Miss Beloit 2006, Sara Siekierski

Follow Sara on her journey as Miss Beloit 2006!

Thursday, March 30, 2006



Sara's first week as Miss Beloit 2006 has been exciting. So many wonderful people have extended their congratulations and best wishes to Sara and our family. She has so many terrific supporters. Our thanks to everyone for your love and support!

Sara's first official appearance was Wednesday evening. She was invited to perform at the Stateline Literacy Council's annual meeting. The young ladies from the Rising Stars Dance Studio performed the dance that they performed at the Miss Beloit pageant on Saturday. Sara then performed the song that she sang at the pageant - "On My Own" from the musical Les Mis. Sara had a chance to meet some people from the community and learn more about the Stateline Literacy Council. Thank you to the council for inviting Sara and for allowing us to share in the evening.

Sue

Thanks to Beloit Body & Fender for your support of the Miss Beloit Scholarship Organization!

Monday, March 27, 2006

Miss Beloit crown passes to Siekierski
By Rebekah Danaher
Beloit Daily News staff writer
Staff photo by Kyle R. Morris




















Miss Beloit 2006, Sara Siekierski, was crowned Saturday night by 2005 winner Kayleigh Brancamp during the Miss Beloit pageant held at Beloit Memorial High School.

The 2006 Miss Beloit Pageant theme was “a little bit country, a little bit rock'n roll,” but Saturday night, Sara Siekierski was every bit royalty.

The annual pageant began with the contestants in cowboy hats, and in the end it was Siekierski who wore the Miss Beloit crown.

A visibly stunned Siekierski threw her hands over her face as Miss Beloit 2005 Kayleigh Brancamp pinned on the tiara. The sophomore at University of Wisconsin - Rock County was already glowing, just having been named Miss Congeniality along with fellow contestant Sha-Nita Rhea.

As the lights dimmed and fans filed out of the Beloit Memorial High School Theater, Siekierski was surrounded by the 10 other young women contestants, all graciously offering their hugs and congratulations.

I'm in shock,” she gasped. “I'm so happy.”

The talent during the night had ranged from gymnastic tumbles to vocal solos and Siekierski acknowledged she was up against a lot of accomplished women.

“The competition was just excellent,” she said.

After an opening performance of the National Anthem by Miss Beloit Pageant President Eddie Farr and a welcome from emcee Gregory Bridges, the Miss Beloit contestants performed an ensemble dance number - a mix of country line dancing and rock ‘n roll swing.

Then it was on to the competition when the ladies exhibited their swim wear and then changed for the talent portion of the contest.

Fans in the packed auditorium encouraged them with cheers. Contestant Brittany Andrews' younger brother, Max, wore a shirt that read “good luck sissy,” and her best friend Nicole Oates was confident she would do well.

Vickie Cole was at the pageant to support her niece, Sha-Nita Rhea, and her cousin, Darneeshia Lana'e McShan.

“I'm rootin' for everybody,” she laughed.

Farr, who worked with the women in preparation for the big night, was perhaps the proudest.

“It was a lot of work, but I was willing to do it,” he said, adding that the girls were “absolutely wonderful” to work with.

“They got along very well,” he said.

Siekierski sang “On My Own,” from the musical drama Les Miserables. Shontia Croft performed a theatrical solo selection from “Miss Celie's Blues.” Jaimie Goecks performed a dramatic monologue excerpted from “Our Town.” Naomi Martindale demonstrated cheerleading. Michelle Belke tap danced to “Mambo No. 5.” Darneeshia McShan sang “The One I Gave My Heart To.” Sha-Nita Rhea sang “Reflection.” Lindy Treptow performed “Amazing Grace” on the clarinet. Brittany Andrews did a gymnastic routine. LaFonda Richardson performed a hip-hop number. Portia Hunter recited the poem “Phenomenal Woman.”

The women then reappeared in their radiant evening gowns to answer questions about their advocacy platforms. They mentioned such issues as teen pregnancy, violence, cancer research and animal abuse.

Siekierski's platform is prevention of underage drinking - a stance she will develop for the Miss Wisconsin pageant in June.

Saturday's contest was punctuated by appearances from other Wisconsin royalty, including, among others, Miss Wisconsin, Tracy Gest, who performed two piano solos and Miss Wisconsin's Outstanding Teen, Tonya Popowski, who gave a baton twirling performance. A few former Miss Beloits, including Miss Beloit 2004 Megan Hendee, also crossed the stage.

Brancamp sang two solos and then gave her farewell, in which she reflected upon her experience at the Miss Wisconsin pageant and thanked Beloit for a great year as its queen.

A troupe of future Miss Beloits from Rising Star Dance Studio performed to “I Believe.”

The evening culminated in the crowing of the winner. Bridges reminded all of the young women of their worth and accomplishments, saying they were all winners that night.

The fourth runner up was Belke; third runner up was Rhea, second runner up was Richardson and first runner up was Treptow.

Andrews won the award for most ads sold for the pageant's brochure. Belke won an award for most pageant tickets sold. The Billy Amundsen Scholarship, sponsored by Bryden Motors and Miss Beloit 1990 and former Miss Wisconsin Stephanie Klett, went to Treptow.

The $200 talent award went to Siekierski; the non-finalist talent award went to Hunter and Andrews; the non-finalist interview award went to Hunter; the lifestyle and fitness in swimsuit award went to Treptow; the chairman's award Goecks.

As young women were whisked away to the coronation ceremony, Siekierski's supporters were glowing with pride.

Parents Mark and Sue Siekierski and Sara's brother Dan were accompanied by aunts and uncles and others in cheering for her.

“I'm crying, I'm happy,” Sue said. “This is just a (great) year for her.”

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Sara’s reign as Miss Beloit begins.

Sara’s year long dream began last night as she was crowned Miss Beloit 2006. Family and friends know how hard she worked for this.

We want to first recognize the contestants for the fine job that they did and we hope you will strongly consider competing again. You should feel very proud of what you accomplished.

To the committee, we would like to thank you for your years of service to the Miss Beloit Scholarship Pageant. Without your efforts, Sara’s dream would have never been realized. Sara has commented to us for the last year how much she wants to represent our city and the pageant committee. She understands the commitment level that is needed to be a Miss Beloit and she is eager to begin her duties. We can see the gleam in your eyes when you talk about having a top 10 contestant at Miss Wisconsin and we know how much it would mean to you to have a Miss Wisconsin. With your expert guidance and Sara’s willingness to work hard, we know she will represent herself, the committee, and our community very well.

To our family, friends and Sara’s friends, the support that you have given her through this is incredible. We treasure each and every one of you. We felt so much strength from you the night of the pageant and it truly helped us get through some tense moments. Know that you will always hold a special place in Sara’s and our hearts. You followed this journey with us from the beginning and we know how proud you are of Sara.

To the community of Beloit, the stateline area and pageant sponsors, thank you for your support of the Miss Beloit Scholarship Organization. Without your support, this pageant would not be possible. It is so wonderful to live in a community that supports these young women and their endeavors.

To the judges, thank you for volunteering your time and talents to the pageant system. Thank you for the confidence that you have placed in Sara by naming her Miss Beloit 2006.

This has truly been a family effort and we have learned so much about pageants in the last year. We know where all the pageant websites are, how to judge a pageant, and I (Mark) can even go dress shopping with Sara and Sue and help pick out dresses. The night of the pageant, our son, Dan, who only gets excited during sporting events, surged out of his seat and started yelling when it was announced that Sara had won. We thought he was going to storm the stage.

Finally, there are no words that can express how elated we are to see our daughter as Miss Beloit 2006. We would have never guessed when she was born that one day she would represent this wonderful city and be competing in the Miss Wisconsin Pageant. We all have big dreams for our children when they are born but this is more than any parent can ask for. I (Mark) can remember when Sara was about 3 and she broke her elbow and had surgery on it to repair the break. I jokingly thought to myself, after seeing the scar, that she would never be in a pageant. Look at her now! She never ceases to amaze us! We have been truly blessed with two wonderful children who are the light of our lives.

Sara, know that you are loved more than words can say. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.

With our love and gratitude,

Mark and Sue