The Coronation of Queen Autumn Trails XLIV
by Amy Winters

The Coronation of Queen Autumn Trails XLIV was held Saturday, October 5th at the HighSchool Auditorium. The Pageant's ten contestants included Kay Gillis, Callie Gilbreath, Carli Boyce, Lindsay Cain, Jamie Kellar, Kristen Swanner, Christine Noteware, Emily Stone, Kattie Alexander, and Autumn Jones. "An Autumn Tribute" was the theme of this year's pageant, and the stage's patriotic decorations included red, white, and blue lights and an outline of a huge star surrounded by lights.

The contestants performed a dance, and the host of the event, Pat Stacy presented Mackenzie Cox, Little Miss Autumn XXIII and Queen Autumn Trails XLIII Chelsey Gibson to the audience.

The judging began as the contestants showed off their casual wear and talents. The girls' talents included: an Interpretation of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Kay Gillis, Callie Gilbreath singing LeAnn Womack's "Something Worth Leaving Behind," Carli Boyce doing a dance interpretation of "Eye of the Tiger," Lindsay Cain singing an interpretation of LeAnn Womack's "I Hope You Dance," Jamie Kellar playing Maria in the musical number "I Have Confidence in Me," Kristen Swanner reciting a monologue called "Driving Lessons" about a mother teacher her daughter to drive, Christine Noteware playing "My Classical Rhapsody" on piano which she arranged herself, Emily Stone singing Martina McBride's "There You Are," Kattie Alexander lip syncing and dancing to a medley of Tina Turner's greatest hits, and Autumn Jones performing a self-choreographed dance to "1,000 Miles" by Jessica Carlton.

As the contestants prepared for the Evening Gown Competition, Entertainment was provided by Chelsey Gibson and Scott Stone with a breathtaking rendition of "Why They Call It Fallin'" that received thunderous applause from the audience. Lisa Wreyford then performed an interpretive dance to "America the Beautiful" by Ray Charles and received about the same response from the audience.

After the Evening Gown Competition and On-Stage Interview, the Queen took her final walk and beautifully sang "You're My Only Hope" to the audience.

While waiting for the judges to calculate their votes, host Pat Stacy entertained the audience by telling jokes, juggling colored rings, and even reading from the next week's TV schedule.

The contestants nervously lined up across the stage to receive their awards, which were given as follows: Miss Dedication - Jamie Kellar and Autumn Jones; Most Ticket Sales - Kattie Alexander; Miss Congeniality - Carli Boyce, Jamie Kellar, and Kattie Alexander; Most Photogenic - Lindsay Cain; Best Casual Wear - Jamie Kellar; Best Evening Gown - Kattie Alexander; Best Talent - Kattie Alexander; Best Interview - Christine Noteware and Jamie Kellar.

The 2nd runner-up is Lindsay Cain, the 1st runner-up is Kattie Alexander and the Queen Autumn Trails XLIV is Jamie Kellar.

Chelsey Gibson then crowned Jamie and family and friends were invited to congratulate all the contestants for their hard work and incredible performances.