‘Best experience' for Miss Beloit at state pageant

Posted: Monday, Jun 26, 2006 - 12:21:51 pm CDT
By Rebekah Danaher
Daily News staff writer

Sara Siekierski

Miss Beloit Sara Siekierski remains that - Miss Beloit.

The 20-year-old Beloit Turner graduate fell short in her bid to capture the Miss Wisconsin title Saturday in Oshkosh.

But by all accounts, Siekierski held her own against the 27 other talented women who made their bid for the crown - representing Beloit with a bright smile and positive perspective.

“I wouldn't have done anything different,” she said by phone Sunday night after returning from the week-long event. “I did my absolute best.”

The contestants arrived in Oshkosh on June 18 and the competition began Thursday. Siekierski performed the vocal solo “On My Own” and answered questions regarding her platform - underage drinking prevention - for her on-stage interview. Friday, Siekierski competed in the swimsuit and evening gown categories.

Miss New Berlin Meghan Coffey, 22, a Marquette University graduate, was crowned Miss Wisconsin Saturday night at the Alberta Kimball Civic Auditorium, succeeding outgoing Miss Wisconsin Tracy Gest, also a former Miss New Berlin.

The winner receives a $10,000 cash scholarship, other prizes and qualifies for the Miss America pageant.

First runner-up was Miss Burlington Caitlin Morrall, second runner-up was Miss Southern Wisconsin Michelle Smukowski, third runner-up was Miss Fox River Valley Megan Llyne, and fourth runner-up was Miss Milwaukee Ashley Spingola.

The other top finishers were Miss Mississippi Valley, Alexandra Bivort Kealey, 24, of Merton, Waukesha County; Miss Western Wisconsin, Marci Lee Gallo, 23, of Pleasant Prairie; Miss Racine, Briana Lipor, 19, of Racine; Miss Holmen, Kristina Kelly Smaby, 20, of Holmen; and Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest Elisabeth Mary Bruzek, 23, originally of New Prague, Minn. Miss Congeniality was Marci Gallo.

But Wisconsin may not have seen the last of Siekierski. Though she didn't qualify in the top 10, she said she was complimented frequently by spectators who said her vocal performance was worthy of an award. She has also been invited to perform at other open pageants - contests that could send her back to the Miss Wisconsin pageant in the future.

Siekierski said she has to decide whether she's up for another attempt.

She will be a junior at University of Wisconsin - Whitewater in the fall, majoring in print journalism and speech/electronic media.

And though she hoped to have come away with a crown, Siekierski harbors no hard feelings toward the winners.

“I met many wonderful women,” she said. “I'm really excited to keep in touch with them.”

What made the contest experience all worth it for Siekierski was the support of her family and friends who were there cheering her along. Every night, she was greeted in her hotel room with cards and flowers from Beloit fans.

Her mom, Sue, wrote her an encouraging note every night - a special touch to a special week, she said.

Sue and Mark Siekierski have rejoiced throughout the competition at seeing their daughter grow in confidence and poise.

“We certainly are obviously very proud of her and feel she did her best, no doubt about it,” Mark said.

They knew competition was tough, with 11 women returning for a second time to the Miss Wisconsin pageant.

“But we felt like she was in the hunt, especially after her talent night,” Mark said.

There are a lot of emotions to endure during a long week of competition, Sue said, but added that her daughter was always calm and cheerful.

There's nothing to regret about Sara's finish, Sue said. The skills and personal strength she gained will last her a lifetime.

“There was no success, no failure,” Sue said. “It was all about what she could take away from the experience. She did her very best up there and made Beloit proud.”

The week was strenuous - full of practicing, socializing and performing. But all-in-all, Siekierski said it was one she'll remember always.

“(The experience) is one that I will definitely never forget,” she said. “It was exhausting but the best experience of my life.”

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