Three seek Tekoa title

“A Cut Above” will be the theme for the 2010 Tekoa Royalty Program Saturday, April 3, in the Empire Theatre at 3 p.m. Marili Persson, Maria Haxton and Rayana Pillig, left to right, will be competing in interview, talent, poise and composure categories.

Maria Haxton is the daughter of Steve and Kathy Haxton. She volunteers as an organizer of the annual Slippery Gulch parade, is a member of National Honor Society and does outreach work through her youth group. In her spare time Maria loves to scrapbook and ride snowmobiles. She will play “A Time Forgotten” on the piano.

Marili Persson studies in the International Baccalaureate program and is an exchange student from Sweden. Mike and Kate Bogenreif are her host family. She will play a Sonata by Beethoven, a piece she will also perform this spring at Music Fest in Spokane. Marili’s interests include air gun shooting and cheerleading.

Rayana Pillig will recite a self written story entitled “Mexican Riviera Cruise.” She enjoys reading, dancing and being part of FCCLA. Acting and directing in the Missoula Children’s Theatre and volunteering at the Tekoa House of Terror at Halloween keep her active in the community. Rayana is the daughter of Heath and Portia Pillig.

Outgoing Queen Katherine Groom and royalty Elizabeth Haynes, Jade Bogenreif and Kimberly Pakootas will participate. Ray Bernard will be emcee. The program begins at 3 p.m. Admission is $5 with children under 6 free.