New state Coal Queen begins reign
The 2015 Pennsylvania Bituminous Coal Queen and her court are, from left, third runner-up Morgan Coyle of Trinity High School, first runner-up Elayne LoFiego of Waynesburg Central High School, 2015 Coal Queen Katlyn Allison of Carmichaels Area High School, second runner-up Amanda Frampton of West Greene High School, and fourth runner-up Alexis Wivell of Uniontown Area High School.
The 2015 Coal Queen Katlyn Allison
CARMICHAELS – Katlyn Allison of Carmichaels Area High School was crowned the 2015 Pennsylvania Bituminous Coal Queen at the pageant Sunday held in her high school auditorium.
After being crowned, Allison, a daughter of Todd and Lisa Allison of Carmichaels, said she was honored to represent the coal industry.
She had been a crown bearer when she was a little girl and said she always dreamed of being the queen. Allison said she hopes to educate the public about why coal is so important – not only to this community, but to the nation as a whole.
She won over the judges as well as the audience when she answered her impromptu question by referring to the reason the event is held each year: coal miners.
Her father said he is proud of his daughter for speaking up about the coal industry.
Todd Allison knows all too well the impact of the demise of the coal industry, having lost his job as an engineer at Hatfield’s Ferry Power Station when it closed in 2013. Allison said her passion for the title only grew stronger after her father lost his job.
Allison also won the award for highest sponsorship and was the winner of the evening gown competition.
She also was named Miss Photogenic.
The first runner-up was Elayne LoFiego of Waynesburg Central High School, second runner-up was Amanda Frampton of West Greene High School, third runner-up was Morgan Coyle of Trinity High School and fourth runner-up was Alexis Wivell of Uniontown Area High School.
The winner of the talent portion was Alexa Wivell. The top interview went to Kayla Pendland of Jefferson-Morgan High School, while Sarah Campbell of Albert Gallatin High School was named Miss Congeniality.