Every pageant queen knows that after a year of reign, the title must change; therefore, it came as no surprise for Mary Gran resident Ruthy Webber that she would be giving up her crown last week during the Relay for Life Sweetheart Pageant.

The entertainment room, at Mary Gran Nursing Center, was filled to the maximum on March 20, as family members, friends and fellow residents gathered to watch 34 of their neighbors compete for the title of The 2009 Relay for Life Sweetheart.

According to Mary Gran activities director Kay Hobbs, the ladies and gentleman who competed in this year’s pageant were pampered at 9 a.m. with a manicure and then were rejuvenated at 12:30 p.m. with a full makeover, which included makeup for the ladies and hairstyles for the handful of male contestants as well as the ladies.

While the Mary Gran nursing staff and Sampson Community College nursing students arranged the contestants in the correct order, the audience was lyrically amused by Shane LuQuire of Community Hospice. Officials duly noted that the SCC nursing students would escort the contests down the walkway.

After LuQuire’s performance, but before the contestants flaunted their best qualities to the audience, three very important persons were introduced — the judges.

The first to be recognized was Midway Elementary teacher Paulette Wooten, who was credited for starting the first Little Miss Midway pageant. Following Wooten was the Rev. Willie Bowden, a former Clinton City Council member as well as a U.S. veteran and former police officer. Last to be introduced was Wanda Gautier who, according to Mary Gran officials, is very much involved in Relay for Life.

Mary Crawford, Thelma Benton, Sabra Williams, Lennie Bronson, Cynthia Wood, Becky Barfield, Elnora Newkirk, Mildred Boykin, Frances Johnson, Eddie Bethune, Lorena Mainor, William Darden, Evelyn Taylor, Lucille Holloman, Ethel Williams, Shirley Hayes, J.R. Daughtry, Ruby Wells, Ruth Herring, Alice Hodges, Mary Sessoms, Odell Hodges, Dancy Draughon, Evelyn Tew, Mary Buckner, Muriel Jones, Eloise Oates, Joyce Bass, Nellie Davis, Frances Jones, Blanche Norris, Lula Davis, Gloria Williams and Marry Matthis were among the contestants listed to participate; however, due to ailment, regrettably, some could not compete last Friday.

Once all of the contestants graced the judges, as well as the audience, with their joyful expressions, LuQuire performed another musical piece.

While the judges were deliberating, Hobbs introduced six local pageant queens who came to cheer on Mary Gran’s next Sweetheart. Among the pageant queens were Miss Hobbton, Miss Clinton High School, Miss Sampson Community College, Miss Relay for Life and Miss Harrells Christian Academy, to name a few.

“It is really amazing that we have such a strong community that supports Relay for Life. Keep raising money because it really is tremendous cause,” said Alycia McLamb, Miss Relay for Life.

In addition to recognizing some of the county’s pageant winners, Hobbs also announced the 2009 Mr. and Ms. Mary Gran winners, which were Alice Hodges and Eddie Bethune.

“It has been six years since we started our first Relay for Life Sweetheart pageant. Ruthy Webber, last year’s winner, I want you to wave farewell this is your last day,” Hobbs stated while Webber blew a kiss to her fans.

Each contestant had an entry fee of $10, according to Hobbs; however, all the money raised above and beyond the entry fee by each contestant was put into a pot and later added up.

“This year we added a twist,” Hobb said about the newly added Sponsorship Award, which was presented to contestant Lorena Mainor for raising the most additional funds.

“Thank you so much for helping,” Hobbs expressed to Manior’s family. “Your mama won the Sponsorship Award today.”

Before presenting the overall winner with the crown and title, Relay for Life Sweetheart, Hobbs asked for a drum roll.

“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who supported the residents here. The Relay for Life Sweetheart pageant winner is ... Evelyn Tew.”

According to a brief biography, Tew is considered a “shy lady,” who loves to talk and meet new people.

“Before I walk,” Tew conveyed to the audience, “I’d like to thank everyone. This is my first time in a pageant, ever. I love you and I love this place.”

According to Hobbs, “this event was one of the best ones ever held,” having raised $450.

Office manager Beverly Tysinger advanced, “We have been making around $300, so this was a good year. Our team, as a whole, usually raises around $10,000.”

Last year roughly $9,700 was raised through hot dog sales, a girls’ night out, a bake sale and luminaries, to name a few.

Jessica Wagner can be contacted at (910) 592-8137 ext.122 or reached by e-mail at siphoto@myclintonnc.com