Taunton crowns Miss Taunton 2023
TAUNTON — Lakeville resident Lily Jeswald was crowned Miss Taunton 2023 at Taunton High School Saturday night at the 68th anniversary of the Miss Taunton Scholarship Program.
Miss Taunton 2022 Brooklyn Toli did the honors, crowning Jeswald at the ceremony Saturday night, Nov. 5, 2022, at Taunton High School.
Jeswald, 23, a graduate of Dean College with a major in theater and English, was the recipient of a $3,500 scholarship and the Miss Congeniality Award.
Her social impact initiative is "Type 1 Diabetes & Me: Generation Z."
A vocalist, Jeswald will compete for the title of Miss Massachusetts in June 2023.
Isabella Tokarz, 18, of East Taunton, was first runner-up and winner of a $700 scholarship and the Joyce A. Christiansen Memorial Award. Toni Graca, 25, of Taunton, was second runner-up and winner of a $600 scholarship as well as the On-Stage Interview Award and the Red Carpet Award.
The eight candidates vying for the title were judged based on a personal interview, an on-stage question, artistic talent and poise and grace in an evening gown.
Choreography for the event was provided by Amanda Narciso Ponte, and Spotlight Studio dancers provided entertainment during the show.
Returning this year was the Little Miss and Mr. Silver City Program, which featured 19 children together with Miss Taunton candidates for an on-stage performance.
The Miss Taunton Scholarship Program is an official preliminary to the Miss Massachusetts and Miss America programs.
This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Miss Taunton 2023 is Lily Jeswald of Lakeville
