‘Best experience' for Miss Beloit at state pageant
By Rebekah Danaher
Daily News staff writer

Sara Siekierski

Miss Beloit Sara Siekierski remains that - Miss Beloit.

The 20-year-old Beloit Turner graduate fell short in her bid to capture the Miss Wisconsin title Saturday in Oshkosh.

But by all accounts, Siekierski held her own against the 27 other talented women who made their bid for the crown - representing Beloit with a bright smile and positive perspective.

“I wouldn't have done anything different,” she said by phone Sunday night after returning from the week-long event. “I did my absolute best.”

The contestants arrived in Oshkosh on June 18 and the competition began Thursday. Siekierski performed the vocal solo “On My Own” and answered questions regarding her platform - underage drinking prevention - for her on-stage interview. Friday, Siekierski competed in the swimsuit and evening gown categories.

Miss New Berlin Meghan Coffey, 22, a Marquette University graduate, was crowned Miss Wisconsin Saturday night at the Alberta Kimball Civic Auditorium, succeeding outgoing Miss Wisconsin Tracy Gest, also a former Miss New Berlin.

The winner receives a $10,000 cash scholarship, other prizes and qualifies for the Miss America pageant.

First runner-up was Miss Burlington Caitlin Morrall, second runner-up was Miss Southern Wisconsin Michelle Smukowski, third runner-up was Miss Fox River Valley Megan Llyne, and fourth runner-up was Miss Milwaukee Ashley Spingola.

The other top finishers were Miss Mississippi Valley, Alexandra Bivort Kealey, 24, of Merton, Waukesha County; Miss Western Wisconsin, Marci Lee Gallo, 23, of Pleasant Prairie; Miss Racine, Briana Lipor, 19, of Racine; Miss Holmen, Kristina Kelly Smaby, 20, of Holmen; and Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest Elisabeth Mary Bruzek, 23, originally of New Prague, Minn. Miss Congeniality was Marci Gallo.

But Wisconsin may not have seen the last of Siekierski. Though she didn't qualify in the top 10, she said she was complimented frequently by spectators who said her vocal performance was worthy of an award. She has also been invited to perform at other open pageants - contests that could send her back to the Miss Wisconsin pageant in the future.

Siekierski said she has to decide whether she's up for another attempt.

She will be a junior at University of Wisconsin - Whitewater in the fall, majoring in print journalism and speech/electronic media.

And though she hoped to have come away with a crown, Siekierski harbors no hard feelings toward the winners.

“I met many wonderful women,” she said. “I'm really excited to keep in touch with them.”

What made the contest experience all worth it for Siekierski was the support of her family and friends who were there cheering her along. Every night, she was greeted in her hotel room with cards and flowers from Beloit fans.

Her mom, Sue, wrote her an encouraging note every night - a special touch to a special week, she said.

Sue and Mark Siekierski have rejoiced throughout the competition at seeing their daughter grow in confidence and poise.

“We certainly are obviously very proud of her and feel she did her best, no doubt about it,” Mark said.

They knew competition was tough, with 11 women returning for a second time to the Miss Wisconsin pageant.

“But we felt like she was in the hunt, especially after her talent night,” Mark said.

There are a lot of emotions to endure during a long week of competition, Sue said, but added that her daughter was always calm and cheerful.

There's nothing to regret about Sara's finish, Sue said. The skills and personal strength she gained will last her a lifetime.

“There was no success, no failure,” Sue said. “It was all about what she could take away from the experience. She did her very best up there and made Beloit proud.”

The week was strenuous - full of practicing, socializing and performing. But all-in-all, Siekierski said it was one she'll remember always.

“(The experience) is one that I will definitely never forget,” she said. “It was exhausting but the best experience of my life.”

Our Miss Wisconsin experience has come to an end and we are back home. Although Sara was not chosen as a top ten semi-finalist, she did an outstanding job and we are so proud of her. She was a wonderful representative for Beloit. The pageant on Saturday night was wonderful and we enjoyed having one more chance to see Sara on stage in the group dance numbers. We attended the coronation ball after the pageant and Sara had fun dancing with the other contestants. It was nice to see all of them relax and have fun after such a busy week. Mark and Sara shared a dance and it was a memorable moment. The love and bond between them is so strong.

We enjoyed the awards breakfast on Sunday morning and then packed up ourselves and Sara for the trip back to Beloit. Thanks Grandma and Dick for all of your help in getting our things home! We love you.

It's great to be back home in Beloit! This has been a wonderful experience that we will never forget. Thanks to everyone for your love and support. Whether you made the trip to Oshkosh or kept Sara in your thoughts and prayers, we can't thank you enough. We are truly blessed to have all of you in our lives.

With all our love,
Mark and Sue

Miss Beloit loving her week on stage
By Rebekah Danaher
Daily News staff writer


Whoever knew that a fairy tale kingdom lay 130 miles north of Beloit?

Not Sara Siekierski. Not until this week, that is.

Siekierski, Miss Beloit 2006, has been dazzled by royal treatment at the 2006 Miss Wisconsin Pageant in Oshkosh. Here, young women have a chance to realize their childhood hopes of becoming a real-life queen.

Twenty-eight contestants from all over the state arrived in Oshkosh last Sunday with satchels full of shoes, make-up and gowns in preparation for the contest that began Thursday.

The moment 20-year-old Siekierski's parents, Mark and Sue, dropped her off in Oshkosh, the Beloit resident was whisked away on a tour fit for a princess.

“I feel like royalty,” Siekierski said by phone late Thursday night. “It's great to feel like a princess for a week.”

There's been dress-up, socializing, dinners, champagne parties and parades. “I've met so many wonderful women,” she said. “It's been great getting to know them. I can just be myself around them.”

But amid all the fun and friend-making, Siekierski hasn't forgotten about the competition. Through grace, poise and style, the women have to convince the judges that they're made of royal blood.

The winner of the Miss Wisconsin crown qualifies for the Miss America Pageant.

Hoping to capitalize on the energy that qualified her for the Wisconsin pageant, Siekierski gave a repeat performance of the vocal selection “On My Own” from the popular stage production “Les Miserables” in the preliminary talent competition Thursday night. Siekierski's interview question Thursday dealt with her platform of underage drinking prevention - an issue that's near to her heart and has kept her busy with speaking engagements in Beloit.

She didn't come away the winner of the talent category or the on-stage interview but fans told her it was the best she ever sounded.

“I am very happy with how I did,” she said. “My friends and family said I couldn't have done better.”

In the crowd were her parents, Executive Director of the Miss Beloit Pageant Joanne Klett, Miss Beloit Pageant President Eddie Farr and some of Siekierski's best friends. They brought some hometown cheer to Oshkosh and Siekierski said it felt wonderful to have their support there.

Beloit is foremost on her mind as she steps on to the stage in Oshkosh.

“My number one goal is to represent Beloit well,” she said.

The preliminary winners Thursday were Miss Mississippi Valley Alexandra Kealey, Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest Beth Bruzek, Miss Southern Wisconsin Michelle Smukowski and Miss Door County Wendy Buechel.

Friday, Siekierski was to compete in the swimwear and evening gown contests.

Tonight, the top 10 finalists will be selected to compete again in all of the categories. From there, the judges will narrow the field to the top five and then will select Miss Wisconsin 2006.

Siekierski admits she is surrounded by a lot of talent but isn't intimidated.

“I think I've felt in the right place,” she said. “It's a tough competition but all of us are talented.”

Thursday night, the UW-Whitewater junior sounded optimistic for the rest of the weekend. For Siekierski, the experience isn't only about winning, though she'd like to finish in the top 10. The real value for Siekierski is the personal growth that comes along with the physical training, primping and polishing.

And though it's glamorous, living the life of a princess for a week isn't always that easy. The women are kept busy interviewing, rehearsing, signing autographs and preparing for their individual performances. The women will dance together in a final ensemble number and Siekierski had to downsize a pair of high heels she had brought. The heels were just too tall to keep up with the intense choreography.

Each day, the young women are up early and out until late and Siekierski admits she's a bit exhausted.

But also exhilarated.

No Miss Beloit has ever gone on to immediately win the Miss Wisconsin title, so Siekierski has a little something to prove.

Stephanie Klett is the only Beloiter to win the Miss Wisconsin Pageant, but did so after qualifying through the Miss Wisconsin Central Pageant.

Whatever the outcome - whether she leaves Oshkosh with another crown to add to her collection or not - Siekierski will look back fondly on this storybook moment.

“It's been a great experience no matter what,” she said. “I know I did my best.”

Sara competed in swimsuit and evening gown at Friday's preliminary competition. She was beautiful, poised and elegant. Her white velvet swimsuit and tangerine evening gown looked beautiful on the stage and that wonderful smile and dimples that are so unique to her were present with every step that she took. Our "little girl" showed everyone what a gorgeous woman she is. She did not win the preliminary swimsuit competition but did well and we feel she is doing a wonderful job. The top 10 contestants will be announced tonight (Saturday) at the beginning of the show. Sara has done her best and now we just wait and see what happens. Whatever the outcome, she has been a wonderful representative for Beloit and will come home a winner in our eyes.

Mark and Sue

The first night of preliminary competition is done and Sara did an outstanding job. She was beautiful on the stage and sang her song better than she ever has before. It was very moving and quite a few people were telling us how well she did. Her on stage question also went well and as usual she was very well spoken. Although she did not win the preliminary talent tonight, she definitely is among the top in her group. Tomorrow night she will compete in evening gown and swimsuit. The show was wonderful and very entertaining. The whole experience was bigger than we could have imagined and it made us so proud to see Sara on the stage. She was awesome!

Until tomorrow,
Mark and Sue

Wow, what a day! The parade was awesome and the autograph session was a blast. Lots of people old and young. The parade route was lined with people and the autograph session lasted over an hour. There is an electricity in the air here in Oshkosh and the girls are treated like royalty. Everyone has been so nice and we are enjoying getting to know the girls and their parents. The experience has been more wonderful than we could ever imagine. The girls attended a champagne reception tonight (sparkling water for those under 21-that made Sara happy considering her platform of underage drinking). We were able to spend some time with Sara during the autograph session and she is doing well. She is tired but the adrenalin is flowing and keeping her going. Stage competition starts tomorrow night and we are looking forward to seeing her on the stage.

Be sure to check out the new album on webshots - pictures from the parade and autograph session.

Until tomorrow,
Mark and Sue

Sara had her interview with the judges this morning. We spoke with her via cell phone after the interview and she felt very good about it. She sounds calm and relaxed. We're not sure how she does it. :o)

She had lunch with her executive director, Joanne Klett, and president, Eddie Farr. It was nice to see some familiar Beloit faces! They took her to the auditorium this afternoon for talent rehearsal. Eddie was able to be there and said she did a fantastic job. He said she looked and sounded wonderful!

Tonight is the parade in downtown Oshkosh. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the rain holds off. After the parade there will be an autograph session at the convention center and then the girls will attend a champagne reception at the hotel. Mark and I are hoping to meet up with some good friends here in Oshkosh for a visit tonight.

Sue

We have been in touch with Sara via cell phone several times over the past few days. Rehearsals are going well and Sara is enjoying her stay in Oshkosh. Sara's roommate is Stacey Zabinski, Miss Wisconsin West, and they are getting along wonderfully. It isn't easy for two pageant girls to share one bathroom! :o)

All of the girls went on a boat ride Monday evening and Tuesday night they attended a dinner with their merchant sponsors. Sara was able to visit with Jon Wenger and Sandy from the Beloit committee before the dinner. You can see pictures of both of these events on the Miss Wisconsin website.

Sue

Sara arrived in Oshkosh on Sunday, June 18th (Father's Day). Mark and I drove her to Oshkosh and helped her get settled into her room. Then we drove her to the auditorium to drop off her performance clothes and get situated in her dressing room. The hall to the dressing room was decorated with pictures of past Miss Wisconsins, Miss America's, and many other pageant related pictures. It was wonderful. Unfortunately, the time came when we had to leave our Miss Beloit and head home. It was emotional for both of us but we knew that she would have a wonderful time. The girls rehearsed Sunday evening and then came back to the hotel to get some much needed rest.

I have posted a lot of new pictures on Sara's webshots. Be sure to click on "My Photos" on the right to see them.

Sue

Sara enjoyed her first radio interview as Miss Beloit. DJ, Sam, of WGEZ was a wonderful host and Sara was very comfortable at the microphone. Sue even got to join them in the studio which was a real treat. When Sara told Sam that she is pursuing a double major in print journalism and speech electronic media, he said he might have found a new co-host! Wouldn't that be fun! Thanks Sam and WGEZ for inviting Sara to the studio. It was a great experience.

Miss Beloit Sara Siekierski ready for state competition
By Rebekah Danaher
Daily News staff writer
Staff photo by Rebekah Danaher
Miss Beloit Sara Siekierski will walk tall in various pairs of fancy footwear at this year’s Miss Wisconsin Pageant. The contest will take place June 22-24 in Oshkosh. Siekierski qualified for the pageant by winning the Beloit title and hopes to add the Wisconsin crown to her collection of glitz and glitter.


When Miss Beloit Sara Siekierski takes the stage at the Miss Wisconsin Pageant June 22 to sing her solo “On My Own,” she'll be anything but that.

Siekierski will be cheered on from the audience by adoring family and friends as she makes an attempt at the coveted crown.

Admittedly awkward and unpopular in grade school, Siekierski never pictured herself draped in chiffon and sparkles promenading across stages. She always loved to sing, but certainly never thought she had what it took to wow audiences and judges.

Now, as she sits poised on the sofa in her Town of Beloit home with parents Mark and Sue, she dares to dream that the title at this year's pageant could be hers. The Miss Wisconsin contest will take place June 22-24 in Oshkosh and Siekierski will be there throughout the entire week.


Siekierski recalls sitting in the Beloit Memorial High School Auditorium in 2004, watching her friends perform in the Miss Beloit Pageant. It wasn't until her mom whispered to her that she belonged on the stage, that she even considered it.

In 2005, she was first runner-up to Miss Beloit Kayleigh Brancamp and this year, she owned the stage, winning the title of Miss Congeniality and the crown. She won on a platform of underage drinking prevention and her performance of the vocal solo “On My Own,” from the popular stage production, “Les Miserable.”

Siekierski will give a repeat performance in two weeks, but with a little more confidence and candor. She's been attending community meetings and events where she's been outspoken against underage drinking and has future engagements planned.

She has teamed up with Rock County Mobilizing for Change on Underage Drinking and the student group Operation Advocating Knowledge, formerly Youth2Youth and Tobacco Free Kids.

The issue is personal for Siekierski who, at age 20, has seen too many of her friends in high school and in college engage in illegal drinking.

And while she's got the passion, Siekierski has sought coaching from Jodi Curtis in Brookfield, Wis., on her presentation style to help prepare her for the on-stage interview as well as her talent.

Joanne Klett, executive director of the Miss Beloit Pageant, said Siekierski is the first Miss Beloit to get professional advice in preparation for the big day.

No Miss Beloit has ever gone on to subsequently win the Miss Wisconsin title.

Stephanie Klett was crowned Miss Beloit and Miss Wisconsin 1992 but qualified for the latter contest through the Miss Wisconsin Central Pageant.

Siekierksi will face 27 other women in Oshkosh and Klett acknowledged that it is a tough field, crowded with several women who have been to the competition before.

But Siekierski could have the upper hand as a debutante.

“Fresh and new,” Klett said.

Coming from Beloit, Siekierski thinks that perhaps she has something to prove.

“Beloit sometimes gets overlooked,” she said. “I do want to show people Miss Beloit can do well.”

Siekierski has noticed a change in herself as she's worked on her posture, exercised and concentrated on her speech.

“I've come a long way,” she said.

Her mom agreed.

“Even in the last month preparing for the Miss Wisconsin Pageant, it's amazing the changes I've seen,” she said. “It's taken her out of her comfort zone.”

And then there's the fun part - the shopping.

Siekierski has five gowns for the week of events. Her dress hunting has taken her from Racine to Kenosha to Baraboo to Brookfield.

Mark laughs as he admits he's been in on the shopping excursions.

“I know about tea length and A-line,” he said.

Siekierski's younger brother, Dan, 18, isn't necessarily interested in all the details of the pageant, but he's certainly supportive, she says.

Her grandmother, Shirley Siekierski, is perhaps her most enthusiastic fan and a great lover of sparkles and glamor, Siekierski explains with a laugh.

Some of Siekierski's close friends will travel to Oshkosh to watch the Thursday talent competition. Fans at home who aren't able to go to the contest can stay informed through her on-line Web site at www.missbeloit2006.blogspot.com. Mark said he hopes to keep the site updated as best as he can from the road.

Anyone wishing to send flowers should address them to Miss Beloit Sara Siekierski, 1 North Main, Oshkosh, Wis. 54901.

Of course winning the Wisconsin title would be a dream come true for Siekierski, but she'd be pleased even to place in the top 10, or anywhere for that matter. Regardless of the outcome, she's already proud of where she's been.

“I'll be the happiest person to be able to come home and represent Beloit for the rest of this year,” she said.

Many personal accomplishments have already been gained, she said.

“It's amazing the transition from being a little girl who thought I couldn't do this to where I am now,” she said.