Ten contestants will vie for spots on this year’s senior and junior court for the Royalty Court at the 2015 Fathoms o’Fun Festival Scholarship Program March 7 at the Christian Life Center.
The program starts at 5 p.m. Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults.
This year’s theme is the “Superhero in You.”
As part of the royal court, which consists of a king or queen, two princesses and an ambassador, individuals can earn college scholarship money while doing community service, travel around the state and develop lifelong friendships. Approximately $5,000 in scholarships are awarded each year.
For the first time in Fathoms o’ Fun history, a junior royalty program will be introduced, according to Fathoms Royalty Director Helene Jensen.
Jensen said the purpose of the junior court was to mentor individuals and prepare them for being a part of the senior court. Each junior contestant is required to reside in South Kitsap, be in junior high school and have at least a 2.5 grade-point average.
They will be required to write a 500-word essay on “What brings out the Superhero in You.”
Contestants will be required to read the essay before a panel of judges. Three winners will be announced at the March 7 competition.
The essay portion will be judged by Debbie Macomber and they too will be eligible for a $250 award. They will be competing against the senior court for that award.
Senior contestants will have a 15-minute private interview, deliver their platform orally on stage and in front of several local service groups. They also will have to answer impromptu questions, perform a talent and model formal wear.
“Being a part of this scholarship program offers more than young people can imagine,” Jensen said. “It will help them with job interview skills, public speaking, networking and so much more.”
Jensen noted that the ambassador will be offered to a current court member first, but if no court member applies, then a current contestant will serve in the role.
“This year we do have applicants applying, so it will be offered to a current court member,” said Jensen.
She said to apply for ambassador, the current royalty member will have to write a 500-word essay on what Fathoms has meant to them this past year, and why they would like to be part of the court for another year.
“The idea is that the Duchess will be a mentor for the new court that will teach them what it takes to be a member of the Fathoms o’ Fun Royalty Court,” Jensen said. “Plus it gives the public a familiar face for them to connect with at public events.”
Queen Devenn Miller, Princess Sami Newhouse, Princess Soriany Sutman, along with Ambassador Aaron Thomas, will end their reign on the court next week. Thomas became ambassador when Jennifer Le Pregnall was unable to fulfill the obligation.
Judges for the senior court are Gary Linstrom, store director for the Sedgewick Albertson’s; Kristine Ramsdell, 2010 ambassador; Alan Johnson, 2007 Fathoms o’ Fun prince; Shelia Cline, development manager for the Arthritis Foundation in Washington state; and Matt Murphy, executive director of the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce.
Junior court judges are Stephanie Clark, Don Ryan and Brianna Martin, along with Miller, Thomas and Sutman.
Senior Contestants:
Caylain Dandridge, 17, senior
South Kitsap High School
Parents: Alonzo and Patricia Dandridge
Super Power: “Helping Homeless Animals”
Tamara Medal, 17, junior
South Kitsap High School
Parents: Robert and Darlene Medal
Super Power: “America for the Arts”
Karla Lewis, 18, senior
South Kitsap High School
Parents: Larry and Bonnie Lewis
Super Power: “The Love for Photography”
Charlotte Whitten, 19, senior
South Kitsap High School
Parents: John and Anna Whitten
Super Power: “The Power of Music”
Cheyenne Werbelo, 17, senior
South Kitsap High School
Parents: Pete and Mandy Werbelo
Super Power: “Creating Angelic Noise”
Junior Contestants:
Alli Newhouse, 14, eighth-grader
John Sedgewick Junior High School
Parents: Mike and Jackie Newhouse
Super Power: “Born Deaf, But Born to Dance”
Abby Hicks, 12, seventh-grader
John Sedgick Junior High School
Parents David and Michelle Hicks
Super Power: “Performing Arts”
Madilynn Mackie, 15, ninth grader
Marcus Whitman Junior High School
Parents: Shannon and Carol Mackie
Super Power: “Teaching”
Neko McKay, 14, seventh grader
Cedar Heights Junior High School
Parents: Robert and Devona McKay
Super Power: “The Arts”
Maria Hoyt, 12, seventh grader
Cedar Heights Junior High School
Parents: Lee and Alofa Hoyt
Super Power: “Creating Change”
