A Look at 2013 Miss Wantagh Finalists

Seven Wantagh teens took the stage Monday evening vying to be the new Miss Wantagh.

The finalists, who all attend Wantagh High School, outlined their extensive resumes that involve many community service activities to the audience inside the Wantagh High School Auditorium. The girls also answered questions about how they would like to make a difference in Wantagh and took part in a skit that promotes anti-bullying.

"I want to represent Wantagh and felt I was a good leader," said finalist Stefanie Wenz of her decision to enter the pageant that first was held in 1956. "It has been a great crash course in public speaking." 

"When this opportunity came out I went for it full force," said finalist Emily Fenter, who has scoliosis and wants to bring awareness to the medical condition that impacts the spine as her Miss Wantagh project. 

Angelica Balitsos, who is entering her junior year, said if she becomes Miss Wantagh her project would involve bringing the Mary Brennan Inn soup kitchen to the community. 

"I feel like bringing [the Mary Brennan Inn] to Wantagh would be impactful," said Balistos, who participates in the program through St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church in Hempstead. "It would be a great way for people to see that many in the community do need help." 

Miss Wantagh 2013 will be announced at the conclusion of the Wantagh Fourth of July Parade in front of Wantagh Elementary School at around noon Thursday.