Emily Kaltz to reign over 2007 Destin Fishing Rodeo

Emily Kaltz, a 16-year-old junior at Fort Walton Beach High School, was crowned Miss Destin 2007 Saturday night at the Miss Destin Pageant. Standing with her eight fellow contestants on stage in front of an audience of more than 200, Kaltz was all smiles and tearyeyed as master of ceremonies Christian Garman announced her as the judges’ choice.

Kaltz, daughter of Mark and Susan Kaltz of Destin, was presented with a Miss Destin 2007 sash, a sparkling tiara and a bouquet of roses. “I’m shocked. This is a huge honor, and I’m so excited. I can’t wait,” Emily said after the crowd filtered out of the community center.

Emily’s selection marks the second Kaltz child to win the pageant. Emily’s sister, Meredith, who’s a sophomore at the University of Georgia, was Miss Destin 2004. “We’re so proud of Emily,” said her mother, Susan Kaltz. “She’s very ... everything. She’s very smart, very sweet, very pretty.”

Kaltz’s selection includes a $3,500 scholarship from the Destin Cobia Tournament, Destin Fisherman’s Coop and Destin Fishing Fleet Marina. She will also receive Zoom! Teeth Whitening from Destin Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, a $200 gift certificate from Destin Commons, and a $50 gift certificate from Silver Sands Factory Stores.

Kaltz was one of nine girls vying for the Miss Destin title. During Saturday’s pageant, which was themed Fly Me to the Moon, the contestants participated in a formal gown presentation, mystery questions, and a fashion show sponsored by the Belk department store at Destin Commons. Kaltz will become the most photographed person on the docks during October’s Destin Fishing Rodeo. Miss Destin traditionally poses with each fish brought in to the weigh-in station at AJ’s restaurant.

The Miss Congeniality Award and the Miss Photogenic Award were given Rachael Williams, daughter of Bruce and Nina Williams. First runner-up in Saturday’s pageant was Kelsey Kurth, daughter of Barry Denman and Kim Kurth. Second runner-up was Emily Barton, daughter of David and Amy Barton. Other Miss Destin contestants were Hope Corcoran, Chelsea Whitfield, Jami Morgan, Heather “Stacey” Summers and Kristen Blanton.

Miss Destin was chosen based on criteria, such as communication, poise, community involvement and grades. Each contestant received $50 from Capt. Mike Eller of the Fish-N-Fool, who said, “It’s not in the winning; it’s in the trying.”

The Miss Destin 2007 judges were Miss Destin 1996 Amber Hill of Joe Young Constructors, Dennis Lichorwic of Destin Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, Rhonda Braden of White Sands Development and Realty, and Rick Hord of Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

Published on Wednesday, May 2, 2007