Miss New York's Outstanding Teen 2011 Pageant!

                                                    My official headshot for MNYOT!


After months of preparation, running around for my wardrobe needs, working, and feeling extremely anxious, JUNE 19TH finally came. I was extremely proud representing Brooklyn at New York's Outstanding Teen 2011 pageant. The areas of competition are Active Wear, Evening Gown, Talent, Interview and on-stage question.

 

A question that I am always asked: "How do you pay for all of your pageant expenses?" For me personally, I got a job! :-)  After school I had a part time job working at an elementary school teaching first graders how to read as well as helping them with their homework. Therefore, I was able to pay for my choreography classes, my Active Wear and Interview attire along with Appearance dresses (for the Miss NY weekend). I was also fortunate to have a few close family and friends to help me out along the way. Miss Cheryl Williams (Director of the Darling Diva's Pageant) actually made a stunning Talent Outfit for me. It went well with my African dance piece! Miss Black USA 2010- Osas Ighodaro allowed me to borrow her fabulous yellow Sherri Hill gown. My uncle Jason did a great job doing my hair!  My choreographer Vanessa Aird coached me through out the past couple of months, I couldn't have gotten this far with out you!!! As for my parents I can not thank you enough, driving me back and forth for my interview,rehearsals and showtime, and my sister for being there for me through EVERYTHING. There are not enough words in the world to explain how thankful I am that you guys helped me out.

              After 4 hours of rehearsals! We had a WHOLE lot of pizza !!

Miss NYC's Teen-Shelley Jain, she did a great job placing 2nd Runner-Up. This is one amazing girl and a friend to keep forever! xoxo

With the Staten Island Girls and Kim Thomas, at the Miss NY Finals. Congratulations to Miss New York 2011- Kaitlin Montey.

Brooklyn sister queens at the Miss NY Gala. I  ABSOLUTELY love her!!!! And she did an amazing job at Miss NY!

                                                                         Top 5 !

  This was one of the MOST nerve recking yet happiest moment I ever had !!!

Lauren and I with our director, Amaris Acosta. We know that she was proud of us both! :-) My fellow sister queen, Lauren Molella- Miss Dutchess County Teen won Miss New York's Outstanding Teen 2011 that day. I am extremely proud of you. Lauren is one of the most nicest, talented people I've ever met! I know that you will do an amazing job representing NY at Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant in August!

* From Left to Right *

3rd RU Ashley McDuffee, Mohawk Valley

2nd RU Shelley Jain, New York City
Lauren Mollela, Miss New York's Outstanding Teen 2011

        1st RU Brittney Hollingsworth, Brooklyn  

 4th RU Shade Douglas, Buffalo

Indeed I placed 1st Runner-up!! I am extremely pleased and still ecstatic! Win or loose I am going to take the wonderful experience I had and cherish it. I met a lot of great people and shall carry on the many friendships I have with fellow titleholders. With this pageant I have improved my Public speaking skills, my stage presence and my modeling skills :-) All though I did not take the title home, I came home with a lot of new opportunities!

                    Miss New York's Outstanding Teen Class Of 2011 !!!! xoxo.

 Whats next... ? I shall continue my journey as Miss Brooklyn's Outstanding Teen 2011! Will I compete next year...? I'm thinking about it! I am not your typical "pageant girl". But I've came to realize that this is something that I really enjoy taking part in. So maybe, just maybe after I hand down my title you'll see me once again!