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Volume 9, No. 12
Friday, July 14, 2023
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CHRONICLE ONICLE ND KIR TLA
Emily Rupert Crowned 2023 Miss Kirtland By Donna L. Robinson and Cassandra Shofar While nervously waiting for the Miss Kirtland contest judges to make their decision, Emily Rupert, 16, a rising senior at Kirtland High School, felt proud for giving it her all. “I have never been great at pubLAND IR Twhen lic speaking, especiallyKnot I’m asked to answer questions on the spot,” she said. “Though I was hoping to win, I was already proud that I was able to step outside of my comfort zone, put myself out there and confidently speak in front of an audience.” Her efforts were not in vain, as she was soon after named 2023 Miss Kirtland. “I was honestly surprised after finding out I had won,” Emily said. DONNA ROBINSON/KMG “All of the other girls that competEmily Rupert, center, poses after winning the Miss Kirtland Contest at this year’s Kirtland Kiwanis Strawberry Fesed, many of which are good friends tival. The other eight contestants were, from left, Kasia Balcerski, Kate Bueck, Bella Buchanan, Ali Hooper, Emily of mine, were so confident and had Rupert, Natalya Drazetic, Sarah Fisher, Ryen Wacha and Angel Lazzaro. great answers to the questions they were asked. However, I was proud go to college and major in either of the time and effort that I put into pre-veterinarian medicine or anipreparing for the contest. I was and mal sciences. “I have always had a love for still am extremely excited to support and represent for my commu- animals, and I hope to make a career out of it,” she said. “Later on, nity in this way.” The popular contest, held I hope to be accepted into veteriduring the 63rd annual Kirtland Ki- nary school and eventually become wanis Strawberry Festival — which a veterinarian. To reach that goal, ran June 15-17 — had nine compet- I am trying to gain as much expeitors, all of whom were sent a list rience as possible. For example, I of 16 possible questions they would am attending a science/veterinary camp at Colorado State University be asked. “I was asked two questions ran- this summer. I also completed my domly selected from a list. I was junior internship at the Kirtland first asked where I would go if I Veterinary Hospital.” Miss Kirtland judge Teanna Vicould go anywhere in the world. I said I’d want to go to China or Japan tantonio, owner of Tavern Six, which because my family and I are huge sponsored the contest, said the judgDONNA ROBINSON/KMG Emily Rupert pushes past her nervousness as she answers two questions travelers, and my favorite part of es always look for girls in the comprior to being nominated Miss Kirtland 2023. traveling is seeing the art and cul- munity who want to be involved. “Emily Rupert was a well-spo- able to show support for her com- think that her prior experience at ture of each country, which China and Japan are full of,” Emily said. ken young lady,” said Vitantonio, munity and the festival. the Fine Arts Association, Lake“Next, I was asked what service who joined Kirtland Kiwanis when “Living in Kirtland has been a land Community College’s Theatre project I can see myself doing in she opened her restaurant eight great experience for me. Living in a Camp and vocal lessons with the the future and what specific organi- years ago. “I see her as having an small but caring community allows School of Rock in Highland Heights zation I support. I love putting to- extremely bright future. The other everyone to know everyone. It’s helped prepare her to be onstage gether gift baskets, baking or cook- judges and I made the decision that hard to find an unfamiliar face,” she and present with poise and confiing meals for those who are less her scores were the highest when fortunate, and one of my favorite she answered her questions. She said. “I think it’s always important dence,” Lori said. “We are thrilled organizations is the Ronald McDon- won $100 and we support all things to support your community in some that she was chosen to represent Kirtland. It was a very positive and way, shape or form. Becoming the the community.” ald House.” She added, “Emily is a very Locally, Emily enjoys doing ser- rewarding experience sponsoring 2023 Miss Kirtland is a great way determined young woman and will vice projects through the Divine and judging the Miss Kirtland Con- for me to represent for my city.” Her parents, Lori and Paul succeed at whatever she puts her Word Catholic Church youth group, test. I love cheering on the girls as well as volunteering for vari- and I will continue to sponsor it for Rupert, were also proud of their mind to. It has been a privilege to daughter for pushing herself out of watch her grow and change. She ous summer camps and the Safety years to come.” sets goals for herself and works Town program at Kirtland City Hall. While winning was a bonus, Em- her comfort zone. After graduation, she plans to ily expressed gratitude for being “We told her to be herself. We hard to achieve them.”
CHRONICLE Coffee with Council Coffee with Council is Saturday, July 15 10-11 a.m., at Kirtland City Hall. For more information, contact Joe Smolic at 440-487-8984 or JSmolic@ kirtlandohio.com
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