Caledonia Argus

Miss Caledonia/ Founders Day enjoyed representing Caledonia

Posted: 6/3/03

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

Ever since she was a little girl, Jessica Voight of Caledonia wanted to be in the Miss Caledonia/Founders Days pageant. As she grew into a busy teenager, she questioned whether she would even have the time to take part in the contest. She decided to give it a try, and winning the honor was something beyond her expectations.

ìI was stunned,î said Jessica. ìEveryone was saying, ëget up there.íî

Jessica recalls that at the 2002 pageant, she was most nervous about what question she would be asked in front of the audience. It turned out to be an easy one:

ìIf money was not an object, where would you go and why?î Jessica answered that she would go to Europe and enjoy all the different foods there.

Although she didnít get a trip to Europe out of the deal, the past year, Jessica said, has enriched her life in many ways. She is thankful she had the opportunity to represent her hometown.

With her princesses, Jamie Schleich and Angie Christiansen, Jessica attended many parades throughout the year. A highlight was the Oktoberfest parade in La Crosse because she met so many people. The court attended coronations of other queens in the area as well.

Jessica said that one of the best experiences she had was attending the St. Paul Winter carnival. As the only queen representing southeastern Minnesota, she rode in the Winter Carnival parade, and attended the coronation of the Winter Carnival Queen. She was also able to attend a formal dance in a grand ballroom.

ìI felt like royalty,î Jessica said.

When she traveled outside the area, Jessica said she explained many times where Caledonia is. Although she likes being from a town where people know each other, meeting new people and going to new places was very beneficial.

ìIt definitely helped me become more outgoing and confident,î said Jessica, adding that she feels the experience has helped prepare her for college where sheíll meet many new people.

Getting to know Jamie and Angie even better than before was another plus, said Jessica. Although they already knew each other, they all became close friends during the past year as the Founders Day Royalty. The girlsí parents were all very supportive during the past year and took the girls to many parades, Jessica noted.

Jessica graduates Sunday, and in the fall will attend St. Maryís University in Winona where she will major in pre-med/biology. In her high school years, she was involved in a number of activities, including band, basketball and volleyball. She was a member of the National Honor Society and student council, was academic all-conference for two years, was on the yearbook staff and the Future Problem Solvers team.

As she relinquishes her crown Friday night, Jessica will be passing along some advice for the new Miss Caledonia/Founders Days.

ìBe yourself and meet as many people as you can.î

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