Greencastle girl crowned Little Miss

Savanah Stahl

CHAMBERSBURG - When Savanah Stahl told her mother, April, that she had butterflies in her stomach, her mother said to put them in a happy place.

That logic must have worked. Savanah, 8, of Greencastle, was crowned the new Little Miss Franklin County Monday night.

The daughter of April and Matt Stahl of Greencastle, Savanah said she didn't overly prepare for the pageant. She said she was "all natural" and makeup-free as she waltzed across the stage in her pink Easter dress.

"I thought I would give this a shot because this is the last year I can (do this) because I'm 8 years old," Savanah said. "I kept (my answers) short, simple and to the point."

Savanah will begin third grade at Greencastle-Antrim Elementary School this fall.

Savanah said she was very surprised to hear the judges call her number as the winner of Monday's pageant.

"It was tough competition," she said.

Savanah spoke well and displayed a lot of energy as she competed with 16 other little girls from Franklin County.

Of all the questions and pageantry involved in the competition, she said the "hardest thing was to sit still" backstage.

Plenty of friends and family were standing along the sidelines anxiouxly awaiting to greet their Little Miss, according to April. Her parents and brother Austin, 14, grandparents and friends were waiting with hugs and congratulations.

Her father, Matt, said they were prepared for any outcome, but everyone was thinking positive. He said they supported Savanah in her efforts.

"I thought she was very good. I thought she would be more nervous, but it went smoothly," he said.

As a dressed up, confident Savanah walked across the stage Monday, Steve commented that watching his little girl all dolled up on stage did make him feel a bit older.

April said her daughter is very outgoing and she wasn't shocked that Savanah won. They had watched the competition in the past and the main goal was to have fun with it.

"I think it's great she won. I was very confident she would do well," added her brother, Austin.

Austin said his younger sister is very talented. She entered several competitions in the fair, including basket making, art, photography and baking.

"She's very good with the oven. She made the best Hershey chocolate chip cookies," he said.