One of the oldest traditions on the Dorchester Day calendar took place on May 9 at First Parish Church: the Little Miss Dorchester (ages 7 to 9) and Young Miss Dorchester (ages 10-12) competitions. Little Miss Dorchester winner Georgia Hedderman and Young Miss Dorchester winner Kristinia Vo answered a few questions about the contest, Dorchester Day, and Dorchester itself:

Little Miss Dorchester
Georgia Hedderman (9)
Q. Why did you want to become Little Miss Dorchester?
A. Because it would be fun to ride in the parade and see all my family and friends.

Q. How did you feel when you won?
A. I was very happy and proud of myself.

Q. What is your favorite part of Dorchester Day? What are you most looking forward to?
A. My favorite part is watching the parade with my family, then having a cookout at my nana and papa’s after. This year I am looking forward to being a part of the parade and seeing it in a whole new way.

Q. What is your favorite place in Dorchester?
A. My favorite place in Dorchester is the Leahy Holloran Community Center.

Q. What do you like most about living in Dorchester?
A. I like living in Dorchester because we all support and care about each other. Like when St. Ann’s church was so full for my buddy Carl that there wasn’t even a place to sit.

Young Miss Dorchester
Kristina Vo (11)

Q. Why did you want to become Young Miss Dorchester?
A. I wanted to represent the city of Dorchester. I also wanted to be a role model for the Vietnamese community.

Q. How did you feel when you won?
A. Even though this was my second time I was very confident. I was shocked as I stood up. My jaw dropped. I was amazed that I won, and I was also proud.

Q. What is your favorite part of Dorchester Day? What are you most looking forward to?
A. My favorite when I used to watch would be the dancer. I myself like to dance. In this year’s parade I am looking forward to being on a float and making my debut as 2015 Young Miss Dorchester.

Q. What is your favorite place in Dorchester?
A. I like my school (Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy-Neponset) because while I’m learning I also get to hang out with friends.

Q. What do you like most about living in Dorchester?
A. I like how there are many activities for different people. For example the library has summer field trips.