Gusentine and Bencie Crowned Miss and Mrs. Volunteer

On Saturday, December 15, John A. Logan College hosted the 20th annual Miss and Mrs. Volunteer Pageants. Samantha Gusentine of West Frankfort was crowned Miss Volunteer 2007. Jessica Herring from Murphysboro was named first runner up, and Stephanie Racine of Carbondale was chosen second runner up. All the contestants competed in interview, evening gown, swimsuit, and talent competitions.

During the interview session, Gusentine spoke on the importance of deterring underage drinking, and she performed the classical piece, Ballade, by Frederick Burgmuller on the piano for the talent competition.

"I've run in other pageants, and I enjoy them but I always get nervous," Gusentine said. "I had great competition in this pageant, and I'm really glad I won. I'm excited to represent Logan, and I'm thrilled that I'll have the opportunity to run in the Miss Illinois America Pageant in June."

Brittany Bencie, a native of West Frankfort, won the title of Mrs. Volunteer 2007. Amelia Kolkmeyer from Marion was selected first runner up. The ladies participated in interview, evening gown, and talent competitions.

Bencie sang Just Can't Live a Lie by Carrie Underwood for the talent portion of the contest and discussed the need for effective mentoring during the interview session.

"I do volunteer work with the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program," Bencie said. "I'm glad this pageant gave me a platform to talk about this important issue. I'm an elementary education major, and I feel strongly about helping children."