Press Release
On Saturday January 13, ten young women will compete to become the next Miss New Bedford’s Outstanding Teen. The pageant takes place at 6:00 p.m. at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, 1121 Ashley Boulevard in New Bedford.
A local preliminary competition to the Miss Massachusetts’ Outstanding Teen and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen scholarship programs, the pageant emphasizes scholarship and service to the community. This year’s winner will receive a $500 educational scholarship, in addition to hundreds of dollars in additional prizes. Runners-up and special awards winners will also receive scholarship money and awards.
The pageant itself is a “little sister” program to the annual Miss New Bedford Pageant. Contestants compete in five stages of scored competition: a private six-minute Interview, Talent, Physical Fitness, Evening Wear, and On-Stage Question. Contestants are expected to exude confidence and drive, demonstrate academic excellence, and show a commitment to service. Each contestant has chosen her own personal “platform,” or cause, which she will promote and advance during her year, in addition to serving as a role model for young girls in the Greater New Bedford area.
The reigning Miss New Bedford’s Outstanding Teen is Jordan St. Onge, 16, from Fairhaven. During her year, Jordan made more than 115 appearances throughout the community.
Her year of service was devoted to raising awareness of lung cancer, inspired by her grandmother who developed lung cancer but never smoked. Jordan has educated the community on the dangers of second hand smoke, has engaged in various efforts of the American Lung Association, and has even spoken to legislators at the State House about related bills.
Jordan also represented New Bedford in the Miss Massachusetts’ Outstanding Teen pageant where she placed as first runner-up.
Miss New Bedford’s Outstanding Teen Pageant CONTESTANTS, L-R: Marcie Araujo, Emma Boudreau, Destiny Capellan, Victoria Fernandes, Kieyana Fleming, Victoria Kalisz, Rachel Perry, Erin Scott, Alexandra Soares, Abigail Souza. Submitted photos by Andrew Gallagher Studio
Tickets purchased in advance are $20 for adults and $15 for children/seniors. At the door, all tickets for patrons of all ages will be a flat rate of $20. You may reserve tickets by contacting tickets@ missnewbedford.org or 508-971-9564.
This year’s contestants are:
Marcie Araujo, a 13-year-old seventh grader at Normandin Middle School. She will perform an innovative ballet dance for her talent, and her platform is titled, “Elderly Veterans in Need.”
Emma Boudreau, a 15-year-old sophomore at Apponequet Regional High School. She will tap dance for her talent, and her platform is titled, “Arrive Alive: Promoting Safe Driving Practices.”
Destiny Capellan, a 15-year-old sophomore at City on a Hill Public Charter School. She will offer a poetry reading for her talent, and her platform focuses on anti-bullying efforts and bullying awareness.
Victoria Fernandes, a 14-year-old freshman at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. She will tap dance for her talent, and her platform focuses on “Pancreatic Cancer Research Funding.”
Kieyana Fleming, a 14-year-old eighth grader at Normandin Middle School. She will play piano for her talent, and her platform is dedicated to raising awareness of brain tumors.
Victoria Kalisz, a 16-year-old sophomore at Fairhaven High School. She will sing for her talent, and her platform is titled, “Rise Up; Rise In Spite of Everything.”
Rachel Perry, a 15-year-old sophomore at Old Rochester Regional High School. She will play the violin for her talent, and her platform is titled, “Healing Song: The Power of Music to Heal the Brain.”
Erin Scott, a 15-year-old sophomore at Old Rochester Regional High School. She will sing for her talent, and her platform focuses on keeping music and art programs in schools.
Alexandra Soares, a 15-year-old sophomore at New Bedford High School. She will dance for her talent and her platform is titled, “Dance to Enhance: Creating a Better Version of Yourself Through the Performing Arts.”
Abigail Souza, a 13-year-old eighth grader at All Saints Catholic School. She will sing for her talent, and her platform is titled, “Hypertension Awareness in Today’s Youth: Educate, Diagnose, Conquer!”
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