Maylee Murdock crowned Miss Russet

SHELLEY — Several hundred people packed into the Civic Auditorium to watch who would be crowned Miss Russet 2022-23 from the seven contestants vying for the title. 

The night of pageantry, grace, and talent was punctuated by Rock’in the 80’s music from the likes of Kenny Loggin’s “Foot Lose” and Elton John’s “I’m still standing.” But as the program neared the end, a stillness fell on the audience until Maylee Murdoch was named Miss Russet 2022-23. Then, the crowd announced their approval with cheers, hoops, and haulers.

“I am, I don’t know, I am shaking right now. I didn’t think that would happen,” a clearly stunned Murdoch said.

Kaylee Newell, who won the Spirit of Shelley award, summed up Murdoch’s performance by saying, “She did so good. We are so proud of her.”    

First Runner Up was Kalli Robertson, with the Second Runner Up going to Alexis Heath. Emma Nield won Third Runner Up, while Maddy Ricks won Miss Congeniality. Alexis Heath was picked as the most photogenic and the award for the Most Ticket Sales. Spirit of Shelley went to Kaylee Newell.

Pageant Director Christine Nelson said the pageant turned out perfectly, and the girls were relaxed.  

“Every single girl did a wonderful job. I am so proud of them. They are so talented,” Nelson said. 

Of course, the night would not be complete without Mr. Funnypants, Gregg Nelson, as Emcee again this year. One could tell he was a prodigy of the 80s when he pulled out his old Walkman and fashioned it before the audience. 

Fitness Routine

The first event of the evening was the contestants’ physical fitness routine.  Terra Hulse choreographed this workout dance. It was a dance to a mixture of 80’s dance tunes. 

Talent

The fast-paced program then moved to the talent portion of the pageant.  The first talent was Maylee Murdock, who performed a vocal solo while performing a spirited tap dance.    She was followed by Alexis Heath, who performed a vocal solo.

Next, Kaylee Newell entertained the hall by doing a baton routine.  She was followed by Maddy Ricks, who did an electrical demonstration. 

Emma Neild did a dance solo, as did Bailee Taylor. They were followed by Kali Robertson, who performed a vocal solo.

The reigning Miss Russet Alexis Leckington again performed her talent was a tap dance to “Country Girl,” which helped her win the pageant a year ago. 

Poise and Appearance

A visual presentation of the Miss Russet Contestants began the final segment of the pageant.  A video tribute to the girls showed each of them growing up through a montage of still photographs sets produced Sheri Baron of Baron Photography.  

After Poise and Appearance, the contestants returned to the stage to thank their hostesses with various tributes.

The night’s performances were not all about the Miss Russet contestants. At the beginning of the program, the audience was entertained by Two Leaf Clover, a two-girl rock band from Shelley high school (Chloe Richardson and Vienna Oats), who played “I Hate Myself for Loving You.” They did a phenomenal job at rocking the auditorium.

Before announcing the pageant’s outcome, Proform Airborne Jump Rope Team took to the stage to dazzle the audience with their live performance jump rope routines and acrobatic moves.

The Miss Russet contestants were brought onto the stage and, while holding hands, waited to hear who would be the new Miss Russet and her court.  

Miss Russet and all the contestants will be in the Spud Day at the parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 17.  Miss Russet and her court will perform their talent on stage at Dawn Loyd Park shortly after noon.