53rd Apple Blossom Cotillion crowning glory

Ashley Fountain was named queen of the 53rd annual Apple Blossom Cotillion Saturday night at Dressler Gymnasium in Springfield. Fountain and 12 other contestants, all of whom were accompanied by escorts, participated in this annual event that raised over $10,000 in scholarships for area high school seniors.

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Crowning glory

By SHARI McBRIDE, Contributing Writer
Twin State Valley Media Network
Saturday, May 02, 2009

SPRINGFIELD -- Ashley Fountain was named queen of the 53rd annual Apple Blossom Cotillion Saturday night at Dressler Gymnasium in Springfield, Vt. Fountain and 12 other contestants, all of whom were accompanied by escorts, participated in this annual event that raised over $10,000 in scholarships for area high school seniors.

Previous proceeds from the cotillion helped purchase equipment for Springfield Hospital in addition to scholarships, but for the past four years all of the money raised has been used to help students who are interested in a career in healthcare.

"The shortage of health care workers and the increasing cost of college education convinced us to use all the proceeds for scholarships. It would be nice if some of these students would return to Springfield with their degrees and worked here," said Larry Kraft, director of the Springfield Hospital Foundation and master of ceremonies at the cotillion.

The theme for this year's cotillion was "A Legendary Night," featuring songs made famous by musical legends such as Madonna, Patsy Cline, The Beatles and more. Contestants and their escorts entertained the crowd with singing and dancing as the ladies were judged for their poise, appearance, performance and coordination. Earlier in the day they were interviewed by a panel of judges and asked a number of questions. The contestants' responses were then added to the score of Saturday night's performance. Based on these scores the Apple Blossom Queen and her court were chosen.

Fifty-one grade school children -- known as "Future Cotillionairs" -- brought the house down with their performance of "Puff The Magic Dragon" as well as a combined performance with the contestants and their escorts of Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock & Roll." Many of the night's contestants were "Future Cotillionairs" when they were younger.

When asked on an application form why they chose to participate in the Apple Blossom cotillion, one senior wrote, "As a senior in high school, I am thrilled to participate in the Apple Blossom. When I was younger, I always looked up to the older girls who were in the cotillion. Now I get the chance to be the one who is looked up to. It is very inspiring to know that one day many of the little girls who will look up to me will be where I am today, thinking back on their first experience with Apple Blossom.

"The cotillion allows seniors in the surrounding high schools to come together and spend their last months of high school with their closest friends. It gives us all a chance to have fun and to create lasting memories before we part and say our goodbyes. The care I received at Springfield Hospital was excellent. The entire staff went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable and happy. It was great to know that the people were actually concerned about how I felt. Being a part of this cotillion allows me to give a little back to the hospital that has given so much to me.

"It is great that this Springfield tradition still remains and I think it is great to be a part of this event that brings the whole community together."

The Apple Blossom Cotillion is sponsored by the Springfield Hospital Foundation.

http://www.eagletimes.com/ET/LocalNews/story/090502-smb-spfld-apple-blossom