Clockwise: Newly crowned Miss Pre-Teen Elk Rapids Shania Lark, Miss Teen Elk Rapids Sarah Cunningham, Young Miss Elk Rapids Bailee Drogowski and Little Miss Elk Rapids Sarah Casassa pose for a picture after the Young Miss Elk Rapids Pageant on Feb. 2. Photo by Lori Eickholt

Wearing colorful Middle Eastern-syle garb of scarves, sashes and bejeweled head pieces, the young ladies stepped to the song "Arabian Nights" from Disney's "Aladdin." Miss Elk Rapids Franki Price joined the contestants on Peterman Auditorium's stage for the dance she choreographed. Price and Pageant Director Sara McGuire served as the evening's Emcees.

Last year's royalty had an opportunity to narrate a farewell video presentation of their busy year for the large crowd, as well as pin sashes and crown their four young successors. Little Miss Elk Rapids 2007 Emma McGuire crowned Sarah Casassa. Young Miss Elk Rapids 2007 Scarlett Zerafa crowned Bailee Drogowski. Miss Pre-Teen Elk Rapids 2007 Hannah Beaudry crowned Shania Lark. Miss Teen Elk Rapids 2007 Jessica Deering crowned Sarah Cunningham.

The young titleholders each received their crown, banner and a $100 savings bond. All participants received a certificate of participation, personalized pageant DVD and commemorative sterling silver Arabian lantern charm necklace.

Contestants were judged on their performances in the creative/performing arts, which accounted for 30 percent of their overall score. Another 30 percent of the overall score was allotted for a girl's selection of party wear and on their response to an impromptu question. Private interviews with judges also accounted for 40 percent of the contestants' total score.

Casassa, daughter of Christine Casassa and Michael Dixon, showcased her skill in gymnastics to "Celebration." Emcee Miss Elk Rapids Franki Price announced that the Lakeland Elementary second grader said she hoped to become an olympic gymnast someday. Casassa answered her impromptu question about her time in 4-H, and also won the "Sweetheart Award."

Drogowski, daughter of Jim and Diane Drogowski, sang Toy Story's "You Got a Friend in Me." The Mill Creek Elementary third grader also earned to the title of "Most Delightful." Price announced that Drogowski hoped to become a teacher or artist when she grows up. Drogowski, wearing a white dress, explained why.

"I like creating new things and drawing things," she said.

She went on to explain that she hangs one of her creations in her school locker, Lil' Bill.

"He has a really big head and a little body," she said.

Lakeland fifth grader Shania Lark won the title of "Best Giggler." Lark is the daughter of Brian and Carla Lark. She dressed as Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz and sang and danced to " If I Only Had a Brain."

Wearing a white dress, she also reported that she would like to be a famous writer someday. She told Price she was especially fond of a book about skating she had written.

Wearing a polka dot dress, Cunningham sang the 1940s tune "Ain't Misbehavin'" by artist Fats Waller with piano accompaniment. The Cherryland ninth grader was voted "Most Thoughtful," and has future plans that include study in education and law. Price asked about Cunningham's travel experiences. Cunningham - daughter of Kevin and Judy Cunningham - said she likes family trips to Canada where they hike, canoe, bond and experience beautiful country.

The new title holders can look forward to a year of Evening on River Street appearances, parades, assisting with the Annual Community Candlewalk, visiting nursing homes, attendance at a coronation ball and more, Judge Coordinator Marjory Veliquette said.

Applications for the Miss Elk Rapids Pageant scheduled for March 22, are now available. For more information, call Sara McGuire at 231-264-9676 or 231645-9676.

Megan Taylor can be reached for question or comment at mtaylor@michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-264-9711.