By speaking about important issues and contributing to their communities, several MSU women prove scholarship pageants are about much more than winning the crown.
Standing behind the curtain, Brittney Deruiter usually can feel the butterflies in her stomach, but the moment her heels hit the stage, she can feel her confidence spring to life.
“You have everything to achieve,” the advertising senior said. “Your hair and makeup are done, your costume is just right, and it’s time for you to shine.”
Deruiter is one of the many young women across the country who regularly competes in scholarship pageants.
Although some might think it’s all about the diamond tiara, Deruiter said scholarship pageants are a way for young women to gain communication skills, earn money for education and present themselves in the best light possible.
“So many times people get the wrong perception of a pageant,” said Shelley Taylor, executive director for the Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant. “But our program comes with substance. It’s about much more than a pretty face.”
Taylor said the four points on the crown the winner of the Miss Michigan pageant receives represent scholarship, style, service and success — ideals those involved in pageants, including several women from MSU, pride themselves on.
Looking past the stage
For most girls who compete in pageants, the ultimate goal is being crowned Miss America.
To get there, local competitors must first prove themselves in one of the 32 pageants across Michigan and then win Miss Michigan to be eligible for the national title.
At each of these pageants, the women compete in several rounds in which they interview with a panel of judges, present a talent and model in swimsuit and evening gown competitions.
But before they hit the stage, each young woman selects a platform — an issue she wants to bring to the community’s attention — and many choose topics they are passionate about.
MSU alumna Lisa Dexter, who has competed in this year’s Miss Michigan, chose a topic that hit close to home.
“A year ago, my mom was diagnosed with uterine cancer,” she said. “I thought it was time for me to do something and put my efforts into cancer research.”
As a competitor for the statewide pageant, Dexter worked to raise money for the cause, as well as visited children in pediatric hospitals across Michigan.
Preparing for the pageant also is more than picking out a dress for Deruiter.
“Before each pageant I research the news to make sure I’m up to date,” she said. “You have to know about current events and policies, and you have to know about the world.”
Developing a community
Participating in these pageants is an involved process through which competitors build relationships with local residents as well as with their peers.
While competing for a title, Dexter said young women often spend the days before the pageant participating in community service events with fellow contestants throughout the city in which they are staying.
“You’re really on the go from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.,” she said. “You’re doing all sorts of events — a lot of community service and autograph signing.”
Throughout their days volunteering as well as during the pageant themselves, Deb Zale, executive director of Miss Capital City, which is a local preliminary to Miss Michigan, said many girls create lasting friendships.
“It makes my heart feel good that all these girls are making friends with each other,” she said. “It’s so nice to see the camaraderie amongst them.”
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Dexter said despite the fact the girls are competing for the same title, she has felt the mutual support backstage.
“It’s empowering to meet all these women making a difference that want to get to know each other,” she said.
“By the end of the pageant, it’s really nice to come out with 16 new friends and 16 phone numbers to stay in touch.”
Building a future
The young women involved in pageants hope to walk away with more than a crown.
Throughout her many years competing, Dexter said the constant interviews have coached her for future job interviews.
“The judges are asking you anything and everything, and I can’t get that practice anywhere else,” she said. “By networking with all the other girls and all the different people — the opportunities are endless.”
MSU alumna Alescia Hollowell, who recently was crowned Miss Black Michigan USA 2012, said she hopes to use what she’s learned as a contestant to help the African American community.
“From my experiences, I hope to inspire and reach other people in order to help them reach their highest potential,” she said.
With a grandmother, mother and two sisters involved in pageants themselves, Deruiter comes from a long line of women who love the stage.
Her mother, Kathie Deruiter said even after her daughter no longer is eligible to compete, she hopes her daughter’s passion for helping children and volunteering survives.
“Whether or not she stays in the pageant world, I would hope she takes her platform with her irregardless and continues that in her adult life,” she said.
