WELCOME to this pictorial album from Miss National Sweetheart 2002! DID YOU KNOW this is the 59TH ANNUAL Miss Sweetheart? Held in Hoopeston, Illinois, near the Indiana border, the pageant is one highlight of the Sweetcorn Festival. When you pull up to the event, it looks like a full-fledged fair--complete with rides, tractor pulls, and of course sweetcorn! But then step inside the Civic Center at McFerren Park and you are transported to a mini-Miss America pageant. Those in the audience wore everything from bib overalls to cocktail dresses, and many young ladies were sporting sparkling crowns. These were festival queens from neighboring county fair, brought to Hoopeston along with hundreds from around America, to see some of the finest talent in the MAO system...not to mention Sweetheart's special guest: Katie Harman, Miss America 2002! Harman reportedly chose to attend the pageant on "her own" time; during a vacation from her official MAO duties. She explained during the pageant that Hoopeston has a special place in her heart, as she represented Oregon at the 2000 Miss Sweetheart Pageant. Some of this was explained in a local newspaper, "The Chronicle," which provided a supplement that served as a comprehensive program book. In it were photos and bios of all the contestants, photos from Katie's year at Sweetheart, and a bit of history about the Sweetheart pageant. "In the early days of the Sweetcorn Festival, organizers invited young women from neighboring canning states to compete for the title of "Miss Sweetcorn." "Through the years, the pageant became affiliated with the Miss America Pageant system.." This as they began inviting first runners-up from every Miss America state pageant (if the 1st runner-up declines, other finalists may have the opportunity to travel to Hoopeston.) Hence, national attention on the small town in Illinois' Vermilion County. "Sweetheart" now boasts eight contestants whom have gone on to win the Miss America crown. They are Pam Eldred, Rebecca King, Elizabeth Ward, Debbye Turner, Carolyn Sapp, Leanza Cornett, Tara Holland, & Katie Harman, who ironically did not win the title of "Sweetheart," but did make the top ten. If there was a soul in attendance who was not already a big fan of Harman's, he or she was soon won over by Miss America's declaration of committment to MAO, the USA, and her platform of Breast Cancer Prevention. It was evident to all that Katie truly cared about the integrity of the program as well as the titleholders all over the county who represent the MAO. And let's not forget about the TALENT--one of the two selections Katie performed was a heartfelt rendition of "God Bless America" done a cappella. On the second verse, she invited the audience--who was up to that point stone-silent in attention-- to join her. And the whole civic center joined in voice for that moment. Among all these national stars every year stands the reigning "Miss Hoopeston" who serves as a hostess for the festival. One might think that young woman who has made it to the level of "festival queen" would be upstaged by the calibre of contestants at Miss Sweetheart. Not so in 2002. Ashley Drollinger stepped onto the stage into the opening number, joining the contestants in an island-themed dance performance; confidence and personality plus. Within minutes she was speaking at the mic, welcoming the audience and praising her town. Drollinger showed intelligence and grace beyond her years; qualities that didn't go un-noticed by the national contestants who seemed to flock to her after the pageant for photo ops and to say long goodbyes. By the end of the pageant it was evident that the talent at the 2002 pageant was on par with many a Miss America Pageant. An outstanding winner and top ten were named: Michigan's Madonna Emond--the first runner up at this year's Miss Michigan pageant, won the pageant and also won the overall talent award for her energetic and dynamic jazz dance to the "Smokey Joe's Cafe" version of "On Broadway." Madonna competed at "Sweetheart" last year and was third runner up. Madonna's platform is"Education and Recreation for the Special Needs Community." The first runner up was Joan-Marie Burns (preliminary swimsuit winner), who performed "Art is Calling Me." Burns had been fourth runner up at Miss Georgia (please see www.missga.org for more great photos from "Sweetheart.") The second runner up was Miss California, Cheri Gorin (preliminary talent winner--"Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again). Gorin was third runner up at Miss California. Sweetheart's 3rd unner-up was Kentucky's Bryn Chapman; 4th runner-up Louisiana's Molly Causey (piano-"Rhapsody in Blue"). Other Semi-Finalists were Illinois' Deanna Riddle, Florida's Valerie Lynch, Maine's Alyssa Caddle, Maryland 's Felicia Curry, and Indiana's Sarah Wiley. Every contestant seemed to convey class and support for their pageant-mates. At the after-pageant awards ceremoney, the new Miss National Sweetheart wished luck to the other contestants in their quests for the Miss America crown, saying "every one of them deserved a crown just like Katie's," a declaration that brought a round of applause from fans. She also noted the three "graduating" contestants who had that night competed in their last Miss America-related pageant. Madonna thanked them for their service and gave special mention to Illinois' Deanna Riddle, wishing her luck with her recording career and her local pageant that Deanna hopes to direct someday. By all accounts the contestants got along famously and adored the pageant staff (Executive Director: Delores Crabtree), their host homes, and the town. Like contestants before them, many said they will keep in touch with host families and other new friends. What a coup for a small town in Illinois..that goes a long way in showing what it has to offer. Another source of pride for the Land of Lincoln! PHOTO INDEX: (Click Page Number to Go Directly to That Page) Page 2 -- Top Ten in Swimsuit Page 3 -- Top Ten in Talent Page 4 -- DEANNA RIDDLE PICS Page 5 -- Contestants in Finale Page 6 -- OPENING number Page 7 -- More OPENING number Page 8 -- Supporters & Visiting Titleholders Page 9 -- Pre-Show Cookout/Post-Show Party at Gary's Page 10-- Onstage at Miss Sweetheart Page 11-- Madonna's Winning Moments Page 12-- Congratulating Madonna Page 13-- After the Pageant Page 14 -- After the Pageant Page 15-- After the Pageant Page 16--More Great Shots! (Katie Harman, Contestants) Page 17--More Great Shots! (Katie Harman, Contestants) Page 18--This -n- That Page 19--Katie, Ashley, Contestants |
Photos & Website by Please feel free to use these photos for your website or personal use! Additional photos by Lisa Marie Grethey! |
WELCOME! FOR INFORMATION ON MISS SWEETHEART 2003, PLEASE VISIT OUR NEWS SECTION! |
Miss National Sweetheart * Sunday, Sept. 1, 2002 WELCOME TO ILLINOIS! |
WELCOME! FOR INFORMATION ON MISS SWEETHEART 2003, PLEASE VISIT OUR NEWS SECTION! |
Photos & Website by Please feel free to use these photos for your website or personal use! Additional photos by Lisa Marie Grethey! |
PLEASE SIGN OUR GUESTBOOK and congratulate YOUR state's rep! |
WELCOME to this pictorial album from Miss National Sweetheart 2002! DID YOU KNOW this is the 59TH ANNUAL Miss Sweetheart? Held in Hoopeston, Illinois, near the Indiana border, the pageant is one highlight of the Sweetcorn Festival. When you pull up to the event, it looks like a full-fledged fair--complete with rides, tractor pulls, and of course sweetcorn! But then step inside the Civic Center at McFerren Park and you are transported to a mini-Miss America pageant. Those in the audience wore everything from bib overalls to cocktail dresses, and many young ladies were sporting sparkling crowns. These were festival queens from neighboring county fair, brought to Hoopeston along with hundreds from around America, to see some of the finest talent in the MAO system...not to mention Sweetheart's special guest: Katie Harman, Miss America 2002! Harman reportedly chose to attend the pageant on "her own" time; during a vacation from her official MAO duties. She explained during the pageant that Hoopeston has a special place in her heart, as she represented Oregon at the 2000 Miss Sweetheart Pageant. Some of this was explained in a local newspaper, "The Chronicle," which provided a supplement that served as a comprehensive program book. In it were photos and bios of all the contestants, photos from Katie's year at Sweetheart, and a bit of history about the Sweetheart pageant. "In the early days of the Sweetcorn Festival, organizers invited young women from neighboring canning states to compete for the title of "Miss Sweetcorn." "Through the years, the pageant became affiliated with the Miss America Pageant system.." This as they began inviting first runners-up from every Miss America state pageant (if the 1st runner-up declines, other finalists may have the opportunity to travel to Hoopeston.) Hence, national attention on the small town in Illinois' Vermilion County. "Sweetheart" now boasts eight contestants whom have gone on to win the Miss America crown. They are Pam Eldred, Rebecca King, Elizabeth Ward, Debbye Turner, Carolyn Sapp, Leanza Cornett, Tara Holland, & Katie Harman, who ironically did not win the title of "Sweetheart," but did make the top ten. If there was a soul in attendance who was not already a big fan of Harman's, he or she was soon won over by Miss America's declaration of committment to MAO, the USA, and her platform of Breast Cancer Prevention. It was evident to all that Katie truly cared about the integrity of the program as well as the titleholders all over the county who represent the MAO. And let's not forget about the TALENT--one of the two selections Katie performed was a heartfelt rendition of "God Bless America" done a cappella. On the second verse, she invited the audience--who was up to that point stone-silent in attention-- to join her. And the whole civic center joined in voice for that moment. Among all these national stars every year stands the reigning "Miss Hoopeston" who serves as a hostess for the festival. One might think that young woman who has made it to the level of "festival queen" would be upstaged by the calibre of contestants at Miss Sweetheart. Not so in 2002. Ashley Drollinger stepped onto the stage into the opening number, joining the contestants in an island-themed dance performance; confidence and personality plus. Within minutes she was speaking at the mic, welcoming the audience and praising her town. Drollinger showed intelligence and grace beyond her years; qualities that didn't go un-noticed by the national contestants who seemed to flock to her after the pageant for photo ops and to say long goodbyes. By the end of the pageant it was evident that the talent at the 2002 pageant was on par with many a Miss America Pageant. An outstanding winner and top ten were named: Michigan's Madonna Emond--the first runner up at this year's Miss Michigan pageant, won the pageant and also won the overall talent award for her energetic and dynamic jazz dance to the "Smokey Joe's Cafe" version of "On Broadway." Madonna competed at "Sweetheart" last year and was third runner up. Madonna's platform is"Education and Recreation for the Special Needs Community." The first runner up was Joan-Marie Burns (preliminary swimsuit winner), who performed "Art is Calling Me." Burns had been fourth runner up at Miss Georgia (please see www.missga.org for more great photos from "Sweetheart.") The second runner up was Miss California, Cheri Gorin (preliminary talent winner--"Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again). Gorin was third runner up at Miss California. Sweetheart's 3rd unner-up was Kentucky's Bryn Chapman; 4th runner-up Louisiana's Molly Causey (piano-"Rhapsody in Blue"). Other Semi-Finalists were Illinois' Deanna Riddle, Florida's Valerie Lynch, Maine's Alyssa Caddle, Maryland 's Felicia Curry, and Indiana's Sarah Wiley. Every contestant seemed to convey class and support for their pageant-mates. At the after-pageant awards ceremoney, the new Miss National Sweetheart wished luck to the other contestants in their quests for the Miss America crown, saying "every one of them deserved a crown just like Katie's," a declaration that brought a round of applause from fans. She also noted the three "graduating" contestants who had that night competed in their last Miss America-related pageant. Madonna thanked them for their service and gave special mention to Illinois' Deanna Riddle, wishing her luck with her recording career and her local pageant that Deanna hopes to direct someday. By all accounts the contestants got along famously and adored the pageant staff (Executive Director: Delores Crabtree), their host homes, and the town. Like contestants before them, many said they will keep in touch with host families and other new friends. What a coup for a small town in Illinois..that goes a long way in showing what it has to offer. Another source of pride for the Land of Lincoln! PHOTO INDEX: (Click Page Number to Go Directly to That Page) Page 2 -- Top Ten in Swimsuit Page 3 -- Top Ten in Talent Page 4 -- DEANNA RIDDLE PICS Page 5 -- Contestants in Finale Page 6 -- OPENING number Page 7 -- More OPENING number Page 8 -- Supporters & Visiting Titleholders Page 9 -- Pre-Show Cookout/Post-Show Party at Gary's Page 10-- Onstage at Miss Sweetheart Page 11-- Madonna's Winning Moments Page 12-- Congratulating Madonna Page 13-- After the Pageant Page 14 -- After the Pageant Page 15-- After the Pageant Page 16--More Great Shots! (Katie Harman, Contestants) Page 17--More Great Shots! (Katie Harman, Contestants) Page 18--This -n- That Page 19--Katie, Ashley, Contestants |
Congratulations Miss Sweetheart: Michigan's Madonna Emond! |
