12 ready to compete for crown

November 19, 2010 Last Updated: November 19, 2010 01:02 PM Community

Pageant slated for Dec. 5 at Kean Theatre

Twelve young women are set to compete Dec. 5 for the title of Miss Butler County USA. The pageant is set for 7 p.m. at the Kean Theatre on the campus of St. Barnabas Health System in Gibsonia.

The competition for young women ages 17 to 25 is a preliminary to the Miss Pennsylvania USA Pageant, which leads to the nationally televised Miss USA Pageant. The Miss USA Pageant is part of the Miss Universe Organization, which is an NBC Universal Donald Trump partnership.

Each contestant will appear onstage in an evening gown and one-piece swimsuit following one-on-one interviews with the judges before the pageant. Judging is based on poise, personality, stage presence and overall appearance.

Master of ceremonies will be J. Eddie Peck of Los Angeles, known for his starring roles on soap operas “The Young and the Restless,” “All My Children” and “Days of Our Lives” as well as for his role as Adam Baylin in the ABC Family series “Kyle XY.” Peck also has appeared in numerous other prime time series and movies.

Awards for the newly crowned winner will include entry fees for the Miss Pennsylvania USA Pageant in 2011; a $500 shopping spree at Prime Outlets Grove City and other goods and services.

Four runners-up will receive trophies. Semifinalists will receive plaques. Miss Photogenic and Miss Amity trophies also will be awarded.

The winner will be crowned by last year's winner, 18-year-old Sarah Miller, daughter of Keith and Joloyn Miller of West Sunbury.

The pageant executive director is Marilyn E. Kane. Her daughter, Marilyn Kane, is pageant coordinator.

Cost to attend the pageant is $15. Tickets are available from contestants, at the Kane Modeling School in the Morgan Center, or by calling 724-287-0576 or 724-287-3576. Tickets also will be sold at the door.

This year's contestants include:Megan Blauser, 17, is the daughter of Cecil and Molly Blauser of West Sunbury. She is a junior at Moniteau High School, where she belongs to the National Honor Society and student council. She also is the junior representative for Extreme Leadership and participates in Academic Decathlon events.Stephanie Bonzo, 20, is the daughter of Dan and Shelly Bonzo of West Sunbury and the late Renee Bonzo. She is a 2008 graduate of Moniteau High School and a student at Butler County Community College, where she is majoring in elementary education and is on the cheerleading squad. Stephanie works at Applebee's restaurant and is a part-time model and actress.Kelly Cundiff, 16, is the daughter of Doug and Laurie Cundiff of Cranberry Township. She is a junior at Seneca Valley High School, where she is on the high honor roll and belongs to the lacrosse team and ski club. Kelly works at Boston Market.Annie Fischer, 18, is the daughter of Steven and Sherri Fischer of Butler. She is a senior at Knoch High School, where she is on the high honor roll and belongs to the National Honor Society and Spanish club. She also participates in Stand Tall and peer tutoring. Annie is a server at the Runway Restaurant.Brittaney Foster, 18, is the daughter of William and Teri Foster of West Sunbury. She attends Moniteau High School, where she is a senior.Chloe Gibson, 18, is the daughter of Sally Gibson of Saxonburg and George Gibson of Valencia. She is a senior at Knoch High School. She works as a sales associate at Five Below.Norryannah Kubala, 17, is the daughter of Gary and Barbara Kubala of Saxonburg. She is senior at Knoch High School, where she is on the swim team and belongs to the National Society of High School Scholars.

Courtney Matessa, 16, is the daughter of Matt and Donna Matessa of Evans City. She is a junior at Seneca Valley High School, where she is a varsity cheerleader and is on the honor roll. She works as a hostess at Eat ‘n Park.Chelsea Moser, 17, is the daughter of Rob and Michelle Moser of Cabot. She is a junior at Knoch High School, where she is a member of Family and Consumer Sciences Knowledge Bowl and Future Farmers of America and has participated in cross country, softball and track and field. She works seasonally at Ambrose Farm Market.Danielle Olson, 18, is the daughter of Fredrick Olson of Cranberry Township and Denise Lupinacci of Ambridge. She is a senior at Seneca Valley High School, where she belongs to the National Honor Society, marching band and World Language Club. She works in food service at UPMC Cranberry Place.Olivia Reddick, 17, is the daughter of John and Cynthia Reddick of Butler. She is a senior at Butler High School, where she is president of the National Honor Society and belongs to student council, the Latin club and the track team. Olivia also participates in school musicals and works at A-1 Quality Cleaners.Samantha Schnur, 17, is the daughter of Jerome and Lisa Schnur of Chicora. She is a senior at Butler High School, where she is a high honors student, is first-chair violin in orchestra and participates in cross country and track. She works at Subway.

WHAT: Miss Butler County USA PageantWHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 5WHERE: Kean Theatre, St. Barnabas Health System campus, 5850 Meridian Road, GibsoniaTICKETS: $15 available from contestants, at the Kane Modeling School in the Morgan Center or by calling 724-287-0576 or 724-287-3576. Tickets also will be sold at the door.