Glitz, glamour and talent will take the stage on Saturday, January 29th, as 24 young women of Orlando compete in the Miss Orlando Pageant.
Four of the contestants are students currently enrolled at UCF: Ashley Nealis, Sara York, Stephanie Ziajka and Music Meier.
“I’ve lived in Orlando my entire life. There is no other city I would rather represent,” stated Ziajka.
The pageant will be divided into three portions: swimwear, evening wear and talent. The contestants will be introduced with statements about them such as their educational plans and goals for the future.
For Ziajka, it is the talent portion she looks forward to the most, stating, “Not only is it fun to perform and showcase your own talent, but it’s so entertaining to see all the other girls do the same.”
An $8,000 Educational scholarship will be awarded to the contestant crowned Miss Orlando from the Orlando Scholarship Organization, on behalf of the Gracia B. Livingston. Educational scholarships will also be awarded to the three runner ups: $2,500 for the first runner up, $1,000 for the second and $500 for the third.
Contestants in the Miss Orlando pageant are required to raise at least $100 in donations for the Children’s Miracle Network, for which they register through the site www.missamerica4kids.org. Audience choice voting serves as a donation and can be completed through the Miss Orlando Pageant site.
The Miss Orlando Pageant will take place at 7:30 pm at Cypress Creek High School. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students; they can be purchased on the Miss Orlando Pageant site.
