Schools

Patchogue's Catherine Manett Crowned Miss LI Teen

Sabrina Mastrangelo passes on crown after becoming Miss New York Teen.

Patchogue's Catherine Manett was crowned Miss Long Island Teen 2012 at a ceremony recently held at Public House 49.

Manett, 19, originally placed second to Sabrina Mastrangelo, of Bellmore, in last August's pageant. Mastrangelo went on to compete and win Miss New York Teen, meaning that Manett would take over the title. Manett said she was watching Mastrangelo's pageant through an Internet stream on her computer.

"When she won I was so excited for her," Manett said. "And all of a sudden it dawned on me that I'm going to have to take over her title and of course I was excited about that as well."

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As a result of winning, Manett will get to start her community service platform of advocating adoption to help children without parents find foster homes.

At the presentation, Mastrangelo gave Manett her crown and sash. Mastrangelo will move on to the national pageant that will take place sometime this summer.

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Her former teachers from Patchogue-Medford High School, Col. Robert Atkinson and Michelle Sullivan, were among those who attended Manett's ceremony.

"She gives her whole heart and soul into everything she does," Sullivan said of Manett.

Atkinson gave a speech before Manett's crowning about her time in the ROTC program, calling her an "absolute delight." Atkinson said that Manett became a cadet commander by her senior year in the program.

Manett now attends Hofstra University and is studying journalism. Manett offered some advice to girls who are considering entering pageants.

"If you are going to compete in a pageant, I would stay as natural as possible, be as true to yourself as possible," Manett said.

Manett's first community service event will be on March 18 where she will work with the American Cancer Society hosting a pancake breakfast at the Patchogue Applebee's. It will run from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. and will cost $10.

Browse the photo gallery for highlights from the crowning.


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