This year’s Armed Forces Day pagaant had a large number of participants
With the bright lights of the Mineral County USO Center shining brightly on the contestants of the Miss Armed Forces Day, the ladies were all smiles as they entered the stage to be introduced by Ann Kee, the master of ceremonies.
This year saw a larger group of ladies entering the Miss Armed Forces Day contest with three vying for the title. Sisters Jesslynn and Raynee Knight along with Ashlynn Spanier each captured the audience with bright smiles and awesome talents.
It was easy to see that the Junior Miss Armed Forces Day contestants, who were sitting in the front row, were each in awe of these older girls as they sat quietly and clapped for each contestant.
The Junior Miss Armed Forces Day contestants numbered many. Each was introduced and asked a question ranging from world politics to how they support the armed forces.
The answers were well rounded; the girls poised in their presentations. The work that had happened before the big night had paid off as the girls delivered in the dance; question and answer and talent categories.
The votes were tallied and with butterflies in each of their stomachs, the tallies were read.
This year’s Miss Armed Forces Day is Spanier, daughter of Linda and Mike Spanier of Hawthorne. She is a junior at Mineral County High School who enjoys singing; cheerleading and teaching cheer to the younger girls. Miss Junior Armed Forces Day is Perla Farias, she is the daughter of Raul Gutierrez and Yaneth Castillo. Perla is a fifth grader at Hawthorne Elementary School where she is an outstanding athlete and student. She plays any sport including snowboarding.
“The girls deserve a congeniality award this year for treating each other respectfully during the pageant,” Kee said.
