Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Butler, daughter of David and Susie Butler, Syracuse, was crowned the first Miss Kosciusko of the new millennium at program's end.
"I'm so excited," Butler said following the competition surrounded by a crowd of well-wishers.
The Miss Kosciusko production is the official local competition for the Miss America organization. Butler will advance to the Miss Indiana Pageant in June.
The local program, in its 19th year, follows the Miss America format with a 12-minute interview during the afternoon, which accounts for 30 percent of the total scoring, with contestant introductions; talent, 40 percent of the scoring; swimsuit, 15 percent; and evening gown, 15 percent. Talent, swimsuit and evening gown presentations were in the evening.
Miss America contestants are expected to be well-versed on an issue close to their hearts and should be involved in their community.
Butler's platform is teen mental health. She will be a sophomore at Purdue University pursuing a liberal arts degree. She is a 1998 graduate of Wawasee High School.
Butler wore an ivory strapless evening gown for the final portion of the show and a one-piece black bathing suit during the swimsuit competition.
Her talent was a lyrical gymnastic routine performed to "Phantom of the Opera." During the first half of the routine she appeared half-masked.
Miss Kosciusko receives a $1,500 scholarship from the Miss Kosciusko Scholarship Program Inc., an expense-paid trip to the Miss Indiana Pageant and a wardrobe allowance.
Liz Art Photography provides her with Miss Indiana photographs; the crown is compliments of Dick and Sue Cole of ReMax Rainbow Realtors; the presentation bouquet is provided by Mr. J's Floral and Gift Shop.
Miss Kosciusko County 1999, Lindsay Schwartz, performed two dance routines during the well-organized pageant.
Miss Indiana 1997, Sara Engerman, was mistress of ceremonies.
A highlight of the evening was a jazz dance performance by Kelly Lloyd, Miss Indiana 1999.
Presentation plaques and scholarship awards were given to four runners-up:
• Mary Cockburn, first runner-up, who received a $1,200 scholarship;
• Jena Bessinger, second runner-up, who received a $700 scholarship;
• Laura Warren, third runner-up, who received a $600 scholarship; and
• Alyssa Bott, fourth runner-up, who received a $450 scholarship.
Nonfinalist scholarships of $250 each were awarded to Robyn Elliott, talent, and Angela Gakstatter, interview.
All other contestants received $100 scholarships. They were: Jenny Workman, Lorna Unterbrink, Wende Roberts, Gretel Peters and Kylie Carter.
