A Petite Miss for the Millennium

by J.J. Smith

Though she stands at a diminutive height, Vanessa Allen wears a mighty big crown. On the night of July 18, 1999, an unparalleled group of beautiful girls from across the United States and over 12 countries stretching across the globe gathered to compete for one of the biggest crowns around. Though not a single one of them stood over 5'6", they towered like giants with their beauty, poise and accomplishments. At the end of the glittering ceremony, Maryland's Vanessa Allen and Texas' own Ashley Doughtie remained standing and now proudly wear the most coveted "petite" crowns of all: Ms. Petite International and Miss Petite Teen International.

The new Miss Petite Teen Int'l is (L) Ashley Doughtie with the new Ms. Petite Int'l (R) Vanessa Allen.

"Shimmering into the Millennium" was the theme of this year's elegant event, as contestants in both the Ms. and Teen divisions competed before a sold-out audience. A $40,000+ prize package awaited the winners, as the competition wound through the Personal Interview stages, Swimwear for Ms. contestants, and Sportswear for Teen delegates, as well as the beautiful Evening Gown ceremony.

As more than 50 contestants were winnowed to semifinalists, then five finalists, the final phase of the competition highlighted the stage presence, poise, and intelligence of each petite beauty. (A highly-distinguished judging panel decides the difficult task of placing in order the final finish.) As the Sixth Annual event came to a close, last year's Ms. Petite International Nichole Telck, from Kansas, and Miss Petite Teen International Maria Kang, who hails from the Philippines, each took a joyous but tearful farewell stroll as the audience rose to a standing ovation for each.

Nichole and Maria assisted on stage with the non-judged honors which were bestowed prior to announcing the final results. The contestants voted to bestow the Miss Amity honor upon Tiffany Estall, representing Mississippi. The Photogenic award went to Miss Petite Rhode Island Carrie Leo. Pageant founder Kathy Wheatley presented the very special Director's Award to Colorado's Wendy Norman. A stir in the crowd indicated that the final moment was near.

On the glimmering stage, the decision arrived as the five remaining Ms. and five Teen finalists stepped forward. In the Teen group, from 4th to 1st Runner-up, the names were announced: Cherrie Pecher (VA), Katy Sulhoff (GA), Cristin Duren (FL), and Bridget Bowlin (NC). A not-so-tall Texan stood as the finest, as Ashley Doughtie tearfully accepted the Miss Petite Teen Internatonal title.

Miss Petite Teen '99 delegates pose with a go cart before a competitive race among them!

At last the Ms. finalists stepped into the pageant's dazzling finale. The girls joined hands, knowing only one would be victorious. Again, in ascending order the names were called: Farah Fallowfield (Georgia), Shakeela Gajadha (Florida), Dawn Nattjes (South Dakota), and Stephanie Dorn (Wisconsin). The royal court gathered around Vanessa Allen as she exchanged her Maryland state sash for the one she will wear for the next year: Ms. Petite International! As the end of this decade, century, and millennium nears, two petite beauties stand crowned and ready to shimmer into the next one.

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