Miss Massillonian, Outstanding Senior Boy candidates dazzle in quest for prestigious title
MASSILLON ‒ Standing on stage with light shimmering off her evening gown, Arabella Collins fought back tears.
The Washington High senior is one of 12 girls selected as candidates for Miss Massillonian.
The candidates for Miss Massillonian and Outstanding Senior Boy answered random questions from a panel of judges in front of peers and family at Friday's formal assembly, the next step in their quest for the prestigious title.
Collins, squad leader for the Tiger Swing Band majorettes, chose a question about her favorite holiday.
"Christmas," she confidently said. "Not because of the presents but because I get to spend the whole day with my family and showing them how much I love them. Especially my mom because she is my favorite person and I love her."
During the formal assembly, the candidates put their best foot forward while decked out in tuxes and evening gowns.
Each student picks an envelope that contains two questions; they must answer one. Questions vary from their time in high school to what qualities make a good person.
Master of Ceremonies Julie Dewald, who was named Miss Massillonian in the late 80s and a Franklin Elementary School music teacher, reminded those attending that things have changed since she stood on stage.
One thing that hasn't is "the passion that these students exhibit being leaders in their community" as well as the tradition for over 80 years celebrating their success.
Outstanding Senior Boy candidate Nate Watkins was asked about his definition of real wealth.
The National Technical Honor Society member said it's defined by the relationships and connections someone builds with family and friends.
Those relationships "are perfect for defining who you are as a person and your true wealth as an individual," he said.
Hunter Manson described the characteristics of a hero.
"There are a number of characteristics that can make a hero but determination is a huge one," the captain of the Village Idiots said. "You don't have to have superheroes but if you are there for people and inspire them (that makes a hero)."
Alexis Nelson was posed the question to describe her favorite photograph and why it was so important.
Nelson, who will attend Ohio State to study political science, didn't hesitate.
She recalled a picture of her and her sister on Mackinac Island. Her father was taking random photos while they were throwing rocks in the water.
"The sun was peaking up over the water and it just makes me think how much I love my family," she said.
Before the assembly, each candidate met with the judges for an interview.
The judges include WHS alumni Ben Myers, an art educator; state Rep. Jim Thomas, R-Jackson Township; executive director of the Canton Ballet Joy Raub; realtor Rachel Robinson; and Pastor Anthony Robinson, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church.
Twenty-four seniors were selected from around 90 eligible students for the 85th installment of the event in December during the Rose Ceremony. Fifty-two of those students wrote an essay required to be considered.
Seniors eligible for the honor must maintain a 3.3 grade-point average.
Those chosen are selected based on involvement in extracurricular activities throughout their high school career, a vote by fellow seniors and their essay.
The tradition began in 1940 when Carol Bell was selected by Bing Crosby as the school’s first Miss Massillonian. Outstanding Senior Boy was not added until many years later.
Miss Massillonian and Outstanding Senior Boy will be named during the district's awards celebration at the end of the school year.
Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com.
This year's Miss Massillonian candidates are:
Elliana Steiner, daughter of Doug and Paula Steiner
Katelyn Catrone, daughter of Frank and Maria Catrone
Payton Geissinger, daughter of Phil Geissinger and Carrie Hause
Arabella Collins, daughter of Kevin and Jacqueline Collins
Sofia Grisak, daughter of Rich and Valerie Grisak
Hannah DelVecchio, daughter of Clark and Dustin DelVecchio
Mikaylah Jackson, daughter of Melissa Weltlich and Damian Jackson
Alexis Nelson, daughter of Michael and Megan Nelson
Liberty Erichsen, daughter of Josh and Monica Erichsen
Anna Rivera, daughter of Thomas and Katie Rivera
Natalie Ramos, daughter of Carmen Ramos
Lauren Ryder, daughter of James and Arian Ryder
Candidates for Outstand Senior Boy are:
Brock Jenkins, son of Chad and Tracy Jenkins
Gavin Marceric, son of Jamie and Carrie Marceric
Ryan Page, son of Frank and Linda Page
Evan Sirgo, son of Scott and Eileen Sirgo
Xavier Piorkowski, son of Brian and Sheryl Piorkowski
Nate Watkins, son of Mike and Patti Watkins
Cody Fair, son of Mark and Jennifer Fair
Trevor Lake, son of Houston and Marianna Lake
Hunter Manson, son of Heath and Jen Manson
Zack Liebler, son of Dave and Wendy Liebler
Hayden Smith, son of Dennis and Amy Smith
Sam Snodgrass, son of Steve and Wendy Snodgrass
This article originally appeared on The Independent: Miss Massillonian, Outstanding Senior Boys answer questions
