The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Crowning opportunity
Chelsea's Ackley wins pre-teen pageant
Courtenay Ackley, The Chelsea Standard
PUBLISHED: March 15, 2007
For Courtenay Ackley beauty is only partly skin deep.
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Courtenay, 13, was recently crowned the 2007 Pre-Teen Miss Washtenaw County in her 11-13 age group. While the honor does include points for appearance, poise and other traditional beauty pageant standards, Courtenay is more concerned with how she can use the honor to help others.
"My whole life I have enjoyed giving speeches," she said. "I would like to use my ability to speak to help people live their life to the fullest. Becoming a motivational speaker would allow me to help people continue their dreams and would fulfill my dream of encouraging people to become the best they can be."
Courtenay, who goes to Christian Montessori School of Ann Arbor and will be attending Chelsea High School in the fall, has some lofty goals including to become a motivational speaker, fashion designer and future Miss America.
Being crowned Pre-Teen Miss Washtenaw County means that Courtenay was chosen to represent her age division in Washtenaw County. There were four age divisions in the pageant.
Courtenay, the daughter of Brian and Michelle Ackley of Chelsea, competed in talent, modeling, stage introduction, interview and evening wear. For talent she played Mozart's "Fantasy" on piano and played "Cripple Creek" on violin while dancing.
While there is not a state pageant for her age division, Ackley will make appearances in parades and maybe a few with Miss Washtenaw County. "I will have the opportunity to help at the Miss Washtenaw County pageant in November and then I will be expected to crown my successor next year at the 2008 Pre-Teen Miss Washtenaw County pageant," she said.Courtenay says she enjoys playing both the violin and piano.
"It is hard to chose which instrument is my favorite; they are both very different so I never would be able to pick," she said. "I love the soothing sound of classical music and these instruments compliment each other."
Courtenay has many hobbies, including running, reading and "spending time with my wonderful family." She also enjoys hanging out with friends, skiing, golfing and playing soccer with the Chelsea Soccer Club.She is looking forward to the switch from private school to public school.
"I have been to Chelsea schools before so I know what to expect," she said. "I am looking forward to going to Chelsea, but I will miss the small, close knit, family like atmosphere of Christian Montessori School of Ann Arbor. I am looking forward to the variety of classes, clubs and sports that Chelsea High School offers students. I am excited to start high school in the fall."
Courtenay competed in the Michigan Coed pageant this past summer where she was sponsored by the Pink Turtle of Chelsea, Abrasive Finishing of Chelsea, R and A Transport of New Hudson and her parents. So competing in pageants is nothing new to Courtenay.
"I finished fifth runner-up overall and was the winner of the volunteer service award," she said. "I placed first runner-up with my violin and third runner-up playing the piano. I volunteer for WRAP camp, my church, Salvation Army and Heartland Care Center. I have volunteered more than 200 hours."
And if she ever does accomplish her goal of winning Miss America it will allow her the chance to help even more people.
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