Valley girls enjoy success at pageants in Anchorage

Valley girls fared well at the Alaska State Pre-Teen and Pre-Teen Petite pageants in Anchorage June 21.

Nine Valley girls were honored during the event, which was held at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium in Anchorage. Kayli Thompson of Anchorage was crowned Alaska National Pre-Teen for 2003, while Jessica Buckmeier of Anchorage earned the Alaska National Petite 2003 crown.

Natasha Pitre, a 7-year-old from Palmer, was the first runner-up in the Alaska National Petite pageant. She also earned the Miss Hospitality, public speaking, sportswear and sponsor appreciation awards in the event open to 6- to 8-year-old girls.

The third runner-up was Katrina Stratton, a 6-year-old from Palmer.

She also earned a costume award, as well as a program participation acknowledgment.

The finalists were judged on interview, personality and poise on stage, with optional public speaking, costume, talent, sportswear and photo categories.

In the Alaska National Pre-Teen pageant, several Valley girls took the stage and enjoyed success.

Seaira Reno, 13, of Wasilla was the second runner-up and earned awards for most tickets sold and program participation.

Bree Glasgow, 13, of Wasilla, was the third runner-up and earned NPT scholar and personality awards.

The fourth runner-up, sponsor letter and public speaking awards were handed out to Amber Carter, 11, of Palmer.

Gerriann Kruger, an 8-year-old Palmer girl, was Miss Hospitality.

Lina Shadrach, 10, of Wasilla, was named the Rising Star award winner. Program participation acknowledgments went to Angelina Klapperich, 9, of Wasilla, and Sabrina Stratton, 8, of Palmer.

In the Alaska National Pre-Teen pageant, finalists were judged on academics and achievements, an interview, personality and poise, with optional categories like public speaking, costume, talent, sportswear, photo and portfolio.