The Miss New Bedford Scholarship Program is now seeking contestants for their 60th annual Miss New Bedford Pageant!  In honor of the program’s 60^th anniversary, Miss New Bedford will receive a $6,000 scholarship! Since the very first crowning of Miss New Bedford, Judith Drake, in 1954, the pageant has defined a legacy of success.  Over the past 59 years, the program has awarded more than $120,000 to winners and pageant participants.  Even more impressive is that Miss New Bedford participates tirelessly in community engagements and charitable events throughout her year.  Because the program provides a foundation for future success, Miss New Bedford titleholders have gone on to accomplish great things in all aspects of their lives from business to family, and community.  Now, it’s another young woman’s turn to win the opportunity of a lifetime….

The What and Why: A life-changing opportunity. Have fun, make new friends, win scholarship money, and earn the chance to stand beside elected officials, network with professionals, brush up on public speaking skills, and enhance your resume.  Titleholders and past contestants alike attribute their confidence, drive, and ambition to the skills they learned from competing.  Most say that the Interview phase of competition prepared them later in life to excel in professional interviews and achieve their career goals.

The Who: The pageant is open to young women, 17 to 24 years of age, living, working, or attending school in Acushnet, Assonet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Lakeville, Mattapoisett, Marion, New Bedford and Rochester.  The current reigning Miss New Bedford is Marlena Johnson.  A resident of New Bedford, she is an accomplished vocalist and an honors graduate of New Bedford High School.   She is employed by New Bedford Public Schools working for McKinney Vento as the Homeless Education Support and Data Specialist.  As Miss New Bedford, Marlena has worked closely with New Bedford Public School’s initiative “Where are YOU Headed?” drop-out prevention campaign.  Marlena received a $3,000 scholarship, in addition to another $1,800 from her placement as the 3^rd runner-up at this year’s Miss Massachusetts pageant.

The ‘Say What’?! The perks of being Miss New Bedford are endless.  Not only is there scholarship money at stake, but an outstanding prize package.  Local donors and sponsors contribute all the essentials for Miss New Bedford’s use throughout the year including wardrobe allowances, gift certificates, massages, hair and nail care, tanning, personal training and a gym membership, personal  make-up artistry, custom jewelry and more.  Then, there are the appearances!  Many requests are truly incredible!  This year’s Miss New Bedford received an all-inclusive trip to Florida to emcee a major event!

The How and NOW!:  Anyone interested should attend the upcoming informational meeting and orientation on Thursday, Aug. 9, at 7 p.m. at the Cheryl McCormack Academy of Dance, 731 Tarkiln Hill Road, New Bedford (behind the King’s Highway Stop&Shop.)  Attendance creates no obligation to compete.  This is simply an information session, so please attend!  (The pageant will be held on Sunday, September 23rd.)  You must notify the facilitator of your attendance in advance.  You may do this by filling out the Contestant Registration Form at www.missnewbedford.org or email info@missnewbedford.org or call the Contestant Coordinator at 508-525-9972.

Want to improve your health and wellness? How about for FREE?  Well, you’re in luck! Throughout the month of May, FREE fitness classes are being offered every weekend! No costs. No commitments. Each weekend, a different class will be offered to provide you with optimal choices and variety to feel great and get in shape. Even better, these classes specifically cater to women’s overall health. The YWCA’s Leading Ladies value health and wellness and have sponsored this event by partnering with local fitness instructors.  Registration is recommended as space is limited.  To sign-up, email FreeFitnessNB@gmail.com.

YOGA: Sunday May 6^th at 10:30am (90min) ——please bring mat

Yoga 101 Studio – 106 State Rd Dartmouth, MA 02747

Taught By: Vickie Smith, RYT

ZUMBA: Sunday May 13^th at 1:00pm (60min)

Cheryl McCormack Academy of Dance – 731 Tarkiln Hill Road New Bedford, MA 02745

Taught By: Beth Methia

HIP HOP YOGA: Sunday May 20^th at 2:00pm (60min) —–mats provided

Hope Yoga Studio – 250 State Road Dartmouth, Ma 02747

Taught By: Jennifer Azadnia

TAI CHI AND QIGONG: Saturday May 26^th at 1:00pm (120min)

—loose-fit clothes, socks or flat soled shoes

YWCA New Bedford – 20 South 6th Street, New Bedford, MA 02740

Taught By:  Dave Chosid (from Yoga 101 Studio)

Hosted by YWCA Leading Ladies; Hope Yoga Studio; Beth Methia Zumba Instructor; Yoga 101 Studio; and Dave Chosid Tai Chi Instruction.

ABOUT YWCA LEADING LADIES:

Leading Ladies is an initiative of YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts which provides networking and leadership development opportunities for young women. It does this through active participation in a variety of group activities, as well as philanthropic activity in the community.  The primary aim of the Leading Ladies is to empower young women by enhancing a sense of community and communication with a special emphasis on women’s professional advancement and collective leadership.  Through collaboration, outreach, and education on essential issues, Leading Ladies helps women to build success and leadership qualities, enhancing both their personal and professional lives.

New Bedford is rich in history – whaling, fishing, manufacturing…. and one more thing, pageantry.  Founded in 1954, the Miss New Bedford program began its legacy, awarding lifetime opportunities, and most importantly, scholarships!  Yes, that’s right – SCHOLARSHIPS!  The Miss New Bedford pageant is truly unique and focuses on finding young women who have a desire for success.  It seeks contestants who are passionate and committed.  Since 1954, the program has built a foundation upon which young women can acquire skills and enhance their lives, both personally and professionally.  They build confidence, gain interview experience, strengthen public speaking skills, and develop outstanding leadership abilities.

The annual pageant is now looking to crown its 59th Miss New Bedford!  Do YOU have what it takes to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?  Here is your chance to take part in a program with 58 years of life-changing experiences that has equipped young women with tools for success.  Act now – and sign up for an information session on Sunday, August 14th.  Call 508-525-9972 with your questions and to reserve your space today!

What is the Miss New Bedford Scholarship Pageant?  We are a scholarship pageant, sponsored by the Greater New Bedford Scholarship Foundation. We are part of Miss America, which is the largest scholarship program for young women in the world.   So… if you become Miss New Bedford, you will compete to be Miss Massachusetts.  If you win the state pageant, you will compete for the title of Miss America!

What makes me qualified to compete?  You must be between the ages of 17 and 24, and you must be graduating from high school by June of 2012.  You must be a female, never married and have no children.  There are other requirements that are written out in a contract you must sign.  If you are under 18, your parents must also sign.  There is no official application process and no fee to compete in the pageant.  You do, however, need to commit to raising at least $100 for the Children’s Miracle Network, which is a Miss America requirement.

What do I have to compete in? The phases of competition are Interview (worth 25%), Lifestyle and Physical Fitness in Swimsuit (worth 15%), Talent (worth 35%) Evening wear (worth 20%), and an on-stage question (5%).

What do I win?  This year’s winner will receive a $2,500.00 scholarship as well as a prize package of preparation allowances, clothing from area stores, unique gifts from our sponsors, and more.  Last year, Miss New Bedford’s totals came to almost $5,000.00 in scholarships and special gifts.  There are also scholarships and awards available for the runner-ups, and other special award recipients.

What happens after I win?  Right after you win, a business managers and the committee will help you begin to prepare for the Miss Massachusetts Pageant, which is held in the summer.  Also, you will fill your calendar with numerous public appearances and will have the opportunity to speak about and work with your chosen “platform issue”.

What is a “platform issue”?  Every woman in the Miss America Program must have an issue that they care about and would like to work on during the year. (Examples are fighting drunk driving, stopping youth smoking, getting people to register to vote, and so on).  This year’s Miss New Bedford focused on promoting volunteerism.  During your interview you’ll have the opportunity to speak about yourself and your platform issue.  During the year, you will make appearances at local facilities and organizations, which have to do with your chosen issues.

How do I sign up? Simply e-mail contestants@missnewbedford.org or call 508-525-9972.  For more information, visit www.missnewbedford.org.  You will need to attend the Orientation Meeting on August 14th for all potential contestants.  The 2011 pageant will be held on September 25th.  It will be our 59th anniversary and I hope you will join us!