'(She)
is a beloved teacher of the performing arts'
Nominee
for 2006 woman of the year: Melann Kahle
By JANET BEGLEY
correspondent
While many people think of beauty pageants as
fluff, Melann Kahle thinks of them as opportunity.
As founder of the
"Miss Sebastian Sweetheart" pageant, Kahle has
helped young women develop poise and public
speaking skills, all the while promoting pride
in the community.
"Miss
Sebastian Sweetheart was designed to bring communities
together and encourage future leaders," said
Kahle. "I was hoping that the winners would
really be sweethearts and that has certainly
been the case."
In
nominating Kahle for Sebastian Sun Woman of
the Year honors, Loretta James, of Orange Avenue,
said that the Miss Sebastian Sweetheart pageant
is only one of the ways Kahle helps in the community.
"She
provides entertainment for our events, such
as 'Little Mermaids, Gems of the Treasure Coast'
for the Sebastian Clambake and Lagoon Festival,"
said James. "She is an adoptive parent, a benefactress
for the Brain Injury Association of Florida,
a member of the Sebastian River Area Chamber
of Commerce, the Cultural Council of Indian
River County and the Sebastian Christian Church."
The
Smart Talent Agency on U.S. 1 in Sebastian is
run by Kahle, who is a former teacher and performer.
She has taught kindergarten, second grade, drama,
music and the performing arts in a host of schools
throughout Brevard and Indian River counties,
most recently at Beachland Elementary in Vero
Beach. Through Smart Talent, she offers lessons
in piano, drums, voice, dance, acting and modeling.
Kahle
funded the pageant and talent show out of her
own pocket, and all proceeds benefited the Brain
Injury Association of Florida. Kahle's oldest
adopted daughter has been helped by the association
and Kahle wanted to give back.
"This
group has been wonderful to our family," said
Kahle. "We try to help them as much as possible."
Kahle
credits local businesses with helping recognize
local talent.
"Local businesses have
really been supportive," said Kahle. "They see
the benefits to the local community. It's really
just another creative way of promoting Sebastian."
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