Pageants are often classified as something that only girls with sensational looks would do. t is never thought of as anything more than just a performance where thin, tall, well-poised young individuals get primped up to be in. Really, it is much more. The pageant world is all about giving young ladies the opportunity to show their own individuality, contributions to their community, and their views on the world today. There are, of course, different types of pageants, but that is only because they allow different types of girls to take part in them. Pageants all have one main goal: to reward academic achievement, reward dedication to the community, and to reward those who take pride in health and physical fitness. Most importantly, the world of pageantry is a way to boost the confidence of teens today, and allow them to see in themselves uniqueness and how important it is to our society.
The state of Maine holds several different pageants, even in the cities of Lewiston and Auburn. City and state titles are given to the young ladies who take part in the pageants held throughout the state. You could be titled Miss Teen Blueberry, or Miss Teen Back To School. No matter what the title, it’s showing who you are. Last September, two Auburn girls, Erica Lacasse and Katie Hebert (juniors at ELHS) competed for the title of Miss Teen Portland. Maine is also involved in a few national competitions, where if you earn the state title, you move on to work for the national title. These national competitions are all very different from one another and value different aspects of teens today. Here are few to consider:
Miss Maine’s Outstanding Teen: The first state competition was held this past June in Portland. This pageant is based on providing young ladies around the state of Maine the opportunity to win scholarship money and to further their personal growth and academic achievement. This pageant holds a main goal of enhancing leadership, communication, and public speaking skills. n this pageant, the girls are given the opportunity to share their talents and their individuality, which amounts to about 40% of the overall score. took part in this competition in June, and it was an incredible experience. Nothing could have replaced it, and the confidence that gained was awesome. placed 4th Runner-up in the state, along with four other remarkable Maine ladies who placed in the top 5.
Miss Maine’s Junior Miss: This pageant starts as a local preliminary to state and national competition, mainly focusing on awarding scholarships to college-bound senior girls who have distinguished themselves at school and in the community. Auburn’s very own Stefanie Defilipp was a 2nd place Runner-up in the state competition last year.
Miss Maine Teen USA: This is a state competition where young women from 14 to 18 years old can grow personally in poise, confidence, goal-setting, public speaking and communication skills, physical fitness, and self-discipline. This pageant opens doors and provides career and educational opportunities, not only to the winner, but to all the young women who participate and provides a positive alternative to the many destructive activities that lure young people today. This year Minot’s Bridget Duval will be involved in this pageant.
Miss Teen Maine nternational: This pageant showcases the accomplishments of today’s young women. Preliminary titles are given to the young ladies of their town, and they advance on to compete for their state title. This pageant focuses on what teen’s today stand for in their community. The next Miss Teen Maine nternational pageant will be this April at the Winthrop Performing Arts Center.
encourage all teens to get out a try a pageant. You’d be surprised what you leave with–not only great confidence in yourself, but also great friends. Find the pageant that best interests you, and strut your stuff! There is nothing to be ashamed of.
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