Havana comes to Washentaw

November 4, 2006 -

It was a night of surprises at the Miss Washtenaw pageant this Saturday - being transported to Havana was only one . . .

The show opened with a touching dedication by the reigning Miss Washtenaw County, Ashlee Baracy, to her mother and her battle with breast cancer. Ashlee gracefully danced in a pink watercolor dress to the song "You Raise Me Up" as photographs flashed behind her. There was not a dry eye in the house, nor a question that we were in the presence of a truly beautiful woman. The night was meant to honor Ashlee and all her accomplishments as Miss Washtenaw, but it was the whole Baracy Family that was recognized for the grace in which they survived one of the most trying tests a family can endure. Ashlee, you have been a wonderful representative for Washtenaw and the American Cancer Society. Congratulations on all your accomplishments. I'll share the stage with you any day!

After such an emotional and inspirational opening - the mood changed to excitement and fun as all the contestants danced through the auditorium and to the stage to transport us to a Havana Night! Turn after turn the audience was surprised with a bongo player, surprise performances by Ahslee and the UofM Dance Team, and a beautiful Havana set. Betty - you outdid yourself! Congratulations on a stellar production!

Lucy Ann Lance from Talk Radio 1600 WAAM, returned as the Emcee. (You can catch her show weekdays from 6 - 9 AM). She was surprised herself when she was presented with the Washtenaw County Woman of Achievement Award for all of her dedication to the Washtenaw area, the Miss Washtenaw Pageant, and the Miss America ideals and values. Congratulations Lucy Ann and thank you for your continued support for this program!

It was an honor to be a part of the 2007 Miss Washtenaw County Pageant, to share a dance with Ashlee, and work with Laura Bloomensat and the volunteers and contestants. Thank you to everyone who made the night such a success!

Congratulations to all the contestants for all your accomplishments; the runners-up - Brittany Fox (4th), Karess Medvecz (3rd), Jenna McCormick(2nd), and Natalie Griffith (1st); and to the new Miss Washtenaw County 2007 Sheila Klein!