Six to compete for title of Miss Rogers City, 2007
by Richard Lamb– Advance Editor
Pageant director Pennie Kelly and choreographer Meghan Harp have been working with six contestants for the Miss Rogers City pageant, set for July 27 at Rogers City High School. Kelly, a former Miss Rogers City, is in her 11th year as pageant director, in charge of what has become a grand show over the years.
The contestants include Morgan Schuiteman, Nicole Hayner, Regina Andre, Keri Wilson, Ashley Basel, and Sasha Gapczynski.
Morgan Schuiteman is contestant number one. She is the daughter of Dr. Jay and Debora Schuiteman and has one brother and two sisters. She is a football cheerleader, in the National Honor Society, Natural Helpers, student government, and competitive dance. Her future ambitions are to graduate from Rogers City High School, attend college and pursue a degree in ophthalmology.
?I entered the pageant because ever since I was little, it was one thing I knew I wanted to be part of. I think it is a great opportunity to have new experiences and to challenge myself,? Morgan said. Nowak?s Window, Door, and Cabinet Company, Sunrise Gardens and Grains, Inc., and Dr. James M. Curtis sponsor her.
Nicole Hayner, contestant number two, is the daughter of Kathy and Bill LaLonde of Rogers City and John and Lisa Hayner of Gaylord. She has seven brothers and sisters. She is in the National Honor Society, Natural Helpers, cheerleading, drama club, TBL mentoring, bowling, and yearbook. She plans to attend Alpena Community College to pursue a degree in nursing, before getting married and becoming a mother.
?I entered the pageant to develop stronger friendships with the other contestants and to have a lot of fun,? she said. She is sponsored by E.H. Tulgestka Forest Products.
Regina Andre is the daughter of Mark Andre and Marcia Peltz and her siblings include three older brothers, one older sister, and a younger sister. She is active in the RCHS Drama Club and the RC Community Theater, Voices in Harmony, and singing at community events. After graduating from RCHS, she plans to attend college to study for a career as a registered nurse. She also plans to pursue an education in home health care services for adults and children.
?I entered the pageant to represent the community as best I can and be a role model to other girls in the community. I also wanted to make new friends and have a great experience,? she said.
She is sponsored by the Rogers City Optimist Club. Keri Wilson, contestant number four, is the daughter of Sue and Gary Wilson and is the youngest of three children, having two older brothers. She is interested in bowling, swimming, rollerblading and four-wheeling.
?I plan to start off by going to college at Alpena Community College for physical therapy then moving to a bigger college to fulfill my dreams,? she said. She said she entered the pageant to interact with her peers, to gain self-confidence and to represent her community. Her sponsors are NAPA Auto Parts, and Fleis Excavation/Millenium Homes.
Ashley Basel is the daughter of Terry and Anne Basel and has an older brother. While in high school, she has participated in the National Honor Society, Educational Talent Search, Natural Helpers, the Dance Centre Competitive Dance team, volleyball, track and student council. Her plans after graduation include attending either Alma or Lake Superior State University for a pre-pharmacy diploma and then continuing her education at Fer
?I entered the pageant because I would feel both honored and proud to represent my community in this way,? she said. Her sponsor is Basel Oil Company.
Sasha Gapczynski, the daughter of Lee and Joan Gapczynski, is contestant number six. She has a fraternal twin brother. She is president of the Class of 2008, and is in National Honor Society, football cheerleading, Key Club, St. Ignatius teen youth group, and has volunteered in various activities over the past year. Her future plans are to graduate with honors and then attend Ferris State University to obtain a Doctorate of Pharmacy.
?I entered this pageant to strengthen my friendships with five great girls and to have the chance to represent Rogers City, the place I proudly call home,? she said. S.C. & J. Transport, Plath?s Meats Inc., and Lee?s Redi Mix sponsor her.