Local News: I't’s not all about beauty': Pageant winners speak | miss, pageant, gastonia : Gaston Gazette

'It’s not all about beauty': Pageant winners talk about why they compete

Amanda Millard

The crowns, sashes and smiles aren't all that make up a pageant competition, local winners say.

"I compete because pageants have taught me so much. There's a lot to learn," said Laura Page, 17, who attends Highland School of Technology and won the Miss Gastonia title. "There's so much to gain from it.

Twenty-one girls competed in the 2009 Miss Gastonia Scholarship and Miss Gastonia's Outstanding Teen pageants Saturday. Four girls will now go on to compete next summer in Raleigh in the Miss North Carolina and Miss North Carolina's Outstanding Teen Pageants.

Competing in a pageant takes work.

"The most difficult aspect is having the confidence to present yourself as a role model to the community you'll be representing," said Jessica Lackey, 19, who attends Lenoir-Rhyne College and won Miss Gaston County. "It's not just a title. It's your job."

Contestants say they've learned many lessons about life by going through the competition process. The girls said they'd encourage anyone thinking of competing to try it out.

Local News: I't’s not all about beauty': Pageant winners speak | miss, pageant, gastonia : Gaston Gazette

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