Angel Bleggi, from Seymour CT, who appears as normal as any other 16-year-old, achieved a level of success that — up until it actually happened — she wasn’t even sure she would achieve. She became a CT State finalist in the Junior Teen Division for the National American Miss Pageant (NAM). The event was held the weekend of Aug 27th – Aug 29th in Danvers, MA. What makes NAM different than most other pageants is that it is a scholarship competition which is judged more on how well a girl presents herself, her confidence in herself and how well she speaks rather than simply over who is the prettiest. In fact, not only do girls under 12 not wear any make-up but there is no bathing suit competition either. Also though there is a talent portion to the competition girls are not required to compete if they don’t have a preforming talent.
More Than Just Standing and Posing
In addition to the main competition, Angel also entered a number of other, optional competitions, including:
- Top Model (a profession photo shoot with a professional photographer);
- Photogenic (judges are presented with candid photos of her),
- Actress (she had to deliver a few lines from an actual commercials);
- Spokesperson (she had to write and deliver a minute-and-half speech on any topic of her choice) — Angel chose to write about what it is like to be homeschooled along with her four brothers; and
- Casual Wear (a runway completion).
Angel surprised everyone — including herself by coming home with six ribbons and five awards. The ribbons were for being a CT finalist and one each for each competition she entered. Her awards were for being
- A CT State Finalist,
- A Spirit of America Award for going above and beyond the basic qualifications of Interview,
- Evening Gown Competition, and
- Personal Introduction in front of judges,
- 3rd Runner-up in the Top Model Competition,
- 3rd Runner-up in the Spokesperson Competition, and
- 1st Runner-up for American Spirit Award (which is an award voted on by her peers for the girl they think is the nicest and most congenial).
What was the most amazing part of all of this was that this was Angel’s first pageant and needless to say, she was very pleased with how well she did. Her entire face lit up each and every time her name was called. For her, the entire experience was simply priceless! Needless to say, as a first-timer she did not expect to do so well. It proved to be a great opportunity for her to move on from being nervous about being in front of an audience and became a great opportunity for her to gain some experience in public speaking, modeling, and preforming.
Fashion Modeling as a Positive Experience
As can be expected, this very positive experience has encouraged her to enter other pageants and to seriously think about modeling. Due to her success in this event, she has been invited to attend the National Competition in Anaheim, CA. She has not yet decided if she will venture quite that far but she has decided to go back to the State Finals next for the Teen Competition. As can be expected, her parents and siblings are very proud of her achievements.
All of Angel’s garments for the pageant were custom made for her by Lotus Couture Designs. Angel’s mother, Lisa, is the designer of all of her garments. Photos of these garments can be seen on Angel’s Facebook Fan Page, or on the Lotus Couture Designs website.
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