Wissman crowned outstanding teen

CELINA - Kaycie Wissman of Minster was crowned 2017 Miss Lake Festival's Outstanding Teen at Monday's pageant.

The competition was held in conjunction with the Miss Lake Festival Scholarship Pageant.

Wissman, 16, daughter of Amy and Ted Wissman, performed a song from the broadway musical "Violet" in the talent portion of the competition. Her platform was "Compassion Into Action."

For her onstage question, she was asked about her platform and how she would encourage young people to donate their time. She said she is already working on a program with her church, at some soup kitchens and some local nursing homes where she overcomes the excuses young people usually give, such as not having a ride or having no friends who will be involved.

During the evening wear portion, Wissman wore a navy blue dress with sequins around the torso. She received a $500 scholarship for her win.

Julianna Lee, 15, an eighth-grader from Celina Middle School, was runner-up, receiving a $300 scholarship. She is the daughter of Diana Lee. For her talent, she earned a few laughs from the audience by singing "Taylor the Latte Boy."

When asked about her platform, "Adoption: The New Normal," during her onstage question, she said her main focus was on encouraging people to adopt from the foster care system and erasing the stigma that the kids in the foster system are bad, because everyone deserves a forever home.

For her evening wear, she wore a pink gown with green sequined vines around the waist and top hem.

Winning the Teen People's Choice Award and receiving a $200 scholarship was Diana Rose, 15, of Coldwater. She sang "Journey to the Past" from the movie "Anastasia." Her platform is "Building Esteem Through the Arts."

When asked about her platform, she said being involved in the arts is beneficial to young people's development because they are exposed to many different points of view and it can help them find their own individuality.

Maleah Lee also competed. She is the daughter of Diana Lee and is home-schooled. For her talent, she danced to Selena Gomez's "Kill'em with Kindness," performing flips and jumps that had the audience applauding. Her platform was "Rethink Reading: Open A Book, Open Your World."

The teens were judged on evening wear/onstage question, talent, lifestyle and fitness and a private interview. During the lifestyle and fitness portion, each girl performed a short fitness routine.

Wissman will have the opportunity to compete in next year's Miss Ohio Outstanding Teen competition.