ONTARIO — A crown settled onto Katie Bolin’s head to the sounds of roaring applause in the Ontario High School auditorium and Taylor Swift’s “Long Live” playing on the speakers.
Bolin, 17, earned the title of Miss Ontario 2024 on Saturday night. She is a senior-to-be at Ontario High School and a sophomore at North Central State College via the College-NOW program.
Bolin said her favorite portion of the competition was spending time backstage with her friends.
“All the confidence that all these girls have given each other and really hyping each other up has made this amazing,” she said.
Bolin was a 2015 Junior Miss Blueberry, too. Last year was her first time entering the Miss Ontario competition.
The new Miss Ontario said she wants to spread positivity and make new connections.
“Some of my goals would be to give back to the community and try to make it to as many events as I can,” she said.
Judges for the 2024 Miss Ontario pageant included State Rep. Melanie Miller, who held the 2006 Miss Ohio and 2011 Mrs. Ohio America titles. She was joined by her husband, Ashland Mayor Matt Miller, and 2023 Miss Ohio Madison Miller.
Judges interviewed contestants before the on-stage competition, counting for 30% of their score. Evening wear made up 10%, poise and stage presence 25%, talent 15% and on-stage question 20%.
Bolin performed a cheerleading routine to George Harrison’s “What is Life” for her talent.
“I chose to do a pom routine because our Golden Girls cheer squad has brought me so many great things,” Bolin said. “It’s brought me lifelong friendships, skills and memories that will last forever.”
Bolin wears her grandmother’s dress for evening gown
Bolin wore a dress that her grandmother gave to her a few years ago for her evening gown. She said she admires her grandmother for representing a positive outlook on life.
“She always emphasized kindness and patience with others regardless of circumstances,” Bolin said.
“My grandma has cheered me on at every stage of my life and has been one of my biggest supporters. I am forever grateful for the sacrifices she has made for our family and the invaluable lessons she’s taught me.
“She gave this dress to me a couple years ago and it fit perfectly, so I was really honored and happy to wear it tonight.”
Rebecca Bolin, Katie’s mother, said watching her daughter during the evening gown portion of the competition was her favorite part.
“She looked lovely,” the mother said. “She’s such a genuine person inside and out. I’ve loved watching her grow through this program and how she’s made a lot of great friends.”
Bolin takes home more than $1,500 in scholarships
Bolin will share her 2024 reign with newly crowned Little Miss Ontario Mila Morrison and Junior Miss Ontario Karlie Brinker. Miss Ontario leadership introduced the Little and Junior Miss Ontario titles last year.
Bolin earned the interview award and Miss Congeniality — which is voted on by fellow contestants for demonstrating kindness and respect.
“I always admired past Miss Ontarios as a little girl and saw two of my best friends hold this title,” she said. “I’m very excited to give back to the community and represent the city.”
Bolin is a member of the National Honor Society, a three-year scholar athlete, and maintains a 4.0 GPA. She is a member of the Ontario high school swim team, the YMCA Stingrays Swim Team, a varsity cheerleader and a Buckeye Girls State participant.
She volunteers through Key Club and her church, as well as at Stingel Elementary School and Kingwood Center Gardens.
Miss Ontario’s first runner-up was MaKayla Lawrence, who also won the talent award. She earned $800 in scholarships between the two awards. Second runner-up Arialyn Bischak won the photogenic award and $550 with her titles.
Bolin earned a $1,250 scholarship with the Miss Ontario title and an additional $300 between the interview award and Miss Congeniality title.
The high school senior is studying for her associate’s degree in business at North Central State College through the College-NOW program. Bolin plans on going into the education field and becoming a teacher after high school.
Katie Bolin at Miss Ontario 2024
Below are photos of Katie Bolin in the Miss Ontario competition. For a full gallery of all the contestants, visit this link: richlandsource.com/2024/06/25/gallery-miss-ontario-2024/
