Miss Teen Extraordinaire 2012

Candi Higley - Daily Herald Wed. Feb. 29

And from this desire the Miss Teen Extraordinaire Pageant was started. Now as the reigning Miss Spanish Fork, Talbert wanted to continue to give young women in the area the opportunity to shine. This year, the pageant was hosted by Talbert and Spanish Fork Mayor Wayne Andersen. This year's contestants included Tesha Credille, Jessica Drazan, Jenny Lynn Russon, Brittany Marshall, Kenzie Christensen, Samantha Batty, Shannon Forbush, Ashly Schirmer, Amberly Paul and Katelyn Peterson.

The pageant began with a tambourine musical number including Talbert. From there the young women showed off their talents from singing to dancing to reading a book and showing illustrations. It was then on to the evening gown or party dress portion of the pageant.

"The girls got to wear something that made them feel pretty," Talbert said. "They then walked to three spots on the stage while a bio was read about them. The bio was written by their parents. It gave the audience the chance to get to know the girls and see their personalities."

Judges at the pageant included Richard Wilson, Renita Revill and Councilman Brandon Gordon. To finish off the pageant, each of the young women were crowned, received a sash naming them Miss Teen Extraordinaire and received flowers.

"It was such a wonderful evening," said Maddy Talbert, Whitney's mom. "We had over 500 people attend. So many people came out to support us."

Businesses throughout the community supported the pageant and Talbert's effort.

"I have had such wonderful support from the Spanish Fork Chamber and all of the businesses involved with them," Talbert said.

Cary Hanks, chamber president and owner of Cary's Designs Floral, enjoyed the opportunity she had to work with Talbert during the pageant preparations.

"Whitney knows how to make others shine," Hanks said. "This event has been a way to draw a community together. Whitney has helped so many people see that every person needs to be recognized as an individual."

The pageant was a success not only for the girls involved but for the audience and for Talbert.

"I am so proud of my girls for doing such an amazing job on their talents," Talbert said. "And they walked with such confidence. I am truly so grateful for everyone's love and support. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to work with my amazing girls."

Higley, Candi. 2012. Daily Herald. http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/south/spanish-fork/young-women-get-their-chance-to-shine-at-pageant/article_b15d8e6b-431a-5edc-afdd-3627c95b058c.html