Confessions of a Pageant Girl: My journey through the Miss America Organization and the lessons I’ve learned along the way
When I decided to compete in my first teen pageant over 4 years ago, my thoughts were focused on the beautiful crown. My sister had always been the one who loved pageants, and although I thought the girls were all really pretty, it never really occurred to me to compete. I sat in front of my computer for over a month, contemplating whether I should compete in the Miss Western Idaho’s Outstanding Teen Scholarship Program. At the 11th hour of the last day to submit my forms, I hit send. What was my motivation to do this? I’m not really sure – the sparkly crown maybe? After all, I was only 15 years old! The decision to hit “send” was the beginning of an incredible journey.
Much to my surprise, I won that first pageant. When the crown was placed on my head, everything changed. I quickly learned that there is so much more to being a title holder than sparkles and beauty. Holding a title in the Miss America Organization is about service (addressing an important issue), style (looks AND character), scholarship (importance of education and pursuit of personal goals) and success (the growth that happens during the competition and the final outcome – win or lose).
The moment after I won Miss Western Idaho’s Outstanding Teen
My first year was filled with so many opportunities to serve my community. Here are some fun memories from my first year in the Miss America Organization.
Helping Joe Malay in a charity auction.
Dance off at the Race for a Cure, Weiser, ID
I knew when I decided to compete that I had to come up with some sort of platform. Because of my passion for kids, I knew I wanted to find some way to improve their well-being. I decided to create a platform that encompassed four aspects of health:
· Nutritional Health – Choosing healthier alternatives to snack on
· Physical Health – Get out and move!
· Mental Health – understanding how learning can be fun!
· Spiritual Health – Having a belief in a higher being
I called my platform “Healthy - Happy - Youth” because I knew that living a healthy/balanced lifestyle would cause young people to feel genuinely happy.
Promoting my platform at the Women’s Fitness Celebration, Boise, ID
One of my first opportunities to promote my platform and really understand how inspiring it is to be a healthy role model. Thank you to Purdom’s for allowing me to spend the day promoting healthy fruit snacks to families as they took hay rides and picked pumpkins!
Another great opportunity to promote my platform. I was blessed to be asked to give my testimony at Fields of Faith in Weiser. What an honor that was. Living by example!
When I gave up my title at the end of that year, I felt like my work wasn’t done. I realized that the crown represented so many incredible things; it gave me the opportunity to promote health and serve my community. So, I competed for a Miss title.
Needless to say, my first Miss pageant was a humbling experience. I was not accustomed to failure, and when I lost that local, I had to really reflect on what was important. True, it wasn’t my time, but there was more to it than that. My heart and passion were not in it like they had been back in 2013 when I won my teen title. I had competed with the expectation to win, and the judges saw that. After competing in another local, I ended up with the title by default – so I had the privilege of competing for Miss Idaho in 2015. After Miss Idaho, I was really determined to understand and embrace the passion I had a few years earlier. I decided to compete in another local pageant shortly after Miss Idaho. This time, I focused on maintaining a positive attitude and making a genuine effort to help the other contestants. Because of my positive mindset, I went into that pageant confident, happy and prepared.
Here’s a picture from the evening gown portion of the pageant
The positive attitude made all the difference. I had an amazing time competing in the pageant and walked away with the title of Miss Three Rivers!
After I was crowned, I worked really hard to understand the Children’s Miracle Network. Through that, I also learned how important Ronald McDonald houses are and how integrated they are with CMNH. Through one of my local fund raisers, I caught the attention of the President of the Board of Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera, CA. He was so impressed with my devotion to the CMNH, he invited me to come spend a full day at the hospital and learn about what they do.
At the entrance to the Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera, CA.
Meeting with the CEO of Valley Children’s Hospital, Todd Suntrapak, and President of the Board, Patrick Murphy in Madera. Had some great discussions about ideas for community gardens and promoting my platform. How to get kids to eat healthier. (As well as giving advice to a future judge of Miss California!)
Meeting Shirley was one of the highlights of my trip to Madera. She spends weeks at a time in the hospital, in isolation. She can’t leave her room, but people can come visit her. Her attitude and spirit were so inspiring to me.
Thank you so much to Shannon Slavan-Lombre who set up my visit in Madera.
This family was so excited to see me because they were from Three Rivers, CA!
Performing my piano piece for the Ronald McDonald House in Madera, CA.
My year as Miss Three Rivers has been incredible so far. I am so thankful for the service opportunities that I have had over the past 11 months. Here are just a few shots of some of the community service projects that I worked on this year in preparation for Miss Idaho….
Fund Raiser for Children’s Miracle Network
Delivering food to families in need over the holidays.
Helping kids in need wrap Christmas Presents
Mother Daughter Luncheon to raise money for CMNH – sporting a beautiful checked dress with ruffled hem line and dress shoes! Raised over $1500 for CMNH at this event!
Preparing food for community Thanksgiving Dinner.
Parade appearances with my sister title holder - Mikayla Stephens
Making appearances at wacky events to help raise money for community services – such as this event for White Bird First Responders – silent auction. What a great group of ladies – and such a sense of humor!
Making blankets and collecting donations for the Ronald McDonald house in Boise. All together I put together a package to donate of over $3000 in items and cash, including 35 homemade blankets!
Preparing dinner for the Ronald McDonald House in Boise
These photos are just a few of many incredible moments I have had during my time in the Miss America Organization. I have grown so much since I won that first crown almost 5 years ago. The Miss America Organization has taught me to appreciate being a servant to the community and to those in need. Over the last 5 years, I learned to sit in a board meeting with CEO’s and on the floor with children, visited areas that I never knew existed to put a smile on the face of someone less fortunate than me, and baked my heart out to raise money for the CMNH. Most importantly, I have committed myself to creating healthy lifestyles for youth with my platform, Healthy Happy Youth. I learned that pageant women are more than just pretty faces; they are servants of their communities. The personal growth that I’ve felt because of this organization has been amazing and I am forever grateful.
- Sarah Jensen, Miss Three Rivers 2016
Meet me at the Barre!
“Fitness isn’t about being better than somebody else. It’sabout being better than you used to be.” ~ Unknown
I don’t know about you but the gym and I aren’t really friends! I love working out and being active but the gym is a foreign place with a lot of scary equipment. Due to my ballet training and conditioning over the years I never had to step foot in a gym. Ballet was all the workout I needed and it kept my muscles very lean. The tall, long and lean body is what ballet requires to fulfill the lines many variations call for. It’s not impossible to be a shorter or more muscular ballerina, but imagine a 5’2’’ basketball player. They can still be a good basketball player, it’s just not ideal. Not dancing as often and going off to college required me to venture out to different types of workouts in order to stay fit. From Piyo classes, to Zumba, all are great but Barre classes are the BEST!
Barre classes are exercise classes that pull technique and fundamentals from ballet, Pilates and yoga. It’s structured that you work out your entire body with high reps and focus on strength training. Many times light weights are used, along with a variety of other exercise equipment. What I have come to love about Barre class is that I am able to incorporate a lot of my ballet training and enhance what I work on in the ballet studio. I appreciate that these classes help me tone my muscles and keep me lean, not bulky! By no means do you have to have ballet or any dance training to do well or benefit from Barre classes! I encourage everyone to give it a try because it’s truly a workout that pushes the limits of what you think your body can do!
In preparation for Miss Idaho 2016 I took classes in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho at Reform Studio. Kelly Pintler is the owner and a wonderful instructor! She and her staff provided several different classes that kept me in shape and active over the two weeks I was home. I checked off a bucket list item taking an aerial silks class and realizing that it was not only beautiful but also extremely difficult! I had a lot of fun venturing out of my comfort zone and trying different classes. Staying fit and active should be something you find enjoyment in and have a passion for. If you have any interest in barre, aerial silks, yoga or pilates I highly recommend Reform Studio in Cda!
~ Kylee Solberg, Miss Tri-Counties 2016
Miss Boise: Shine on stage and off
(Fashion for a Cause 2016 Group 1)
For the last 3 years I have been involved in an event called Fashion for a Cure. This is a fashion show that is sponsored by a local photographer, Samuel Marvin Photography, and raises funds for a charitable cause. The organization that we partnered with this year was the Epilepsy Foundation of Idaho.
My role every year is to meet with the models (high school seniors) in groups to go over walking the runway. First, I introduce myself to them, talk about the Miss Idaho Organization, talk about my platform, and then we get to the real reason why we are there: walking gracefully on the runway.
As a contestant for the Miss Idaho competition on June 17 and 18, I have learned a thing or two about walking (and falling, unfortunately). It would be easy to say “walking is something you learn when you are two and that’s the end of it” and, I mean, yes- the mechanics of walking are learned young, but polishing those skills can have unexpected results.
(Fashion for a Cause 2016 Group 2)
(Fashion for a Cause 2014 Group 2- as Miss Syringa)
(All of the models from Fashion for a Cause 2016)
(Fashion for a Cause 2014 Group 2)
I was talking to a group of girls for the show this year about techniques to stay balanced in high heels, how to add your personality to your strut, and what kind of moves translate well on stage… at least that is how it started. I continued to talk about how, as bizarre as it sounds, this skill set does not just benefit you when you are in a fashion show or on a pageant stage- but instead everyday of your life.
Now stay with me, because I know that probably sounds like a stretch…but it is true and I will tell you why. The stress of high pressure situations like that job interview, or networking and social events, for me- approaching people for interviews, cannot easily be replicated. This is especially true when first impressions are on the line and in an instant you need to be able to convey your genuine self. When a person is able to walk into a room, command respect and be approachable, just off of their body language, I don’t think that anyone would argue saying that person isn’t a leader.
The Miss Idaho competition is what I believe to be a fairly accurate representation of these skills. In interview, obviously you are able to use multiple levels of human interaction to get across who you are, but the on stage portions of competition like “life style and fitness in swimwear” and “evening gown” are unique in that all you have is your nonverbal communication.
(Fashion for a Cause 2014 group 3)
(Fashion for a Cause 2016 Fashion show)
I have seen this necessary skill set developed over the time that I have competed in the Miss Idaho Organization. The phrase “fake it until you make it” actually comes to mind. When I am in those high pressure situations and am letting my own self-doubt take ahold of me, my best self becomes my habit. When I am nervous, when I am tired, when I am scared, I can still show confidence and accuracy because that is my default.
The time I have spent competing within the Miss Idaho Organization has taught me to be clear and concise through my words, but I can say just as much without saying anything at all.
Brittany Lock - Miss Boise 2016
MISS EAGLE: THE MISS AMERICA CROWN
Service, scholarship, style and success are the four points of the Miss America crown. They are what define the Miss America Organization and young women must excel in each one of these categories in order to do well in the competition.
Service- My personal favorite of all! In 1989 the Miss America Organization created the platform. The idea that each contestant would discover what social issue she is passion about and is relevant to the world. I chose an issue that has deeply impacted my family and me in a negative way. By starting my platform I turned the issue into something hopeful. I now fight for a cause and by being a titleholder I have seen mountains move in my family’s life and in my community. I love my platform and the idea that each woman gets to choose her own and develop what sets her soul on fire. Each titleholder is a leader in her community and gets to inspire others through her personal platform.
Scholarship- Education has always been a priority to me. From a young age my parents instilled in me the importance of education; I always knew that I wanted to attend a four year university to get my degree after high school. Due to the fact that the Miss America Organization is the number one provider of scholarships to young women today, definitely was a draw for me to start competing. I adore how this organization encourages young women to be educated and succeed academically. By doing this they stand up to the stereotypes some of society has towards pageant girls.
Style- I absolutely love fashion; we are able to convey to people what we like without even saying a word. Each contestant develops a personal style that shows their personality. In each phase of competition contestants have the chance to share their style to the judges with what evening gown, talent costume, swimsuit and interview outfit they pick. I like to think of my personal style like a signature, something that is unique, but when people see it, they will be able to recognize that it’s mine. As cheesy as it may sound, I think any outfit looks better with a warm smile and some confidence.
Success- By competing in the Miss American Organization, you are bound for success. Through scholarships that help contestants pay for college, I have gained skills that have prepared me for a career after school. I am an engaged member in my community which has opened doors for future work. I have gained professional skills and stay up to date on issues that are important to society. By being involved with this organization, I have been able to make a difference in other people’s lives, as well as people making a difference in mine. As a result of this, I have made a deeper investment in my community and my life has been changed in a positive way.
Miss Eagle 2016
Madison Treyz
Choose to be a Ten
It's been 11 months since I was crowned Miss Gem County 2015; my year is winding down. I’ve had an incredible year with some great appearance opportunities and service hours. I just finished my first year of college at the University of Idaho and so I’m back in the area for the summer.
I thought this would be a good chance to write about my experiences from my first year away from home. My first year in college was truly amazing. All my life, I heard people say “College is where you’ll find yourself,” or “You’ll really figure out who you are in college.” And now, a year in, I couldn’t agree with them more.
When I first went to college, I thought events from my past, especially negative ones, defined the person I was. I felt “stuck,” like I couldn’t move on from my past and that it was holding me back from being the person I wanted to be.
A few months into college however, my perspective started to change. My roommate and very good friend Mariah took a “Love and Happiness” class our first semester of college. Quite frequently, she and I would discuss the topics she learned in that class and relate them to our own lives. We started theorizing on the topics of love and happiness.
Meanwhile, our group of friends from high school were all chatting on Facebook in one group chat. Ironically, one of them asked the group how happy we were on a scale of one to 10. The answers from the rest of the group ranged from two to nine, but Mariah and I were the only ones who said 10.
We did a little experiment and asked friends around campus what their number would be. Yet again, the results were the same: two to nine with the very rare exception of 10.
Mariah and I contemplated on this for a while, wondering why we were 10s and why it was so rare to be a 10. We came to the conclusion that the reason people don’t say 10 is because they don’t think they can be. They don’t think it’s attainable, or possible. There’s always something that can be improved on, or better in their life, which makes their life less than a 10.
You always hear people say that “it’s okay to not be okay.” While I can empathize and understand all of these perspectives, I’ve chosen to take a different train of thought.
The reason I’m a 10 is because in my mind, being anything less would mean I’m not being grateful enough for my life and what I already have. For example, while one person might only be a seven because they’ve had a stressful day at college, I would still be a stressed-out 10 because I would be embracing the challenge and the fact that I’m even there, learning and attending college.
Your happiness and contentment is all a choice and state of mind.
So why not choose to be a 10 if you want to be? I think contentment is being more grateful for the good than sad about the bad. Once I realized this, I decided to be as happy and grateful for everything as I could - the good, the bad, the challenges, the stressfulness, and the beauty of it all. I started seeing the good in everything. And I decided I didn’t have to be a product of my past like I had originally thought. Just because something bad happened to you last year, or last week, or even 10 minutes ago, you can rise back up and still choose to be a 10 out of 10.
After this change of heart, what happened next was even more amazing.
I found I had more love in my heart than I ever thought possible. And I think it was because I loved myself and life so much more. I was kinder, more confident, more mature, braver and more self-actualized.
For a good part of my past, I had been an over-analyzer. I lived a lot in my own head, and couldn’t quite find clarity in life. But changing my mindset and deciding to be as positive as I could be resulted in me being authentically and unapologetically myself.
It also helped that I found the greatest group of friends I could have ever hoped for who fully accept me for who I am.
Having this mindset has increased my passion for everything.
I refreshed my drive in school and I’ve decided to double major in vocal performance and international studies. My ambition is to teach music to children and do humanitarian work in developing nations because I want to serve and broaden my reach.
My first stop is this summer: my family and some friends are going to Sri Lanka and we plan to do some service work there.
I’ve been running, lifting weights and playing soccer and piano with more intensity than ever. I was cast in an opera production back at school, and I embraced every minute of it. I was on the Relay for Life committee, as part of my Miss Idaho platform, and helped raise over $30,000 by fundraising and advertising. I held a canned food drive in Emmett for Miss America’s National Day of Service, volunteered at a funrRun, and was part of the Gem County Business Expo.
Now, I just have one big hurdle in front of me to get over. As of this week, I will no longer reside in Emmett. My mom sold our house and the process has been harder than I expected. Since we lost our dad almost two years ago, I’ve felt like the house and property is what I had left of him. This is the house that we built together, the house I grew up in and loved and cherished.
But I’ve learned that letting go is a very empowering feeling. Today, I had the empty house all to myself and time to really ponder and think. I walked around our beautiful 5 acres of luscious trees and grass, and I had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude.
I was grateful for the memories.
I was grateful for the times that I raced my dad in the field.
I was grateful for the times that we sled down our hill in the snowy winter or skated on our icy canal.
I remembered building fences with my dad around our pastures, and shelves in our shop.
I remembered when my little brother and I would go collect the chicken’s eggs, or go feed our rabbits outside.
I remembered running through the sprinklers, and watching the sunset kiss our beautiful Idahome.
I remembered climbing trees, and all the kittens that were born, all the squirt-gun fights we had, all the dancing, all the laughs, and all the good times.
And, for all that, I am grateful. We may have built this house, but in turn it really built me. So I’m still a 10 out of 10.
Besides, I have a strangely sweet feeling that there are far greater things in my future than anything I could ever leave behind. All that matters is taking that step, however simple or complex it might be, and moving on. So you ask me what I learned in college? I think I learned how to live.
-Miss Gem County 2015, Jessica Ellis