The following article was published in the Wood County Democrat Wednesday, May 16, 2012 and was written by Democrat editor, Kiki Bettis:
Three young ladies took home the top awards at the annual Dogwood pageant last Saturday.
Chelsea Harris, 17-year-old daughter of Lesa Harris and the late Ronnie Harris, was crowned this year’s Miss Dogwood Queen XLVII.
Molly Tanner, 12-year-old daughter of John and Robin Tanner, was crowned Junior Miss Dogwood Queen III.
Irelynn Felty, six-year-old daughter of Gary and Stephanie Felty, was crowned Little Miss Dogwood XXII.
In addition to capturing the crown in their division, Harris and Tanner received trophies for best evening wear. Tanner also received the Miss Congeniality award.
Winners in the Miss Dogwood contest were Erica Blalock, 17-year-old daughter of Matt and Rachel Blalock, first runner-up; Taylor Clavelle, 16-year-old daughter of Jamie Pollard, second runner-up, best casual wear and Miss Congeniality; Cheyenne Horton, 16-year-old daughter of Anthony Horton, talent; and Hannah Stacks, 16-year-old daughter of Stephen Stacks and Rachel Fisher, the pageant directors award.
In the Junior Miss competition, winners Shelby Bettis, 12-year-old daughter of Lynn and Kiki Bettis, first runner-up and best casual wear; Brianna Lee, 11-year-old daughter of Tim and Sabrina Lee, second runner-up; Jordan Piper, 14-year-old daughter of Karon Piper, most ticket sales and the pageant directors award.
Winners in the Little Miss Dogwood contest were Katherine Cox, six-year-old daughter of Brenda Cox, first runner-up and most photogenic; Makenna Burks, seven-year-old daughter of Adam and Jessica Burks, second runner-up, most ticket sales, best party dress and the Ally Baker Memorial award; Abigail Williams, six-year-old daughter of Matt and Sammi Williams, pageant directors award; Addison Marcee, five-year-old daughter of Andy and Heather Marcee.
Other participants in the Dogwood pageant were Kinlee Baker, six-year-old daughter of Christy and Donnie Moss, and the late Wesley Baker; Adren Deas, seven-year-old daughter of Johnny and Teena Deas, Grace Kalenak, six-year-old daughter of Andy and P.J. Kalenak, Mattison Smith, six-year-old daughter of Michael and Stephanie Smith; Kelaiah Lee, six-year-old daughter of Thomas and Heidi Lee; Joey Forsyth, six-year-old daughter of Craig and Connie Forsyth; BreAnna Gilbreath, six-year-old daughter of Cody and Ashley Gilbreath; and Lila Park, five-year-old daughter of Dan and Amy Park; Emily Phillips, 12-year-old daughter of Jason and Sheree Phillips.
Escorting the Little Miss Dogwood contestants for the evening were Mason Reynolds, eight-year-old son of Joe Wayne and Dana Reynolds; Seth Ryan Bettis, eight-year-old son of Lynn and Kiki Bettis; and Carson Dickens, eight-year-old son of Jeff and Chelsea Dickens.
Escorting the Junior and Miss Dogwood contestants were Cody Morris, the 14-year-old son of Jeff and Analiese Morris; Gage Tolle, the 11 year-old-son of Brandy and Matt Tolle; William “Billy” Brannon, the 12-year-old son of Shane Brannon and Emily Attaway; Cruz Ramirez, the 13-year-old son of Kristy Ramirez; Kevin Menne, the 13-year-old grandson of Dorothy Applegate; Jeremy Garrett, the 17-year-old son of Tim and Bonnie Garrett; Wyatt Clavelle, the 18-year-old son of Jamie Pollard; John Patrick Morris Jr., the 16-year-old son of John and Kaye Morris; Manuel Gutierrez, the 18-year-old son of Adan and Alma Gutierrez; Dylan Lowrey, the 17-year-old son of Glen Lowrey.
Keith Haisten and Joe Wayne Reynolds were also a part of this year’s pageant. Reynolds gave a crowd pleasing performance as he serenaded the contestants and Haisten served as the emcee for the event.
The new Dogwood queens will represent Quitman at many area events, ribbon cuttings, parades and festivals throughout the county.
