On Friday, June 22nd, I left my hometown of Bel Air for the 2012 United America/Petite United America Pageants being held in Austin, Texas. I was very excited to meet my sister queens, the other contestants who held titles for their respected states, whom I had been communicating with for months. Little did I know just how close I was going to become to this group of beautiful, successful, and giving women.
Our weekend began with registration and a contestants social that enabled all of the contestants to get to know each other and share what age group we would be competing in. The United America/Petite United America Pageant system has 9 age groups, ranging from 13 years old to 55 and up. Each contestant shared her name, her age group, her state, and a few quick facts about herself. Despite a full day of travel for most of the contestants, there was so much excitement in the air.
The following day would include the very important judges interview. Each contestant went before a panel of 5 judges who would determine who would become one of the prestigious United America/Petite United America queens. Nervousness was in the air. That evening, all contestants and their families were treated to a dinner cruise in the beautiful city of Austin. The commraderie in this group was so evident. We all had a wonderful time. It was hard to believe that the following day would be the day we had all been waiting for. The weekend was passing so quickly.
Pageant rehersal began early on Sunday morning. Between rehearsals, hair/makeup, and setteling into the dressing room, there was little time to worry about the pageant that was taking place later that day. The day passed so quickly and before I knew it, it was time to line up for the opening of the show. Knowing it was being streamed live was enough to make most of us a bit anxious. I remember one moment when I was sitting on a bench in the hall beside two of my fellow national sister queens. One of us was praying, one of us was rehearsing her introduction, and the other one stated she was reminding herself to breathe. The start of the show was just moments away. All of the ladies looked absolutely stunning in their fashion wear and evening wear. It is cliche' to say the judges had their work cut out for them, but in this case, I truly sympathized with them. The United America queens were crowned first. How exciting it was to see some of the ladies I had become so close to, win their titles. I cried, which all the contestants would probably unanimously agree I did often, as each winner took her turn greeting the crowd as one of the new queens.
By the time the Petite America winners had been announced, I don't think there were many hands I didn't hold. I was so excited but so nervous. I was honored to have been selected by my fellow contestants as Miss Congeniality. This is as high of an honor as it gets in my eyes. The judges have very limited time with each of us. They don't get to know us like we get to know each other. I was so grateful for this special award. As the Petite winners were announced in each division, the moment I was crowned Ms. Petite United America Woman will be forever etched in my head. How incredibly grateful I am to have been given this amazing opportunity for the next year! I am honored to represent the Petite United America System, and am so grateful for the friendships and memories I have made through my involvement with UA/PUA. I was told a few weeks before I left for nationals by a former director of mine that some of the most influential women in pageantry have held United America or Petite United America titles. This was no exaggeration. This group was full of women who have greatly impacted the pageant community and their own communities through various forms of service. I am honored to now be one of them.
The question I get asked most often is what the difference between the United America and Petite United America pageant is. The Petite pageant is for women 5'6 and under. Needless to say, we all had our share of short jokes as we were photographed after the pageant, but that is what makes United America system so successful. It promotes beauty in all women.
