Sasha Zidar, a 17-year-old junior at Niles High School, succeeded Maureen Craig for the title of Miss Niles Sunday night.

“I have always wanted the opportunity to become more involved in the community,” Sasha said.

Ten young women carried themselves with poise amongst the glitz and glamour of the stage decorated in a movie theme in a nearly full auditorium at Niles High School.

The competition was extra tough this year as six girls, instead of five, were named to the second phase of competition, which involved answering a question about which movie most inspired them.

Sasha cited “Cast Away,” starring Tom Hanks, while several competitors named “Forrest Gump,” also starring Hanks. “Alf” got a mention along with “Finding Nemo.”

Zidar said she admired how Hanks’ character in “Cast Away” suffered through many tribulations but “in the end, he’s happy.”

Earlier in the evening, Craig celebrated the end of her reign with her court.

“I was a changed girl from the moment I put on this crown,” she said.

The contestants chose Kayla Flenar, an 18-year-old freshman at Southwestern Michigan College, as Miss Congeniality.

Second-runner up was Monica Bielski, a 19-year-old freshman at SMC.

First runner-up was Allie Schoenleber, a 17-year-old senior at Niles High School.

Tori DeMeyer, 7, of Eagle Lake Elementary School, was named Little Miss Niles earlier in the day.