Marissa Quaglia crowned Miss Byram 2016

BYRAM TOWNSHIP — Marissa Quaglia, an upcoming junior at Seton Hall University, has been crowned “Miss Byram 2016.” Her poise, confidence, communication skills and tremendous list of accomplishments earned her the coveted title at the Byram Royalty Court Contest held May 26 at the Tamaracks Country Villa B&B on Tamarack Road in Byram. The 20-year-old winner will represent Byram at the Queen of the Fair contest at the New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show in August, as well as at several other high-profile events.
Delaina Predmore, a student at Byram Intermediate School, won the title of “Junior Miss Byram” (ages 13 to 16). Katarina Drace was named “Young Miss Byram” and Gabriel Shamy was named “Young Mr. Byram,” both in the eight-to-12 age group. Ashlynn Paige Tobin won the title of “Little Miss Byram,” and Joseph Luaces was named “Little Mister Byram,” both in the four-to-seven age bracket.
Following an introduction, each contestant stood in front of a crowded room and answered several thought-provoking questions. All demonstrated strength and poise under pressure. Judges faced a tough choice from among the outstanding Byram Township youths competing for the various royalty titles.
Marissa Quaglia, “Miss Byram 2016” and “Young Miss Byram 2011,” is studying biology, chemistry and philosophy at Seton Hall, where she’s earned a place on the Dean’s List each of her four semesters so far. Marissa’s career goal is to enter medical school and become an orthopedic surgeon. She is employed at CVS Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician and shift manager, is highly accomplished, and is involved with numerous hobbies, clubs, sports and other interests. Currently she is conducting high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) research at Hackettstown’s Orthopedic Institute. Marissa also plans to obtain her EMT certification this summer then join the Lakeland Emergency Squad.
“Junior Miss Byram 2016” Delaina Predmore, 14, has received three Principals Awards and Byram Intermediate School’s Caring Award. She enjoys cooking, sewing,
crocheting, painting, drawing, reading and DIY projects.
Katarina Drace, “Young Miss Byram 2016,” is a competitive dancer and a member of Byram Intermediate School’s chorus and drama club. The 12-year-old participates in community theater, teaches children to dance and has donated 12 inches of her hair to Locks of Love.
Eight-year-old Gabriel Shamy, “Young Mr. Byram 2016,” is an excellent speller and enjoys gymnastics and origami.
Ashlynn Tobin, “Little Miss Byram 2016,” five years old, also enjoys gymnastics as well as dancing and swimming.
Joseph Luaces, “Little Mister Byram 2016,” six years old, enjoys soccer, building legos, swimming, dancing, reading and listening to music.
“This year’s winners as well as all the contestants are among the best Byram has to offer,” said Janet Meisner, Byram’s recreation director and first chair of the Royalty Court contest. “I and the entire audience were in awe of these young Byram residents, and their grace and accomplishments, as they spoke confidently to a roomful of strangers. All of Byram Township should be very proud of this year’s program participants.”
Byram-based sponsors of this year’s Royalty Court Contest included The Tamaracks Country Villa, which donated its space and served complimentary refreshments; Ralph Fett of Byram, who donated his professional photography services; CiCi Nails, Cones by Design, Franks Trattoria, Frogmore, Guys and Dolls Hairdressers, Hairloom Revitalized, Stonewood Tavern and Sunnyside Garden & Gifts.
Sponsors from surrounding areas included De Pasquale The Spa (Morris Plains); Diann’s Boutique (Kenvil); In The Spotlights Dance Studio and Libero Hair Design, both of Rockaway; and World Class Barbers (Netcong).
In addition to Meisner, organizers and presenters included Lorna Pappas Dockery, publicity director and second chair of the Royalty Court contest; Maura Chozick, “Miss Byram 2015;” and Virginia Wiiken, head of sponsorships. Judges included Patrick Dockery, Allyson Salmon (“Miss Byram 2011”) and Dina Trunzo.