AUBURN – Thirteen-year-old Corrie-Marie Bernatchez of Auburn competed in the Miss National Pre-Teen Scholastic Pageant in Florida during Thanksgiving break, a first for her. She has not competed, in her 12 years of pageantry, out of the New England area.

To participate she had to submit a volunteer/community service, grade status/academics, awards and groups/clubs resume, as well as compete in interview, gown and on-stage speech. Bernatchez placed 17th over all, 14th in gown and eighth in interview.

Next she competed in the Kings/Queens of New England in Connecticut in the gown/on-stage speech and photogenic events, placing second in gown/on stage speech and first in photo. She went to Rhode Island for America’s Perfect Miss, winning gown/interview and the casual wear event.

Bernatchez will represent Androscoggin County in the Miss Maine International competition at the new Winthrop Performing Arts Center on April 1, 2 and 3. She will compete in gown, interview, on-stage speech, fitness and photogenic categories. She will submit a community, volunteer and academic resume.

The contestants will meet with Gov. John Baldacci, tour the State Museum, have an autograph signing at the Auburn Mall, luncheons at Applebee’s and Pizza Hut and, on Sunday, the competition.

Seats for competition are first-come, first-served. The public will vote on the photogenic event. A People’s Choice Award will be given. Each girl is given ballot cards, which cost $1 a vote.

Fifty percent of the money goes to the Luke Hopkins Scholarship fund and 50 percent will go to the Moose 92 radio station to be given to their choice of a charity.

The winner will represent Maine at the Miss Teen International National Competition in Chicago.

Bernatchez is the daughter of Gerry and Stephanie Bernatchez of Auburn. Anyone wishing to sponsor her can call 783-8472.

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