Galionite crowned popcorn festival queen

MARION – Elizabeth Corwin captured the title of Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2015 on Saturday night.

By winning the Miss Marion Popcorn Festival title, Corwin earned a $1,000 scholarship, as well as the festival crown, banner, and a prize package.

“Pinch me, I’m dreaming,” an amazed Corwin said. “I couldn’t believe it when they said my name ... I didn’t think it would happen. I’ve been in several of the festival’s pageants over the years, but this is the first time I’ve actually won any of them.”

“A big thank you to all who have supported me over the years ... without that, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to do this today,” Corwin said.

In addition to capturing the Interview Award, Corwin also won the Evening Gown, Academic/Community Service Award, Photogenic Award, and the Talent Award with her vocal rendition of “At Last” by Etta James. Each came with a cash prize.

The daughter of Robert and Jennyfer Corwin, of Galion, Corwin is a graduate of Northmor High School and attends the University of Findlay.

As Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2015, Corwin will reign over all festival activities; including being highlighted in the festival’s Popcorn Parade and performing from the main stage. She also will make numerous appearances throughout Ohio during the coming year.

First runner-up honors and a $400 scholarship went to Halle Augenstein, who garnered the Popcorn Wear Award and People’s Choice Award. A River Valley graduate attending Wright State Augenstein is the daughter of Jeff and Lori Augenstein, of Marion. She performed a lyrical dance routine to “Time Above the Earth” by The Kooks.

Hunter Boyce took home a $300 scholarship and second runner up honors performing a vocal rendition of “Part of Your World” from “The Little Mermaid.” The daughter of Ron and Sarah Tucker, of Delaware, Boyce is a graduate of Delaware Hayes High School and attends Hocking College.

Third runner-up and receiving a $200 scholarship was Ranissa Harrison, who presented her vocal interpretation of “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele. A graduate of ECOT, Harrison attends Bowling Green State University and is the daughter of Joe and Tammy Harrison, of Harpster.

The scholarships and awards for the contestants were sponsored by Ohio State University at Marion, bluefusion Entertainment, Richwood Bank, Staffing Partners, and Preferred Popcorn.

Contestants were scored by two separate panels of judges. The first panel judged the afternoon interview session, worth 30 percent; and the second graded the evening competition, which included 30 percent for talent, 10 percent for popcorn wear, 20 percent for evening wear and 10 percent for the on-stage interview.

Scholarship director Lynnell Jamison expressed her delight in the excellence of the contestants.

“This was again a tough competition among yet another great group of young women,” Jamison said. “All who competed are exceptional young women and were wonderful to work with and all would have made great queens.”

Inside

Little Wee Pop winners, Page 3A