Four new queens chosen at Grayslake pageant

Grayslake has a new set of queens who'll represent the village for the next year.

Heading the pack will be the 2009 Miss Grayslake, Kelly Garland, 18. She bested four other contestants for the crown at the Grayslake pageant that attracted about 150 spectators to Prairie Crossing Charter School on July 11.

Laura Siwula, 13, topped four contestants to take the Junior Miss Grayslake crown. Charlotte Roberts, 9, stood above six competitors to be named Little Miss Grayslake, while Piper Gallaher, 5, beat two other girls for Tiny Miss Grayslake.

Pageant director Paula Casso said the festive evening featured Grayslake Fire Protection District firefighters escorting the 2008 queens onto the stage. Grayslake Mayor Rhett Taylor also was on hand for remarks to the crowd.

Casso said plaques were presented to Taylor and the fire department for their support of the pageant.

"Our pageant is definitely strong," Casso said.

Casso said one of the night's highlights was a performance from the Lindenhurst-based Ultimate Athletics Gems, an all-star squad of coed cheerleaders made up of special-needs athletes age 5 and older. She said the Gems drew a standing ovation from the pageant crowd.