By Christina Chipman
Growing up, many girls aspire to live the life of a beauty queen. This past summer, a few Plymouth High School girls made this dream a reality as a Ms. Blueberry contestant.
To most, a beauty pageant contestant is perceived as a young starlet who lives the life of glitz and glamor. However, to the Plymouth High School student body and faculty, a beauty pageant contestant can be considered one who roams the halls of PHS, attends six classes everyday, and leads the life of any normal teenage girl. Ms. Blueberry is an opportunity presented to the girls of Marshall County, however, preparations for the pageant begin long before the perfect dress is found or the day of the interview. Senior contestant, Stephanie Gorka explains, “ I prepared my outfits and we had practices for our group dance.” Senior Kayla Arriaga adds, “I prepared my interview skills and my walk.”
Poise and presentation of oneself are vital aspects to excelling under the limelight in front of a panel of judges, but it requires much more than most people conceive. Senior Jordin Cook reflects, “ It’s hard to just keep staring at the judges!” Arriaga explains, “ Most people think you have to get up on stage and walk around while looking pretty, but you have to know how to present yourself.” As preparations consumed much of the girls’ first few weeks of summer independence and freedom, the contestants were rewarded with more than sashes and bouquets of flowers. The contestants bonded with other high school girls across Marshall County, and instilled everlasting memories. Senior Katie Rudd reflects, “ My favorite memory was playing games at Millers’ Merry Manor or the practice the night before.” Arriaga agreed by adding, “ One of the residents, Ike, was the life of the party and always had us laughing.” For Cook, she enjoyed “meeting and hanging with the girls from out of town.” Senior Stephanie Maloney was overwhelmed by the fact that her “friends and family were there to watch me.” The contestants also gained profound life lessons that no other extracurricular activity could provide. Rudd learned that “friendship is the best thing.” Cook, on the other hand, stated with a smile, “ Just go with whatever even if you don’t figure eight right, or you drop your stick while you’re dancing.” Arriaga took a different approach by stating, “ There are a lot of people who are nice to who they need to be, and totally different to anyone else. It was very frustrating to see that in people.” No matter the life lessons learned, whether it be a new perspective on attitudes or people, or what not to do during a dance, the girls walked away from the pageant with more than just new friends but important life lessons.
As the contestants continue to become the young women in which they are destined to be, sharing the experience of the pageant is a vital key in helping the younger generations of girls aspire to become apart of this life enriching experience. Maloney states, “ Don’t be shy! If you want to do it, get up and do it!” Gorka advises with a smile, “ Just have fun and be yourself.” Rudd also advises to “just be yourself because there isn’t anything better than an honest person.”
Miss Shelly Ortiz, a former graduate of Plymouth High School was graced with the crown of Ms. Blueberry. Maloney, however, tied for Miss Friendship. Rudd, Gorka, Cook, and Maloney all do not plan on competing again, however, Arriaga has the crown in mind for the upcoming year. Arriaga states, “ I had fun and I learned new things. I also did really well for my first year, so hopefully I’ll do better next.”
The Pilgrim Perspective congratulates all the contestants for their hardwork, and the best of luck to Kayla Arriaga next year as a Ms. Blueberry contestant.