AUBURN – The Miss Maine International Pageant contestants spent a few hours at the Auburn Mall recently, signing autographs and greeting voters for the photogenic event.

Other events included a meeting/photos with Gov. John Baldacci, touring the state museum, luncheons, a shopping spree and rehearsals before the pageant competition. There were 599 photogenic votes from the Auburn Mall in the two-hour autograph session.

Corrie-Marie Bernatchez of Auburn entered the pageant for the first time, competing in the 13- to 19-age division. Scores were based on 40 percent interview/on-stage platform presentation/on-stage introduction, 20 percent gown, 20 percent fashion fun wear and 20 percent aerobic wear. It was a three-day event.

Bernatchez placed sixth and had the highest gown score. Her platform is the Big Brother/Big Sister Program.

An eighth-grade student, she was the first to become a Big Sister in the Big Brother/Big Sister Program, which normally is open to only high school students. She has a Little Sister at Sherwood Heights School whom she mentors weekly. She says it will be a pilot program for other eighth-grade students.

Bernatchez will represent Androscoggin County in the Miss Maine International Pageant in April. Anyone who might like her to make appearances and/or volunteer at local events can call her. She is the daughter of Gerard and Stephanie Bernatchez of Auburn.