What is a Pageant?
You see two women facing each other standing on a stage under a spotlight, hand-in-hand, their heads bowed, and eyes closed. They’re probably praying, too, waiting for their name to be called as the winner of their pageant.
But what is a pageant?
A pageant, by definition, is an entertainment that consists of people in a procession that wear colorful costumes. However, as a pageant girl, I can give you a better answer. A pageant is a competition in which men or women of all ages compete in a series of smaller contests for a position as a titleholder for an organization that has its own mission or purpose. Many pageant organizations strive to promote sisterhood, self-confidence, and community service throughout their titleholders.
Most pageants have different phases of required competition including interview, personal introduction, on-stage question, casual wear/fun fashion, and evening gown. Most pageants also have optional competitions that give contestants a chance to showcase their hearts for service, academic achievements, facial beauty, modeling ability, and so much more. A phase of competition that could be either optional or mandatory is talent.
Depending on the organization, talent can make or break your chances of becoming a titleholder. In an organization that focuses on talent, like Miss America, you have to be ready to display your talent at all times. A pageant organization can help a titleholder or contestant market their abilities to other organizations that can help further a person’s professional career. For example, pageants winners who sing as their talent, often get asked to sing the National Anthem for major sports teams. From here, a talent agent may scout them and offer to take their singing careers to new heights. Either way, talent is an especially important aspect of pageantry.
The Miss HBCU Teen Pageant is an amazing pageant system that prides itself on promoting sisterhood among its high school contestants who plan on attending a Historically Black College or University. It also focuses on contestant development by providing an 8-week developmental program for all of its contestants to participate in. This program offers contestants advice and enrichment that prepares them for life outside of high school in areas such as financial literacy, civic engagement planning, and networking. This is a major win for high school girls who may be unsure how to navigate the world once they graduate high school. The program ensures that the girls will do their best in the future while being the best version of themselves. Miss HBCU Teen Pageant also offers scholarships for its winners. The funds can be used to offset the cost of college because let’s face it- college isn’t cheap. This pageant is an excellent stepping stone into the world of pageantry. I encourage all eligible girls to apply. This pageant is an amazing one to experience and be a part of.
