The Pageant that Changed My Life

              Pageantry was something I was always interested in since I was younger, but never had the opportunity to try.  I remember watching the Mrs. America Pageant on television, and decided to inquire about the Mrs. New York America Pageant.  Impressed by the web site and excited about the chance to compete in my first pageant, I requested an application package and was on my way to fulfilling my dream.

             The Mrs. New York America Pageant was my first pageant.  From the very first communication with the pageant staff, my experience was excellent.  Staff immediately returned phone calls, quickly responded to emails, and addressed every concern I had about competing.  Having no prior pageant experience, I thought it would be a good idea to attend the pageant seminar held about two months before the pageant.  This was worth every penny!  Every part of each day was highly organized with valuable information.  Hair, make-up, wardrobe, interview, and all other areas of competition were addressed.  I took every bit of information I learned at the seminar and prepared for the next two months until pageant week.

             Hosted at a lovely hotel, I felt very comfortable and invited from the start.  There was plenty of pageant staff on hand to assist me with anything I might need.  Orientation and registration were extremely organized and informative.  Rehearsals were just as organized and helpful as well.  Every contestant felt comfortable come pageant night having thoroughly rehearsed each phase of the show. 

            Every meal was provided by the pageant.  Chicken, steak, salads, Bar-b-q, wonderful desserts…anything you could possible ask for was provided by the top restaurants in the area!  In addition, throughout the pageant there was always fresh fruit, coffee, tea, water, soda, milk, and other snacks.  The list can go on and on!

           Backstage, large and comfortable couches and chairs are provided.  A humongous dressing room with ample mirrors, lighting, and seating was also provided for all contestants.  Staff members were backstage to help contestants dress.  Of course, they were on hand with safety pins, bobby pins, bandages, and any other item you might need last minute.  Hair and make-up artists were also on staff to provide contestants with full service hair and make-up, which is all included!  Monitors are also backstage for contestants to watch the show live as it is happening.

           Finally, it is show time!  The pageant is held in a huge dome center.  One just need to look at the photos of the stage to understand the quality of this production.  With live entertainment, thousands of stage lights, a professional sound system, a full runway with plenty of room, all complimented by a giant star underpass, no other pageant could possible compete with this stage and this show. 

          There are many other wonderful details about this pageant, but it would take too long to list every one.  These are the small details that one might take for granted should this be her very first pageant.  I can tell you that it was a rude awakening when I competed for the second time in another pageant system.  It was then I realized how amazing this pageant was, and how extensive this pageant is.

          Most importantly, than all the details above, this pageant is highly organized, unbiased, fair, and held with the utmost integrity.  When you invest your time, effort, and money into a pageant, you want the confidence that the pageant you are competing in is an honest and fair pageant.  You also want to know that the staff knows what they are doing.  This is where the Mrs. New York America Pageant stands out. 

          Director Joanne Cercone takes every single measure necessary to ensure that her pageant is conducted to the highest possible standards.  Other pageants claim to do this, but it may not be so.  With more experience in the pageantry industry, I can personally attest that there is no pageant out there that meets this quality. 

         This pageant changed the course of my life and forever changed me.  My experience with the director and all the pageant staff has greatly enhanced my life in so many positive ways.  I can never re-pay the Mrs. New York America Pageant for what it is given me.  My self-esteem and confidence level were elevated, I had a ton of fun, and made life long friends along the way. 

         I hold this pageant in highest regards and would recommend the Mrs. New York America Pageant to anyone looking for an excellently ran, highly organized, honest, and superior pageant experience.  I am so honored and proud to have been given the opportunity to be associated with such a wonderful pageant.  I competed in 2004 and have been coming back ever since!  The Mrs. America Organization and the State of New York are lucky to have a pageant like this that gives them a wonderful reputation and positive image. 

 
Lauren Gordon, Mrs. New York America 2004