LPD's Marty Drake and B.J.McKissick presided over the annual bash.
Corrigan's Shelby Gonzalez Crowned Miss Polk County 2009, LIVINGSTON, January 25, 2009 - On a night when 9 of Polk County's best and brightest daughters competed for the title of Miss Polk County, it was Shelby Gonzalez of Corrigan who shined the brightest and was crowned Miss Polk County 2009. Gonzalez also won top honor for evening gown and sung for the talent portion of the competition. Gonzalez was crowned by Miss Polk County 2008, Betty Jean McKissick. Gonzalez was 1 of 5 finalists selected. The other finalists were Shelbey Dickens of Big Sandy, Macie Lauhoff of Livingston, Melanie Scott of Livingston, and Mayce Taylor of Livingston. Before the winning name was read by emcee Marty Drake, McKissick did the customary stage walk as she reflected on the past year of being Miss Polk County. She also thanked her father referring to him as her rock and her mother as the best mother a daughter could ever have. McKissick thanked the support she got from Polk County and said that she hoped that she represented Polk County well.
Then there were five: (L - R) Macie Lauhoff, Melanie Scott, Shelbey Dickens, Mayce Taylor, Shelby Gonzalez
At the conclusion of the event, friends, family and media swarmed around Gonzales offering congratulations and well wishes and snapping pictures of the newly crowned queen. Gonzalez was glowing as were her supporters. All nine of the contestants were capable and worthy of being crowned, but only one can win and the judges made an excellent choice in Corrigan's Shelby Gonzalez. Gonzalez did the town of Corrigan proud. Congratulations Shelby Gonzalez, Miss Polk County 2009.
2008 Miss Greater Livingston, Victoria McClendon was on hand to help with awards presentations.
Miss Polk County 2008 (B.J. McKissick) crowns Miss Polk County 2009 (Shelby Gonzalez).
An elated Shebly Gonzalez basks in the company of friends, family and media after being crowned Miss Polk County 2009.
Mayce Taylor put on an electrifying performance of "I Can't Do It Alone" from the 1920's piece "Chicago".
Event Judges
Melanie Scott sings a beautiful rendition of 1961's "At Last".
Macie Lauhoff had the place laughing with Debbie Mayes' "Reflections of a Beauty Queen".
Beautiful Shelby Gonzalez sings "This Is Me" from the musical "Camp Rock".
Event Director and Miss Polk County 1982 Jamie Alexander kicked things off.
Absolutely gorgeous, Macie Lauhoff introduces herself to the capacity crowd.
Secret Mitchell's ever present and contagious smile
Christina Wood performs the musical skit "I Enjoy Being a Girl".
Tasha Runnels during the evening gown competition.
Betty Jean McKissick doing the customary farewell walk.
Young dancers from Studio C provided some entertainment.
CPA Bob Dockens was the official tabulator.
Second Runner Up, Shelbey Dickens sings "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" during the talent portion.
Christine Warren's dazzling evening gown.
Melanie Scott
Studio C Dancers
(L - R) 1st Runner Up Macie Lauhoff, Miss Polk County 2009 Shelby Gonzalez, 2nd Runner Up Shelbey Dickens
Mayce Taylor
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