Girls to compete for title of Rose Queen

There's a baker's dozen competing this Friday night for the title of 2008 Rose Queen and a related $2,000 scholarship.

Though the competition tends to hover around 10 girls, this year produced a near bumper crop of 13 contestants, Roselle Village Clerk Linda McDermott said. The all-time high for entries topped out in the past at 15 participants.

"A lot of the contestants said the people who were in it last year encouraged them to do it," McDermott said.

Anyone who applies to compete is accepted.

The 49th Rose Queen Pageant is at 7 p.m. Friday at Lake Park High School West Campus, 500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. Tickets are $4 for adults, $2 for students and senior citizens. For details, call (630) 671-2802.

The criteria is simple: participants need to attend Lake Park High School, live in Roselle or work for a Roselle business. Usually, students from other high schools participate. This year, it's an all-Lake Park crew.

Each of the contestants is judged in six categories that are weighted equally at 10 points each: resume, interview, sportswear, talent, on-stage question and evening gown.

"It gives everybody an equal opportunity," McDermott said.

The winner receives a $2,000 scholarship, first runner-up receives $1,000 and the second runner-up gets $500.

This year's Rose Queen candidates are:

Molly Collins, 18, senior, of Roselle. This member of the marching band writes for the Lake Park Perspective and did an internship at the Daily Herald. Molly is going to study journalism at Northwestern University. Sponsored by Tim and Patty Briscoe of Briscoe Signs.

Nikki Hendry, 17, senior, of Bloomingdale. Nikki likes to work out, spend time with friends, listens to music and sings. Nikki plans to attend Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. Sponsored by John Pankau, Esq. and Gary Danno with Lincoln Home Mortgage.

Julia Israel, 17, senior, of Roselle. Julia's a member of the marching band, active in theater and the Praise Group Singers at Roselle United Methodist Church. Julia plans to attend either Arizona State or Illinois Wesleyan University to study vocal performance. Sponsored by Terrence Wittman of LPL Financial Services.

Briana Majus, 17, junior, of Roselle. Briana is president of the junior class council, in the National Honor Society and volunteers at Sunrise Assisted Living in Bloomingdale. She would like to go to the University of Illinois and pursue a degree in business. Sponsored by Dr. Jay Mueller.

Stephanie Malek, 17, senior, of Roselle. She participates in the marching band, badminton team, is in the National Honor Society and part of her church handbell choir. Stephanie plans to attend Purdue University and major in landscape architecture. Sponsored by Joe Salerno of Salerno-Rosedale Chapels.

Regi Mele, 17, senior, of Roselle. Regi participates in school musicals, is a member of student council and was involved in choir all four years. She's been accepted to Bradley University and plans to major in communications. Sponsored by Vicki Ann Reilly of Reilly International.

Emily Osicek, 18, senior, of Roselle. Enjoys team sports, takes private voice lessons and is a member of the school jazz/swing choir. Emily will attend college in the fall and plans to study physical therapy. Sponsored by Rebecca Parker and Angela Kriepke of Prospecting Concepts.

Stephanie Reninger, 18, senior, of Roselle. She ran in the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, is speech team captain and volunteers as an assistant coach for a grade school soccer team. Stephanie plans to attend Indiana University and study business. Sponsored by Mark Mandel and Nick Flocco of Mark Drugs.

Jessica Seipp, 18, senior, of Roselle. Jessica is a member of Lake Park Theatre, Thespian Troupe 3516, Lancers for Life and SADD. Jessica was accepted at Kent State and Bradley University and plans on majoring in communications with a theater minor. Sponsored by Don Helmig of Catering with Elegance by Glendale.

Ashley Thompson, 18, senior, of Roselle. Ashley enjoys theater at school, is a member of the French Club and the National Honors Society. Ashley plans to attend Elmhurst College. Sponsored by Jeff Conn of Roselle Friendly Ford.

Krystal Uhl, 18, senior, of Bloomingdale. This active member of the theater department, member of the choir and National Honor Society plans to attend Bradley University and major in theater performance. Sponsored by Andrea and Albert Lucenti of ABM Commercial Flooring.

Amanda Waszczuk, 18, senior, of Roselle. She is very involved with music; plays the flute in the wind ensemble; is taking private piano, guitar and voice lessons; and is very active in her youth group at Roselle United Methodist Church. Amanda plans to attend DePauw or Millikan University to study vocal performance or music education. Sponsored by Bednash Consulting.

Elise Waters, 18, senior, of Roselle. Elise participates in soccer, choir and drama at Lake Park, and is active in the St. Walter's music ministry. Elise plans to attend Carthage College. Sponsored by Paul and Joan Nelson of Lifestyle Physical Therapy.

Roselle Rose Queen Pageant

What: 49th Rose Queen Pageant, including 13 Lake Park High School students

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Lake Park High School West Campus, 500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle

Cost: $4 adults and $2 students and senior citizens.

Details: (630) 671-2802