POINT PLEASANT — It was an evening of celebration and recognition, as well as a glance back in history for some, but for 16-year old Kiona Norvell, the 10th Annual Battle Days Pageant was a day she will never forget.

The daughter of Steven and Charlotte Norvell of Leon was announced as the 2009 Miss Battle Days Queen at the conclusion of the pageant Sunday evening.

“It’s so amazing to be the 10th Miss Battle Days Queen. I didn’t know what to think when my name was called,” Norvell said.

She was crowned by the 2008 Miss Battle Days Payton Whitt.

The pageant started with an opening number in which the contestants and former royalty participated. Then those competing introduced themselves and the competition began. The phases of competition for the Junior Miss, Young Miss and Miss contestants included street wear and evening gown. The 19 girls that competed also answered interview questions.

During the evening, the Little Miss and Mister Battle Days Pageant was also held and the audience enjoyed listening to the answers of the young children.

Kia Satterfield was crowned the 2009 Little Miss Battle Days Queen while Keenan Janicker was crowned the 2009 Little Mister Battle Days King. First runner-up to Little Miss was Kira Henderson. Allyson Gillispie was named the Little Miss Photogenic Winner.

Before the new queens were announced, the 2008 royalty gave farewell speeches, including Sarah Deem, who was the first Little Miss to record a speech and do a farewell walk.

The 2009 Junior Miss Battle Days crown was awarded to Emma Rice, daughter of Olin and Jonna Rice of Point Pleasant. Aubrey Lewis, 2008 Junior Miss Battle Days, crowned her successor. Winning first runner-up was Monika Barlar, daughter of Lindsey DeWeese of Point Pleasant and second runner-up went to McKenna Bronosky, daughter of daughter of Julie Bronosky of Point Pleasant and the late Christopher Bronosky. Madison Barker, daughter of Bill and Cyndi Barker of Point Pleasant was announced Junior Miss Photogenic and Sydney Crawford, daughter of Lori Loomis and Scott Crawford of Point Pleasant was voted Junior Miss Congeniality.

The People’s Choice Award was awarded to Taylor Porter. She is the daughter of Mike Porter and Michelle Porter of Point Pleasant.

Meghan Bowles was crowned the 2009 Young Miss Battle Days Queen by outgoing queen Kayla Thomas. She was also voted Young Miss Congeniality. Bowles is the daughter of Philip and Jeannie Keefer and James Bowles of Leon. First runner-up in the Junior Miss division was Whitney Layton, daughter of Don and Amy Layton of Point Pleasant and Karli Gandee, daughter of Raymond and Dawn Gandee of Point Pleasant was named second runner-up. Olivia Roach, daughter of Paul and Dodie Roach of Point Plesant, won the Young Miss Photogenic award.

Runners-up in the Miss division include Heather Crum, first runner-up, daughter of Larry and Marketta Crum of Henderson; and Jade Gray, second runner-up, daughter of Reginald and Patricia Gray of Letart. Jessie Wamsley was voted Miss Congeniality and Lindsey Deem was award Miss Photogenic. Wamsley is the daughter of Vicky and John Wamsley of Point Pleasant. Deem is the daughter of Dorinda Deem of Mason.

Norvell and her court will reign over the 18th Annual Battle Days festival which takes place this weekend during Oct. 2-4. She will participate in many events including the annual Colonial Ball and Lantern Tour, as well as the parade.

“I know it’s going to be a big responsibility and I am ready for anything during my reign,” Norvell said.

Pageant Directors Paula Simpkins and Brandy Barkey-Sweeney were very excited about this year’s pageant. It has been a huge success in raising money for toys at Christmas for the past 10 years and the pageant continues to be the biggest fundraiser for the Mason County Toys for Kids Association.