First time’s a charm for 2010 Coal Queen
In her first pageant competition, a local high school senior was named the 2010 Pennsylvania Bituminous Coal Queen. Annie Caccimelio, 17, of Chalk Hill said watching past contestants from Geibel Catholic Middle-High School and her dance studio inspired her to take part in the pageant, held Aug. 22 in Carmichaels.
“I thought it would be a good opportunity for me,” she said.
As coal queen, Caccimelio, who is a Geibel student, will appear at various events during the 57th Pennsylvania Bituminous Coal Show, which is ended Saturday.
She was one of 13 contestants for the crown, and she succeeds Erica Bristor of Waynesburg, who was the 2009 Coal Queen.
Among the things she will get to do as coal queen will be to talk about coal mining before the state House of Representatives.
Caccimelio, daughter of James and Susan Caccimelio, said doing that would be an honor for her.
She also will tour a coal mine to understand more about the importance of the industry.
“I’m excited for that. I think it will be really interesting,” she said.
The pageant was made up of a personal interview, talent and evening gown competitions and a question asked of the contestants on stage.
Contestants were asked to tell the judges what they would do if a friend visited from out of the state, and wanted to see the area.
She said she answered that she would show them both small-town life that is common to the area, and show them the contrast of city life in Pittsburgh.
Caccimelio was awarded prizes for top interview and top evening gown.
Caccimelio sang “Defying Gravity” from the Broadway musical “Wicked.”
The song was made famous by Idina Menzel, who portrayed Elphaba in the show.
“Wicked” is based on the upbringing of the Wicked Witch of the West character and her counterpart, Glinda the Good Witch, from the “Wizard of Oz.”
“I was nervous for the talent (portion) but once I got through that, I was fine,” she said.
Caccimelio is involved at her school, where she is on the volleyball team, in the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society, the Chamber Ensemble Choir, Gator Entertainers and participates in the annual spring musical.
She also is a student and member of the senior theater group at the Center for Performing Arts in Carmichaels.
As for whether she’ll participate in another pageant, Caccimelio said that’s unlikely right now.
“I’m pretty busy, so this is enough for right now,” she said.