From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
July 5, 2012
The Miss Wantagh Pageant has been a tradition here on Long Island, New York, since 1956.
Wantagh, NY, USA. July 4, 2012. KELLY GARLAND, Miss Wantagh 2010, attends Miss Wantagh Pageant ceremony, a long-time Independence Day tradition on Long Island. (© 2012 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)
Soon after yesterday’s Wantagh July 4th Parade, a large crowd gathered on the front lawn of the Wantagh Elementary School on Beech Street for the Miss Wantagh Pageant winner announcement and Crowning Ceremony.
Miss Wantagh 2011, KARA ARENA, sang two patriotic songs in such a lovely voice it was easy to mistakenly assume artistic talent is one of the qualities contestants are judged on. In fact, the Miss Wantagh Pageant, which is not a beauty pageant, crowns a high school student based mainly on her academic excellence and community service.
Wantagh, NY, USA. July 4, 2012. Miss Wantagh Pageant 2012 winner HAILEY ORGASS receives trophy from EDEN HELD Miss Wantagh 2009 at crowning ceremony. 1st runner up was ALYSSA KELLY, 2nd runner up was PAULINA RENDA, & 3rd runner up was ALYSON HOPKINS. (© 2012 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)
The new Miss Wantagh:
- HAILEY ORGASS – Miss Wantagh 2012 (photo below)
- ALYSSA KELLY – 1st Runner Up
- PAULINA RENDA – 2nd Runner Up
- ALYSON HOPKINS – 3rd Runner Up
Wantagh, New York, U.S. July 4, 2012. HAILEY ORGASS, Miss Wantagh Pageant 2012, holds trophy at crowning ceremony, a long-time Independence Day tradition on Long Island. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)
Other participants in the ceremony included former Miss Wantaghs KELLY GARLAND (2010) and EDEN HELD (2009); ELLA STEVENS, the Coordinator of Miss Wantagh Pageant; Nassau County Legislator DAVE DENENBERG, who announced the 1st Runner Up; and Nassau County Clerk MAUREEN O’CONNELL, who announced Miss Wantagh 2012.
Miss Wantagh Pageant 2012: PHOTO GALLERY