Carla Sevcik is crowned Miss Lonsdale

By Wade Young

Montgomery Messenger

After she mistook the Empire State Building for the Eiffel Tower during her onstage interview, then gracefully covering the mistake, Carla Sevcik walked away with the crowning title after Thursday’s Miss Lonsdale Pageant.

During the stage interview, pageant host Tom Goetzinger asked a travel-loving Sevcik why she would like to visit Paris, France.

With a bit of on-stage nervousness, Sevcik smiled and blurted, “To see the Empire State Building.”

Goetzinger then clarified the mistake for her. Correcting herself, Sevcik said, “Oh yes, the Eiffel Tower, because that was in our prom [at Montgomery-Lonsdale High School] last year, and it was cool.”

After the pageant, a clearly excited Sevcik said she was in disbelief of her answer, but excited nonetheless she won the Miss Lonsdale title.

“I cannot believe I won it,” she said. “I also cannot believe I messed that up.”

Miss Lonsdale 2003 Wendy Jirik passed her title to Sevcik, the daughter of Jerry and Sue Sevcik, in one of the most exciting and well-attended events that officially kicked off Lonsdale Community Days.

Representing Lonsdale with Sevcik for the next year will be First Princess Natasha Stamman, the daughter of Tom and Karen Stamman who attends Christian Life School, and Second Princess Amy Olson, daughter of Loren and Karen Olson, who will be a senior at Montgomery-Lonsdale High School.

Also competing were Danielle Kes and Belinda Farber.

The candidates were judged on the results of a personal interview, an on-stage interview, academic achievement, community involvement and an evening gown competition, where judges evaluated the young women on their poise, grace, and the choice of attire.

This year’s candidates brought in more than $5,000 in sponsorships for the pageant. Danielle Kes who secured more than $2,300 in sponsorship funds, received a $473 scholarship for her efforts.

This year the five contestants sold more than 300 buttons. Natasha Stamman was the winner, selling 104 buttons and earning herself a $79 scholarship.

Other awards that were presented Thursday were Miss Congeniality (Natasha Stamman), Outstanding Academic Achievement (Amy Olson), Best Personal Interview (Natasha Stamman), Best Evening Gown (Carla Sevcik) and Best Outstanding Community Involvement (Amy Olson).

The 2003-2004 court made up of Miss Lonsdale Wendy Jirik, First Princess Candis Bastyr, and Second Princess Erin Bastyr also gave their farewells at the pageant, thanking their parents, each other and their sponsors.

The royalty are required to attend at least 90 percent of more than 30 events during their year to receive their scholarships. If they meet the requirements, Miss Lonsdale will receive $750, First Princess will receive $500, and Second Princess will receive $250.