- April 5, 2025
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2016 Mr. and Miss Matanzas went to Melanie DiMartino and Storm Schalit. Photo by Delia Zepp
Melanie DiMartino shocked the audience with her mellifluous voice and sang "I Will Always Love You." Photos by Anastasia Pagello
Allie Amaral, a junior at Matanzas High School, sang "Flashlight."
Hannah Hile performed a Hi Hop dance that scrolled through the generations with Charlie Wicker.
Collin Sloan acted out a scene as a frazzled banker with Emma Grushkin.
Brittney Tellis sang "Girl on Fire" and danced to "Gold."
Daria Harbater passionately sang "Jealous."
Storm Schalit performed a Hip Hop dance with Chris and William Lam.
Sarai Thompson and Edgardo Gonzalaz demonstrated black belt karate.
After each of the student’s performances on Thursday, March 10, at the Matanzas High School’s Mr. and Miss Matanzas pageant, the crowd gained momentum, loud applauses and whistles could be heard resounding off the auditorium walls. At the last performance of the night everyone fell silent to hear Melanie DiMartino’s mellifluous voice rise and ebb to the song "I Will Always Love You.” As her voice receded the crowd climaxed into a boisterous standing applause.
“The Mr. and Miss Matanzas pageant gives students an opportunity to perform in front of their peers, gain self-confidence and let a different side of their personality shine.”
BARBARA TANT, pageant producer, DECA advisor and Marketing Educator
After a quick impromptu question from the judges to each contestant, the winner of the 2016 Mr. and Miss Matanzas was announced. Melanie was rewarded for her performance with a bouquet of flowers and a queen’s crown alongside Storm Schalit who was crowned 2016 Mr. Matanzas, for his Hip-Hop dance performance.
“The Mr. and Miss Matanzas pageant gives students an opportunity to perform in front of their peers, gain self-confidence and let a different side of their personality shine,” said Pageant Producer Barbara Tant.
Every year the winners of the pageant serve as ambassadors for Matanzas High School by representing at various community events. The pageant is organized by the MHS Marketing and DECA club students.
“This pageant often acts as a venue for students to explore various talents that may interest them,” Tant said. “Such as marketing and therefore organizing the actual event, or acting, singing and dancing as a performer.”
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