Miss Saline Pageant produces winners

If you weren't there to witness it firsthand Tuesday night, the Miss Saline Pageant put on another successful program. Sponsored by the Former Miss Saline Association and the Saline Community Fair Board, the pageant marked its 60th year as Katie Beck, a senior at Saline High School, was crowned Miss Saline.

Beck was among nine contestants seeking the crown. The daughter of Janice and Michael Beck, she is a member of the National Honor Society and is active in the Chamber Choir and Saline High School Drama Club. Her future plans include the University of Michigan, where she would like to study literature and science.

Beck was joined by first runner-up Tara Dauer, who also was named Miss Congeniality, and second runner-up Michelle Rupp. Dauer, the daughter of Doug and Kathy Dauer, is also a senior at Saline High School. She serves as co-captain of the varsity cheerleading squad, and is an avid twirler, student council historian and editor of the school yearbook with aspirations to become a cardiologist. Rupp, a junior at Saline High School, is the daughter of Roger and Jill Rupp. She is a member of the Chamber Choir, plays violin in the Chamber Orchestra and participates in National Honor Society. She wants to attend business school and would one day like to open a hotel.

The pageant, which also featured performances from Miss Washtenaw County and the Harmonettes, was judged by Tom Kirvan, editor in chief of Detroit Legal News Publishing; Gina Valo, Miss Washtenaw County 2003; and Myrna Williams, a 1969 Saline High School graduate who works as a counselor at Tecumseh High School.

Nicole Stegenga, Miss Saline 2003 and a senior at Hope College, was mistress of ceremonies.

If you missed the event or want to see the crowning moment, check out video on our Web site.
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