Portage’s Class of 2011 Distinguished Young Woman Lexi Elisha returned to the auditorium on Saturday night to pass the title to a new winner. Thirty female students from the Class of 2012 competed in the DYW scholarship program, formerly known as Junior Miss. In the end, Kacie McGuire was crowned the 2012 DYW.
The night started as the group of all 30 contestants greeted the crowd with a performance of “Party in the USA.” The Mistress of Ceremonies, English teacher Carrie Martin-Smith, stepped to the microphone to provide background information about the program. The young women were judged based on their judge’s interview (25%), talent (25%), scholastic achievement (20%), fitness (15%) and self-expression (15%). The judging panel, comprised of former Junior Miss winners and contestants, was made up of Lisa Ford, Krissy Jones, Tara Pritchard and Ali Stewart.
The parade of contestants took place next to give the audience a closer look at the field. The young women were judged on three previous preliminary round nights to be narrowed down to 12 finalists. The announcement of those finalists followed the parade of contestants. Ali Johnson, Emily Dominguez, Aza Braner, Alexis McKee, Erica Gaffney, Lauren Alyea, Kacie McGuire, Michaeline Spencer, Trinitie Oetman, Morgan Jackson, Terra Norman and Stephanie Nanney made up the top 12.
The first area to be judged Saturday evening was fitness, with the finalists dancing to “Blow” and “I Gotta Feeling.” Contestants were judged based on coordination, stamina, agility, posture and carriage.
Principal Caren Swickard discussed the lengthy list of accomplishments turned in by the group during her remarks. Included in the program were representatives from many sports including soccer, swimming, volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis, golf, gymnastics and track and field. Students who have participated in plays, choir, advanced orchestra, marching band, pep band, jazz band, concert band, and advanced band also took part in DYW. Young women from numerous different clubs and groups were also included in the program. Combined, the girls hold a 3.6 GPA.
“They are all very committed within the school and within their community and that is certainly emphasized here tonight,” Swickard said.
Talent presentations from the finalists followed Swickard’s remarks. Ali Johnson led off with gymnastics, following by singing from Emily Dominguez and a dramatic reading by Aza Braner. Alexis McKee worked double duty by singing and playing the guitar to “White Horse” by Taylor Swift. Erica Gaffney’s talent was playing a piano solo, while Lauren Alyea sang “Many the Miles.” Kacie McGuire, who went on to win the 2012 DYW, did a humorous Cinderella monologue. Michaeline Spencer delivered a violin solo, Trinity Oetman did a sign language/song performance and Morgan Jackson grabbed the microphone to reenact her vocal solo from the spring musical Hairspray. Terra Norman accompanied herself on the ukelale while singing. The final member of the top 12, Stephanie Nanney, played a clarinet solo.
The evening concluded with the announcement of the awards and winner. The Hanley Award, which goes to a non-finalist that is found to be responsible, was awarded to Valerie Gregorash. The Stevens Award, in honor of former auditorium director Joe Stevens, went to Nicole Ruiz. Trinity Oetman took home the Spirit of Junior Miss honor, as voted on by the 30 contestants. Emily Dominguez was announced as the fourth runner up, followed by third runner up Morgan Jackson, second runner up Ali Johnson and first runner up Stephanie Nanney. Then, 2011 PHS Distinguished Young Women/Junior Miss Lexi Elisha announced that Kacie McGuire was selected as the 2012 DYW. McGuire will represent Portage High School in the state phase, where she will look to become the third state winner from Portage in the last six years..