Moore takes Miss Porterville title

The smile on Anna Moore’s face said it all.

“It feels amazing. I didn’t expect it. Everyone had the same chance. I’m still shocked,” said Moore, a Porterville High School senior, the 2012 newly crowned Veterans Homecoming Queen and Miss Porterville.

Her parents were very happy.

“I’m so proud of her,” said Christine Moore, Anna’s mother. Her father, Lee Moore, agreed.

“I’m very proud of her doing it. She has a real understanding of the vets in the military,” said Lee Moore.

Anna Moore was one of eight contestants, all high school seniors, who vied for the title on Saturday at the 68th Annual Veteran’s Homecoming Queen Pageant held at the Frank “Buck” Shaffer Theatre inside the Porterville Memorial Auditorium. The pageant was dedicated to Pfc. Alejandro Pardo who was killed in action on July 8.

Anna Moore was also named Miss Congeniality, Third Princess was Courtney Hall, Second Princess was Camille Manning, First Princess was Dayna Breland and Senior Princess was Madison Rice. Moore also qualifies for the Miss Tulare County Pageant on March 2, 2013 in Visalia.

After the posting of the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance by the American Legion Post 20 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2001, Master of Ceremonies Tim Johnson welcomed the crowd.

“It is a pleasure to be a part of this pageant. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Johnson who introduced the contestants. Cheers from the crowd could be heard as they executed their dance moves to a spirit dance.

Once completed a special presentation was given by Dave Nenna of the Patriot Guard Riders and a member of the American Legion. Nenna explained what had happened to Pardo and added in some information about the Patriot Guard Riders.

“It is an honor to be here,” said Nenna. A patriotic slide show then followed which illustrated the different aspects of a soldier’s life, from leaving home, to serving and coming back.

Then each contestant was escorted in, introduced to the crowd, and asked three questions.
Courtney Hall was asked about her favorite part of living in Porterville.

“The people that are here are so genuine and amazing,” said Hall.

One of the questions that was asked of Manning involved friendship and what kind of qualities she wanted in a friend.

“I look for honesty and sincerity,” said Manning.

“What was the biggest obstacle in your life,” asked Johnson.

“The biggest obstacle in my life is self-confidence. Some people shoot you down, but you have to stay strong,” said Amber Edmaiston.

Anna Moore was asked what her dream was.

“My dream is to someday be a composer for movies. When I watch movies I want to listen to the music,” stated Moore.

Contestant number five Kameron Whitley was questioned about her favorite movie.

“My favorite movie is ‘The Notebook’ because it shows an everlasting love between Noah and Ally even when she had Alzheimer’s they still pulled through,” said Whitley.  

Another contestant, Abigail Felix was asked about how growing up in Porterville impacted her.

“Growing up in Porterville impacted me positively. It’s a big small little family,” stated Felix.

Breland’s question centered on her vacation preferences as to where she would like to spend a day, on a snowy mountain or on a sunny beach.

“I’m not very fond of the cold. The beach is the best place to relax,” added Breland.

A favorite tradition question was asked of Rice.

“My favorite tradition growing up with three older brothers was playing football at Thanksgiving,” stated Rice.

Following a performance by the Granite Hills high school cheerleaders the young women competed in the talent competition.

Anna Moore played an original piano composition titled “It’s Alright”, while Hall performed a roller coaster monologue, in which she tried to explain to her boyfriend, as they rode a roller coaster that maybe they should see other people. At the end he surprised her with an engagement ring.

Rice performed a ballet and interpretive dance with a baton and Manning sang “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.” Breland sang “Traveling Soldier” by the Dixie Chicks a capella. Edmaiston performed a dance with ballet aspects, Felix showed off her twirling skills and Whitley brought down the house with her dance to a hip hop number.

Once the talent portion had was completed Bailey Likewise the 2011-2012 Queen was honored with a special plaque and a scholarship. Mayor Virginia Gurrola presented the plaque.

“In recognition of her dedication and service we commend you for excellence and fulfillment of dedication and duties,” said Gurrola.

Attendee Peggy Wheeler was pleased with the night’s event.

“It’s something very positive. It gives our youth an opportunity to share talents and brings people together,” said Wheeler.