My Pageant Journey- Never Give Up!

I grew up in the 80’s when Miss America, Miss USA and Miss Universe were prime time

events. Through my thick rimmed glasses from Sears, I watched mesmerized by the

grace of those beautiful women. I was in absolute awe. Dreams of one day standing

on the stage were just that back then, dreams. I was reminded daily through the

relentless teasing of my classmates that I didn’t fit the standard beauty norms and had

accepted that being a part of pageantry was not in my future.

As I grew out of those plastic goggles, as I liked to call them, I went from the ugly

duckling to the beautiful swan and at 16 applied to the Miss Teen Massachusetts

pageant reigniting my passion for the sport. My mother, however, didn’t agree and for

reasons which I will never understood she did not allow me to compete. Pageantry

slipped back into a dream.

Fast forward 30 years later, with two marriages and eight children, I came across an ad

for a local small-town pageant. Feeling a little risky, I decided to sign up. Having no

idea what to do, how to stand, wearing a pair of Payless flats from years ago and an

Amazon dress I won. I became Mrs. Pioneer Valley. The fact that I was the only

contestant didn’t matter. I had fulfilled a lifetime dream and then without warning I was

bit by the infamous “pageant bug” and haven’t stopped since.

Throughout the past several years I have been rapidly introduced to pageantry and all

that entails, and I couldn’t be happier. While I have tried many pageant systems and

had many memorable moments on stage, I can say without a doubt that being crowned

Classic Miss American Nation and Elite Culture Galaxy were the highlights of my career.

Until this past July when I crowned Mrs. American Nation. Being part of this incredible

system, surrounded by Miss Debbie, her team and all these brilliant women has been a

true blessing.

My journey has taught me that you never give up. It is never too late to rewrite a

chapter in your book. Where I go next, I leave in God’s hands. I will continue to

compete, volunteer and make a difference in this world one rhinestone at a time.

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