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Eight Lake Park students compete Saturday for Rose Queen title

Posted October 14, 2009 11:00 pm

By Elisabeth Mistretta

Marisa Farrell, 16, of Medinah.

It might be easy to mistake Lake Park High School in Roselle for a castle on Saturday, what with so much royalty descending upon the school's west campus.

As the annual Rose Queen pageant celebrates its 50th anniversary, almost two dozen former Rose Queens will return to show what life holds beyond the crown.

Ann Thanos, Roselle's very first Rose Queen crowed in 1960, has been involved with the pageant for the past decade and will return to serve as a judge. And Patti Menini, the 1987 queen, will serve as pageant choreographer.

In addition, more than 20 other women will be honored at this year's milestone event.

Pageant organizers said it will be a great way to celebrate a contest that has taught leadership skills to teens for five decades.

"It helps them to gain their experience, their poise, and helps in future job interviews and how to hold yourself as you go through the world," said Teri Hodgdon, who serves on the pageant committee. "I think it's a learning experience all the way around. It does pay off."

This year's competition will feature eight contestants ages 16 and 17, all Lake Park High School students, competing for several thousand dollars in scholarships and a chance to represent the village at public events for the next year.

The contest is open to girls ages 15 to 19 who live, work or attend school in Roselle.

For its first 49 years, the pageant was a springtime event. But this year organizers pushed it back to fall so the reigning queen could have a stronger presence at local events. As a result, they also lowered the minimum age to 15 from 16, so sophomores could compete.

"Most times the young lady who wins is a senior and she's gone in the fall," Hodgdon said. "Depending on how far she goes to college, it's difficult for her to come back for holiday events and she kind of loses out on that. This way, if a senior wins, she can spend her whole reign in Roselle."

The eight contestants will show their savvy in six categories: resume, interview, sportswear, talent, onstage question and evening gown.

In addition to her scholarship, the winner will ride on a float in the annual Rose Parade and serve as an ambassador for the village of Roselle and the Roselle Chamber of Commerce.

Hodgdon said that no matter who wins, all contestants are coming to the pageant with what it takes to wear the crown.

"The girls that enter are not unfamiliar with competing and being involved in activities," she said. "Many of them are involved in band, theater or speech, and a lot of them volunteer their time in local organizations."

Brooke Chester, 17, of Roselle.

Amanda Miller, 17, of Roselle.

Chrissy Reninger, 17, of Roselle.

Lauren Caputo, 16, of Bloomingdale.

Organizers changed the timing of the pageant this year so that the new Rose Queen will have more opportunities to represent the village. Stephanie Reninger of Roselle, the 2008 Rose Queen, reads to youngsters. Daily Herald file photo

Brittany DuMelle, 17, of Roselle.

Courtney Hildenbrand was selected the Rose Queen in 2004. The Rose Queen pageant, celebrating its 50th year, will honor the achievements of women who have worn the crown. Daily Herald file photo

Angelina Fato, 16, of Bloomingdale.

Cali Cerami, 17, of Bloomingdale.

If you go What: The 50th annual Rose Queen Pageant When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 Where: Lake Park High School West Campus, 500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens Info: (630) 542-7935

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