As I wrote in Part 1, I was really kinda blown away by the goings-on at the Miss Nevada Scholarship Organization’s Northern Open Pageant.

Here’s a look at what the afternoon entailed, for the dozen young women competing for the four titles, crowns, sashes and $250 scholarships being awarded for Miss Nevada Outstanding Teen (including Miss Washoe County Outstanding Teen, Miss Northern Counties Outstanding Teen, Miss Clark County Outstanding Teen, and Miss Lake Mead Outstanding Teen); and for the dozen young women competing for the three titles, crowns, sashes, and $500 scholarships being awarded for Miss Nevada (Miss Lake Tahoe, Miss Clark County, and Miss Truckee Meadows).

First was an opening number, consisting of all twenty four contestants, followed by introductions.  From here the Miss contestants answered their On-Stage Questions.  I have to say that while I didn’t necessarily agree with some of the answers, I was far more taken by those who spoke confidently.  This was followed by the Teens doing their displays of Physical Fitness, in Active Wear.  Hats off, to all of the participants who managed to do so while maintaining eye-contact with the judges! 

Next was the Swimsuit competition.  I’m not sure about the parameters for this part of the competition, but I applaud anyone with the moxie to walk, in front of an audience, in a bikini and heels – I don’t care what sort of shape you’re in!

Then came Talent – perhaps the best insight into what makes each of the contestants “tick” (as it were).  As someone who watches a lot of performers do a lot of things, I’m a bit jaded; but I’ll say this – for me, personally, I’d rather watch someone who’s obviously enjoying herself, onstage, than someone who might have incredible technique but looks miserable and stuck in her head.  Again, that’s just me, but I’m pretty sure at least some people must agree.

Last (but certainly not least, in my eyes) was Evening Wear – something I was put on this Earth to judge.  But I’m gonna do a separate essay about pageant fashion dos and don’ts, later this spring – so come back, for that!

At the end of the day, the following titles were awarded (with the crowns, sashes, and scholarships that accompanied them):

Miss Washoe County Outstanding Teen 2015 – Makenzie St. Cyr
Miss Northern Counties Outstanding Teen 2015 – Mia Swenson
Miss Clark County Outstanding Teen 2015 – Kayla Kalisz
Miss Lake Mead Outstanding Teen 2015 – Lauren Watson

Miss Lake Tahoe 2015 – Alisa Merino
Miss Clark County 2015 – Alexis Hilts
Miss Truckee Meadows 2015 – Bailey Gumm

Congratulations to the winners, who will all be proceeding on to the State Finals, this June, at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.  Also, congratulations to all of the young women who put themselves out there.  It’s no easy thing, putting aside your fears and parading yourself, in front of people who are there, literally to judge you!  You are all to be commended and applauded.

And to all of the young women who are still interested in competing, the Southern Sweeps (an open pageant) is taking place here, in Las Vegas, on March 28th.  If you or someone you know is interested in entering,  please click on the link to the Miss Nevada Scholarship Organization website (below), or contact MSNO Executive Director, Jodi Fonfa (click HERE).

Northern Open Pageant
Miss Nevada Scholarship Organization
Click HERE for info

Get into it!