Miss Stanton 2018: Preview
ROHINI KUMAR | FEB. 22, 2018 | NEWS
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (SCPDA) — With Stanton College Preparatory School’s annual Miss Stanton pageant set to take place on February 24, both the student body and the contestants have much to look forward to. The pageant, which has been an ongoing tradition since 1983, features 15 contestants, three more than last year. The contestants, all of whom are juniors, must present themselves in five categories, each of which carries a certain weight: Talent (25 percent), Informal Wear (10 percent), Question and Answer (10 percent), Formal Wear (10 percent) and Speech (20 percent). The contestants also participated in interviews with the judges prior to the pageant, the scores of which are weighted 25 percent and will be added to their overall scores.
This year’s theme, “All That Jazz,” comes from the Broadway musical Chicago. It also draws on the Jazz Age and the Roaring Twenties, a time of glamour, the formation of distinct cultural identities and social change. Its versatility gives the contestants a lot to work with—the era was renowned not only for its music, but for its fashion, art and cinema. The theme may even possess a certain timeliness and social applicability, if the contestants choose to pursue such an angle.
“I think it's super cool how the pageant really reflects the theme,” said Marymechelle Gary, Contestant Number 5. “I personally think jazz brought a new type of artistry to music and symbolizes individuality and freedom of expression—things that are very much implemented in the pageant.”
While the contestants aren’t required to tailor their performances to fit the theme, it does serve the purpose of setting a certain tone for the evening. Appropriately, the program will feature a performance from a student saxophone quartet. The quartet, which recently performed at Stanton’s 2017-2018 Winterfest, is made up of senior Michael Jenkins, junior Francesca Fedorca, junior Karthik Belthur and junior Cyrus Paul.
“I know the four of us cannot wait to play for the audience some of our jazzy tunes, and maybe it will open up some new genres for some individuals,” said Fedorca. “I hope that the quartet will be able to give a visual representation of the theme of the pageant show.”
Popular talent choices every year include dance, vocals, monologues, and instrumental performances. This year, however, two unusual performances are on the program: speed painting by Caitlin Wiegert and stand-up comedy by Madeline Okenica. Both talents present their own unique challenges, but are also reflections of the contestants’ personalities and hobbies—a way for the audience and the judges to get to know the contestants better.
“I pride myself in my art and I really wanted to showcase that. With speed painting specifically, I believe I am able to show my creativity and uniqueness,” said Wiegert. “I believe my talent is something new and unique and I’m really excited to share my art through the Miss Stanton pageant.”
For Okenica, finding a talent was difficult because she had been involved in sports more than in talents suitable for stage-performance. Stand-up, she decided, would allow her to remain true to her personality.
“Instead of dancing, playing musical instruments or acting, I️ have normally just played sports. I️ had to get creative for what to do for my talent,” said Okenica. “I think that choosing to do a stand-up routine encompasses how I️ love to laugh and joke in real life, apart from the pageant.”
The pageant is set to begin at 6 p.m., though doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Those who have yet to obtain a ticket may purchase one for $15 at the door. The Devil’s Advocate wishes everyone a fun, safe night enjoying a time-honored Stanton tradition.