POINT PLEASANT — She talked about her commitment to remain active in both the church and community.

And Summer Searls will certainly have the chance to represent the community well as she was crowned the 2009 Point Pleasant Sternwheel Regatta Queen during Thursday’s 19th Annual Queen Pageant at the Historic State Theater.

Searls, daughter of Randy and Lisa Searls of Gallipolis Ferry, emerged from a field of five contestants to be crowned this year’s queen, and said she was very excited for all that this year’s Regatta festival will bring.

“I am looking forward to doing all the festivities and riding it the parade...It should be so much fun, and I am also looking forward to representing the community after (the Regatta),” Searls said.

With her win as queen, Searls received an expense paid trip to compete in the 2010 Miss WV Association of Fairs and Festivals Pageant, a $1,000 cash scholarship compliments of Dr. Bill Crank, a crown compliments of Siders’ Jewelers, hand-beaded sash and crown pin compliments of the Regatta Committee, trophy compliments of Commissioner Gus Douglas, bouquet compliments of Four Seasons Florist, magnetic car crown compliments of Richard Walker, CPA, BeautiControl package compliments of Heather Wood, teeth whitening system compliments of Dr. Mark Nolan, sitting 8x10 portraits compliments of Main Street Photography, one month unlimited tanning compliments of Advance Design, manicure compliments of Tina at Short Cuts, pedicure compliments of Erma at Short Cuts, train case set and two pairs of rhinestone chandelier earrings compliments of Thee Jewelry Show, hair care package compliments of Fantastic Sam’s, gift card compliments of Peeble’s, one year subscription to In Style magazine compliments of Delta Kappa Gamma Alpha Chapter, snapshot album compliments of Full Hallmark, highlight, cut and style compliments of Kenny Grady, gold and rhinestone sternwheel ornament compliments of Kayser, Layne and Clark, a custom queen bear compliments of Heather Wood; and the 2010 Queen Reception compliments of Peoples Bank.

Searls is currently a junior at Marshall University and is majoring in secondary education. She is a four-time consecutive dean’s list honoree and enjoys singing, softball, soccer, running, reading and photography. Her future plans are to receive her degree in secondary education for science and mathematics.

The title of first runner-up went to Tabatha Burrough, daughter of Robbin and Kerry Burrough of Leon. Burrough also was the recipient of this year’s Bobby Wood “Hero” Award. Meghann Hesson, the daughter of Craig Hesson and Angela Anderson of Point Pleasant, received second runner-up honors, while Jessie Wamsley, daughter of Vicky Wamsley and John Wamsley of Point Pleasant, was named Miss Congeniality.

Lindsey Deem, daughter of Dorinda Deem of Mason, also competed in this year’s pageant. All contestants participated in an opening dance sequence to James Bond music as this year’s pageant theme was “An Affair to Remember.” Contestants also sported their best 007 look for the street wear portion of the competition. In addition, the young women competed in a private interview prior to the competition, as well as evening gown and public interview during the pageant.

The pageant was emceed by 2008 Regatta Queen Sahana Birchfield. Heather Wood, 1995 Regatta Queen, and Candace Bonecutter, 2007 Regatta Queen, served as director and co-director for the pageant. Jason Sears and Justin Weaver also served as escorts for the evening.