NEW BERLIN – For more than 50 years, the New Berlin Youth Days has been considered a staple for the area, emphasizing fun, family and community. As is the case each year, the weekend’s events kicked-off Thursday night with the 52nd annual Miss Youth Days Pageant held at the Unadilla Valley Central School auditorium.
Fourteen females ages 5-18 donned gowns and their mothers’ - or other family member’s - jewelry and took to the stage bringing style, confidence and poise.
Master of Ceremonies Gene Chilion attested the pageant is not about winning or losing, but it is in place to help the children and young ladies foster their public speaking and communication skills.
“Every one of you here are champs,” Chilion said.
The contestants were judged on their presentation, appearance, personality, and an interview conducted by Chilion. This year’s volunteer judges included Deb Harris, Cynthia Thompsen, and Heather Dunham.
Approximately 50 family members, friends, and area residents intently watched the pageant unfold. Interview answers from the children caused some in attendance to become teary-eyed.
Three categories separate the ladies: Little Miss Youth Days, Junior Miss Youth Days and Miss Youth Days. Each contestant was asked to state her name, age and where she lived. Each was then asked by Chilion if she had any siblings, family or friends in the audience. Each contestent was also asked about their pets, grades in school, and several other related questions.
For the younger ladies, questions were submitted by family members to then be asked by Chilion. Questions ranged from hobbies to what the girls wanted to be when they get older.
Tatianna Ives of Pittsfield, who turns 7 today, explained during her interview how she enjoys assisting her grandmother - who she calls Meme - when she can, and helping with household chores like dinner and cleaning. Ives was one of five girls vying for the spot of Little Miss Youth Days.
Other contestants shared their passion for dance, animals and sports.
As the scores were tallied by the judges between each group of ladies, entertainment was provided by Jeanette Montuori, who shared her vocal skills with the crowd.
Five Junior Miss Youth Days contestants took to the stage, providing the audience with their thoughts on the same issues as the younger ladies, yet answers differed slightly.
Elyssa Devine, 10, South New Berlin, told of how she spent time in the Neonatal Intesive Care Unit as a baby and would like to help children and families in similar circumstances when she gets older.
The Miss Youth Days category is for young women ages 14-18, and four ladies competed this year for the title. As these young women have had more public speaking opportunities, they were required to answer a question chosen at random they had not yet seen. Each was given the opportunity to “pass” once, but was required to answer the second question.
Harlie Christian, 17, South New Berlin, explained her desires to help those in need. According to Christian, who spends some time volunteering in Norwich, it is important for people to know that even if they reach the bottom, there are always people there to help lift you back up.
Chilion emphasized again before announcing the winners of each category that every single contestant is a champion for participating.
Little Miss Youth Days 2013 was awarded to Gracie Gorrell, 5, of New Berlin. Haiely Canfield, 6, Edmeston, took 1st runner-up and Tatianna Ives, 7, Pittsfield, received 2nd runner-up honors.
Junior Miss Youth Days 2013 crown recipient was Shannon Lloyd, 10, South New Berlin. Elyssa Devine, 10, South New Berlin, received honors of 1st runner-up and Rhalyne Kuhn, 10, South New Berlin, was 2nd runner-up.
Miss Youth Days 2013 was awarded to 18-year-old Nicole Watts of New Berlin, an impending college freshman and UVCS alum. 1st runner-up honors went to Harlie Christian, 17, South New Berlin; and 2nd runner-up was awarded to 14-year-old Tessa Huffine of South New Berlin.
The winners of this year’s pageant will be in the Youth Days Parade to be held at 6 p.m. Saturday on Main Street in New Berlin.
Gratitude was extended by Chilion to all those who helped make the pageant a success: Father Chuck Taylor, Kristin Rumovicz, Wilma Gorrell, Megan Carpenter, Holly Carpenter, Tammy Carpenter, Brenda Weidman, Wendy Rifanburg, Kiran Borst, Kristi Gorrell, Beth Duvall, and Jeanine Potter.
Jody Weidman was presented with the honor of Citizen of the Year for his various efforts helping throughout the community. Weidman has been involved with coaching both football and basketball, is an avid horse trodder and competitor, and has been known to frequent the New Berlin Diner many mornings to joke and catch up with the early birds.
The Youth of the Year was awarded to Morgan Weidman who was not able to attend the event. Both will be presented with plaques for their efforts within the community at the Youth Days festivities.
“This (the Miss Youth Days Pageant) really does help the youth gain some confidence speaking in front of people and answering questions. They really are all winners for participating,” added Chilion.