There she is....Outstanding Teen..... Miss Catherine Trisch, Miss Suwannee River Valley Outstanding Teen is shown shortly after being crowned Saturday night. Photo by Peggy Terry

Miss Catherine Lacy Trisch, 13-year-old daughter of Jake and Cynthia Trisch of Branford was crowned Miss Suwannee River Valley Outstanding Teen Saturday evening during pageant ceremonies held at the Branford Elementary School auditorium. Trisch was crowned by Miss University of Florida Michelle Schroeder.

Catherine, the youngest of the seven contestants is an eighth grade student at BHS.

Miss Katelyn Breanne Kelley of Branford was first runner up. She is a junior at BHS. Her parents are Kevin and Anna Kelley.

Catherine’s platform for the pageant was “Encouraging Teen Volunteerism.” She believes it is important to volunteer because it allows you the opportunity to meet new people and do something good for your community.

Katelyn’s platform was “Building on Dreams: Promoting self esteem in today’s youth.”

Reanna McKenzie won the award for most ad sales, and received a scholarship 20% of her total sales. Other winners were Melissa Dukes, talent; Shamberlina Feltner, audience choice award.

Catherine won a prize package consisting of a beautiful crown; an educational scholarship in the amount of $300 donated by Wolfe Plumbing of Lake City; a trophy and sash from the Sports Connection of Live Oak, bouquet of roses, compliments of Affordable Floral and Gifts of Branford; a hand strung crystal anklet from Grandma’s Pearls of High Springs, a gift certificate for half price for a gown up to $1000, from Prima Donna Pageant Gowns and Friends Fine Things, a partial scholarship from Sessions School of Modeling of Jacksonville, three months of unlimited tanning from Bronze Bodz Tanning Center in Live Oak and a $250 gift certificate from Regalia Magnificent Apparel of Orlando.

The first runner up received a package of a beautiful trophy from the Sports Connection, flowers compliments of Affordable Floral and Gifts, a $100 gift certificate for a gown from Friends Fine Things Boutique, one month unlimited tanning from Bronze Bodz and a scholarship from Sessions School of Modeling.

Talent winner Melissa Dukes was awarded a cash prize of $100 of which $50 was given by Natalie Williams, the reigning Miss Suwannee Valley.

Catherine will compete next in the Miss Florida Outstanding Teen Pageant in St. Petersburg during the weekend of April 13-15.

A little about the new Outstanding Teen: Catherine’s scholarship honors include runner up at Teen Miss Spirit USA Scholarship Pageant 2006, Miss Congeniality 2006, Teen Miss Spirit USA; Miss Photogenic 2006, All State Chorus, A-B honor roll student, Most Athletic Girl, sixth grade. Catherine is the youngest contestant in the pageant and she plays on the Branford High School fast pitch softball team. She was selected to the State of Florida All State Chorus and is a member of the BHS Honor Society.