by Shelley Bennett
Julienne Bennett will now wear the crown as she was awarded the title Miss Lassen County 2024 to kick off fair week. Bennett was also chosen Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants and won Most Talented with an authentic tribute to Michael Jackson, dancing to “Billie Jean.”
Julienne is joined by Ambassadress of Susanville Lily Ammon, who spoke about the power of movies before re-enacting a dance scene from Work It. Abigail Vincent, Princess, completes the court. Vincent shared her thoughts about the importance of finding your niche while grilled an Ahi tuna steak.
Cali Palmer, who presented a spoken word poem “Good-bye”, took home Most Photogenic. The Community Service Award was given to Lindalba Moraga who gave a speech entitled “To Sponsor a Tuna Sandwich.”
The audience also enjoyed a moving and graceful lyrical dance to “The Rose” by Kylee Tancreto, Windy Littrell Shoshone’s rendition of “If I Ain’t Got You”, and a powerful message and demonstration of Jiu Jitsu from Rilynne Peterson accompanied by her coach Terra Avilla.
The pure sounds of Gianna Hooker’s voice in “What Was I Made For?” and Madi Boyer’s grace and strength demonstrated in a dance to “Way Down We Go” finished the talent portion of the competition.
The ten contestants were scored onstage while presenting communication skills and ability to answer impromptu questions. Earlier in the day interview, scholastic achievement, and community service hours were assessed as well.
Sophomores Parker Langslet, Gavin Mueller, and Kai Vinson were on hand to assist onstage and escort the contestants during the evening gown portion.
The reign of Miss Lassen County 2023, Chalise Robbins, was celebrated, along with her court: Ambassadress Hayley Trevizu and Princess Sofia Bennett. The trio have been a fixture at community events, parades, and other activities during the past year.
Robbins, well known for her kindness and epic piano playing, will attend Biola University this fall, double majoring in film and cinema with a minor in Bible. Trevizu is off to George Fox University and Bennett will be a few miles away at Linfield University in Oregon. These young women are going places!
In a first for MLC, Chalise, Hayley, and Sofia hosted a pre-show consisting of talented, local individuals and groups, ending with a Mamma Mia tribute dance to “Super Trooper”, which transitioned perfectly into the evening’s theme.
Emcee Jeremy Couso introduced the Dancing Queens, who opened the evening in pink sequined jumpsuits to a high-energy routine choreographed by Miss Lassen County 2022 Olivia Ormachea.
Autumn Robbins, a.k.a. Miss Lassen County’s little sister, stunned the crowd with our National Anthem. I’m sure we’ll see more of her on this stage.
While the contestants prepared for talent, Chalise introduced the visiting royalty, including Mr LHS Isaiah Williams and Miss Hawaii Asian Pacific Tia Solari. Then she and the 2023 court assisted with the crowning of the new Little Miss and Mr court.
Little Miss 2023 Perri Polan crowned Xola Ngotel and Little Mr Colton Weire handed his title down to Romano Orozco. 2023 Princess Marigold Meadows crowned Aitana Orozco and Prince Alexander Harvey congratulated new Prince Mason Lawton.
Later in the show, the 2023 Court presented a groovy ABBA-themed thank you to honor pageant sponsors Kirack Construction, Hat Creek Construction, Lassen Hay, Guess Plumbing, Lassen County Office of Education, All Season Heating and Air, Town and Country Real Estate, and Diamond Mt Casino
Local dance teachers and choreographers gave the contestants some much needed down time throughout the show. Jessica Wade of J&J Performing Arts brought two numbers: the funky jazz “Disco Inferno” and a piece celebrating the contestants’ beauty and courage in “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength”.
Miah Duerksen, from Joan’s Studio of Dance, showcased her dancers’ lyricism and musicality in “Our Last Summer”. Studio 718 highlighted their group’s physicality and hard-hitting hip hop with choreography by Seanne McElrath and Gracie McCoy.
Julienne and her court got a little rest before reporting to the fair on Thursday morning. They were spotted at the rodeo, attending concerts, and Julienne supported Lily and Abby as they competed in the Rabbit show. On Saturday, they were highlighted in the parade and met Josh Turner backstage. It’s just the beginning of a very busy year full of community events, service projects, and making memories.
I was back in my role as director of the Miss Lassen County Scholarship Competition this year and I enjoyed every minute. I’m so proud of all ten of the contestants and the bonds they made this summer.
After the crowning and before friends and family members got to the stage, there was a couple of minutes where everyone was just hugging, dancing, and singing along to “Mamma Mia”. It doesn’t always end like this and it’s a moment I’ll hold in my heart.
I also had lots of help from Becky Hubbard and Salome Shaw, two women I greatly respect and admire. They picked up the pieces, reassured me, and covered events when I couldn’t be there.
Our backstage crew was amazing! Hairstylists Rita Heath, Debbie Callegari, Stacia Patskey, Megan Sandeen, Diva Conoboy, Teryn Bennett, Angelina O’Conner, and Victoria Reynolds with help from Charity Moore made sure all the contestants looked flawless before they hit the stage.
Barb Rauch and her daughter Macy kept their lip gloss and mascara looking fresh while my friends Becky Williams, Dawn Lightsey, and Tammi Brown helped in the dressing room trailers. Kayla Millar, tech guru and colleague, assisted the sound crew (or was it the other way around… lol).
Gracie Claypool helped out our judges and Mandy McGarva must be the fastest CPA in the pageant/competition world. Newbie Terra Avilla debuted as Backstage Hype Woman and Official Candid Photographer, two highly coveted titles she now wears proudly. Real life photographer Greg Wallace captured some great shots both on stage and off.
My husband Leo provided the lighting backstage. I’m sure he never thought that would be one of his annual commitments when he proposed to me. Our sons Jacob and Landon dutifully helped him.
Congratulations to Julienne, Lily, and Abby! Take a couple of days off and then get ready to make a difference in Lassen County. The fair is just the beginning!
And to the other contestants: you are all winners in my book. I loved watching you take a chance and grow into the best version of yourselves.
Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to [email protected] and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”
