Once again — like in 2013 — five girls and a boy will compete for the 2014 Fathoms o’ Fun Royal Court pageant.
The pageant begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at the Christian Life Center, 1780 SE Lincoln Ave, in Port Orchard. This year’s theme is “Mission Possible.”
At Saturday night’s pageant, Royalty Director Helene Jensen said there will be a queen or king selected among the candidates, along with either two princesses or a prince and princess, along with an ambassador.
Competing this year are Victoria Hall, Jenni LePregnall, Soriandy Sutman, Devenn Miller, Sami Newhouse and the lone boy — Preston Williams.
Jensen said she is expecting about 200 people to attend this year’s pageant.
All candidates attended about five meetings of different groups and deliver 2-3 minute speeches.
“Those are judged and put into a sealed container until pageant night,” Jensen said.
On the Thursday before the pageant, each candidate went through a private interview process before a five-judge panel. Judges have 10 minutes to ask questions of each candidate.
“That is part of the criteria on who wins,” said Jensen.
Judges for this year’s event are Paulette Jones, a former Miss Kitsap and second runner-up to Miss Washington; Rachelle Jensen, former Fathom’s princess and 2010 Miss Kitsap; Kathleen Wilson, branch manager of the Port Orchard Library and the Chamber’s 2013 Woman of the Year; Brian Sauer, 2013 Man of the Year and community activist; and Dannie Oliveaux, editor of the Port Orchard Independent.
Jensen said on the night of the pageant, there is a talent and formal wear competition, along with each candidate reading their speeches a final time.
“Whoever has the highest accumulative score wins, followed by second and third,” Jensen said.
The royalty will represent Port Orchard and South Kitsap on a local and regional level throughout the year. They will attend all major Fathoms events, participate with the Festival float as it travels around the state.
They also partner with other community clubs to help raise awareness and support for much needed community projects. The winners have to contribute about 750 hours of community service during their reign.
At the time of the competition, each contestant must maintain a 2.5 grade-point average.
Bryan Petro will serve as pageant’s emcee and former Miss Poulsbo Jeana Ostheller Halverson will sing the national anthem. Entertainment will be provided by the Just for Kicks dance team, the current Royal Court and Halverson.
King Aaron Thomas will end his reign over the court, along with Princesses Alyssa Josephen and Delaney Triplett, and Ambassador Joanna Aquino.
Jensen praised the 2013 Fathoms Royal Court.
“Alyssa is loving and is always willing to give a hug if needed,” she said. “She has a great love for the animals and there’s never an event that we went to that she doesn’t notice a passing dog to give them a scratch on the neck and a kiss on the nose.”
“Delaney is down to earth and wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty,” said Jensen. “She can relate to just about anyone. She is motivated and willing to do whatever she is asked without a blink of the eye.”
Aquino, a princess on the 2012 court, joined the group as ambassador after another princess was unable to fulfill her commitment.
“She was our go-getter,” said Jensen. “She’s the one that will get a task done and brought the group together to get it done.”
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. Visiting royalty will be admitted free. All proceeds got to the Royal Court’s scholarship program, which will contribute $1,000 to the winner and $500 each to the second- and third-place finishers.
This is the 47th year of the festival, which was founded in 1968 by the Chamber of Commerce.
MEET THE CONTESTANTS
Preston Williams
Age: 17
Grade: Junior
School: South Kitsap High School
Parents: Craig and Audra Simmons
What you want to do after high school or college: I hope to someday start a business that would provide energy and resources at a reasonable price via materials from space.
Platform: The service of politics for teens
Soriandy Sutman
Age: 17
Grade: Senior
School: South Kitsap High School
Parents: Roger and Noragene Sutman
What you want to do after high school or college: I’m planning to start my college years at Olympic College and maybe transfer to the Art Institute in Seattle later and earn a degree in the culinary field.
Platform: The love of running
Devenn Miller
Age: 17
Grade: Junior
School: South Kitsap High School
Parents: Joel and Kerry Miller
What you want to do after high school or college: I want to attend a college to help me to become a child psychologist.
Platform: Holly Ridge Center
Sami Newhouse
Age: 17
Grade: Senior
School: South Kitsap High School
Parents: Mike and Jackie Newhouse
What you want to do after high school or college: I plan to attend the Art Institute of Seattle starting in July to pursue a career as a fashion designer.
Platform: Peer and youth mentoring in our community
Jenni Le Pregnall
Age: 16
Grade: Sophomore
School: South Kitsap High School
Parents: Ted and Kathy Pregnall
What you want to do after high school or college: I want to go to a 4-year college in the medical field.
Platform: Educating children about child abuse
Victoria Hall
Age: 17
Grade: Freshman
School: Olympic College
Parents: Robert and Jackie Gentry
What you want to do after high school or college: I want to possibly enlist in the Air Force, then finish my education once I decide what I want to pursue.
Platform: Drug abuse and addition
