HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Six ladies competed in the Miss Western Massachusetts & Miss Western Massachusetts’ Teen Legacy Saturday evening.
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On Saturday, three teens and three Miss competitors participated in the Miss Western Massachusetts Scholarship Pageant in Holyoke. The event started with a private interview with the judges. There, the ladies shared their community service initiatives and life goals. That experience was worth 30% of the Teen-and-Miss competition.
“The two women that get crowned this evening will go on to compete for their state competitions that is the Miss Massachusetts Teen and Miss Massachusetts,” said Kimerlee Uzar, Co-Executive Director of the Miss Western Massachusetts scholarship organization.
These ladies are showcasing their talents and competing for a new title all within the Miss America Organization. Each competitor has a personal connection to their community service initiative. All while, still taking the time to develop a love for a talent and other hobbies
“the American Heart Association is the national partner of Miss America so you will see them in fitness wear, they’re in their red outfits, um that is across the board throughout the whole nation,” said Kensi Riley, Co-Executive Director of the Miss Western Massachusetts Scholarship Organization.
Reigning title holders also attended the event, like Miss Western Massachusetts. 22News Anchor Ciara Speller hosted the pageant and Mass Appeal Lifestyle Host Kayla Hevey served as one of the judges.
The woman who founded this pageant more than 20 years ago, even stopped by emphasizing the joy it brings to the community.
“I was at a General Federation Woman’s Club Meeting and I met one of the stars that won the pageant and I asked golly I want to run one of those in Holyoke how do you do that,” said Lorraine Gorham, Founder of the Miss Western Massachusetts Scholarship Organization.
The 2024 Miss Massachusetts and Miss Massachusetts Teen encourages girls and women to keep pushing past their limits and advocating for themselves.
“Pageantry really helps us focus on our why and our purpose. I’m a senior right now, and I feel so much more prepared for college and the workforce because of the pageant,” said maggie Leighton, Miss Massachusetts Teen 2024.
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