By MADDY VITALE
Stella Fleming placed third runner-up in last year’s Little Miss Ocean City pageant and between tears and smiles, it was clear she was ecstatic.
On Friday night, Stella’s tears and beaming smile returned, as the 10-year-old danced her way into the hearts of the audience and judges with her talent and poise. She brought some extra wow with her dance rendition of “All That Jazz” and was crowned 2024 Little Miss Ocean City.
“I’m extremely excited,” Stella exclaimed backstage at the Music Pier while surrounded by her family, fellow contestants and friends. “It is so exciting.”
Stella’s parents, Conor and Elizabeth Fleming, of Ocean City, and her sister, Makenna, rushed backstage to congratulate her.
McKenna was the 2022 Junior Miss Ocean City. She hugged her sister and said, “We’re so proud of her.”
First runner-up was Harper Juelg, 9, second runner-up was Lynnie Becker, 10, third runner-up was Dorothy Heywood, 10, and fourth runner-up was Mila Delanzo, 11.
Other contestants included Giselle Ardelean, Rose Bickings, Elizabeth Canale, Nora Dinsmore, Quinn Dorr, Waverly Dunn, Kippin Halliday, Tierney Kane, Madison Keenan, Leni Levchuk, Meadow Ottinger, Ashlynn Rushkoski and Randy Scarborough.
The theme was “School Days,” and the opening act had the 2023 Little Miss Ocean City Lyla Clark leading the dance number to the song “School’s in Session.”
Among the highlights of the night were appearances by other crown holders, including newly crowned 2024 Miss Ocean City Lola DeMarco.
Lola danced to a song she dedicated to her late mother, Kim DeMarco, called “Let Her Go” by Passenger.
The judges definitely had their work cut out for them in selecting who would be the new Little Miss. There were 18 contestants, all bringing a different twist on their dance routines, piano, standup comedy acts, acting skits and even a martial arts display.
Harper Juelg did a tap dance routine to the delight of the audience. Tierney Kane sang and played the piano to “Hallelujah Hallelujah” and Elizabeth Canale gave the crowd a view of some martial arts.
Mila Delanzo danced to “Fabulous.” Leni Levchuk gave an upbeat performance to the song, “Dime,” by Rachel Crow. Lynnie Becker put her best country foot forward with a dance number to Josh Turner’s song, “Why Don’t We Just Dance.”
During a portion of the program dedicated to a farewell to Lyla Clark, she sat on stage with 2023 Junior Miss Ocean City Antonella DiAntonio, as the audience watched a retrospective of all of Lyla’s memories as Little Miss.
Lyla thanked her family for their support and said that their love and the support and friendships of fellow crown holders helped make her experience special.
Michael Allegretto, aide to Mayor Jay Gillian, presented Lyla with a ceremonial key to the city for being an ambassador for the town.
Stella will join a new Junior Miss Ocean City, who will be crowned Saturday night, and Miss Ocean City 2024 Lola DeMarco for the iconic Ocean City events, including parades and other promotional events for the town.
Natalie Ragazzo sang the national anthem and was emcee for the Little Miss pageant. The Little Miss Ocean City Pageant has been sponsored by the city’s Recreation Department for the past 33 years. Kristie Fenton, a city employee, has organized the pageant for years.
