Imagine waiting ever since 3rd grade to campaign to enter a pageant and finally achieving that dream.

Students in the high school voted November 21 on their iPads for three junior candidates to represent PAHS in the 50th Winter Carnival pageant in January. The three candidates were Hannah Joyce, Kassandra Kuperavage and Jessica Turnitza.

Hannah Joyce

Why did you decide to run for Winter Carnival? “I ran for Winter Carnival because I loved the idea of representing our school within the community. I think I present good qualities for the pageant. I hope I can make everyone proud.”

What are you most excited for looking ahead? “I am most excited to meet the girls. I can’t wait to make the friendships past Pottsville Snowflake runners have talked about. I love making friends from other schools.”

What was your first reaction when you heard you were selected? “When I heard I was first selected, I had a simultaneous rush of excitement and nerves. I was so happy to have been chosen and it suddenly became real that I would be representing Pottsville. It has been something I have looked forward to since I ran in the Snowdrop pageant as a little girl. I couldn’t not be more excited.”   

Kassandra Kuperavage

Why did you decide to run for Winter Carnival? “I chose to do Winter Carnival because when I was younger, I did the Snowdrops, and ever since then I could not wait to be older to do the Snowflakes. Winter Carnival is something that every girl in my family has taken part in and always enjoyed doing it.”

What are you most excited for looking ahead? “I am most looking forward to meeting all the girls and make new friendships with all of them. It’s not every day you get to meet girls your age from other schools in the county and get to know each other.”

What was your first reaction when you heard you were selected? “At first I was nervous all day; the anticipation to know who gets in is crazy. When I heard my name called, I was overwhelmed with joy and smiles from my classmates.”

Jessica Turnitza

Why did you decide to run for Winter Carnival? “I decided to run for Winter Carnival because I remember the fond memories of when I was in 3rd grade and did it. Although I didn’t place when I was younger, it was a great way to socialize, get out of my comfort zone and develop a sense of public speaking.”

What are you most excited for looking ahead? “The thing I’m most excited for is standing on the stage with a whole community supporting you while you represent your entire student body. I truly love getting all dolled up, so I’m extremely excited to stand on the stage and wear my white gown.”

What was your first reaction when you heard you were selected? “[After I was selected,] everyone was looking at me and congratulating me. I was still trying to fathom myself actually getting in. It was a moment of sincere relief knowing that all the campaigning was worth it. Especially knowing that I stand out just a little bit from the entire school is pretty neat as well.”