Pageant crowns Savannah Hoagland as 43rd Miss CMSF

Atascadero News photo courtesy of Tim Wagner Photography • The Miss California Mid-State Fair contestants, from left, Savannah Hoagland, Sara Cromwell, Megan Rodrigues, Emily Mosbrucker, Kelsey Koehler and Alexandria Lambirth, await results of the pageant on Tuesday. Hoagland was named queen.

PASO ROBLES — Six contestants from Paso Robles and Templeton dazzled the crowd at the Fort Frontier Stage Tuesday, and by the end of the evening Savannah Hoagland claimed the title of 2012 Miss California Mid-State Fair.

Hoagland, 20, will attend Cal Poly in the fall. Her platform this year is “Promoting Agricultural Education.” A photography leader for the Templeton 4-H club, she has also been a CMSF Junior Fairboard member for four years.

“I am just so overwhelmed and excited right now,” Hoagland said after she was crowned. “I was just so shocked when I heard my name.”

In addition to Hoagland, this year’s contestants were Sara Cromwell, Kelsey Koehler, Alexandria Lambirth, Emily Mosbrucker and Megan Rodrigues.

Rodrigues, 18, was crowned first runner-up. A recent Paso Robles High School graduate, she will attend Cal Poly in the fall. Her platform, “Soldier’s Angels: Give a Little — Gain a Lot,” brings attention to the nonprofit organization.

Asked what it felt like to be crowned, Rodrigues summed it up with one word — “exhilarating.”

“I am so unbelievably happy right now,” Rodrigues said. “My family has been involved with the Mid-State Fair for so long, and it’s an awesome opportunity to represent the fair.”

Lambirth, 18, was second runner-up. The Paso Robles High School graduate will attend Sonoma State University in the fall. Her platform “Child and Teen Depression — Not the Same Disease,” sheds light on the causes of depression and how to treat it.

“It was so amazing when I heard my name called,” Lambirth said. “It feels great.”

Mosbrucker, 17, was voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants. She is a Templeton High School graduate and will attend San Diego State University in the fall. Her platform “Keep Your Eyes on the Road,” bring awareness to safe driving habits.

“It makes me feel good to know the other contestants voted for me,” Mosbrucker said. “I have been trying to have a good attitude throughout this whole competition and I guess it shows. All of this has been so much fun.”

With six girls vying for the honors, there was plenty of entertainment on-hand. As the talent portion of the competition unfolded, the crowd was dazzled with dance performances by Cromwell, Mosbrucker and Lambirth. Koehler sang a rousing rendition of “Crazy Dreams” and Rodrigues gave an inspiring patriotic speech honoring her cousin and other military members. But Hoagland was the crowd favorite with her “World’s Worst Fairy Tale Princess” monologue. Filled with its fair share of humor, the performance had audience members laughing and applauding as Hoagland showcased her dramatic talents.

Escorted onto stage by two local Marines during the evening gown competition, each contestant dazzled the crowd with poise and elegance.

Danielle Hallmann, 2011 Miss CMSF, was accompanied by princesses Ricquel Santos and Kiley Amaral during a song and dance performance of “Hell on Heels.”

This year’s judges were Independence High School instructor Mary Jo Del Campo, 2002 Miss CMSF Katelyn Kaney and 2001 Miss CMSF and Miss Congeniality Brett Christiansen.

Chad Stevens, radio voice and Paso Robles resident, was the emcee during the 43rd annual event. Stevens treated the audience with his singing talents and introduced the contestants during each portion of the pageant.

Local performers from Artistry in Motion dance studio shined with a variety of dances choreographed by June Greenawalt and Bob Woodard to popular songs including “Buttered Popcorn,” “Drop Dead Diva,” “Pink Panther” and “I Don’t Speak.”

Pageant Director Patti Lucas recognized the contestants for their commitment and integrity. She thanked the community and local businesses for their support of and contributions to the pageant.

The excitement onstage culminated as cameras flashed, bouquets were presented and proud friends and family gathered to congratulate all of the contestants for their efforts throughout the past four months as they prepared to take part in the pageant.

Friends and family were a big part of Hoagland’s success, she said.

“I just had so much support,” Hoagland said. “I am looking forward to representing the Mid-State Fair and being a role model to younger girls.”