Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH WEBSTER - Kristen Blackman, in a stunning Mediterranean blue evening gown, was crowned 2002 Queen of the Lakes Saturday.
Blackman, 16, is the daughter of David and Carol Blackman, Albion. She was known as Miss Sylvan Lake during the pageant.
Eleven contestants participated in the 57th Mermaid Festival Queen of Lakes Pageant sponsored by the North Webster Lioness Club.
Educational scholarships are provided by The International Palace of Sports. The queen receives a $2,000 scholarship; first runner-up, $1,500; second runner-up, $1,000; and third runner-up, $500.
The contest has three parts. Interviews are held with a panel of judges earlier in the afternoon. The swimsuit and evening gown portions are held in front of an audience.
Blackman, a junior at East Noble High School, wore a teal swimsuit.
First runner-up and recipient of the Lioness Community Service Award was Caylyne DeGood, 17, Syracuse. She is the daughter of Scott and Mary DeGood and a junior at Wawasee High School.
DeGood received an engraved silver tray and monetary prize for the service award.
Jessica Stansberry, 17, Ligonier, was second runner-up. She is the daughter of Richard and Jeanne Stansberry and a West Noble High School student.
Cheryl Grady, 20, North Webster, was third runner-up. She is the daughter of Mark and Denise Grady and a sophomore at Purdue University.
Bill Dixon served as master of ceremonies, introducing contestants in each segment of the pageant. The emcee also gives the final question to the four finalists. This year's question was: "School days is the theme of this year's Mermaid Festival. What would you say to your best friend if she told you she was quitting school?"
Blackman said education is the key to the future and her friend's "quitting school" would have serious consequences.
Other contestants were: Brenda Johnson, Devan Marsh, Wendy Siciliano, Lisa Wilkinson, Kimberly Miller, Holly Stackhouse and Christa Williams.
The Queen of the Lakes contestants also participate in Saturday's parade and are judged as a separate unit. Additional scholarship money for the parade includes $750 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place.
