Ashland Adventure

Source: http://www.ashland-wi.com/dailypress/index.php?dect_rank=1&story_id=209013

By RICK OLIVOThe Daily PressMonday, March 20th, 2006 08:30:59 AM

Reigning Miss Wisconsin Tracy Gest got a unique adventure, trying out a dog sled on Lake Superior last Wednesday with outfitter Jim Ryder of La Pointe.
There is a lot more to being Miss Wisconsin than just riding around in parades and waving at the crowd.
Sometimes you need to be photographed in a bikini in a sauna; sometimes the picture taking is out on the ice of Lake Superior on a dogsled.
It's all grist for the mill of current Miss Wisconsin, Tracy Gest, 20, of Menomonie Falls, who spent three days this week in the Bay Area, engaged in promotional activities for local businesses as part of her year-long reign.
"It's the farthest north I've ever been," she said Friday, in between appointments.
She said her time in the area has been "an adventure," even getting her feet wet during a sled dog demonstration on the ice of Lake Superior near Bayfield.
The event had been planned as a sled dog outing and photo shoot, but deteriorating ice conditions caused cancellation of the excursion.
"I was really looking forward to that," she said. "But it was a lot of fun just to be able to pose in a dogsled; that is something very different."
Gest said she, and her first runner up, Alexandra Kealey, who accompanied her on the trip have been warmly welcomed in the area.
"It's fantastic to be here, the city of Ashland has welcomed us with open arms," she said.
Her hosts for the visit have included Superior Sauna and Cabin and Ashland's Mobile Connection Cellular One dealership. She also made a public appearance at the Chequamegon Health and Fitness Center. Gest said it's been a busy visit, but one in keeping with her duties as Miss Wisconsin.
"There is a lot more going on behind the scenes that people just don't realize," she said.
It's a year-long lifestyle Gest says she is thoroughly enjoying. She is taking a year off from her college studies at Carroll College, where she is a junior, working towards a bachelor's degree in communications. She hopes one day to serve as a public relations spokesperson for a large company.
"This is an internship that just can't be matched," she said. "What better way to learn than to actually learn from life experience."
Once finished in Ashland, Gest is slated to visit Eau Claire where she will speak on diabetes awareness, her formal public service platform as Miss Wisconsin.
"My father has had diabetes for 49 years, so it's something I have a personal interest in," she said.
Gest trained with the American Diabetes Association to speak on the topic; she has also served as a diabetes camp assistant. She will also attend a number of Drug Awareness Resistance Education (DARE) graduations. "I'm a motivational speaker for these children, speaking about healthy lifestyles," she said.
And, yes, indeed, she does wave in parades.
"There is a glamour aspect to being Miss Wisconsin, but It's really a speaking tour for one year," she said.
She has also helped to raise funds for child abuse prevention, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.
"It's a busy time," she said.
Gest's tour of duty as Miss Wisconsin ends in three months.
"It's hard to believe," she said. "It's been a fantastic career; they are going to have to fight me to get the crown off my head. I've gotten a great opportunity to tour Wisconsin. It's a beautiful state, but it's the people who make it a special and unique place."
Gest said once her term is finished, she plans to go back to Carroll College and complete her degree.
I will graduate next May, that's the next big thing," she said.

Weekend Winners

This past weekend was filled with several new representatives for Wisconsin. I would like all of you to know that I am proud of each of you. Miss Western Wisconsin, Miss Wisconsin West, Miss Midwest, Miss Beloit, and Miss Mississippi Valley were all crowned on Saturday.

I had the opportunity to travel to Beloit to see Sara take on the Miss Beloit title. She was one of eleven to compete. Sara also won the talent award and was voted Miss Congeniality. Congratulations to all of the young women who competed. What is important for everyone to remember is that we do not determine our success based on whether we win the title or not, but rather on how we handle ourselves and what we take from each experience. I learned some of the most important lessons from not winning.

Marci, I would like to sincerely congratulate you on your accomplishment. I am very proud of you. Marci and I had the opportunity to become really good friends because we held titles together last year. She was Miss West Allis and I was Miss New Berlin. Marci will be returning to Miss Wisconsin this summer. The best of luck to you with all of your future endeavors.
As March almost comes to a close, we have only a few more representatives that need to be chosen. To everyone, good luck in your preparations!!

Miss Beloit crown passes to Siekierski

The 2006 Miss Beloit Pageant theme was “a little bit country, a little bit rock'n roll,” but Saturday night, Sara Siekierski was every bit royalty.The annual pageant began with the contestants in cowboy hats, and in the end it was Siekierski who wore the Miss Beloit crown.A visibly stunned Siekierski threw her hands over her face as Miss Beloit 2005 Kayleigh Brancamp pinned on the tiara. The sophomore at University of Wisconsin - Rock County was already glowing, just having been named Miss Congeniality along with fellow contestant Sha-Nita Rhea.As the lights dimmed and fans filed out of the Beloit Memorial High School Theater, Siekierski was surrounded by the 10 other young women contestants, all graciously offering their hugs and congratulations.
“I'm in shock,” she gasped. “I'm so happy.”The talent during the night had ranged from gymnastic tumbles to vocal solos and Siekierski acknowledged she was up against a lot of accomplished women.“The competition was just excellent,” she said.After an opening performance of the National Anthem by Miss Beloit Pageant President Eddie Farr and a welcome from emcee Gregory Bridges, the Miss Beloit contestants performed an ensemble dance number - a mix of country line dancing and rock ‘n roll swing.Then it was on to the competition when the ladies exhibited their swim wear and then changed for the talent portion of the contest.Fans in the packed auditorium encouraged them with cheers. Contestant Brittany Andrews' younger brother, Max, wore a shirt that read “good luck sissy,” and her best friend Nicole Oates was confident she would do well.Vickie Cole was at the pageant to support her niece, Sha-Nita Rhea, and her cousin, Darneeshia Lana'e McShan.“I'm rootin' for everybody,” she laughed.Farr, who worked with the women in preparation for the big night, was perhaps the proudest.“It was a lot of work, but I was willing to do it,” he said, adding that the girls were “absolutely wonderful” to work with.“They got along very well,” he said.Siekierski sang “On My Own,” from the musical drama Les Miserables. Shontia Croft performed a theatrical solo selection from “Miss Celie's Blues.” Jaimie Goecks performed a dramatic monologue excerpted from “Our Town.” Naomi Martindale demonstrated cheerleading. Michelle Belke tap danced to “Mambo No. 5.” Darneeshia McShan sang “The One I Gave My Heart To.” Sha-Nita Rhea sang “Reflection.” Lindy Treptow performed “Amazing Grace” on the clarinet. Brittany Andrews did a gymnastic routine. LaFonda Richardson performed a hip-hop number. Portia Hunter recited the poem “Phenomenal Woman.”The women then reappeared in their radiant evening gowns to answer questions about their advocacy platforms. They mentioned such issues as teen pregnancy, violence, cancer research and animal abuse.Siekierski's platform is prevention of underage drinking - a stance she will develop for the Miss Wisconsin pageant in June.Saturday's contest was punctuated by appearances from other Wisconsin royalty, including, among others, Miss Wisconsin, Tracy Gest, who performed two piano solos and Miss Wisconsin's Outstanding Teen, Tonya Popowski, who gave a baton twirling performance. A few former Miss Beloits, including Miss Beloit 2004 Megan Hendee, also crossed the stage.Brancamp sang two solos and then gave her farewell, in which she reflected upon her experience at the Miss Wisconsin pageant and thanked Beloit for a great year as its queen.A troupe of future Miss Beloits from Rising Star Dance Studio performed to “I Believe.”The evening culminated in the crowing of the winner. Bridges reminded all of the young women of their worth and accomplishments, saying they were all winners that night.The fourth runner up was Belke; third runner up was Rhea, second runner up was Richardson and first runner up was Treptow.Andrews won the award for most ads sold for the pageant's brochure. Belke won an award for most pageant tickets sold. The Billy Amundsen Scholarship, sponsored by Bryden Motors and Miss Beloit 1990 and former Miss Wisconsin Stephanie Klett, went to Treptow.The $200 talent award went to Siekierski; the non-finalist talent award went to Hunter and Andrews; the non-finalist interview award went to Hunter; the lifestyle and fitness in swimsuit award went to Treptow; the chairman's award Goecks.As young women were whisked away to the coronation ceremony, Siekierski's supporters were glowing with pride.Parents Mark and Sue Siekierski and Sara's brother Dan were accompanied by aunts and uncles and others in cheering for her.“I'm crying, I'm happy,” Sue said. “This is just a (great) year for her.”