Makenna Fleming didn’t get the crown in previous attempts, but her determination won out
By DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
OCEAN CITY – The new Junior Miss Ocean City 2022 has grit.
Makenna Fleming competed in Ocean City pageants for half a dozen years, but she didn’t let the fact she had not won stop her from coming back and trying again.
Her determination paid off.
At the culmination of the competition Saturday night – interview, talent, poise and composure, on-stage question – Fleming was the one beaming as she walked the runway on the Ocean City Music Pier stage wearing the crown.
For those outside the Music Pier, it was a dreary night. The rain was pounding, the public parking lots around the city were mostly empty and only the brave – ensconced in rain jackets or hiding under umbrellas – were battling the weather on the boardwalk to get their favorite treats.
On a normal Saturday night in August in America’s Greatest Family Resort, the boardwalk would have been packed. On this night, it was dead.
Inside the Music Pier it was another story.
Friends and family were cheering on the six contestants as they sang and danced on the brightly-lit stage decorated to look like a set from the musical “Grease.” The audience also was entertained by performances from the three young women who have given up their crowns this week, including former Miss Ocean City Mary Grace Jamison and former Little Miss Ocean City Antonella DiAntonio.
They also cheered as they watched Junior Miss Ocean City Natalie Argento perform for the last time and bid farewell as her two-year reign, extended by the pandemic, came to an end.
The last formal part of Argento’s night came when she crowned Fleming as her successor.
“I think she has got grit,” said Fleming’s mother, Alisabeth. “This is six years (competing) and we’re so proud of her for coming back every year and doing her thing. It’s awesome.”
“Like my wife was saying, she’s got grit,” added Fleming’s dad, Conor. “She’s been through this quite a few times and didn’t get the ultimate outcome she wanted before, but this one has got to feel good for her. She fell down a couple times and got back up and she did it. It’s all on her.”
“I am so thrilled, this doesn’t even feel real right now,” the new Junior Miss Ocean City said. “I am so excited and I’m really happy. Everyone did an amazing job and I couldn’t have wished for a better night. It’s amazing.”
The night before, Fleming watched her younger sister, Stella, compete at the Little Miss Ocean City 2022 pageant and take the third runner-up spot.
This year’s Junior Miss Ocean City pageant was smaller than normal, with only six contestants.
Fleming liked that aspect.
“It was so much better,” she said. “I got to meet a bunch of new people and make a bunch of new friendships. I’m really excited.”
Fleming is joining new Miss Ocean City 2022 Maddyn Randazzo and new Little Miss Ocean City 2022 Arianna DiAntonio who were crowned Aug. 14 and Aug. 20, respectively.
The trio will be going to dozens of events over the next year as the ambassadors for Ocean City. Among those events, Fleming said she is “definitely looking forward to the Halloween Parade and Night in Venice.”
The 14-year-old is going into her freshman year at Ocean City High School.
Sports and the stage beckon in Fleming’s spare time.
“I love playing field hockey and lacrosse and I love anything musical theater,” she said.
Fleming can’t wait to start her duties.
“I am absolutely thrilled,” she said. “I have grown up in Ocean City.” Watching other young women who have won the pageants and “representing this beautiful town, I’m really excited to do this for the next year. I’m so beyond excited to do every single event.”
Former Miss Ocean City Carley Del Sordo was the emcee for the night. The pageant director was Samantha Heckler.
First runner-up was Taylor Schneider and second runner-up was Callie Bellwoar.
Junior Miss Ocean City 2022
Award Winners
Award for supporting ad book: Callie Bellwoar;
Hostess Award: Summer Castro;
Photogenic Award: Summer Castro;
Spirit Award: Katie McAlister;
Miss Congeniality: Callie Bellwoar;
Leadership Award: Summer Castro;
Academic Achievement Award: Ginger Mumman;
Poise and Composure (Evening Gown): Makenna Fleming;
On-stage Question: Taylor Schneider;
Interview Award: Makenna Fleming;
Talent Award: Taylor Schneider;
Second runner-up: Callie Bellwoar;
First runner-up: Taylor Schneider;
Junior Miss Ocean City 2022: Makenna Fleming.
