Miss Wantagh Court to partner with Legion

Miss Wantagh may be a title that is bestowed upon one local high school student in July, but it is year-long designation that carries with it great responsibility.

Members of the Miss Wantagh Court, made up of the winner and her runners-up, are tasked with creating community service projects that will benefit the residents of Wantagh. This year, the court has decided to adopt American Legion Post 1273, an announcement that was made following the annual Veterans Day ceremony.

Kayla Knight, the winner of the Miss Wantagh pageant, happens to share her birthday with the holiday that honors all the men and women who have served the United States. “I’m so honored to be working with veterans,” she said. “We would like to stand behind them.”

Knight that the Miss Wantagh Court will look to support any of the Legion’s endeavors over the next several months.

“It will be Kayla’s legacy for future Miss Wantaghs,” said Ella Stevens, coordinator of the program.

The Miss Wantagh Court has taken part in the American Legion’s Sept. 11 and Veterans Day ceremonies, and will also be participating in the Four Chaplains Service in February, and the Memorial Day parade.

Kaitlyn von Runnen, a Miss Wantagh runner-up, said she is looking forward to the new partnership. She has already worked with the Legion before, as last year she had volunteers from her religious education program provide food to the post.

“We’re very proud of our country,” von Runnen said, “and we’re very honored to be involved with the American Legion in Wantagh.”