Kelli Schanus crowned Miss Lonsdale
Lori Nickel, Montgomery Messenger
After months of preparing for the Lonsdale Ambassador Coronation through gaining sponsorships, selling buttons and volunteering in the community, the five young women competed for the crown on Saturday evening, August 6, at the Montgomery-Lonsdale East Elementary School.
At the end of the evening, Montgomery-Lonsdale Senior Kelli Schanus, daughter of Pete and Sue Schanus, was crowned Miss Lonsdale 2012. She also received an award for winning the evening gown competition.
Two princesses were also crowned. They are Kacie Connelly, daughter of Luke and Stephanie Connelly, and Brittany Smisek, daughter of Jeff and Michelle Smisek. Kacie also won an award for her Legends of Lonsdale presentation. Brittany won the award for Best Interview.
Miss Congeniality was awarded to Allison Hanek, daughter of Steve Hanek and Kathy Novak Hanek. She was chosen for this award by her fellow contestants. Allison also won recognition for her academic achievement at Montgomery-Lonsdale High School.
Other awards went to Paxton Malecha-Novak, daughter of Jennifer Malecha and Rich Novak, for gaining the most sponsors and raising over $3,000 for the program. She received a check in the amount of $330.75 for her effort. Paxton was also awarded for selling 76 buttons, earning her $76. In addition, Paxton won the Spirit of Volunteering award for her community involvement.
Earlier Saturday, the Junior and Little Ambassador Pageant was held. The candidates were judged on talent presentations and on-stage interviews.
Of the six Little Ambassador contestants, Blake Malecha, son of Tom and Vicki Malecha, and Alicia Jokhoo, daughter of Leia Latchman, were chosen for the court.
In the Junior Ambassador pageant, Samantha Ellsworth, daughter of Larry and Laura Ellsworth, and Amber Simon, daughter of Ron and Bonnie Simon, were selected to represent Lonsdale.
