Courtesy of The Daily News
By Lori Hansen
STANTON — LaShae Wright had wanted to compete in the Miss Stanton Scholarship Pageant in previous years, but hesitated as “I don’t like talking in front of people.”
The 17-year-old Stanton resident didn’t show that fear last night as she competed — and then won — the queen’s title, edging out three other contestants.
“I knew if I didn’t try it, and waited, I would get too old to do it,” said Wright, the daughter of Billy and Christa Wright.
The contestants met with judges for private interviews on Tuesday, then competed on stage in four other phases: outfit of choice, 
essay, evening gown and on stage question in the 30th annual queen’s contest.
Wright, a 2013 Central Montcalm High School graduate, modeled her track uniform, including an array of medals garnered from various races.
In her essay, in which she defined strength, Wright said, “Strength comes from the heart and soul and not only muscular. Strength means never quitting.”
She recited Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Him that strengthens me.” And Isaiah 40:31 “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.”
“As long as I put God first, then family and then all other things, always in that order, I will be OK,” said Wright.
Christa DePue, 18, the daughter of Glenn and Amy DePue, earned first runner-up honors. MacKenna Myers, 16, the daughter of Coleen Myers and Mike Myers, was named second runner-up and rounding out the court is Erica Wyatt, 17, the daughter of Ed and Jane Wyatt.
Wright, along with the newly crowned Junior Miss Regan Western, 13, the daughter of Denise Minikey and Jay Strawn and Shawn Western, both received scholarships to Montcalm community College, a new addition to the pageant.
Western’s court consists of first runner-up Kae-Leigh Basney, second runner-up Faith Smith and court member Hannah Salliotte.
Gage Almas, 9, the son of James and Holly Almas, was crowned Stanton Old Fashioned Days Duke and Grace Dennis, 10, the daughter of Joe and Shaun Dennis will reign as Duchess.
Carter Denman, 3, the son of Nicole Denman was named the 2013 Prince and Emma Simpson, 5, the daughter of Bill and Kim Simpson, is this year’s Princess.
Correspondent Lori Hansen is a Greenville-area resident.
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