Dominique Barrett
Pageantry, the art of elaborate display and or ceremony. A common stereotype for the average person. These days, pageants are about confidence in women and ignoring the stereotype and learning about the progression of women and what they stand for.
“These scholarship pageants teach you what it’s like to be a poised, confident young lady that speaks well and [you] meet plenty of fun people” junior Kendra O’ Conell said.
Plenty have had the enjoyment of participating in these pageants such as junior Kelly Cota.
“I’ve been doing these for a year now and have received the title of Miss Teen Coastal City, Miss Teen North County and Miss Teen Poway.” Cota said.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder for these scholarship pageants as no one is graded based on looks. The first phase is a group of judges that grade you on poise and delivery of speech. The judges also grade you on how confident you are and help you overcome these obstacles and become a better person.
Another “pageant girl” is junior Sally Yen. She has only one pageant under her belt but seems fairly optimistic of the pageants to come.
“These pageants are nothing like the stereotype. They judge you on your scholastics, talents, and how you present yourself to the judges. Everyone was really nice and I would highly recommend it to other girls” Yen said.
Likewise, these pageants are here to help you rather than judge you on aspects that are completely irrelevant to your intelligence and who you are as a person.
“It’s taught me interviewing skills that I’ve used to acquire jobs and I would highly recommend this to other young girls” O’Conell said.
Photo From pomeradonews.comThe most important part of these pageants is what they stand for. The winnings go fully towards their tuition and help them make it through the incredibly expensive college years.
“It’s all about what you have to say and how you want to say it. Many skills you can use in the real world” Cota said.
The true irony lies in the complete 180 turn pageants have created. No longer do girls have to worry about the looks, but rather one’s true personality.
