New Miss Destin Crowned

Irony was definitely in the air on Saturday night at the Destin Community Center. “She looks like Jackie O!” one of the contestants exclaimed as Leah Stuart strutted around backstage in a canary yellow trenchcoat and dark sunglasses. Who knew that before the evening was over she would be given the responsibility of being Destin’s own little Jackie Onassis.

Chosen for her Jackie-like qualities, such as community involvement, ambition, poise and intelligence, Stuart was the judges’ choice for Miss Destin for her performance over the past six weeks of preparation leading up to the pageant.

The night began with a sense of “cool, calm and collected” as the contestants put themselves together for the fashion show. Patti Troop, contestant Brooke Troop’s mother, tended to the needs of the girls as they got in vogue for the night’s first event.

“What’s great is they are all such good friends,” Troop told The Log about the nine hopefuls. “The camaraderie has been great.” Troop’s observation was obvious as the girls found time to banter with one another before kicking off what would be a big night for all of them.

As showtime neared, the gymnasium filled with friends, family, and Destinites who turned out to see who would be the face of the 60th Destin Fishing Rodeo in October, Miss Destin’s primary responsibility.

Christian Garman of WEAR-TV cranked up the charm for the tenth year as master of ceremonies. He welcomed the crowd and turned the ladies loose to begin their high-energy fashion show, courtesy of Belk department store. Each girl graced the catwalk in her own selection of clothing and accessories.

The destined Miss Destin showed the most attitude with her performance on the runway. Stuart was proud of the retro ensemble she chose for the show. “I picked it because it’s yellow,” she says. “It’s crazy and I’m feeling crazy, so I went with it.”

The audience then got “Good Vibrations” from a musical number choreographed by Angela Firth-Hayles, the 1997 Miss Destin. The 2008 contestants and Emily Kaltz, 2007 Miss Destin, danced a routine to The Beach Boys while the crowd clamored for their favorite.

Helen Donaldson, executive director of the Rodeo, kept the show going while the girls changed into their selections for the formal gown presentation. Donaldson imparted a brief history of the Fishing Rodeo’s past, getting its start in 1948. The pageant originated in 1952 and is still alive today with purpose. “The ultimate goal of tonight is the scholarships, because of the downturn on the economy,” Donaldson said to the crowd.

The contestants then took the stage one at a time in their gowns, escorted by Ryan Sadler and Will Ellison. Garman gave a short biography for each girl as she took a well-rehearsed walk about the stage.

After the routines, each contestant was finally given a chance to speak for herself with a randomly drawn “mystery question.” A crowd favorite was Amelia Markham’s charismatic response to what superhero she would be if she could choose: “Locomotion Positivity Potion.” This witty answer came with a detailed explanation that showed Markham’s vivacious personality. By this point, the contestants concluded any last impressions that could be made on the judges, as they convened to tally their decisions for the winners.

Before Miss Destin 2008 was crowned, Kaltz gave her farewell address, thanking all who supported, inspired and taught her to gut a fish along the way. The big moment finally arrived for the nine Fort Walton Beach High School students, as Garman announced the winners.

Rachael Hayes racked up three awards for Miss Photogenic, Miss Congeniality, and First Runner Up overall. Her winnings included a total of $350 in cash, two plaques from The Destin Log and Guy’s Glass & Mirror, a $1,250 scholarship and a $250 skincare certificate to Destin Plastic Surgery.

The young philanthropist got a thrilled reaction from her family in the front row. “She’s really enjoyed just being with all of the girls,” stepmother Dee-Ann Hayes told The Log.

Samantha Speight’s undeniable dedication to community and personal excellence made her the judges’ choice for Second Runner Up. For this, she received $50 cash, a $750 scholarship and a $250 skincare certificate to Destin Plastic Surgery.

Finally, Kaltz and sister, Callie, crowned Leah Stuart as Miss Destin 2008. Stuart’s victory earned her a $3,500 scholarship, a $500 skincare certificate to Destin Plastic Surgery, PA and $50 cash. Stuart is a veteran angler who has been fishing “since I was old enough to hold a rod.” She is a volunteer for Key Club and Silver Sands School and is on the varsity volleyball team.

Her pageant sashes were provided by Nancy Melton of Keller-Williams Realty and her pageant crown from broker Gerry Roy of the Gerry Roy Agency. The crown and sash that she will don for the Fishing Rodeo are courtesy of Captain Kelly and Mary Anne Windes and the charter boat Sunrise.

This year’s pageant made a lasting impression on all involved this year. Marion Palmgren, chairperson of the pageant, summed up the experience. “Every year I say it can’t get any better,” Palmgren says. “It can’t get better than this year. It was wonderful.”

Stuart’s proud parents, Dave and Tanya, watched as their daughter signed autographs for her new starstruck fans and reflected on her performance throughout the night. “That’s my girl! She’s sassy!”

Published on Wednesday, April 30, 2008