District of Columbia Prepares for May 5 Pageant



MISS DC AND DELAWARE UNITED STATES PAGEANTS TO BE HELD MAY 5 IN WASHINGTON, DC

Washington, DC, Apr. 1, 2013 - On Sun., May 5, the Miss United States Organization will name new titleholders to represent Delaware and the District of Columbia. Prizes include cash, skin care, attire, swimwear, makeup, styling, photography, fitness training and entry to the 2013 national pageant.

The pageant includes divisions of Miss age 20-29, Teen age 16-19, Junior Teen age 13-15, and Ms. age 25-55. Contestants may reside, attend school or work within 120 miles of the District. Doors will open to the public at 5:00pm at the Sphinx Club inside the historic Almas Shriner’s Temple, 1315 K Street NW, Washington, DC. Show time is 5:30pm.

The pageant has recently restructured, naming a new national director Chris Wilmer and state director Laura (Eilers) Clark. Clark was 2011 Ms. United States, a 2-team NFL cheerleader and also directs the Miss Maryland United States Organization.

“As a national titleholder, I know firsthand that the Miss United States Organization offers an enjoyable and worthwhile experience,” remarks Clark. "We welcome each contestant into our sisterhood, whether or not she leaves with the crown. While it's important to choose the best queens, we aim to advance each young woman personally and professionally."

Clark indicated that the ideal titleholder will be glamorous, physically fit, well spoken, gracious, community-oriented and driven. The contest includes interview, evening gown, swimwear and impromptu on-stage question.

Judges include professionals in fitness, pageantry, modeling, photography, and public speaking. Emcees include popular DC-based deejay Chris Styles and Prita Kohli of the Pageant Professors, an established online resource within the pageantry industry. Providing final remarks during the pageant will include outgoing 2012 titleholders, Miss Delaware Lauren Jaeger, Miss Teen Delaware Meghan Babb, Ms. DC Tina Montgomery, Miss DC Jahaira Bratton, Miss Teen DC Vishaka Ravishankar and Miss Junior Teen DC Trilby Brown. Babb, Montgomery and Bratton ranked as finalists in the 2012 national contest.

Contestants may contact the director. Previous pageant experience is not required. Attendees may purchase tickets at www.missdelawaredc.eventbrite.com for $35.00 per person online through May 4, then tickets may be purchased at the door. Contestants interested in divisions for ages 8-12 may also inquire.

Recently recognized as the fastest growing pageant in the nation, the Miss United States Organization provides an avenue of achievement for women and girls ages 8-55. At the local, state, and national level, the program promotes each titleholder's platform for community service while acting as a national partner with Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society. The pageant process provides a positive and memorable environment, with focus on encouragement and community. The national Miss United States contest includes the divisions of Miss, Ms., Teen, Junior Teen, Pre Teen and Little Miss, taking place in Washington, DC during Independence Day activities.