Glitter and glamour

Four ladies are crowned during annual event in Lewistown

By MEGAN BOLLINGER Sentinel reporter mbollinger@lewistownsentinel.com

LEWISTOWN - Four young women went home celebrating Sunday evening after winning crowns and scholarship awards during the 2009 Miss Central Pennsylvania Scholarship Pageant, held at Lewistown Area High School.

The third time was a charm for Sarah Timm, who was crowned as the new Miss Central Pennsylvania at the end of the competition - this was her third year competing in the pageant.

"I've wanted this title for a long time," said Timm, who was first runner-up in the Miss Central Pennsylvania Pageant in 2007.

Timm, a graduate of Westminster College and native of Mount Joy, said her preparation was more difficult this year because she is involved with a theatrical company and sprained her ankle during a recent rehearsal.

"This year was different, because I was trying to work out using a crutch in my performances," Timm said.

Timm performed the song, "The Girl in 14-G" during the talent competition and presented her platform, "The American Red Cross: Be Red Cross H.O.T.," during the on-stage interview portion of the pageant.

Pageant newcomer Casey Bryant, of Lewisburg, was crowned Miss Greater Juniata Valley.

"This is my very first competition. It has been a great opportunity to refine my interview skills," Bryant said.

Bryant, whose talent was baton twirling, said she was encouraged to enter the competition by her baton twirling duet partner, Katy Galimberti, who was a contestant in the teen portion of the pageant.

Bryant performed a baton twirling routine to "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" during the talent competition and presented her platform, "The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life," during the on-stage interview portion of the pageant.

The crown for Miss Central Pennsylvania Outstanding Teen went to Jill Wiley, a sophomore at Penn Manor High School. Wiley sang "Beyond My Wildest Dreams" during the talent portion of the teen competition.

Maria Cinti, a student at Soloman Plains Junior High School, was crowned the Miss Greater Juniata Valley Outstanding Teen. Cinti performed a tap routine to "Wizards of Winter" during the competition portion of the teen competition.

For the miss competition, first runner-up was Jenna Knopsyder, of Somerset; second runner-up was Amber Alsop, of Knox; and third runner-up was Meredith Semon, of West Newton. In the teen competition, first runner-up was Katy Galimberti, of State College, and second runner-up was Kaitlyn Miller, of Swoyersville.

In between the talent, lifestyle and fitness, on-stage interview and evening wear competitions for this year's contestants, the 2008 title holders gave performances. Miss Central Pennsylvania 2008 Eka Akpakip, Miss Greater Juniata Valley 2008 Anna Welsh and Miss Greater Juniata Valley Outstanding Teen Hannah Timm all gave vocal performances, while Miss Central Pennsylvania Outstanding Teen 2008 Erica Bristor performed a dance routine.

Reedsville native Chris Ruble, who also performed two songs between competitions, was the master of ceremonies for the event, .

Many other special awards were given to the contestants on Sunday. Knopsyder was awarded the best in evening wear and life style and fitness. Sarah Timm received the best talent award. Bryant was given the newcomer award. Kendra Walmer, of Lebanon, was given the people's choice and the best in non-finalist interview award. Three ladies tied for the best dance routine award: Bryant, Walmer and Rita Zell, of State College. Walmer and Zell also won awards for best non-finalist talent.

Timm and Bryant will be eligible to compete in the upcoming Miss Pennsylvania competition. The pageant is sponsored by the Miss Central Pennsylvania Scholarship Organization. For more information, go online to http://www.misscentralpa.org/.