Tello named Little Miss Independence
Published 6:16 pm Saturday, July 7, 2012
BELHAVEN — The tiniest beauty queen in Beaufort County was selected during Belhaven’s July 4 festivities.
Crowned as Little Miss Independence 2012 was Katelyn Tello, the 4-year-old daughter of Oscar Tello and Jannet Perez of Chocowinity. She was also the winner of the pageant’s talent competition.
First runner-up for the title was Jacy Gibbs, the 6-year-old daughter of Dallas and Bethany Gibbs of Belhaven. Trinity O’Neal, the 5-year-old daughter of Wilbert O’Neal of Pantego and Danielle Hickman of Chocowinity, was second runner-up.
Rounding out the court was third runner-up Emma Davis, the 5-year-old daughter of B.G. and Marilyn Woolard of Pinetown and Artie Davis of Newton Grove.
Also competing for the Little Miss title were Lena Davis, the 4-year-old daughter of Joseph and Crystal Davis of Pantego; Olivia Ellis, the 4-year-old daughter of Eddie and Julie Ellis of Pantego; Shirley Hopkins, the 4-year-old daughter of Montie and Bridgette Hopkins of Belhaven; Alissa Randalls, the 6-year-old daughter of Scottie and Tiffany Randalls of Scranton; and Summer Whitley, the 6-year-old daughter of Kevin and Jodi Coltrain of Pinetown.
The contestants were judged in opening number, patriotic wear and Sunday-best categories, in addition to the optional talent competition. Awards were presented by Chelsea Davis, Little Miss Independence 2011, and Elizabeth Harris, Miss Independence 2011. The pageant was directed by Kimberly Clayton, who was Miss Independence in 2009.
The new Little Miss Independence joins two “big sister” queens crowned earlier during the town’s celebration of America’s birthday. Young Miss Independence 2012 is Tiffany Oliver, daughter of Butch and Tabitha Oliver of Pinetown.
Crowned Miss Independence 2012 was Jordan Woolard, daughter of James and Julie Woolard of Washington.
As part of their official duties, the three new titleholders will appear in local parades and other special events over the next year.
The July 4 festivities are sponsored by the Belhaven Community Chamber of Commerce.