From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
July 5, 2016
SKIPPER the Jack Russell terrier was one of many celebrators dressed in patriotic red, white and blue when awards were handed out, and the 60th Annual Miss Wantagh Pageant crowning ceremony was held, following the Wantagh Independence Day Parade yesterday morning.
I wore sunglasses, but the harsh midday sun made me wish I’d also brought my From Long Island cap.
Wantagh WARRIORS Baseball Team 2016
The crowd cheered loud and long when members of the winning Wantagh WARRIORS baseball team lined up to receive certificates issued by the Nassau County Supervisor.
During 2016, the Warriors baseball team won yet another county championship, its 3rd Long Island Championship, and its 2nd New York State Class A championship.
MISS WANTAGH 2016
During this special 60th anniversary, quite a few former Miss Wantaghs – both from recent years and decades ago – participated, wearing their banners and crowns.
LYNN CLAYTON-LUONGO, Miss Wantagh 1956 – the first Miss Wantagh – travelled from Everett, Massachusetts, for this special anniversary event.
In 1958, when Clayton was 18, she was Miss Congeniality and First Runner Up in the New York State pageant of Miss America. But Miss Wantagh isn’t a beauty pageant. It crowns a Wantagh resident in high school based mainly on academic excellence and community service.
Results of this year’s pageant:
- EMMA CAREY – Miss Wantagh 2016
- BRIANNA COLTELLINO – 1st Runner Up
- GRACE ANNE McKENNA – 2nd Runner Up
- COURTNEY CARDONA – 3rd Runner Up
- ISABELLA SANTERAMO & KAYLA SCHMIDT – Ambassadors
Officials included Hon. CHRISTOPHER QUINN, Supervising Judge of Nassau County Court; ERIN KING-SWEENEY, Town of Hempstead Councilwoman; STEVE RHOADS, Nassau County Legislator, District 19; and ELLA STEVENS, the Miss Wantagh Pageant Coordinator.
Wantagh WARRIORS Baseball Team: GALLERY