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Overcast Miss Wantagh pageant turns 60
The 60th Miss Wantagh Pageant, held at Wantagh High School on July 1, has celebrated a commitment to service since 1956. It is the only surviving pageant on Long Island.
“It keeps growing every year because each Miss Wantagh adds to it, making it bigger and better,” Ella Stevens, the pageant director, said.
Emma Carey was crowned Miss Wantagh 2016 at the community’s 80th annual Fourth of July parade on the steps of Wantagh Elementary School. Brianna Coltellino, Grace Anne McKenna, and Courtney Cardona were first, second and third runners-up, respectively. Kayla Schmidt and Isabella Santeramo were named ambassadors.
At the pageant, the six girls shared the company of past Miss Wantagh winners spanning 1975 to present.
“I can’t believe it’s been going on for 60 years!” said Jennifer Craig, Miss Wantagh 1979.
Craig said that being crowned Miss Wantagh is a treasured memory for her. She added that it’s a great community tradition that allows young women to bond together. This is the first year that the pageant invited back its former Miss Wantagh winners. Craig, along with three other past winners, were judges.
Aside from reading the girls’ biographies, Craig said she said sought someone who has that “sparkle” and dedication to being a role model.
Elected officials were invited to the pageant. Assemblyman David McDonough, State Sen. Mike Venditto and Nassau County Legislator Steve Rhoads presented a citation to the entire Miss Wantagh organization for 60 years of giving back to the community.
“It’s a magnificent representation of what it’s like to live in Wantagh,” Rhoads said.
The pageant took a “look back” and spoke with past Miss Wantagh winners about where life has taken them. They also heard from the first Miss Wantagh, from 1956, Lynn Clayton. She could not attend the pageant, but left a video for the committee to present. She attended the parade on Monday.
“I have been blessed, and it all started with Miss Wantagh,” she said.
Then came the part that the contestants were most nervous about and had practiced for weeks. Their rehearsals at Wantagh Elementary School not only prepared them, but also brought them closer together.
“Practices were long and tiring every day,” Coltellino said. “But we’ve come so far and it’s been so rewarding.”
Each of them spoke about a service project that they would undertake if they became Miss Wantagh. Going forward, the group of six will work together to do what they love: helping the community.
“They remain together throughout the year,” Stevens said. “Miss Wantagh is the leader, but all the girls help out.”
Keri Balnis, Miss Wantagh 2015, discussed her year wearing the crown, which she described as “an incredible experience that has changed me for the better.” She said she was sad to give up her crown, but glad to be giving it to someone so deserving.
“I know the next Miss Wantagh will really make you proud,” she said.
The pageant ended with entertainment and a skit from the Miss Wantagh court. Miss Wantagh 2016, Carey, was announced at the parade on July 4.
“It’s all about giving back to the community for what they have given to me,” Carey said. “I wouldn’t want to be raised anywhere else but Wantagh.”
