By Michelle Colesanti
The National American Miss pageants are dedicated to celebrating America’s greatness and encouraging its future leaders. Each year, the pageant awards thousands in scholarships and prizes to recognize and assist in the development of young women nationwide. All activities are age-appropriate and family-oriented.
Angelina Jade Phillips, age 14, and an 8th grade student art Randall Middle school, has been chosen as a State Finalist in the National American Miss Florida Junior Teen Pageant, which will be held July 14 -15, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando. Girls between ages 13 and 15 can participate in the pageant.
Phillip’s activities include cheerleading, jazz dancing and biking. As to how she got involved she said, “I received a letter in the mail and thought to myself, why not? I went with my instincts and it turned out that I am a Florida State Finalist. Becoming National American Miss would be a great honor. Although it comes with lots of hard work and determination, I am up for the challenge. This opportunity will teach me lifelong interviewing skills, and it is a fun way to win college scholarships. I am grateful for the opportunity and I would like to give thanks to all of my sponsors.”
Her sponsors include The Coffee House, The Cinderella Shoppe, The Green Boutique, Pinch-A-Penny in Lithia, The Art Monkey, Ambiance Hair Salon, Mashack and Associates, Inc., Ethnic Hair Care, Agape Chic, Gem Dry Cleaners, Julie’s Walk-In Closet and Second Hand Savvy.
Phillip’s mom and dad, Peter and Evelina Phillips, feel this is a great opportunity for their daughter to win college scholarships and also helps promote a positive self-image for young ladies. “Whether she wins or loses, it is an experience that she will never forget.”
The winner of the pageant will receive a $1000 cash award, official crown and banner, a bouquet of roses, and air transportation to compete in the national pageant at Disneyland in California.
The pageant program is based on inner beauty, as well as poise and presentation, and offers an “All-American spirit of fun for family and friends.” Emphasis is placed on the importance of gaining self-confidence, learning new skills, learning good attitudes about competition, and setting and achieving personal goals. The pageant seeks to recognize the accomplishments of each girl while encouraging her to set goals for the future. To learn more, visit www.namiss.com.
