published Friday, June 29, 2007

9:30 p.m. CDT

Elysian has a new queen. Krystal Morsching was crowned Miss Elysian at the 5th annual pageant held Friday evening. She will begin her reign by gracing Elysian's week-long 4th of July celebration. Her royal court includes Tiffany Hering, Samantha Williams, and Jes Rients. Morsching also received Miss Congeniality honors and the talent award.

The new queen said she was surprised to sense Jackie Venero, Miss Elysian 2006, behind her on stage and then feel the tiara on her head.

"I was shocked. I'm standing here but I still can't believe it," Morsching said.

Miss Elysian 2007 said she is looking forward to representing the city and meeting different people through the many appearances and events she and her attendants will be part of over the next year. There's more than parades on the mind of the new queen.

"I think the most important thing I'll do over the next year is serve as a role model," she said.

Miss Elysian 2006, Jackie Venero, and her royal court, Stephanie Conroy and Kinsey Seifert, prepared to turn over their reign by sharing stories from the past year. While the trio had the time of their life making 60 appearances representing the community throughout the state, they all agreed - it was always good to come home to Elysian.

"My memories of Elysian are the best of all," shared Venero. "The name Elysian means 'ideal paradise.' Visiting other places made me more sure of something I already knew and that is - we live in a paradise with lakes and beauty all around us. We live in a place that other people work all year to visit for a week or two. It truly is a paradise and a town with a great sense of community."

The 2007 Princess of the Lakes was also crowned Friday evening. 2006 Princess, Payton Nutter, and her attendants Anne Doran and Lillian Windsperger, put tiaras and sashes on new Princess Paige Pittman and her court, Iszabela Sheehy-Kalis and Michaela Sanger.

The Miss Elysian and Princess of the Lakes Pageant is sponsored by Elysian Area Chamber of Commerce and supported by many local individuals and area businesses.

2007 Elysian Royalty

Princess of the Lakes and court, front row left to right:  Iszabela Sheehy-Kalis, attendant,

Paige Pittman, Princess of the Lakes, and Michaela Sanger, attendant.

Miss Elysian and court, back row left to right:  Samantha Williams, second attendant,

Jes Rients, third attendant, Queen Krystal Morsching, and Tiffany Hering, first attendant.

Pageant emcee, Tom Little, poses questions to the Princess of the Lakes contestants.

2006 Elysian Royalty share their experiences from the past year.

Left to right: Miss Elysian 2006, Jackie Venero and attendants Kinsey Seifert and Stephanie Conroy.

2006 Princess of the Lakes, Payton Nutter, crowns her successor, Paige Pittman.

Event photos by K. Burns for Elysian Area Chamber of Commerce