9-year-old is entering fourth grade at Upper Township Elementary School
OCEAN CITY – Taegen Vivarelli, a 9-year-old from Upper Township, was crowned Little Miss Ocean City 2025 Friday night, Aug. 16, a victory that left the little girl in tears.
“I was extremely surprised. I thought it was going to be No. 13 (Rose Bickings) because she did really well,” Taegen said of the victory that had her crying from the time Little Miss Ocean City 2024 Stella Fleming put the crown on her head, to her walk down the runway at the Ocean City Music Pier, through hugs from family and friends, a slew of photographs and the interview by a reporter from the Sentinel.
“I was not expecting this. I’m still crying. I can’t stop,” she said, smiling through her tears.
Taegen will be entering fourth grade at Upper Township Elementary School this September.
Taegen had a big cheering section of family, friends and fellow dancers. “That meant so much. I’m so thankful for all of them,” she said, bursting again into tears. “Once they told me (I won), I was so thankful for everything.”
She loved the pageant experience; it was her first time competing. Little Miss Ocean City is for girls 8 to 11 years old. “It was so much fun. I would do it again if I could, which I technically am because I have to be in next year (as the reigning queen).”
Taegen’s parents are Chris Vivarelli and Danielle D’Intino, both Ocean City High School graduates. Her stepfather is Thomas D’Intino.
“I am just so proud of her. We preach kindness all the time,” her mother said, adding she was especially happy her daughter won the Passion, Kindness and Sincerity Award. Taegen also won the Poise and Composure Award on her way to the title.
“My dance teacher chose it and I am so thankful for her,” Taegen said of her dance routine in the talent portion of the competition, which also had the 14 contestants scoring in academic achievement, interview and poise and composure. She dances with Cape May Dancers.
Taegen said she is most looking forward to Night in Venice when she, Miss Ocean City and Junior Miss Ocean City get to ride in the boat parade. “I want to wave to my grandmom on the dock because she is always there during Night In Venice.”
Some of her favorite activities are “dancing, surfing, going to the beach, pretty much all outside activities. I love dance. I’ve been doing it forever.” She also does the basketball camp at the Ocean City Recreation Department.
Would she recommend the experience to other little girls? “Yes. It is just so much fun. It you want to try it, then just do it,” she emphasized. “Do it because it is so much fun. It sounds like it’s just pageant and practices. That sounds boring, but we do mini-golf, go-carts, everything.” (Her favorite part was the go-carts.)
The Mistress of Ceremonies was Natalie Ragazzo. The judges were Kathryn Ambroze, Sadie Gillian, Hailey Lower, Kyle Kammerle and Amy Philips.
Kristie Fenton is the pageant’s executive director, Joan Timmons was in charge of stage design and production, Denise Jessel hospitality chair, Emily Aita judges chair, Cindy Ford the hostess chair with program and graphic design by Amanda Pannone. Kylie Kolmer was the choreographer, Mary Pavoni of Ford Scott was the auditor, David Nahan the photographer, and Sally Onesty the hair stylist. Hostesses were Ford, Joyce Trofa, Jill Berenato, Leigh Batastini, Stacey Wright, Stevie Wright and Ginger Mumman.
Award Winners
Third place mini-golf: Alexa Rosetti
Second place mini-golf: Tierney Kane
First place mini-golf: Rose Bickings
Miss Congeniality: Lynnie Becker
Miss Photogenic: Waverly Dunn
Spirit Award: Rose Bickings
Hostess Award: Isla Sykes
Originality Award: Elizabeth Canale
Passion, Kindness and Sincerity Award: Taegen Vivarelli
Sunshine Award: Ashlynn Ruskoski
Third runner-up Essay Winner: Meadow Ottinger
Second runner-up Essay Winner: Ashlynn Ruskoski
First runner-up Essay Winner: Charlotte Kolinoski
Essay Winner: Waverly Dunn
Talent Recognition Award: Randy Scarborough
Interview Recognition Award: Elizabeth Canale
Scholastic Recognition Award: Meadow Ottinger
Poise and Composure Recognition Award: Rose Bickings
Talent Award: Charlotte Kolinoski
Interview Award: Harper Juelg
Scholastic Award: Tierney Kane
Poise and Composure Award: Taegen Vivarelli
Fourth runner-up: Waverly Dunn
Third runner-up: Lynnie Becker
Second runner-up: Charlotte Kolinoski
First runner-up: Harper Juelg
Little Miss Ocean City 2025: Taegen Vivarelli
– STORY and PHOTOS by DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
