Bushinger crowned Miss Wadena 2021

With musical talent and poise to spare, Emma Bushinger was crowned Miss Wadena 2021 in a crowd of exceptional young ladies Sunday, June 27.

Five contestants were vying for the honor during the scholarship pageant but Emma earned the high score among visiting judges. Emma is the daughter of Chris and Julie Bushinger. She received the crown, flowers and banner and a $1,000 cash scholarship as well as other services donated to the pageant. Emma was also the recipient of a $150 cash scholarship for both the evening gown and talent winner. Emma wore a shimmering blue dress that reached to the floor. Her talent included singing “Somewhere,” a song by Idina Menzel and Lea Michele. It was a song that showed off Emma’s wide vocal range.

The 2021 First Princess is Kaylin Lupkes, the daughter of Tammy and Kevin Lupkes. Besides the crown, banner and flowers she received a $500 cash scholarship and $150 cash scholarship in interview and a $50 ambassador award. Kaylin also sang for her talent to the song “Hollow” by Tori Kelly.

The Second Princess 2021 is Taliah Brown, daughter of Lindsey Brown and Rachael and BJ Spear. She received a $250 cash scholarship, crown, banner and flowers. Taliah showed off her dancing skills to the song “Friend Like Me.”

The People’s Choice Award for casual wear went to Sara Goetze and she also received a $50 cash scholarship for Miss Congeniality. Sara is the daughter of Jane and David Goetze.

Added this year was the “be joyful’” essay scholarship which was a $600 cash scholarship and was won by Grace Gallant, the daughter of Norm and Mandy Gallant.

All other contestants each received a $100 cash scholarship.

PHOTO GALLERY: Miss Wadena 2021

1/10: Sara Goetze performs a monologue she wrote about her love for cats in the performance titled "Cat Facts." Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal

2/10: Grace Gallant sings and plays guitar Sunday, June 27, at the 2021 Miss Wadena Pageant. Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal

3/10: As some light entertainment during the show, five volunteers were asked to come forward and take part in a game of limbo. Making it to the lowest level was Aiden Larson (pictured). Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal

4/10: Courtny Warren takes part in the opening dance routine at the Miss Wadena 2021 scholarship pageant Sunday, June 27, at the Wadena Memorial Auditorium. Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal

5/10: Grace Gallant with her little attendant Kylie Soule at the 2021 Miss Wadena Pageant. Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal

6/10: Courtny Warren brought out two dances to the Miss Wadena Pageant including this one to the song "You're Welcome." Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal

7/10: Taliah Brown crowns her little attendant Emerson Moonen at the 2021 Miss Wadena Pageant. Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal

8/10: First Princess Kaylin Lupkes stands after being crowned at the 2021 Miss Wadena Pageant, Sunday, June 27. Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal

9/10: Emma Bushinger crowns her little attendant Ruby Petrowski at the 2021 Miss Wadena Pageant. Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal

10/10: Sara Goetze crowns her little attendant Harper Prizler at the 2021 Miss Wadena Pageant. Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal