New Richmond girl gains Miss Dairyland Sweetheart crown

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Photo by Nate Peterson, NP Design & Photography Onalie Dennis, the newly crowned Miss Dairyland Sweetheart

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Onalie Dennis, 7, daughter of Zach and Terina Dennis of New Richmond, was recently crowned Miss Dairyland Sweetheart at the Wisconsin Miss American Pageant in Madison.

She was evaluated by a panel of judges on her personal introduction, interview and formal wear.

As the Dairyland Sweetheart, Dennis will be attending the National Pageant for her age group at Disney World in Florida during the week of Thanksgiving 2012. She will compete for the national title of Miss American Sweetheart and thousands of dollars in cash awards, prizes and scholarships.

In addition to winning the title, Dennis also won both the speech and talent competition in the Sweetheart age division. Her speech, labeled “My Favorite American,” was a tribute to Walt Disney.

For her talent, Dennis performed a musical theater dance routine choreographed by Jessica Short of Short Dance Studios. Dennis has been dancing at Short Dance for the past five years.

Dennis has a busy year ahead of her representing the state in parades and public events, as well as doing volunteer work in the community. She will also have the opportunity to meet local and state government leaders.

American Pageants, Inc. annually holds state pageants for the purpose of recognizing and rewarding outstanding young women for their past and present accomplishments and to encourage them to set and achieve high goals for the future. The pageants focus on the natural beauty of the contestants, where make-up and bouffant hair are prohibited.

Tags: new richmond, wisconsin, entertainment