Crowning moment for one young woman

Mike Sciacca

Sixteen students will stand in the Huntington Beach High School

Auditorium spotlight on Saturday to display their confidence and

stage presence in hopes of donning a crown.

The Miss Huntington Beach Scholarship Pageant, presented by the

Women of Action of the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce, will

have a new title-holder late Saturday when reigning queen Lynette

Hibben crowns her successor.

The 16 candidates attend local high schools as well as Golden West

and Orange Coast colleges, and Cal State Long Beach.

They will be judged in interview, talent, swimwear and formal

wear, said the pageant’s executive director, June Dugmore.

Each young woman will also have a platform issue.

“We are really excited about this year’s group of girls,” said

Dugmore, who has been associated with the pageant for the past 10

years. “They are interested in this pageant and have been gung-ho

about preparing for it.

“What any young woman who wants to be Miss Huntington Beach must

realize is that it’s not just about winning a title. It’s a year of

commitment and work.”

Hibben can attest to that.

The 19-year-old fulfilled her duties and then some, Dugmore said.

“It sounds cliche to say that someone has been a great role model,

but in Lynette’s case, that is the absolute truth,” she said. “She

has been an outstanding representative of our city in every capacity

and she has a family that has been so, so supportive of her.

“She went to every event this city staged this past year. I’ve

watched Lynette blossom through it all.”

The Miss Huntington Beach Scholarship Pageant winner goes on to

represent Surf City at the Miss California-America Pageant in June.

The state winner goes on to compete in the fall for the Miss

America title in Atlantic City.

Saturday’s winner, as well as her first and second runner-up,

receive scholarship money.

Scholarship money varies from year to year and Dugmore said she

didn’t know the exact amount of this year’s total.

“But the community and local businesses have been really

supportive in helping to build our scholarship offering,” she said.

Hibben, who won the pageant on her second try after placing as

first runner-up at the 2002 pageant, has used her money toward

pursuing her associate’s degree at Golden West College.

“It’s been an amazing year for me,” said the gregarious Hibben.

“The friends I’ve made, the things I’ve experienced and the

confidence I’ve gained have been worth it 110%.

“I’ve learned important aspects such as time management and

preparation and organization skills, and this pageant has helped me

grow in so many other areas. I wouldn’t trade this past year for

anything.”

Among the 16 candidates for the 2004 title are Annalisa Abbs and

Erin Britt, last year’s first and second runner-up, respectively.

A third contestant, Dorri Daggett, will also return from last

year.

“I would tell the new title holder to take every opportunity that

is presented to her during her year’s reign,” Hibben said. “And to

all the contestants, I would stress that if they don’t win Saturday,

to come back next year and give it another try. I didn’t win on my

first attempt, but I didn’t give up. It’s a great experience.”

The theme of the 2004 Miss Huntington Beach Scholarship Pageant is

“Yankee Doodle Darlings.” This year, local businessman Matt Liffering

will handle master of ceremony duties. He replaces longtime master of

ceremonies, Flint Morrison, who retired to Arizona.