Miss Michigan says goodbye to pageant, savors memories

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Although she didn't walk away with the crown Saturday night, dreams came true for Miss Michigan Kimberly Stec.

At the Miss America Pageant, the Engineering senior walked down the runway to the cheers of more than 25,000 people who filled the sparkling convention hall - a dream she's had since her first pageant nearly five years ago.

"To make it this far is important to me," said Stec, who was out of the running when the contestant pool was narrowed down to 10 semi-finalists at the beginning of Saturday's competition.

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BOHDAN DAMIAN CAP/Daily Miss Illinois Kate Shindle waves to the crowd in the Atlantic City Convention Hall after being crowned Miss America on Saturday night.

"I've been waiting for this all my life," said Shindle, adding that she is eager to start working on her nationwide AIDS education and advocacy campaign.

Although Stec didn't get to perform her jazz routine or show off her striking swimsuit or evening gown Saturday night, her family members in the audience said they were proud of her.

"I think she definitely should have been part of the top 10, but I think she did a great job and it was exciting to be here," said Alyssa Stec, Kimberly's sister and a University alumnae.

George Stec said that although he wishes his daughter would have left with the crown, he'll be "glad to have her home."

"She's gained a lot from the experience she's had," the elder Stec said.

Stec's boyfriend, Brent Williams, a Rackham first-year student, had the rare opportunity of watching his girlfriend on stage at the Miss America Pageant.

"I'm just really glad that all of America could see someone who's really special to me," said Williams, whose friends didn't believe him when he said he was dating a Miss America contender.

Stec said she plans to return to Rochester and spend the next year serving as Miss Michigan, which will allow her to promote her healthy lifestyles campaign. Stec is taking a year off from classes and will return for her senior year next fall.

"I definitely want to be back in Ann Arbor as much as I can ... but I don't know how much time my commitment will allow me to be there," Stec said.

Along with dresses, souvenirs and friendships, she'll bring many memories back home with her, Stec said.

"It's been a great opportunity seeing how much each woman has made a difference in her state," she said.

Although the 77th annual pageant still had all the glamour and glitz of past years, a number of changes were made in this year's show to reflect each of the 51 contestants' individual personalities.

For the first time ever, contestants bought their swimsuits off the rack and were given the choice of wearing a one-piece or a bikini.

Out of the 10 semi-finalists - who were chosen based on their performances during preliminary rounds held earlier in the week - five (including Shindle) sported bikinis during the swimsuit competition.

While Stec wasn't seen on stage as one of the 10 finalists, she was spotted throughout the night in video clips shown from the past week's events and in group dance routines.

This year's theme, "Everything Old Is New Again," featured a lively, all-contestant show number, where Stec wore a blue '60s-style bathing suit and danced to surf music.

Throughout the evening, portions of the contestants' week in DisneyWorld were shown, which featured Stec's radiant smile and thoughtful comments on women in today's society. The clips exposed a more candid side of the contestants, including Miss Hawaii Erika Kauffman saying her state's legalization of gay marriages made her "very sad."

Semi-finalist talent highlights included Miss Florida Christy Neuman's rhythmic dance routine, Miss North Carolina Michelle Warren's stirring vocal performance of "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going," and an elegant piano solo by Miss North Dakota Roxana Saberi.

From their scores in the talent, swimsuit and evening gown competitions, the 10 semi-finalists were narrowed down to five, who then changed into comfortable clothing and sat on couches while fielding questions from journalist Nancy Glass.

Shindle answered the questions confidently, and moments later was given a crown that entitles her to a $40,000 scholarship at the school of her choice.

"It's interesting that just a short while ago, I was just another college student," Shindle said.

A theater and sociology major, Shindle worked as a janitor at a dance studio in exchange for free dance lessons. Shindle said she loves college football and would sing at the Rose Bowl, if given the opportunity.

Friday evening, the 51 contestants decked themselves out for the annual Miss America parade, which took place on the boardwalk in Atlantic City.

While most of the contestants wore decadent costumes, Stec sported a simple Detroit Red Wings jersey. As the crowd shouted "show us your shoes" - a tradition started years ago when a former Miss Texas wore cowboy boots with her gown to incorporate her state's identity into her costume - Stec flashed a pair of hockey skates.

"That's what's so great about her," Alyssa Stec said. "She's so down to Earth."

4th runner up: Miss California Rebekah Keller ($10,000)
3rd runner up: Miss Arizona Stacey Momeyer ($10,000)
2nd runner up: Miss Mississippi Myra Barginear ($20,000)
1st runner up : Miss North Carolina Michelle Warren (30,000)

BOHDAN DAMIAN CAP/Daily
Engineering senior Kimberly Stec waves to the crowd Friday night at a parade proceeding Saturday's Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City. She's dressed in a Red Wings jersey and ice skates to represent Michigan.

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