FeedsGlenn graduate wins title
Joy Jano, 18, was named Miss Westland Summer Festival by a panel of judges last Thursday.
The judges evaluated each woman based on her poise, personality, essay, application—which included such areas as grades, community involvement, and plans for the future—and general appearance.
Jano walked away with a $1,200 scholarship and the title of Miss Westland Summer Festival 2006, from the field of six contestants.
A 2006 graduate of John Glenn High School, Jano said that she learned of the pageant from a staff member at the school earlier this year and was instantly intrigued.
“I did Junior Miss and I loved it even though I didn’t win,” she said. “I didn’t want that to be my last pageant experience.”
With six contenders for the crown and three prizes available, Jano said that she went into the pageant just hoping to place in the top three.
“The rush of being onstage and in front of everyone was indescribable,” she said. “When they said my name (as the winner), I was just in shock—I couldn’t believe it. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be Miss Westland Summer Festival.”
In addition to her new duties as Miss Westland Summer Festival, Jano currently works two jobs. She intends to utilize the scholarship money as she takes some classes at Schoolcraft College and later, at Grand Valley State University. Ultimately, she hopes to pursue a career in radiology, in medical diagnostic synography. She plans to compete for the title of Miss Wayne County this fall.
Seventeen-year-old Nichole Pierson earned an $800 scholarship as the first runner up while 17-year-old Teresha Hendricks earned $500 in scholarships as the second runner up. Other participants included Margaret Mary Haslacker, Victoria Lawrence, and Jillian Wehrheim.
The Westland Festival Committee with the support of several sponsors sponsors the Miss Westland Summer Festival Pageant annually. It is open to any young woman between 16-years-old and 22-years-old who lives in Westland and has never been married. The pageant does not include swimsuit or talent competitions.
