Under the bright lights and filled with small-town pride, the Miss and Little Miss Saint Clair Pageant returned for its second consecutive year. Sponsored by Platinum Title and the Saint Clair Fire Department, the evening was a celebration of community, talent, and transition, as outgoing Miss Saint Clair 2025, Maria Miller, prepared to pass her crown to a new successor.
The event, guided by Master of Ceremonies Bethany Froehlich, featured three outstanding young women vying for the Miss Saint Clair crown, alongside 11 Little Miss candidates who charmed the audience in beautiful gowns fit for royalty.
A Showcase of Diverse Talents
The evening kicked off with a high-energy, joint dance number featuring all the candidates, highlighting an adorable camaraderie between the older contestants and the tiny Little Miss hopefuls.
From there, the spotlight shifted to the individual talent portion, where the three Miss candidates demonstrated a remarkable range of skills:
- Nora Roemhildt delivered a stunning vocal performance of a Latin aria “A “Ave Maria.” Tackling a classic piece known for its demanding range, Roemhildt sang with exceptional grace and precision, drawing applause as she seamlessly scaled her vocals from a soaring soprano down to a rich tenor.
- Addison Christians captivated the audience with a dramatic monologue. Her performance pulled on the heartstrings of the crowd, exploring the emotional complexities of love and ending relationships.
- Chloe Hoppe brought a culinary flair to the stage by preparing kelaguen, a traditional Guamanian dish she learned to make from her grandmother. Emphasizing the generous use of fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, steak, and green onions, Hoppe explained how the high acidity of the citrus marinade naturally tenderizes and “cooks” the raw meat.
Between pageant segments, the crowd was treated to top-tier local entertainment. The Spotlight Dance Company, featuring several Saint Clair students fresh off a successful trip to Grand Nationals, energized the room. Their routines ranged from a thrilling, high-flying athletic number packed with flips, twists, and synchronized stunts, to a highly-expressive solo full of personality and swagger. They closed with a vibrant, kooky group routine in neon green, hot pink, and sky blue costumes, complete with playful handstands and sudden, rhythmic shifts.
Adding to the musical showcase, Julianna Rasmussen took the stage for a saxophone solo. Rasmussen, who recently earned a perfect score of 40 at this year’s Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) solo contest, delivered a breathtaking performance that tested the absolute limits and rapid-fire range of her instrument.
The formal wear portion of the evening was a family affair, as the three Miss candidates, radiant in elegant evening gowns, were escorted onto the stage by their fathers. As their bios were read, the crowd learned about their school involvements, favorite academic subjects, summer activities, and post-graduation ambitions.
While the judges tabulated their scores, the crowd got to know the twelve Little Miss candidates, who held flowers and shared their love for summer vacation and recess.
MC Bethany Froehlich also shared an emotional tribute to this year’s Grand Marshals, Randy and Amy Senkyr. Froehlich grew visibly moved while speaking about Amy’s profound legacy, having dedicated 23 years to the community as an elementary school teacher in Saint Clair.
Before crowning her successor, outgoing Miss Saint Clair 2025 Maria Miller took her final walk. She thanked the community for an unforgettable year and urged the contestants to carry immense pride in representing their small town.
As the final envelopes were delivered, the royalty was announced:
- Miss Congeniality: Addison Christians
- Second Runner-up: Chloe Hoppe
- First Runner-up: Nora Roemhildt
- Miss Saint Clair 2026: Addison Christians–a look of shock washed over when the crown rested on Christian’s head. A great honor–keep acting.
Christians, who took home both the Miss Congeniality and the main crown, expressed her deep gratitude to her family, her fellow candidates, and the community. She noted how thrilled she is to represent the warm and supportive Saint Clair community over the coming year.
