MINSER CROWNED

MISS MARION POPCORN FESTIVAL

IN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

 

 

MARION, OH – Kathleen “Katie” Minser captured the title of Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2007, Saturday evening, August 4, during competition at Harding High School.  Nearly $4,000 in scholarship dollars and $3,500 in in-kind scholarships were awarded before a near capacity crowd. 

By winning the Miss Marion Popcorn Festival title Minser earned a $1,000 scholarship, sponsored by H & R Block-Steve Rhoades, a $1,000 in-kind scholarship from Marion Technical College, and a $500 in-kind scholarship from The Ohio State University at Marion.  She also received the Festival crown and box, crown pin, royalty note pad, gold earrings, picture frame, Marion Popcorn Festival Scholarship Program (MPFSP) tote bag, banner, and flowers. 

“It’s so exciting,” said a breathless Minser.  “I didn’t expect to win.” 

Minser garnered the Talent Award of a $100 scholarship sponsored by Carol & Gene Ault/The Dance Factory, and Joanne’s School of Dance and the Highest Scored Vocal Award of a $100 scholarship sponsored by Streetwise Motors with her vocal rendition of “I Can Hear the Bells”.  She also won two additional $100 scholarships for Evening Wear, sponsored by Holbrook Manter, and Community Service, sponsored by Big Brothers/Big Sisters.   

Minser plans to use her scholarship monies attending The Ohio State University at Marion where she will be a freshman majoring in Creative Writing.  A 2007 graduate of River Valley High School, Minser is the daughter of Tom and Debbie Minser of Cardington. 

As Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2007, Minser will reign over all Festival activities; including being highlighted in the Festival’s Orville Redenbacher Parade and performing from the main stage each evening prior to the featured entertainment.  She will also make numerous appearances throughout Ohio during the coming year.   

A $750 scholarship sponsored by Wal-Mart went to First Runner-up Holly Musser.  Her talent was a vocal presentation of “Like We Never Loved At All”.  The daughter of Tony and Darlene Musser of Ada, Musser is a 2007 graduate of Ada High School and is enrolled at The Ohio State University pursuing a degree in nursing.     

Amanda Sterling was Second Runner-up and received a $500 scholarship sponsored by Wal-Mart and the Marion Popcorn Scholarship Program.  She also snared the $100 Casual Wear Scholarship, sponsored by the Marion Popcorn Scholarship Program, and the $50 scholarship Popcorn Spirit Award sponsored by Acloche’.  Sterling is a 2004 graduate of River Valley High School and a senior at Bowling Green State University majoring in Theatre.  She is the daughter of Kevin and Nadine Sterling of Marion.  “There’s a Fine, Fine Line” was her vocal selection.   

Earning a $350 scholarship, sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings, and capturing the Third Runner-up position was Courtney McBride.  Her lyrical dance to “I Will Get There” captured the Highest Scored Dancer scholarship of $100 sponsored by Douce Dance Studio and Amber Cook-Geiser.  The 2004 graduate of Marion Catholic High School is in her 4^th year at Marion Technical College pursuing a degree in Nursing.  McBride is the daughter of Russ and Marilyn McBride of Marion. 

Emily Davis took the Fourth Runner-up honors and a $250 scholarship sponsored by the Richwood Banking Company.  Davis also received the $100 Interview Scholarship Award, sponsored by Real Living Real Estate, and the $100 Academic Scholarship Award, sponsored by Barry and Deb Tinnerello.  A 2007 graduate of North Union High School, Davis will be attending The Ohio State University studying Business and Pre-Law.  She presented a Hip Hop routine to “Get Up”, and is the daughter of Bruce and Marsha Davis of Richwood. 

Each of the four finalists also received a $500 in-kind scholarship from Marion Technical College, picture frame, gold earrings, Marion Popcorn Festival tote, banner, and flowers. 

A non-finalist award of $100, sponsored by UBS, Tim Mooney, and Douce Dance Studio, was given to each of the contestants not in the top five: 
Morgan Candel presented a vocal rendition of “The Wizard and I”.  She attends Marion Harding High School and is the daughter of Chris and Linda Candel of Marion.

Kali Creasap is a 2007 graduate of Marion Harding High School and will attend The Ohio State University at Marion majoring in Early Childhood Education.  She sang, “I Don’t Need Anything but You”, and is the daughter of Tim and Vicki Creasap of Marion.

Melissa Radel performed a point ballet to “The Phantom of the Opera”.  The 2005 graduate of Cardington High School is a junior at the University of Findlay with a dual major of Equestrian Studies and Forensic Science.  She is the daughter of Howard and Marlene Radel of Cardington.

Event sponsors were Marion Area Counseling Center and United Federal Credit Union.

 Contestants were scored by two separate panels of judges.  The first panel judged the afternoon Interview session worth 30%; and the second graded the evening competition which included 30% for Talent, 10% for Casual Wear, 20% for Evening Wear, and 10% for the On-Stage Interview. 

Scholarship co-directors Shanna Sharp and Lynnell Jamison both expressed their delight in the excellence of the contestants.  “This was a tough competition among a great group of young women,” said Sharp.  “All who competed are exceptional young women and were wonderful to work with.  Carol Ault has always said, ‘Just having the courage to do this truly makes them all winners’ ... and it’s definitely true.”  Jamison concurred and added, “We’d like to thank previous directors Kay Gwinner and Melody Freeman on their help and guidance.  Without them,” said Jamison, “this event would have been much more stressful for us.”