Leah Monet King was selected as the new Miss Outstanding Teen Moore County Saturday night at the pageant presented by the Miss Moore County Scholarship Association at Aberdeen Elementary School auditorium.

King, who performed the piano solo, "Fountain in the Rain," is the daughter of Polly and Art King, of Foxfire. The 15-year-old is a junior at Pinecrest High School. She also received the community service award for her platform, "Share a Life: Adopt a Grandparent."

Blair Kirsten Puleo was chosen as first runner-up. The 15-year-old daughter of Drs. Ellen and Joel Puleo, of Pinehurst, attends The O'Neal School, and performed the ballet en pointe "Dance of the Swans," from "Swan Lake." Puleo also received the scholar and talent awards.

Second runner-up Cassandra Cangemi, who is homeschooled, is the 15-year-old daughter of Doreen and Damiano Cangemi, of Southern Pines. Cangemi performed the vocal number, "Roxie," from "Chicago," during the talent competition and was the recipient of the Miss Congeniality award.

King will represent Moore County at the Miss North Carolina Outstanding Teen Pageant to be held in Raleigh in June.

The Sandhills Business and Professional Women's Organiz-ation presented the 2008 Miss Noel Scholarship Pageant. The 2008 Miss Noel Scholarship program is dedicated to the recipients of the Sandhills BPW scholarships, Moore County women of all ages, for 24 years, have benefited from this annual program. Scholarships are supported by contributions from local business, members and pageant families.

Co-hostesses for both pageants were Carolyn Mullen, Miss Moore County 2009, and Amy Johnson, Miss Teen Moore County 2004.

Emily Marie Mabe, daughter of Marie and Tony Mabe, of Jackson Springs, was selected as Little Miss Noel. Angela Wood, daughter of April and Jeff Wood, of Carthage, was named second runner-up.

Megan Elizabeth Huff, daughter of Lesa and Martin Huff, of Pinehurst, was chosen as Junior Miss Noel. She performed an acappella rendition of "Jolly Old St. Nicholas." She also won the highest ticket sales award.

Taylor Samantha Sloan was named first runner-up. The daughter of Shannon McCoy, of Carthage, she performed a dance to a song from "Grease" during the talent competition.

Alaina Nicole Wood, daughter of April and Jeff Wood, of Carthage, was chosen as second runner-up. She performed the vocal "Don't Rain on My Parade."

Other contestants included Emmy Lou Hammonds, daughter of Crystal and David Blue, of Aberdeen, and Madison Taylor Hadaway, daughter of Natalie and Ken Hadaway, of Pinehurst.

Savannah Faith Tracy, daughter of Melissa and Randy Tracy, of Whispering Pines, was chosen as Miss Noel. She performed a cheerleading routine to "Nobody's Perfect."

Jennifer Gallimore, daughter of Cindy and Carl Gallimore, of Cameron, was chosen as first runner-up. She sang "Anyway" during the talent competition.

Jordan Morrison, who sang "Angel," during the talent competition, was selected as second runner-up. She is the daughter of Elizabeth Morrison, of Carthage.

Other contestants included Rachel Marie Jackson, daughter of Tammy Tyndall, of Southern Pines, and Marvin Jackson, Pinebluff; Ashlee Victoria Matthews, daughter of Vickie and Kevin Matthews, of Whispering Pines; Elizabeth O'Brien, daughter of Shelbi and Matt O'Brien, of Aberdeen; Harley Agic, daughter of Carrie Agic, of Southern Pines; Morgan Hendrix, of daughter of Peggy and David Hendrix, of Pinehurst.

Contact Faye Dasen at fdasen@thepilot.com or 693-2475.