Meet the girls vying to be Miss Destin. At stake is about $5,000 in scholarship money and the right to pose with hundreds of fish during the October Destin Fishing Rodeo. As part of the pageantry, there will be a harbor cruise, a Mary Kay makeover, a fashion fitting at Judith March Southern Fashion House and a judge’s tea. The winner will be crowned at 7 p.m., April 5 at the Destin Community Center.
In their own words, here’s why each girl wants to be royalty.
Bianca Smith
Age: 16
Parents: Kacynthia Whitton
School: Ohana Institute
"I love the fishing Rodeo! I have been going to it ever since I was a little girl. I also love fishing. I look forward to it every year. It has always been my dream to be Miss Destin."
Haylie Nicole Starr
Age: 17
Parents: Vickie and Terry Eisler
School: Fort Walton Beach High School
"I would like to be Miss Destin 2014 because, in my opinion, it's a great way to become a role model for my younger niece Lydia and also to many young girls in the community."
Lakin McKenzie DeVaux
Age: 17
Parents: Graeme and Stevie McInnes
School: Fort Walton Beach High School
"I have been blessed in my life to have the best women role models in my life. I've been surrounded by hard working, goal oriented, driven women. I would love to be able to be that person for someone else."
Abbie Maclin
Age: 17
Parents: Henry and Heidi Maclin
School: Fort Walton Beach High School
"Ever since I was a little girl I have looked up in awe to the Miss Destin’s. Now that I am thinking about college I would love to be able to use this scholarship to help pay my way. I can use this title to positively represent our city."
Catalina "Callie" Peterman
Age: 16
Parents: Melissa Hyche and Shane Peterman
School: Niceville High School
"I enjoy meeting new people, I enjoy giving back to the community, and I am very proud of where I live and would love to represent it. I want to be able to support the very men who made this community and be a part of what the city of Destin really is, which is the fishing rodeo."
Jessica Vermillion
Age: 17
Parents: Laurel and Dale Vermillion
School: Rocky Bayou Christian School
"I love doing community service and love pageants! I want to represent Destin as best as I can. I believe in helping others and achieving your dreams. I want to make a difference in my community."
Madeline Corley
Age: 16
Parents: Kelly Cortello and Richard Corley
School: Fort Walton Beach High School
"I have known many of the past Miss Destins and it seems like a great and exciting opportunity. I look at myself as a good role model towards young girls and Miss Destin would be a great way to show it."
Adelle Adamson
Age: 16
Parents: Tammy and Jeff Adamson
School: Fort Walton Beach High School
"It would be an amazing opportunity to meet new people and become more involved with my community. Also it would be an honor to represent Destin at the fishing rodeo and around the Emerald Coast. I have no fear of fish or getting my hands dirty!"
Ella Rutledge
Age: 16
Parents: Helen and Bo Rutledge
School: Fort Walton Beach High School
"I feel as though I can set a wonderful example for young girls and follow in the footsteps of those I look up to. I have been raised to respect myself, and most importantly, respect others. I think the title of Miss Destin stands for great things…"
Rebekah Stepp
Age: 16
Parents: Robin Holman
School: Fort Walton Beach High School
"I see it as an opportunity to meet new people and become involved in the community and because Miss Destin 2013 said it is a really fun experience that I would enjoy. I work hard and do by best at whatever I put my mind to."
Kira Moraca
Age: 16
Parents: Linda and Reid Phillips
School: Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State College
"I would like to be Miss Destin 2014 because I want to represent the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village." Destin is my life and no matter where I end up in the world, I will always call Destin my home. As Miss Destin I would to share my enthusiasm…"
Hannah Shoults
Age: 15
Parents: Mike and Nancy Shoults
School: Fort Walton Beach High School
"I would love to represent Destin, especially during the 2014 Fishing Rodeo. I have grown up in Destin and know the community very well. I will commit to every job I am given as Miss Destin!"