It’s officially “state season” in the Miss America pageant scene. This means that local titleholders from each state are coming together to compete for the state title, and ultimately continue to Miss America. The Super Bowl of pageants.
This past weekend was Miss New York, and I sat at the edge of my seat all night waiting for the results. Even though I’m no longer competing (or even eligible), I’m still hopelessly devoted to the Miss New York Organization.
It’s no secret that I’m a former pageant girl. I’ve competed, spectated, and judged local pageants, and even tossed the idea of directing. I’ve dragged Jonathan along (don’t let him fool you, he loves it), and put Charlotte-Ann in a few competitions as well.
During my prime, I was a pro at predicting the winners. One year I predicted 2/3 of the state winners. I can almost always call the Top 5 at an event. Jonathan once called the top five, in order, at Miss America. We have attended state pageants together, and made the trip to Atlantic City together, to watch the events.
Miss New York 2019
This year, Lauren Molella was crowned Miss New York 2019. She also received a preliminary award for her social impact statement. She will now advance to compete at Miss America, and represent the Empire State at the National competition.
Y’all… I’m so fricken excited.
So maybe Lauren isn’t my friend. We’ve exchanged some words here and there, but nothing spectacular. Yet I still feel that excitement that comes with the thrill of knowing someone who is going on to do big things.
Miss America, I know her…
Heck, I still ride the coat tails of “I competed with, and judged a local pageant, with Nina Davuluri, before she ever won Miss America.” Nina, in truth, I would have called a pageant friend. We spoke fairly frequently for a few years before she won. Not so much anymore, but I’m ok with that. Being famous is hard.
Once, while backstage at Miss New York, I watched as Kira Kazantsev practiced walking patterns for a solid hour during their free time. Later, while coming out of the bathroom, I bumped into her. She recognized me for my pageant blog. That year she won Miss New York, and then made history by becoming the third Miss New York to consecutively win Miss America. (Side Note: I wasn’t competing at Miss New York, I was just hanging out backstage, and none of the stagehands realized I didn’t belong.)
I can’t help it. I just get giddy.
Some Boring Miss New York Facts (to balance my excitement)
Lauren is the first former Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen to become Miss New York. She was Miss Empire Rose’s Outstanding Teen, and I had met her that year when I competed for the state title. Years later, we competed together at the Miss Central New York pageant. After I aged out, I volunteered with a few local pageants, including the Miss Copper City pageant. Lauren was crowned Miss Copper City 2017. I also manage the social media for Miss Finger Lakes, which is the local where she was crowned Miss Upstate New York 2019. Another coincidence, my sister Lauren is a former Miss Upstate New York as well!
So here she is…
Needless to say, I am beyond thrilled to be able to say I have seen Lauren compete her way through both of New York’s pageant systems. I am so proud to have her represent New York, regardless if it is still my home.
I’ve got an empire state of mind! Next up, Atlantic City! Maybe… No one actually knows where Miss America is being else this year. But I will be cheering for Lauren!