Winner takes long road to Miss Rapids Area crown

On Oct. 30, 2004, Shinae Kulhanek stood next to Hannah Mikels on the stage of the Performing Arts Center, waiting for the announcement of the new Miss Wisconsin Rapids Area. Her name was called first, making her first runner-up to Hannah Mikels. On Saturday, she stood in the same spot, this time next to Nicole Graf. And this time, her name was the one called last. Kulhanek, 19, was crowned the winner by the Amber Twait, Miss Wisconsin Rapids Area 2006.

"I was shocked," she said.

"My goal was to come back and compete for the scholarship money," Kulhanek said. With a $2,000 scholarship to accompany the title, she met her goal. It wasn't the easiest road to travel.

Kulhanek is a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Because of school, she missed a few of the weekly workshops for the contestants. Then she drove from Madison on Wednesdays, and returned to campus the same night to participate in the rest. The week before the pageant, she made round trips Monday through Wednesday so she could be at the nightly rehearsals.

This year, four participants were college students, an all-time high for the local scholarship program.

Being older was a plus, Kulhanek said.

"And it helped that I had been in the pageant before," she said. "I was more comfortable."
Laura Williams and Graf, both college students, were finalists in previous pageants and also Saturday. Williams was third runner-up in 2004, and second runner-up this year; Graf was fifth runner-up last year and first runner-up this year

Second Miss Coulee Region 2007

Melissa Staley was crowned Miss Coulee Region 2007 at their second annual pageant at the historic Temple Theatre in Viroqua, WI on November 4.

Melissa, 22, is a senior at Alverno College majoring in nursing. She sang Chi' Bel Sogno for talent and Diabetes Awareness is her platform.

Kimbre Hart was 1st Runner Up along with Tracy MacKinnon chosen 2nd Runner up, Tiffany Krohn as 3rd Runner Up and Sarah Chandler as 4th Runner Up.

Additional awards were handed out to Kimbre Hart who was chosen Miss Congeniality by the 2007 contestants and Miss Coulee Regions Hostess. Anna Pedretti received the Community Service Award and Swimwear Award. The Academic award was given to Rose Mary Peters and the Talent award was presented to Linda Deyarmin

Congratulations Ladies!

Former Miss Wisconsin shares Her Message

(Thiensville) December 1st, 2006 — Former Miss Wisconsin Tracy Gest will discuss her experience with diabetes at the Wisconsin 2006 Patient Advocacy Leadership Summit in Milwaukee on Monday, December 4th at the Italian Community Center. Gest, Miss Wisconsin 2005, has been a life-long advocate of healthy lifestyles and the prevention of diabetes. The summit is sponsored by the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians – Foundation and made possible through a grant from GlaxoSmithKline.

“My father has had diabetes for 39 years,” said Gest, “So I’ve seen it my entire life and I’ve been passionate about it.” “More than 20 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Unfortunately, nearly one-third of those who have diabetes don’t know it. More information about diabetes is needed by everyone.” As Miss Wisconsin, Gest spent a year visiting community organizations and schools, speaking about healthy lifestyles and how individual communities can help the cause of diabetes prevention. She has volunteered at diabetes summer camps, participates in walk-a-thons and released a music CD, “Keys to a Cure,” with proceeds contributed to the American Diabetes Association. She continues her diabetes advocacy work following her reign as Miss Wisconsin, with speaking appearances such as the Patient Advocacy Leadership Summit.

“As a leader for patient advocacy and the health concerns of the people of Wisconsin, we understand the need to provide comprehensive information on patient advocacy, disease management and health resources to the residents of Wisconsin,” said John Brill, President of the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians (WAFP). “Tracy Gest is doing exemplary work as an advocate for diabetes awareness and healthy living and we’re pleased to have her share her experiences as a speaker at the Summit. Our goal at the Summit is to equip organizations with the knowledge to effectively advocate for the health concerns of Wisconsin’s residents.”

The Patient Advocacy Leadership Summit is a one-day informational exchange on critical health issues including immunization in Wisconsin, disease management for asthma and diabetes, prevention, intervention and innovation in healthcare and other health issues.

St. Francis Pianist named Miss Milwaukee

A 22-year-old classical pianist was crowned Miss Milwaukee on Saturday night.

Janel Yvonne Mayer of St. Francis beat out four other women at the pageant, which was at the Marian Center for Nonprofits, 3195 S. Superior St.
Mayer, a media account supervisor and former Miss St. Francis, will advance to the 2007 Miss Wisconsin pageant, on June 30 in Oshkosh.

2007 Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest

A sold out crowd of almost 600 watched Saturday night as Kristina Smaby was crowned the 2006 Miss La Crosse / Oktoberfest at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s Cartwright Center.“All my family and friends out here tonight cheering is what motivates me on stage,” Smaby, 20, said.A sophomore at Viterbo University, Smaby’s platform is “Connecting Generations.”She said living with her grandfather inspired her. For the past four years, she has worked to connect generations, like bringing dance troupes to nursing homes.Smaby, a former Miss Holmen, said she plans to hold an intergenerational fair in La Crosse. When she graduates she wants to open a chain of intergenerational day cares.

As part of her duties as Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest, Smaby will visit area nursing homes and compete at the Miss Wisconsin pageant in June.Mandy Nogle is this year’s first princess, Sarah Brown is second princess, and Tracy MacKinnon is third princess.

Caledonia Teenager is Miss Racine 2007

Caledonia - Britani Denise Madala, 19, of Caledonia has been crowned Miss Racine 2007.

The tap dancer was crowned by 2006 winner Briana Rose Lipor, 20, of Racine at the Gifford Elementary School Auditorium.
Madala, the daughter of Gregory and Denise Madala, is a sophomore business and communications student at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. She will compete in the 2007 Miss Wisconsin pageant, on June 30 in Oshkosh.
First runner-up among the 11 contestants was Racine St. Catherine's High School senior Rachael Clare Faulds, 17, of Racine, and Cynthia Addie Grimal, 21, of Caledonia was named second runner-up and Miss Congeniality.
Third and fourth runners-up were Melissa Ann Maggart, 19, of Racine and Sarah Tanner, 18, of Racine.