo by Richard Curry

The Miss America contest is a place where you'll find beauty, respect,

integrity, talent, and a warm heart. Melissa Gulliver found out this week

that her brother needs a kidney transplant. She took her final walk as the

'99 Queen' with her brothers on each arm. God bless her.

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