Queen's Pageant

We Have a New Queen!

Gabrielle Bailey, 16, was crowned the 2010 First Town Days Festival Queen during a pageant held in Welty Middle School at New Philadelphia Friday. Bailey is the daughter of Jennifer Bailey Geer of Dover. Bailey received a $1,000 scholarship for winning the contest, along with her crown, sash, bouquet and charm bracelet. First runner-up and the recipient of a $300 scholarship was Sarah Calhoun, who will be a junior at New Philadelphia High. Calhoun sang “I Enjoy Being a Girl” from the “Flower Drum Song.” She spoke about her passion for talking to and meeting new people. She is the daughter of John and Sue Calhoun of New Philadelphia. Co-second attendants were Stephanie Bond, 17, and Amanda Guzik, 15. Bond is the daughter of Phil and Candy Bond of Dover, and Guzik is the daughter of Shari Welton of New Philadelphia. Both girls received a scholarship of $200.”

Gabrielle was crowned by 2009 First Town Days Queen Allie Aksterowicz.

“I’m looking forward to just enjoying this year and meeting new friends,” Bailey said. “I want to congratulate all of the other contestants. They all did a good job.” Bailey performed a graceful lyrical dance to Eva Cassidy’s “Time After Time” and spoke about the importance of having the right attitude when she was introduced on stage. She will be a junior at Dover High in the fall and will participate in the post-secondary program at Tuscarawas Campus of Kent State University at New Philadelphia. She is a football cheerleader, honor roll student, Key Club National member, student office helper, library aide and an Art Club member. “I was very surprised, utterly shocked when I found out I’d won,” Bailey said. “But I’m very excited! I won’t stop smiling until tomorrow.
Sections of this article have been reprinted with permission from the Times Reporter - Dover, New Philadelphia, OH