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In the moments leading up to her being crowned the new Miss Onalaska, Sarah Beier was feeling a little a nervous. “I felt like a Looney Tunes character,” says Beier, “My heart was about to pound out of my chest, and it didn’t really register when they called my name.”

Beier, a senior at West Salem High School, was crowned the 32nd Miss Onalaska Saturday night after beating out seven other girls. “This year the judges had a difficult choice,” said Stefanie McCoy, first-year director of the Miss Onalaska pageant, “All of our contestants were of an exceptional level of talent.”

For Beier and the rest of the contestants, the road to the Miss Onalaska pageant began three months ago at an informational meeting. From there, contestants had to select their talent, their wardrobe and their platform.

Beier’s platform was personal. “A friend of the family was having surgery, and she needed a transfusion,” she said. “I began researching the types of procedures and diseases that require blood transfusions, so it became something that I am passionate about.”

The talent portion was also a no-brainer for Beier as she chose “On My Own,” a vocally challenging piece from “Les Miserables.”

“I performed it at State Solo Ensemble,” Beier said. “I was comfortable with it. I knew the words, and I just really feel confident singing the piece.”

The contestants were then put through a rigorous practice schedule of interview training and preparing for the talent portion. “Our job is to make sure that the girls really shine in front of the judges,” McCoy said.

Beier agreed. “Stepping onto the stage, I felt really prepared and confident.”

Saturday night was a big night for Beier who gave up going to prom for the pageant. “I would never change my decision to miss the prom,” Beier said. “I’m excited for what’s to come, and that I’m going to get the chance to experience things that I wouldn’t have gotten to if I hadn’t been crowned. I get to work with all of these amazing people, and I’m excited to get started.”

Beier plans to implement her platform promoting blood donation by working with the BloodCenter of Wisconsin to set up more blood drives in the area and by raising awareness on the need for blood donors.

Beier’s first big public appearance will be at the Miss Arcadia pageant, followed by her many appearances at Onalaska’s Sunfish Days, May 22-25, which also happens to be her high school graduation.

Since Miss Onalaska is a hold-over pageant, Beier will shadow last year’s Miss Onalaska, Katie Gorman, as Gorman tries to win Miss Wisconsin at the June pageant, before Beier gets her chance in 2009.

Beier said the best part about participating in the pageant was getting to know the fellow contestants. “Truthfully, we got along right off the bat,” Beier said. “We all worked together to get through the hard days and support each other.”

Staying in step with the theme of this year’s pageant, “Girls’ Night Out,” all of the contestants shared a bonding experience to let off some steam after a hard night’s practice. “We all went and shot archery, and then we went to another girl’s house and had lasagna as we watched the Miss America Pageant,” Beier said.

When asked if she sees herself at the Miss America pageant, Beier gave an anxious smile. “I think I’m just going to take this all one step at a time and focus on preparing for next year’s Miss Wisconsin pageant.”