Brynne Deppas Named 2009 Lakewood Area Junior Miss
By John Whittaker jwhittaker@post-journal.comArticle Photos
It took six months of practice and preparation for Brynne Deppas of Jamestown High School to earn the title of Lakewood Area Junior Miss - and less than a minute to make the future communications major go speechless.
After a million hugs behind the curtain on the Reg Lenna Civic Center stage, the newly-crowned Junior Miss was still searching for the right combination of words to describe how she felt.
''My mind went blank,'' she said. ''I had no words. It was just 'Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God.'''
Sitting among the full house in the civic center were Lou and Melissa Deppas, who said they were as speechless as their daughter when they heard the judges' decision.
''I would echo that,'' Deppas said between handshakes. ''I'm a nervous wreck. It was just a wonderful moment for us.''
''It was definitely worth the time to watch her face all night long,'' Mrs. Deppas said. ''She was beaming. It's great.''
The evening of competition was themed ''Junior Miss Around The World'' and showcased the contestants in fitness, talent and poise competitions. Contestants were also judged on a personal interview and a panel of judges reviewed the young ladies' academic transcripts. The contestants also were joined by their little sisters - area third- and fourth-graders - in the opening number and also to entertain the crowd during the judges deliberation.
''Walking out in my poise dress to do the prayer was my favorite moment,'' Ms. Deppas said. ''It's a great experience for high school girls to come and show their talent and hard work and to meet so many great people.''
Other contestants included Emily Ann Drew of Jamestown High School, Taylor Marie Bush of Southwestern Central School, Mary Elizabeth Andrews of Jamestown High School, Elizabeth Christine Stuart of Southwestern Central School, Nicole Dianne Calamunci of Jamestown High School, Mia Nicole Stevens of Southwestern, Lindsay Marie Pullan of Falconer Central School, Brittany Adams of Randolph Central School, Bridget Grace Murphy of Jamestown, Katelyn Danielle Cass of Frewsburg Central School, Mandi Jill Bargar of Maple Grove, Molly Shea Morgante of Randolph, Alissa Rae Madden of Jamestown, Karla Rosa Rodriguez of Jamestown and Mya Josephine Christy of Cassadaga Valley.
