First Attendant Renee Colangeli
Queen Makiah Maxson
Second Attendant Jenny Lust
(From Left to Right)

By SHAUNA GOODHART
The Herald

Mother always knows best, and for Makiah Maxson, newly crowned Miss Pumpkin Show, the saying couldn't be more true.

Maxson, a Logan Elm High School senior, was asked during preliminary judging what the best advice she had received was, and from whom. Her response surely made her mother proud.

"To be yourself ... and to treat others as you wish to be treated," Maxson answered, citing her mother as the giver of the advice.

Maxson is the daughter of Eric and Diane Maxson of Laurelville.

After being crowned 2000 Miss Pumpkin Show Queen, Maxson said her mother's advice helped her get through the contest.

"It was the only premonition I needed," she said.

Amid the post-crowning chaos, Maxson said the best way to describe her emotion was "adrenaline," which was apparent as she stood shaking with enthusiasm. Riding through the parade and seeing her friends and family along the route was a true joy, she said.

"I wanted to cry I was so excited," she said.

Joining Maxson on the Miss Pumpkin Show float for the next year will be first attendant Renee Colangeli, Circleville High School junior; and second attendant Jenny Lust, Circleville High School senior.

Colangeli is the daughter of Pat and Tony Colangeli of Circleville. Of the 12 contestants from six area high schools, she was the first semifinalist named. She was asked what she would do to encourage people to vote in the upcoming election.

Standing before a sea of cheering students, Colangeli responded by citing education as one of the major issues being debated by candidates for office and encouraging individuals to become active and vote in support of education.

Following the judging, Colangeli was brimming with excitement.

"I feel awesome," Colangeli said. "I would like to thank everyone for supporting me."

Being on the Miss Pumpkin Show court with her fellow Circleville High School representative is something Colangeli is looking forward to.

"I think it truly will make us closer ... and I'm looking forward to getting to know Makiah more," she said.

Lust, the daughter of Steve and Wendy Lust of Circleville, also said she was filled with excitement and anticipates the upcoming year with her fellow Circleville representative.

"I'm very proud of our school," she said. "I think it's an honor to have both of us represent our school."

Lust acknowledged her mother during her post-contest remarks.

"I feel great right now," she said. "I know my mom will be proud."

Other semifinalists were Monica Lombardo, Teays Valley junior; Jennifer Strickler, Amanda-Clearcreek senior; and Amelia Dunlap, Westfall senior.

The Miss Pumpkin Show pageant is sponsored by Circleville Sunrise Rotary. This year's committee was comprised of Carlota Smith, Glenda Mullet, Katie Cline and Vivian Pound.

Judges for the contest were Linda Green, modeling instructor/realtor; Sally Eblin, executive aide for Representative Priscilla Mead; and Bill Wahle, architect with Karlsberger.

Chaperones for the queen and her court are Clarence and Mary Radcliff and Linda Ballou.

The tiaras, flowers, silver trays, sashes and sinage are provided by Circleville Sunrise Rotary. The queen's gift package includes gift certificates from the following local merchants: Christopher's don Boutique, Sharff's, Block's Shoes, Rhonda's Hair Gallery, Barnhill's Dry Cleaning, Bruce List Photography; and a Circleville pewter plate from the Circleville/Pickaway Chamber of Commerce.