Anchor Bay Teen Becomes Miss Chesterfield 2012

Karmyn Moore was crowned Friday night in the auditorium.

Moore, a junior at , was one of four girls competing in the 27th annual pageant.

"It feels overwhelming," said Moore shortly after being crowned. "I didn't expect it. I feel shocked. I'm really happy."

Moore plans on going into early childhood education once she graduates. Her hobbies include cooking, camping, hunting, paintball and cheerleading. She is also active in the community and has taken part in the and even won the local chili cook-off contest.

Second place was awarded to Kristine Kallek, 17, a senior at Anchor Bay High School. Twenty-year-old Oakland University junior Sara Teets and 17-year-old Anchor Bay junior Ashtyn Trombley also competed and will join Moore and Kallek on the Miss Chesterfield float.

Moore received a trophy, flowers, sash and a tiara. A cash or scholarship award for all the girls is pending from local business sponsorships.

"Its a lot of hard work getting it together," said township Clerk Jan Uglis, who has spearheaded the pageant since it began. "I love doing it. The hardest part is working it out when you don't have enough girls. Had it been only three, we would have had to change it around."

Last year's pageant was canceled when some participants didn't attend required interviews with the judges. However, a winner was crowned based on her essay submission and personality. Miss Chesterfield 2011 Jennifer Gerlando crowned this year's queen.

Each of the contestants wrote a 200-word essay prior to the event and showed off sports, street, and formal wear on stage.

"It gets our name out there. I recognizes us as a community," said Uglis. "I look for someone who can speak about and for the community. They have to get along with everyone and they also have to take command when it's needed."

Duties for a Miss Chesterfield include participating in local events, store openings, and township sponsored events such as tree lightings, Easter egg hunts, and throwing out first pitches at local ball games.

"They do it all, " said Uglis. The first parade to feature the Miss Chesterfield court will be Bay-rama.

Event judges were Charlene McEachin, also a 27-year veteran of the event, Marsha Adair, and Miss Chesterfield 2008 Ann Marie Stepnak.

"I'm really excited to represent my township," said Moore. Moore said she will celebrate by having dinner with her family but then has to get back to studying for final exams.

Moore will be introduced at the June 18 Chesterfield Township Board of Trustees meeting.