The girls from Chapin High School competed in a disco themed pageant on February 11. Junior Sarah Roof blew the judges away to win the crown and the title of Miss Chapin 2012.

Despite many misconceptions, pageant winners don’t just win off of their “good looks.” Roof did a lot of prepping for the pageant. She wanted to make sure that she could reach her goal as well as impress the judges.

“I just tried to push myself to do the best I could during all of the parts of the pageant. I really tried to stay true to myself and be the best that I could be because I wanted the judges to know who I really am as a person,” said Roof.

With these goals in mind, Roof prepared for her interview. Roof said, “I made sure I was prepared to think on my feet for the interview and give answers that stood out from other answers that may have typically been given because interview counts for half of the score.”

The interviews took place the night before the pageant. The contestants are put into groups of three, according to their grade, and asked questions in front of three judges.

On the day of the pageant, the girls first performed a group number that fit their disco themed outfits. Roof made sure to practice the opening number as well as walking and dancing down the runway for the theme wear competition.

“My favorite part was definitely the disco dancing. It was so much fun! The contestants and I were kind of surprised when we learned we had to dance down the stage during our theme wear walks disco-style, but it ended up being the most fun part for me!,” said Roof.

After having a blast with the theme wear, Roof slipped on her evening wear and got ready to walk down the runway. Escorted by Ryan Thacker, Roof amazed the judges when she came out in a white dress that was intricately detailed on the top, had ruching in the waist, and flowed to her feet.

The judges then composited the scores between the interviews, theme wear, and evening wear to determine who would become Miss Chapin 2012. Former Miss United States, Tammy Johns, hosted the pageant and announced Sarah Roof as the winner.

Pageant Coordinator Mary Beth Bussell said, “Sarah Roof will be an excellent representative ofChapinHigh School. She is a very intelligent young lady and she is well respected by her peers and the faculty.”

Roof not only earned the respect of the judges, but of the other contestants as well.

Sophomore contestant Mary Margaret Dyches said, Sarah was very sweet and supportive of all the girls backstage. Not only did she have a good personality, but she looked great on stage as well.”

Roof said, “It feels so great to be Miss Chapin. Chapin is such a great school and it’s an honor to be chosen to represent a school with such high academic and community involvement standards.”

Roof will move forward into further competitions like Miss South Carolina. As well as competing in more competitions, Roof would like to be a good representative for the Chapin community.

Roof said, “During this upcoming year, I really want to make myself known in the community as a service-minded and involved person. Chapin has such a strong presence in community charities, and I want my title to reflect that as well. I plan to represent Chapin by being the best representative of the school and community possible. CHS deserves no less than someone who can represent it well.”

The other winners included Miss Freshman, K Lee Graham. First runner up was Tyler Kirkpatrick and second runner up was Anna Elise Scott. McKenzie Walpole was named as Miss Sophomore. The first runner up was Alexis Keith and second runner up was Kanani Lodge. Elise Watt took home the crown for Miss Junior. Behind her were first runner up Chicago Bookman and second runner up, Emily Greco. Kaylee Browder was named Miss Senior. Kelsey Wolfe was first runner up and Logan Schumpert was second runner up. In addition to being second runner up, Shumpert won the Spirit of Chapin Award. Chicago Bookman also took home two awards that day being the first runner up for the juniors and getting the award for the best theme wear. Second runner up for the juniors, Emily Greco, was named Miss Congeniality. Stacey Martonen won the Most Photogenic award.

Bussell said, “This year we had 39 young ladies competing for the title. They attended long rehearsals and seemed to have fun in the process. I was proud of each one of them and would have been proud to have any one of them as Miss Chapin.”