Ferris State senior wins pageant
Jerry HoffmanRita Videtich, Ferris State University senior, received the glittering Miss Greater Central Michigan 2001 crown Sunday afternoon in Warriner Auditorium.
Videtich, 23, competed against 14 other contestants in the pageant, now in its 36th year.
This was Videtich's last year to compete because the pageant rules restrict contestant ages to 17-24. Because it was her last year to compete, she said, winning was even more exciting.
"It was really a surprise because everyone here was so great in every aspect of the competition," she said.
"My platform is Vision for the Future," Videtich said. "I'd just like to promote regular eye exams, donation of used eyeglasses, signing organ donor cards and then promoting services for the visually impaired."
Getting to know the other contestants was the best part of the competition, she said.
Videtich said being voted Spirit of Miss America by her fellow contestants was almost as good as winning the title.
"I just hope that people view this program as one that promotes scholarships and service and doesn't concentrate on outer beauty."
Stacey Goosen, FSU senior and first runner-up, said she was happy with her placement.
"We worked so hard and it's nice to see it all pay off," she said.
Goosen said the best thing about the competition is, "the pride you can take in your accomplishment."
Amy McFarland, Auburn freshman at CMU and second runner-up, said she wasn't really nervous since she has competed since she was 6 years old.
"I guess preparing for the interview would be the hardest thing," she said.
Each contestant had a private 10-minute interview with the judges prior to the pageant.
Physical fitness in a swimsuit counted for 15 percent, talent presentation made up 40 percent and evening wear was 15 percent of the competition.
Ericka Olgaard, Alma College sophomore, said placing fourth in the competition was "wonderful."
Olgaard's platform was the Importance of Immunization.
"I'm a pre-med student and I believe immunization is really, really important," she said.
Megan O'Brien, Trenton senior at CMU, was the third runner-up in the pageant.
Kim Brown and Debra Slaggert served as co-executive directors of the pageant.
Slaggert said it provides many opportunities to participants.
"It offers young women between the ages of 17 and 24 additional opportunities to earn scholarship monies and to pursue higher education," she said.
Slaggert said she thought this year's program was excellent.
"We're happy with Rita (Videtich), but we'd have been happy with any of the young ladies on stage tonight," Slaggert said.
People helping out at the pageant are volunteers, she said.
"I love it. It's a lot of fun," Slaggert said.
Just helping the participants makes the effort worth it, she said.
Jordan Carson, Miss Greater Central Michigan 2000, said farewell as she relinquished the crown to Videtich.
"Friends are what made my year so memorable," she said. "Looking back at all of my memories it is hard to see it all come to a close."
Carson said the past year was full of activity.
"I kept myself very busy," she said.
Carson's advice for Videtich was to take advantage of the opportunities her accomplishment has brought.
"Have fun," she said.
