2004 Miss Julian Pageant Brings Out the Best
by Jim Evans

Rebecca Thomas, Miss Julian 2004.

Perhaps, Amber Ward said it best when she described her reign as Miss Julian 2003 as "a real life Cinderella story." However, even though every young woman probably dreams of being a princess or a queen someday, few have the opportunity to represent their community during a time of crisis as Ward did. The great Cedar Fire showed the mettle of the Julian community and its will to survive, and Ward showed that being a queen sometimes means more than just being a figurehead. She was the right person at the right time and reigned with class and compassion at a time when her community most needed her.

The 2004 Miss Julian Pageant featured a host of new contenders for the crown at the annual event held at the Julian Town Hall. Marcela Arroyo set the tone for the evening with an inspiring rendition of the national anthem followed by the opening number — "Moondance" — performed by all of the contestants as a group. Mistress of Ceremonies Dana Moore then introduced the contestants individually to the rousing support of their friends and family.

Entertainment was provided by Stephanie Beach who sang several popular numbers to an appreciative audience to set the stage for the evening gown presentation and on-stage questions. As always, the competition was keen among the outstanding contestants, and this year’s judges — Sylvana Meeks, Tammy Allen Vance, and Susan Rafter — had their hands full.

Jill Spevacek and Bria Morgan shared the Spirit Award for outstanding participation and most ads sold; Bria Morgan took top honors for Outstanding Speech and Rebecca Thomas for Out-standing Interview respectively; the Staff and Directors’ Award went to Amber Lawrence, who also captured the Congeniality Award and shared the Outstanding Achievement Award with Tiffany Flint; Tracey Skinner won the Directors’ Award; and Jacqueline Lutes received the Staff Special Acknowledgment Award for overall excellence.

Amber Ward, Miss Julian 2003.

Prior to the coronation of the new queen and her court, outgoing queen Amber Ward gave a farewell address preceded by a special slide presentation by Dick Thilken of the Julian Chamber of Commerce featuring Amber’s many personal appearances and activities during the past year.

The tension mounted as Amber Lawrence was named Miss Julian 2nd Princesss followed by the announcement of Bria Morgan as Miss Julian 1st Princesss. And, finally, hats off to the NEW queen — Rebecca Thomas, Miss Julian 2004! Rebecca, 16, is the
daughter of Ephraim Thomas and the late Rosemary Thomas and a junior at Julian High School. Sometimes dreams do come true. Long live the queen!

Kudos to Miss Julian Pageant Director Jill Fleming Ogilvie and Assistant Director Dana Pettersen and their staff for another outstanding presentation in another proud Julian tradition.