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WADENA — Grace Gallant was chosen from a field of six girls to represent the community as Miss Wadena 2022 during the annual pageant June 26, 2022, at Wadena’s dazzling Memorial Auditorium.
Grace’s sister Madelyn Gallant was crowned 1st Princess and Kaylin Lupkes was crowned 2nd Princess. The Gallant sisters are the daughters of Norm and Mandy Gallant. Kaylin is the daughter of Kevin and Tammy Lupkes.
For becoming Miss Wadena, Grace receives the crown, flowers, banner and a $1,000 cash scholarship as well as other services donated to the pageant. Grace was also the recipient of a $150 cash scholarship for the evening gown winner and a $600 cash scholarship for the “My Service and Leadership for Wadena” essay scholarship award.
First Princess Madelyn earned a crown, banner and flowers, and a $500 cash scholarship. She also received $150 for the talent award and a $50 cash scholarship for Miss Congeniality.
Second Princess Kaylin Lupkes, earned the crown, flowers, banner and a $250 cash scholarship, a $50 cash scholarship for the ambassador award and $150 cash scholarship for the interview winner. Kaylin was also the winner of the People’s Choice award in casual wear and received a gift package donated by area businesses.
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All other contestants received a $100 cash scholarship.
The annual pageant was a roaring success with the Memorial Auditorium filled with fans that were entertained with singing, dancing, painting and an artful display of stage decorations that made the group feel like they were traveling the globe.
The group first stopped in Sydney, Australia; then onto Paris, Rio de Janiero, Milan, New York City and back to Wadena. Each stop was a beautiful set designed by Doug and Michelle Curtis.
The crowds were entertained by each of the contestants Grace with her singing and guitar playing; Zoe with her painting; Kaylin with her singing; Anna and her dancing; Danielle and her singing and Madelyn with her Broadway song. They also had a triple dose of singing from Miss Wadena 2021, Emma Bushinger. Emma belted out songs for the crowd before giving a heartfelt address and saying her goodbyes and awarding the girls for their efforts.
Emma took time to thank her little attendant Ruby Petrowski; her family and friends; the pageant committee and to the city of Wadena.
Judging criteria
The girls were each judged in five areas. They are graded from 1-10 with 10 being the highest. The contestants are judged solely against themselves and not against the other contestants. The talent is 25%; evening is 25%; casual wear 10%; and on-stage question accounts for 10% of the total score.
