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Girls' Crowning Glories

The 2008 Ruskin Tomato Queen Pageant draws 50 wannabe titleholders in six age divisions.

Tribune photo by LOIS KINDLE

The new Ruskin Tomato Queen, Lauren Butts, 18, center, celebrates with members of her court, from left, Raven Voss, 16; Ashley Stubbs, 18; Kayla Allman, 16; and Courtney Gifford, 17. The event was hosted by the Ruskin Junior Woman’s Club and drew more than 300 spectators.

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By LOIS KINDLE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 2, 2008

RUSKIN - RUSKIN - It wasn't the Miss America Pageant April 26, but for 50 South Shore girls, it might as well have been.

Donning gowns and sporting their finest 'dos, the contestants in the 2008 Ruskin Tomato Queen Pageant vied for crowns in six divisions: Little Angel, Little Darlin', Little Princess, Sweetheart, Starlet and Queen.

Hosted by the Ruskin Junior Woman's Club, the event drew more than 300 people to the Ruskin Elks Club to support their favorites.

"The Ruskin Junior Woman's Club started the pageant in 2002, and we have had one ever since," said Morgendee Flannery, pageant director and mistress of ceremonies. "We believe it's important to uplift young girls, to help them believe in themselves and to build their self-confidence.

"The pageant provides them with the opportunity to dress up, have their hair and nails done and be a girly-girl for one day. Even tomboys get to feel what it's like to be treated like a princess."

Ranging in age from 2 to 19, the contestants had the opportunity to walk across the stage three times, pausing to wave, curtsy, blow a kiss or impress the crowd in some other fashion.

Each was rated on poise, personality, smile, attire and overall demeanor. The girls in the Starlet and Queen divisions also answered questions to help the judges make their assessments.

The panel of judges included Ryan Alvarez of Lakeland, a second-grade teacher and a model; Stephanie Mercier of Ruskin, former pageant contestant and teacher of mentally disabled children in Manatee County; Julianne McCullough of Balm, 2005 Ruskin Tomato Queen and a Mary Kay consultant; Staci Clark of Balm, 2006 Ruskin Tomato Queen and pageant consultant; and Jim Hosler, former Hillsborough County planner and pageant judge since its inception.

After the pageant, Mya Chu-Crider, 4, who won the Little Darlin' Division for 4- and 5-year-olds, was busy trying out the queen's chair, perhaps thinking of future wins. Her mother, Josephine, was ecstatic.

"I'm so proud of her," Josephine said. "Mya loves [the pageant]. She loves makeup and pretends she's a supermodel at home.

"I would never push it on her, though. This is the only pageant she does."
Each contestant received a certificate, medal and autographed photo with the 2007 queen, Michelle Brown of Ruskin. The finalists got a ribbon and trophy.

The division winners were awarded savings bonds, a crown, sash, trophy and flowers. The queen also got a ring.

"It definitely was the experience of a lifetime," said Brown about being the queen. "It was exciting to be involved in my community. I had a good time representing Ruskin at the tomato festival, the Veterans Day Parade and at Ruskin Junior Woman's Club fundraisers.

"I gained confidence about speaking in public and in meeting new people."

Like all former queens, Brown ended her reign when her successor was announced. Lauren Butts, 18, daughter of John and Carol Butts of Wimauma, won this year's title.

"I've grown up in the Ruskin area my whole life," said Butts, who is a senior at Durant High School. "So it means a lot to me to take part in the community and help out wherever I can.
"I'm proud to be able to give something back."

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553 or lkindle@tampatrib.com.

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