Victoria Maiden could not contain her excitement when the announcement of her successor came Saturday night at the conclusion of the Miss Mechanicsville Scholarship Pageant.

Before a nearly full auditorium at Atlee High School, she heard her twin sister’s name as the 2009 Miss Mechanicsville.

Brittany was crowned by her sister, who had reigned for the 2008 year. 

On Monday, the sisters, the 18-year-old fraternal twin daughters of Will and Kim Maiden of Mechanicsville and seniors at Lee-Davis High School, talked about sharing such a special title.

“I think I was actually happier than she was,” Victoria said about crowning her sister.

“At first I just shut my eyes and I just blocked out everything,” Brittany said. “Is this real? I get to do this for a whole year?”

Looking at her sister, she said, “Watching her last year having so much fun made me want to get into it (the pageant). They (members of the Pamunkey Junior Woman’s Club which sponsors the pageant) told me to come and be involved,” Brittany added. “Working with the women made me want to do this.”

With the title and crown, Brittany received $2,500 toward scholarships.

The twins plan to attend Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville. They also will be part of the University of Virginia Marching Band, as they have been accepted to twirl for four years. Their baton skills wowed the crowd Saturday.

Chelsea Acree claimed the title of Junior Miss Mechanicsville, while Kylie Wilkins is Little Miss Mechanicsville for 2009.

Kati Peak was named first runner-up in the Miss Mechanicsville division. Other awards were: Community Service — Kelsey Hall; Sold Most Tickets — Leanna Wyatt; Sold Most Ads — Kelsey Hall; Received Most Votes for Peoples’ Choice Award — Kati Peak; Miss Congeniality — Megan Isabelle and Kati Peak (tie); Talent — Kristin Longest; and Evening Gown — Brittany Maiden.

In the Junior Miss Mechanicsville category, Brandy Kieper was the first runner-up. Awards also went to Elaina Dove — Sold Most Tickets; Elaina Dove — Sold Most Ads; Received Most Votes for People’s Choice Award — Elaina Dove; Miss Congeniality — Makenzie Pfeiffer; and Essay — Brandy Kieper.

Lillian Rowe was named first runner-up in the Little Miss Mechanicsville division. Madison Dameron received the Peoples’ Choice award for her artwork.

The pageant opened with “April in Paris,” featuring contestants in the Miss Mechanicsville and Junior Miss Mechanicsville divisions.

To keep with the Paris theme, a lighted Eiffel Tower had been designed for the evening.

Contestants were:

Miss Mechanicsville — Kelsey Hall, Megan Isabelle, Kristin Longest, Brittany Maiden, Kati Peak, Kathryn Randazzo, Megan Vela, Ashley Campbell and Leanna Wyatt.

Junior Miss Mechanicsville — Courtney Gravatt, Elaina Dove, Makenzie Pfeiffer, Brandy Kieper, Haleigh Wilkins and Chelsea Acree.

Little Miss Mechanicsville —  Madison Dameron, Brooke Elmore, Brooke James, Melissa Kieper, Lillian “Lily” Rowe, Kyla Royerty, Victoria West and Kylie Wilkins.

The pageant, in its 32nd year, serves as a fundraiser for a worthy project. This year, Hanover Safe Place is the recipient of the proceeds.

Serving as master and mistress of ceremonies were Bill Bevins and Shelly Perkins of WTVR “Lite 98.1 radio.