Third Runner Up Charlotte Erickson, winner of the talent portion, performing a ballet/jazz routine.
By LESLEY GRAHAM
Natalie Argento, a rising sophomore at Ocean City High School, was crowned the 2020 Junior Miss Ocean City Saturday night in front of a packed house at the Ocean City Music Pier.
The 15-year-old wowed the judges with her poise, interview skills and musical theater talent.
Argento, a member of the Drama Guild at the high school, was overwhelmed with emotion when they called her name.
“I was completely shocked. I have no words,” she said, while beaming backstage after the pageant.
https://youtu.be/qQIKl88aeZ4
(Video courtesy Martin Fiedler of Just Right TV Productions)
The contestants, ranging in age from 12-15, were judged on interview skills, on stage presence and poise, and talent.
First runner-up was Makenna Fleming, 12, second runner-up was Lola Demarco, 13, third runner-up was Charlotte Erickson, 13, and fourth runner-up was Sophia Wagner, 15.
The show started with an opening number, “Not For the Life of Me” and “On Broadway,” featuring the 2020 contestants and 2019 Junior Miss Ocean City Julia Wilson.
The audience was treated to a variety of musical performances ranging from dance numbers, vocal performances, and instrumental pieces. Some highlights from the talent portion included a piano and vocal performance from Taylor Pontari and a jazz ballet routine by Charlotte Erickson, who won the talent portion of the pageant.
Wilson crowned her successor as well as to enjoy the final moments of her year as an ambassador for the city as 2019 Junior Miss.
She put together a video highlighting her year, thanking those who supported her throughout the entire process.
Natalie Argento, an Ocean City High School student, takes her first walk as Junior Miss.
Michael Hartman, special events director for the city, presented Wilson with a key to the city in honor of all she did this past year to represent the city.
The evening was emceed by Natalie Ragazzo, a former Little Miss Ocean City (2008), who was third runner-up in the Miss New Jersey 2019 pageant.
The title holders for Miss Ocean City, Junior Miss and Little Miss spend the year attending a number of events, parades and promotions hosted by the city.
Natalie Argento said she is looking forward to the Night in Venice parade in particular but is going to enjoy every moment of her yearlong reign.
When asked what she hopes to share during her time as Junior Miss Ocean City, she said, “I’m going to talk to the kids and tell them to be themselves. I started off as a little girl in junior miss and in my last year, now I am here.”
Fourth runner-up Sophia Wagner.
Taylor Pontari performing "Always Remember Us This Way" from "A Star is Born."
Third Runner-Up Charlotte Erickson, winner of the talent portion, performing a ballet/jazz routine.
Makenna Fleming, first runner-up, Natalie Argento, winner, Lola Demarco, second runner-up
