Aug 4, 2009 4 min read

CARMICHAELS – Of all the events during the annual King Coal festival, one of the most talked about may be the yearly Bituminous Coal Queen pageant, according to festival organizers. The 56th Bituminous Coal Queen pageant will be held in the Stan Ferek Auditorium at Carmichaels Area High School at 7 p.m. Aug. 23. Each year, area high schools hold preliminary pageants to select the young woman that will represent their school in the annual Coal Queen pageant. All candidates will be entering their senior year at their respected high schools.

Before the commencement of the pageant, contestants will participate in a private interview with the judges. The contestants will then take part in a talent portion, evening gown modeling and an impromptu question, to complete their run for the 2009 Bituminous Coal Queen.

At the end of the night, awards will be given for top scores in interview, talent and gown. Special awards will also be given to the contestant that raises the most bond money and a contestant that is voted Miss Congeniality by the participants. Before the announcement of the 2009 queen, a court will be named including first, second, third and forth runners up.

The 2009 queen will replace Maura Andrews, the 2008 Coal Queen, of Carmichaels.

The queen and her court will appear in the Coal Parade on Aug. 29. Additionally, the 2009 Coal Queen will make appearances during the week of Coal Show and throughout the year. She will be given the opportunity to tour a local coal mine and travel to Harrisburg for a tour and to address the House and Senate. Throughout the year she will be responsible for representing the King Coal Association at various events around the area and have a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent the coal industry in the local area.

The 2009 candidates are:

Tiffany McDonough representing Albert Gallatin High School. She is the daughter of Bill and Holly McDonough of Masontown. Tiffany will be performing a contemporary dance to, “Hide and Seek.”

Jenna Ratica representing Bethlehem Center. She is the daughter of John and Lori Ratica of Denbo. Jenna will be performing a baton dance.

Kaila Marie Shumar representing Brownsville Area High School. She is the daughter of Kenny and Diane Shumar of Brownsville. Kaila will be dancing to, “One Night Only.”

Chelsea Hajdu representing California Area High School. She is the daughter of William and Lori Hajdu of West Brownsville. Chelsea will be dancing to, “I Gotcha.”

Kaylene Vilenica representing Carmichaels Area High School. She is the daughter of David and Becky Vilenica of Rices Landing. Kaylene will be singing and acting to, “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”

Stachia Shriver representing Clay-Batelle High School. She is the daughter of Rodney and Trina Shriver of Fairview. Stachia will be singing, “Born to Fly.”

Chelsea Ritenour representing Connellsville Senior High School. She is the daughter of Michelle Ritenour of South Connellsville. Chelsea will be singing, “Poor Wandering One.”

Amanda Wingrove representing Frazier High School. She is the daughter of Joseph and Andrea Wingrove of Vanderbilt. Amanda will be performing a gymnastics floor exercise routine to, “The Gods Must Be Crazy.”

Ninna Jenkins representing Geibel Catholic High School. She is the daughter of Bill and Kelly Jenkins of Uniontown. Ninna will be performing a contemporary ballet to, “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing.”

Molly Cochran representing Jefferson-Morgan High School. She is the daughter of Donald and Kathryn Cochran of Rices Landing. Molly will be playing, “Believer,” on piano.

Felicia Frazee representing Laurel Highlands Senior High. She is the daughter of Martin and Christina Upole. Felicia will be dancing for her talent.

Erin McIntire representing Mapletown High School. She is the daughter of Denny and Nancy McIntire of Greensboro. Erin will be playing, “Eye of the Tiger,” on piano.

Erika Stanish representing Uniontown Area High School. She is the daughter of James and Barbara Stanish of Uniontown. Erika will be performing a jazz/acro dance to, “Hey There Good Times.”

Erica Ann Bristor representing Waynesburg Central High School. She is the daughter of John and Deborah Bristor of Waynesburg. Erica will be performing an acrobatic dance to, “Golden Eye.”