The Miss Cessnock City quest returned in style on Thursday night, with more than 70 people attending the gala presentation at East Cessnock Bowling Club.
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Cessnock student, waitress and dance teacher Molly Rayward was crowned the winner from an outstanding field of eight young women.
Molly, 19, has just completed her first year of a primary school teaching degree at the University of Newcastle.
She also works as a waitress at Sabor Dessert Bar and as a dance teacher at Sloan’s Dance Academy.
She was surprised to her hear name called out as the winner.
“I wasn’t expecting it, it doesn’t feel real,” she said.
“I can’t want to get into the community and go to all the events that Miss Cessnock does, and encourage young girls to have a go.”
She will hit the ground running with an appearance at Cessnock’s Carols in the Park next Friday.
Molly said entering the Miss Cessnock City quest gave her a big confidence boost, and that she has made many new friends.
Eight young women entered the quest, which returned this year after a one-year break.
Olivia Palfreyman, 19, of Quorrobolong was named runner-up while Tia Armand-Burton, 17, of East Branxton received the encouragement award.
Judging panel spokesperson, Miss Cessnock City 2006 Rebecca Gillon, said it was the toughest competition in the quest’s history, with eight excellent contestants and only one point between first and second place.
“It was the hardest judging we have ever experienced,” Ms Gillon said.
“All of the girls were absolutely beautiful in their appearance, stage presence, their ability to connect with people and their lovely personalities.
“Any of them could have been a great Miss Cessnock; they are all wonderful ambassadors for the city.”
Outgoing titleholder Emma Myers, who had a two-year reign due to the quest’s absence in 2016, said being Miss Cessnock City gave her the confidence to try new things and pursue her interests, and that she was proud of the way Cessnock continues to grow and thrive.
“I wanted to show all young girls in Cessnock, that just because we are a small community doesn’t mean we don't deserve respect and to be proud of ourselves, and where we come from,” she said.
The Miss Cessnock City quest has been organised by The Advertiser since its inception in 1991.
The Advertiser would like to extend its thanks to major sponsor East Cessnock Bowling Club and all of the prize sponsors for making the quest possible.
This year’s prizes included a one-year membership to BPW Cessnock, a one-night stay including breakfast and a meal for two at Guest House Mulla Villa (who has sponsored the quest since inception), a double pass to the 2018 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, gift vouchers from Bistro Molines, Butterfly’s Fashion Boutique, Bella You Beauty, the Chelmsford Hotel, and Yogurtland, a twin pack of wine from Tallavera Grove and a shampoo pack from Lauratopia.
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