Candidates compete for Miss Penn Yan title

PENN YAN--One of the highlights of the annual StarShine celebration in Penn Yan is the crowning of Miss Penn Yan for the upcoming year. This year, six candidates will compete Saturday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. for the honor. Below are the profiles of each candidate:

Triana Burgos-Farnan is a student at Penn Yan Academy and is the daughter of Victor Burgos and Tara Farnan. She is sponsored by Penn Yan Future Farmers of America. In school, she is active in many activities such as FFA, Interact, varsity club, drama club, band, orchestra, and varsity soccer.
If Triana were to become Miss Penn Yan, she would strive to create a community atmosphere where all members feel as though they are a meaningful part of the community. She would create more opportunities for community members to collaborate and socialize.

Brooke Carmel is a student at Penn Yan Academy and is the daughter of Michael and Robin Carmel Jr. She is sponsored by the Penn Yan Volunteer Fire Department. In school, she participates in New York State School Music Association Solo Festival and Big Brother Big Sister. She plays modified and varsity tennis. Within the community, she volunteers with Christmas for the Needy with the Fire Department. She has worked for the Penn Yan Public Library and Rainbow Junction.
If Brooke were to become Miss Penn Yan, she would make a day where members of the community clean up the town, arrange a juvenile diabetes walk, create an anonymous helpline for people struggling with mental health, and set up a Take Back Penn Yan Party for drug awareness.

Riley Dallos is a student of Penn Yan Academy and the daughter of Kelly and Sean Dallos. She is being sponsored by PYTCo (Pennsylvania Yankee Theater Company). Her school activities include drama club, school band, National Junior Honor Society, and played modified girls softball and soccer. In the community, she participates in PYTCo productions, volunteers at the Yates County Humane Society and Milly's Pantry, and is a student of the Seneca School of Performing Arts and babysits as well.
If Riley were to become Miss Penn Yan, her focus would be to ensure that our youth are healthy and safe within the community. Protecting our youth starts with mental health and awareness. In order to make Penn Yan a place where youth want to stay and raise families, we need to make sure they stay healthy and happy.

Nicolette Pallar is a student at Penn Yan Academy and the daughter of Amanda Pallar-Skorusa and John Pallar. She is sponsored by the Penn Yan Elks Lodge #1722. In school, Nicolette participates in many extracurricular activities, such as academy club, health and wellness club and international club. She is the secretary of FBLA club and vice-president of Leo club. In the community, she participates in Celebrate Yates Celebrate Service and volunteers at Clinton Crest Manor. She is employed at the Wagner Restaurant.
If Nicolette were to become Miss Penn Yan, she would create a program for non-athletes to work out and be active. The program would be a supportive and encouraging environment.

Grace Worth is a student at Penn Yan Academy and the daughter of Travis Worth and Janice Gaub. She is being sponsored by the Arc of Yates. In school, she has participated in National Honor Society, honor roll, yearbook club, FBLA club, Leo Club, varsity club, and others. She is involved in cheerleading and varsity tennis. In the community, she participated in PYTCo productions, Celebrate Yates Celebrate Service, and babysits as well.
If Grace were to become Miss Penn Yan, she would like to establish a center to aid those struggling with their mental health as well as provide counsel and comfort and let them know they are not alone.

Caitlin Wunder is a student at Penn Yan Academy and the daughter of Eileen and George Wunder. She sponsored by Catholic Daughters of America. In school, she is involved in the debate club, academy club, health and wellness club, and is the vice-president of varsity club and FBLA. She is active in volleyball and basketball. She is employed at Seneca Farms.
If Caitlin were to become Miss Penn Yan, she would like to help create a program where adults can exercise through sports. There are many organized youth sports in the area and she feels adults should have the same opportunity to stay healthy with organized team activities.