Ten young women will vie for Miss Saline crown

One lucky young lady out of the 10 vying for the Miss Saline 2011 title will learn to wear a crown, to wave at the crowds – and will find out just how heavy a pig can be.

That was the experience of Molly McMillan, who is wrapping up her year as Miss Saline 2010, and who will crown her successor in this year’s pageant, 8 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds.

“I got to hand out ribbons at the livestock auction, which was a hoot. I wore my cowboy boots and they had me take pictures with all the prize animals and bidders,” she says. “I couldn’t believe how much the pigs weighed – 300 lbs!”

Apart from amazement at the prize porkers, McMillan had a wonderful year as queen, she says.

She took part in last year’s Ladies Day where she sang songs with the band, and was in the spotlight in the fair parade, overcoming her shyness at being stared at.

After the fair wrapped up, she took part in several community events, including a fall harvest celebration at the historic Rentschler Farm; a community Halloween party at the Tri County Sportsmen’s League where she dressed up as a fortune teller; and an Autumn Carnival at Brecon Village, where she also worked part time.

The daughter of David and Susan McMillan, the 18-year-old is a recent Saline High School grad and will be a dance major at Wayne State University this fall on a full academic scholarship. A dancer since she was 3 years old, she has been a long-time member of the Youth Dance Ensemble of Ann Arbor Dance Classics.

While McMillan is sad to come to the end of her reign, she will help out at future pageants as a member of the Former Miss Saline Association.

“I’m a little sad to be passing the crown, but I can’t wait to see who gets crowned next,” she says.

There are 10 girls competing for the honor to represent their hometown, says Pageant Superintendent Katrene Starling. 

“The contestants are all seniors at Saline High School and honor roll students. A volunteer award will be given to the contestant who has shown community spirit and a willingness to be involved,” Starling said.

The new queen will receive a loving cup and sash, and she, her court and contestants will receive more than $4,500 in scholarships, savings bonds, and gifts donated by area merchants.

Kendall Buie, 2012 Class President since 8th grade, has been trained in a wide range of dance styles. She works at Mangiamo Italian Grill in Saline, and is on the SHS yearbook staff. She hopes to study psychology or something else in the medical field at the University of Michigan.

Emily Buckridge, a squad leader for the marching band and a softball player, is a member of the Ann Arbor Hockettes, a synchronized figure skating team. She plans to pursue a medical degree at the University of Michigan.

Ashleigh Burdick, who hopes to become a large animal veterinarian, traveled to France and Spain over spring break. Next year, she will chair a Model United Nations Conference, SEMMUNA, and has been researching her topic of “Human Rights in Myanmar.”

Shelby Harris, a color guard captain for the marching band who also runs cross-country and track, last year won the spirit award. A volunteer for St. Andrew’s LIFE Program, Safety Town and the Evangelical Home, she plans to pursue an education degree.

Madison Phillips has been offered a soccer and lacrosse scholarship by Siena Heights University in Adrian.  A member of Future Career Community Leaders of America, she works as a waitress at Brecon Village.  She enjoys playing guitar, and would like to become a special education major.

Aubrey LaVasseur, president of the SHS Drama Club and class secretary, is active in high school musical productions and participates in volunteer activities with her youth group and through the St Joseph Mercy Cancer Center. She hopes to attend the University of Michigan Nursing School.

Megan Rupp has taken multiple AP classes, serves as the senior class treasurer and is a member of the Chamber Choir. She enjoys  baking and creating cards, and plans to pursue a career in mechanical or biomedical engineering.

Christina Schneider is a member of the equestrian team, and will attend the University of Findlay to pursue a degree in equine training and barn management. She has held leadership positions in FFA and 4-H and was dual-enrolled in Washtenaw Community College last year.

Sophie Skochelak shows her horse in competitions with the Saline Equestrian Team and as a member of the Riske Riders 4-H Club. She enjoys reading and photography, and was one of four students nominated for the Michigan Youth Leadership Program at SHS. She plans to pursue a teaching degree at Hope College.

Samantha  Szuminski, a squad leader in the color guard section of the marching band, is also a member of the cross country and track teams. She enjoys playing guitar, writing poems and reading. She hopes to attend Michigan State University to major in veterinarian sciences.