Pali High Students Vie for Mr. and Miss Palisades Titles

All 125 seats of the Pierson Playhouse were filled Wednesday night with gleeful relatives and cheering high schoolers as the curtain rose on the Pacific Palisades Teen Contest 2011. Ten contestants, five boys and five girls, were judged on talent, poise and character in this annual competition to win the titles of Mr. and Miss Pacific Palisades and the prize of $2,000 scholarships named in honor of the late Cathie Wishnick, longtime contest mistress of ceremonies.

“These kids are terrific. They are so talented,” said Arnie Wishnick, chief executive officer of the Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber has sponsored the event since 1959, when only girls competed and a swimsuit parade was part of the pageant. Wishnick has been a member of the teen contest committee since he first arrived in the Palisades in 1979.

This year the program was ably co-hosted by local activist Cindy Simon and Carol Pfannkuche, director of the Palisade/Malibu YMCA. The judging panel comprised composer Philip Giffin, producer/director Sherman Wayne, actress and environmentalist Alexandra Paul, and former Palisades teen contestants, the lovely and talented Gumenick sisters, Amy, an actress, and Lisa, a dancer.

All ten contestants performed in an opening number choreographed by Thea White before they made their solo presentations which included singing, dancing, piano virtuosity and a photography show.

Before the winners were presented with their sashes by Mr.  and Miss Palisades 2010 Kevin Schwarzwald and Courtney Kelly, the audience was treated to a mini recital by Fancy Feet Company Dancers.

Check out our video of the event and see if you agree with the judges’ choices. Congratulations to Mr. and Miss Palisades 2011, Jack Koplin, 15, and Daniela Grinblatt, 15, both of Brentwood School and to runners up Mary McGowan and Riley Kershaw who each walk away with a $200 prize.

Download the movie