Grace Blackford captured the 2011 Miss Teen Popcorn title Saturday evening in festivities at River Valley High School. Blackford also seized the top honors in the Talent and Anything Popcorn categories. This effort earned her two $50 awards sponsored by Joanne Cook and Carol and Gene Ault respectively.
A 16-year old student attending Pleasant High School, Blackford gave a vocal presentation as her talent, as well as performing an original song with guitar that she wrote entitled “I Want Popcorn” for Anything Popcorn.
As Miss Teen Popcorn, Blackford received a $200 scholarship donated by Circle E Ranch & Circle T Logistics, her crown sponsored by Joanne Cook, a portrait from Hughes Studio, a ruby & sapphire crown necklace, a crown pin, flowers and a prize package.
In her new capacity, Blackford will be featured at all Festival activities, including the Festival’s Orville Redenbacher Parade and performing from the main stage. She will also make numerous appearances throughout Ohio during the coming year.
The newly crowned Blackford said, “It has been an incredible experience. This was my first time competing, so I didn’t know what to expect or if I could win … everyone was so wonderful … I’m just shocked right now.” Blackford is the daughter of Scott and Connie Blackford of Marion.
Nabbing First Runner Up was Bryana Conant. The River Valley High School student performed a song and dance routine for her talent. She is the 17-year-old daughter of John and Neeta Shuff of Caledonia and Christopher Conant of Mt. Gilead.
Michaela Walker took Second Runner-up honors. Although having no bearing on the Miss Teen results, Walker also earned the Photogenic Award of a Gift Basket from Deb and Barry Tinnerello. The 16 year-old Harding High School student performed a jazz dance as her talent offering. She is the daughter of Heather Walker of Marion.
Third Runner Up is Samantha Appleman, a 15-year-old Mt. Gilead High School student. She also captured the $50 Eveningwear Award sponsored by Julie Kessler, as well as a $50 Community Service Award sponsored by Service Master. The daughter of April Appleman of Edison and Troy Appleman of Galion, she performed a hip hop/jazz routine.
Named Fourth Runner Up, Elizabeth Corwin, is a 14-year-old student at Northmor High School. The daughter of Robert and Jennyfer Corwin of Galion, she gave a vocal presentation as her talent.
Each of the runners-up received a $100 scholarship donated by Ann Walters, Tim Mooney, Pat and Eric Anthony, and American Family Insurance. In addition to a prize package, they also received a portrait from Hughes Studio. All contestants received a Mary Kay Cosmetic bag and makeup sponsored by Shirley McAlister and Carol Ault, as well as snacks donated by Wyandot Popcorn.
Other award winners were:
- The Popcorn Spirit award, a $50 award was sponsored by Anthony Farms, Pat and Eric Anthony, went to 14-year-old Ranissa Harrison. The daughter of Joe and Tammy Harrison of Marion, she attends ECOT and gave a vocal presentation as her talent.
- The second $50 Community Service Award sponsored by Deb and Barry Tinnerello went to Amanda Evans. The 16-year-old Mt. Gilead High School student performed a country clog. She is the daughter of Kevin and Toni Evans of Edison.
- A Commitment to Excel Award of $50 sponsored by Peacock Water and Dottie Ann’s went to Hunter Boyce. The daughter of Casey Stevens of Delaware gave a vocal presentation as her talent. She is a 14-year-old Delaware Hayes High School student.
Also competing and receiving participation gifts was Kaitlyn Smith, the 17-year-old daughter of Richard and Sherry Smith of Marion. The Harding High School student performed a cheerleading dance as her talent.
Kay Gwinner, director of the Miss Teen Popcorn program, said, “We’ve always been pleased with the wonderful teens we are privileged to work with, and they would all have represented the Festival well. These young women come away winners just by having the courage to get up on that stage and participate.”
Set for September 8, 9, and 10, 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.
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.
Photo – Miss Teen Popcorn 2011 and court (left to right): 3rd Runner Up Samantha Appleman, 1st Runner Up Bryana Conant, Miss Teen Popcorn 2011 Grace Blackford, 2nd Runner Up Michaela Walker, and 4th Runner Up Elizabeth Corwin.
