Danielle Davis captured the title of Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2012 Saturday evening, August 4, during competition at Grant Middle School.
By winning the Miss Marion Popcorn Festival title, Davis earned a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by Jason and Shanna Sharp in memory of Steve Rhoades who sponsored this scholarship for many years.. She also received the Festival crown, a crown necklace, and banner.
“I was speechless and overwhelmed,” said Davis. “I hadn’t done anything like this since I competed in Junior Miss as a senior in high school and, with so much talent from the others in the competition, I was blown away that I won.”
Davis said that although she had grown up in Marion, she’d gone to school in Mississippi and spent two year in Colorado. “So when I came back home – and I love the people in this community – I wanted to do something to not only meet people,” said Davis, “but make an impact in the community … so I decided to do Annie [the Palace’s summer musical] and try this.”
Davis’ vocal performance of “Orange Colored Sky” captured the Talent award of $100, sponsored by the Carol Ault’s Dance Factory and the Popcorn Festival. She also captured a $50 Eveningwear Award. She also was awarded $150 in the People’s Choice where they vote for their favorites by donating dollars.
The daughter of Mike and Jennifer Davis, Davis is a post graduate of Belhaven University with a major in Theatre Performance.
As Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2012, Davis will reign over all Festival activities; including being highlighted in the Festival’s Orville Redenbacher Parade and performing from the main stage. She will also make numerous appearances throughout Ohio during the coming year.
First runner-up honors and a $400 scholarship went to Jennifer St. John, who also seized the Popcorn Wear and Photogenic category awards. St. John, the daughter is Bill and Josie St. John, attends the University of Cincinnati majoring in Health Science, Pre-Med. She performed a vocal rendition of “One Moment in Time” as her talent.
Kari Boles, took home a $300 scholarship and second runner up honors. The daughter of Shannon and Bryan Boles, she performed an energetic tap routine to “Dancin’ Fool”. Boles is currently enrolled at Marion Technical College majoring in business.
Paige Denman earned third runner up honors and a $200 scholarship. Attending The Ohio State University majoring in Early Childhood Education, Denman sang “Temporary Home”. She is the daughter of Teri Monahan and Russ Williams.
Jessica Swope, received a $100 scholarship as fourth runner-up, as well as a $100 Academic/Community Service Award sponsored by Tri-Rivers Career Center. The daughter of Sheila and Ben Swope, Swope attends The Ohio State University majoring in special education. She performed a sandbox tap routine to “Funkytown”.
The winner of the $100 Steve Somerlot Interview award, so named for his long-time support of the Scholarship program, was Misty Cushing. The daughter of Robert and Marsha Cushing, she performed a character dance to “I Enjoy Being a Girl.” Cushing attends Mt. Vernon Nazarene College majoring in Integrated Language Arts & Spanish.
Also participating were Courtney Hamilton and Jonikka Shepherd. Hamilton is the daughter of Justin and Nicole Hamilton and Cami Campbell. She is majoring in Early Childhood Education at The Ohio State University. Shepherd is attending The Ohio State University at Marion majoring in education. She is the daughter of Melinda and Barry Shepherd.
The scholarships for the Miss and four runners up were sponsored by included Ohio State University-Marion, Marion Technical College, Tri-Rivers Career Center, Marion Community Credit Union, Richwood Bank, The Family of Steve Somerlot, Wyandot, Goldrush Jewelers, Marion Flower Shop, Ideal Printing, Shanna Sharp, Peacock Water of Marion, Georges Fun Factory of Galena, and Dr. Bob Singh.
Contestants were scored by two separate panels of judges. The first panel judged the morning Interview session worth 30%; and the second graded the evening competition which included 30% for Talent, 10% for Casual Wear, 20% for Evening Wear, and 10% for the On-Stage Interview.
Scholarship directors Sheryl Rhoades and Lynnell Jamison expressed their delight in the excellence of the contestants. “This was a tough competition among a great group of young women,” said Rhoades. “All who competed are exceptional young women and were wonderful to work with … all would have made great queens.”
Set for September 6, 7 & 8 the Marion Popcorn Festival is the largest popcorn festival in the world with an annual attendance estimated in excess of 250,000 over the three-day festival. The Miss Teeny Pop and Miss Teen Popcorn Pageants are slated for 9:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. respectively on Saturday, August 11, at River Valley High School. For more information on all Festival events, visit the web site at www.popcornfestival.com or call 740/387-FEST. The Marion Popcorn Festival is sponsored in part by the City of Marion.
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