by Shelley Bennett
Photos by Greg Wallace Photography
Clad in a sparkling neon pink gown, Kaylee Micone, the daughter of Heather and Jeremy Micone, was crowned Miss Lassen County on July 16th at the kick off of the Lassen County Fair. Micone also won the Most Talented Award for her sassy jazz routine to a mix of Madonna’s early hits.
Kaylee is joined by Ambassadress of Susanville Londyn Smith, who spoke about what she has learned about life from watching her parents on the couch. Dalila Heard as Princess, completes the court. Heard sang “Number 7 Road” while playing the guitar during the talent portion.
The Community Service Award was given to Smith while Heard won Most Photogenic.
Emrie Singh, who gave an inspirational speech titled “Life in the Moment” was voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants.
The audience also enjoyed a patriotic dance routine performed by Brianna Williams, a country-infused jazz piece danced by Julia Bruce, and a high-energy swing and line dance demonstration by Gabriella Perez.
Lydia Camp related what she had learned during the pageant-preparation process, Hailey Dawson prepared and delivered a speech on “Perseverance”, and Lilliana Fox read a diary entry-style essay on relationships. Kinley Somerville, playing “Never Enough” on the flute rounded out the talent segment of the competition.
The eleven 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.
Juniors 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 2024, Julienne Bennett, was celebrated, along with her court: Ambassadress Lily Ammon and Princess Abigail Vincent. The trio have been a fixture at community events, parades, and other activities during the past year.
All three will continue their education this coming school year, with Bennett and Vincent finishing up their general ed requirements at LCC and Ammon heading down to Cal Poly SLO.
Julienne, Lily, and Abby hosted a pre-show consisting of talented, local individuals and groups, ending with a dance performance to a mix of “Say You Love Me” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”, which transitioned perfectly into the evening’s theme, “Girls Rock”.
Emcee Jeremy Couso introduced the contestants who opened the evening in pink and black 80’s inspired attire with “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” choreographed by our 2023 Ambassadress Hayley Trevizu and Princess Sofia Bennett.
Autumn Robbins followed with an incredible rendition of the National Anthem. Then the contestants were back onstage with a short introductory speech, also known as Communication Skills.
While the contestants prepared for talent, Julienne introduced the visiting royalty, including the court from the Intermountain Fair, Katelyn Kirack, the National Miss Collegiate Ag America, and William Damasio, 2025 Yuba/Sutter Junior Ambassador. Then she and the 2024 court assisted with the crowning of the new Little Miss and Mr court.
Little Miss 2024 Xola Ngotel crowned Noelle Blackburn and Little Mr Romano Orozco handed his title down to Krew Cottrell. 2024 Princess Aitana Orozco crowned Italia Orozco and Prince Mason Lawton congratulated new Prince Hunter Keele.
Couso and Bennett announced the past Miss Lassen County Royalty in attendance. From 1968’s Princess Donna (Chappuis) Weeks all the way to 2023’s Ambassadress Hayley Trevizu and Princess Sofia Bennett.
Later in the show, the 2024 Court presented a commercial advertising the loan services of sponsor Lassen County Federal Credit Union.
Local dance teachers and choreographers gave the contestants some much needed downtime throughout the show. Jessica Wade of J&J Performing Arts brought two numbers: a jazz performance to Celine Dion’s “Mountain Hight” and a contemporary piece to “Fallin” by Alicia Keys.
Gabriella Singleton, from the newly formed Mt. Lassen Dance Academy, showcased her dancers’ strength and musicality in “Confident”. Studio 718 highlighted their group’s physicality and hard-hitting hip hop with choreography by Renee Delgado, Seanne McElrath, and Gracie McCoy.
Kaylee and her court got to work early the next morning at Kiddie’s Day. They were spotted at the rodeo, rabbit show, and every concert, even meeting Rodney Atkins backstage.
On Saturday, they were highlighted in the parade, riding in a beautiful turquoise T-Bird provided by Rachelle and Jon Barker. Thanks to all the parade goers who assisted Jon by pushing the car when mechanical issues came up!
It’s just the beginning of a very busy year full of community events, service projects, and making memories.
This summer, I created a Miss Lassen Co Scholarship Committee with Autry Satica, Salome Shaw, and Becky Hubbard. (Shhh… don’t tell them, they think they were just volunteering) The four of us make a great team and I am already looking forward to next year and thinking about some changes we want to make.
Our backstage crew was amazing! Hairstylists Rita Heath, Debbie Callegari-Sturgeon, Stacia Glenn, Megan Sandeen, Victoria Reynolds, Christy Palmer, and 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 Dawn Lightsey, Kerrissa Schall, Sofia Bennett, and Hayley Trevizu helped in the dressing room trailers. Kayla Millar, tech guru and colleague, ran the sound crew.
Casey and Carrie Williams and Derry Converse lent their RVs for the night to make sure everyone had a cool and comfy place to change. Fair Manager Bill Payer even brought down his own trailer since we had such a big group. Thank you Bill for trusting me to pull this off!
Fair Board Advisory members Brett Smith and Randy Harlan made sure all of our trailers were hooked up, we had ice-cold water for the performers, the podium was placed on stage, and the chairs were front and center. You know, all the things we need to run the show!
I can’t say thank you enough to Brett. He has gone above and beyond for I don’t know how many years to ensure the contestants are comfortable. He is a man of his word and goes to any length to answer my questions or come up with solutions.
Fair employee Katelyn Kirack went out of her way to unlock doors, find banners, and deliver a cake to the reception. I also appreciate Christa Williams, Jordan Smith, and Tammie Vial in the fair office. This was a year of change and they all navigated it successfully.
Gracie Claypool helped out our judges and Mandy McGarva must be the fastest CPA in the pageant/competition world. Photographer Greg Wallace captured some great shots both on stage and off.
A special thank you to all of the contestants’ and award sponsors. Whether you are a manager, small-business owner, self-employed, or just an advocate for our youth, YOU are the reason we are able to do this. Your belief in your contestant and the financial support you provide is something that they will always remember and payback when they can.
Lastly, thank you to Lassen County Federal Credit Union, our overall pageant and scholarship sponsor. Your support has touched three lives and will help finance their futures. It’s an investment into our community that will return many times over.
A personal note of gratitude to Dawn Miller, Cherilyn Murphy, and Carrie Williams. I will never forget your kindness and generosity. Thank you.
Congratulations to Kaylee, Londyn, and Dalila! Get ready for a busy year and make your mark on Lassen County. I know you will represent our team with grace, honor, and a little bit of fun.
To the other contestants: don’t forget that you are the cream of the crop. You had the courage to take on a scary task and you worked through all of the challenges and trials that stood in your way. I saw your growth, how you encouraged each other. and then celebrated their successes. I am so proud of each of you!
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.”
