Clifton & Brandes named Little Mr. & Miss
By QUALA MATOCHA lifestyle@leader-news.com
Only one lucky boy and girl were chosen from among the 47 contestants as the 2008 WCYF Little Mr. and Miss Sunday evening at Crescent Hall. On hand to congratulate the winners and present sashes, trophies and prizes were Dawson Mach and Kimberlyn Garza, the 2007 WCYF Little Mr. and Little Miss.

Among the 47 contestants Sunday afternoon, Zachary Clifton, son of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Clifton of East Bernard, was chosen Little Mr. and Sanae Brandes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Brandes of El Campo, was named Little Miss. They will represent Wharton County in the coming year, making appearances at area parades and other events. See Page 8-C for a group photo of the winners and runners-up.

Following on-stage presentations and a group performance to "Deep in the Heart of Texas," Zachary Clifton, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Clifton of East Bernard, was named Little Mr. and Sanae Brandes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Brandes of El Campo, was named Little Miss.

Before the pageant, each contestant completed a personal interview with the three judges.

Runners-up for Little Mr. were Will Anderson of East Bernard, first runner-up, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Anderson; and Cayden Balcar of El Campo, second runnerup, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Balcar. Little Miss runners-up were Kelly Jo Felcman-Johnson of Wharton, first runnerup, daughter of Kasey Felcman and Tommy Johnson; and Kirby Rawlinson of El Campo, second runner-up, daughter of Katy Meador and Clint Rawlinson.

Before the announcement of runners-up, 12 finalists were chosen and given a chance to share a little bit about themselves, including their heroes, hobbies, favorite movie stars and wishes.

Little Miss Brandes' hero is her brother, "because he helps me with my homework and he is fun to play with." When posed the question of what he wants to be when he grows up, Little Mr. Clifton said, "a country music singer." Who is his favorite singer? "Kenny Chesney," he said without hesitation. When asked if he had one wish what would it be?, he paused for awhile, then said, "I don't know," followed by a quick afterthought: "another dog!" Some wished for millions, to be a movie star, a singer, own a horse, become a rancher and farmer, an astronaut and a doctor.

Other Little Mr. finalists were Dylan Bartek of Wharton, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Bartek; Colton Pietsch of El Campo, son of Mr. and Mrs. Darby Pietsch; and Samuel Sims of East Bernard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Sims.

The other Little Miss finalists were Jillian Hlavinka of East Bernard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Hlavinka; Peyton Stock of El Campo, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Darrin Stock; and Zoey Zahn of El Campo, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Zahn.

Committee members are Peter Stelzel, Robin Stelzel, Patsy Kincer, April Graves, Ryan Cavness, Matthew Stelzel, Jarrod Cavness, Debbie Guthman, Tricia Potts, Tricia Merecka and Dianne Gertson.