On June 23^, 2007 a dream became a reality!  My mind raced with excitement as I stood on stage as one of only two ladies left in competition.  Could it be? After eight years of being a contestant? It was at the Mrs. New York America Pageant where I was blessed with the honor of being chosen as the 31^st married woman to represent New York in the Mrs. America Pageant!  It still remains magical! I, Shana Jaycox am the reigning Mrs. New York America!   

As a former contestant for almost a decade, and only a runner up once, it was a very unique and special moment to be one of the final two contestants on stage.   When Joanne Cercone, (the Executive Director and Host) announced the name of my first runner up, I nearly jumped out of my skin and off the stage!  I couldn’t believe it!  I was amazed, excited, overwhelmed and shocked all in one.   I had dreamed before of what that moment in time would feel like and the truth is…the real thing far surpasses the dream! 

Before winning, I was asked quite often, why was I returning each year – the answer is simple…I returned because I love the fellowship of other ambitious women that are pursuing careers, successful marriages, and motherhood.  I have gained so many wonderful friendships and lasting memories from every experience, while always learning more about myself with each passing year.  

I am a big believer that every life experience will teach you something about yourself if you are open to the lesson.  Every year I was determined that no matter what the results were, I would be happy because I was being true to myself and doing my personal best.   As a wife, a mother of three and a successful business owner, the experience of being a contestant provided me with the opportunity to set personal goals for myself.   Not the goal of winning, the goal of being the very best that I could.  I have EIGHT successes with that goal! 

I feel great contentment and joy from seeing others happy and fulfilled.  It’s especially gratifying for me if I, even in some small way, have contributed to another’s success. That is what makes this pageant and its’ experience so valuable. It isn’t about who leaves with the crown, but rather leaving with the countless treasures one collects all along the journey, while hopefully leaving a part of ourselves behind for others to benefit from! Each year we, the contestants, became more aware of who we are as individuals, became more physically fit, took the time to be a “priority” and made wonderful friendships from all across our great state. All treasures that will last a lifetime!

During pageant week we were spoiled and pampered, cared for like family and respected from start to finish by one of the most incredible teams I have ever had the privilege to know. We laughed and laughed some more, as we embraced each moment of this amazing journey together as married women.  Little did we know the true impact this once-in-a-lifetime experience would not only have on our lives, but the world around us! 

If ever you have dreamed of what it would be like to feel the exhilaration of entering a pageant, I can tell you that as a Mrs. New York America contestant, your dreams will be fulfilled and then some!

Shana Jaycox 

Mrs. New York America 2007 

2007
Mrs. Community Service
 Award Winners

  Winner (L):
Heather Simco
and
First Runner-up (R):
Yulia Gurtin

with
Lidia Szczepanowski-Goldsmith
Mrs. New York America 2006

Winner Received:
Custom Designed Trophy
$50 Cash Prize

First-runner up Received:
Custom Designed Trophy

2007 Mrs. Congeniality
Award winner

Santina MacDonald
with
Lidia Szczepanowski-Goldsmith
Mrs. New York America 2006