News & Events

Young Miss Buffalo Pageant
August 8, 2010

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The Buffalo News --
Published on August 10, 2009
Author: Ja'Nay Carswell - NEWS STAFF REPORTER
© The Buffalo News Inc. If anyone understands the strong impact of the Young Miss Buffalo Pageant,it is NneNna Ferguson. Sunday afternoon, Ferguson, the reigning Young Miss Buffalo, and a host of others watched as 16 middle and high school girls from the Buffalog area showcased their talent, charm, and confidence during the eighth annual Young Miss Buffalo Pageant Scholarship and Enrichment Program in the Central Library's Mason O. Damon Auditorium. Ferguson, 18, says that spending this year as Young Miss Buffalo has been fun and exciting. "It has taught me to be an individual," Ferguson said.. "If you have the confidence, it will take you where you need to go." As songs echoed, dancers performed and poetry was recited, it was clear that this group of girls has both confidence and the talent to match. Sunday's pageant was the finale of what has been a 16-week process for the girls. The contestants attended workshops on healthy relationships, conflict resolution, diversity and public speaking in preparation for Sunday's event and also preformed community service. "We're nurturing young girls from the inside out," said executive board member NaKia Franklin. "A lot of the girls learn responsibility and learn to work well with other young girls." Sheena Harris had no second thoughts about entering her daughter Shelly into the competition for the second year. In fact, Harris was so pleased with the pageant's impact on her daughter, she chose to enter her younger sister, who she is also raising, into the competition. "It has boosted her self-esteem so much," Harris said of Shelly, 15. And for Harris' younger sister, Kimberly Bradley, the pageant has been exactly what she needed in order to overcome some of her insecurities. "She has really excelled in the program and has overcome a lot of fears," Harris said of Kimberly. "They both have made a lot of good friends." The pageant, started in 2000 by Detra Trueheart, judges contestants on poise and charm, talent, evening wear and an onstage question. Winners are awarded savings bonds, among other items. "The pageant does wonders," said Harris, who admits she was in tears as she watched the girls showcase their talents. "They learn there is nothing to be afraid of." Ferguson has high hopes for this year's winner, NaTania Parker, a student at the Middle School for Applied Technologies, as well as the other pageant contestants. "I hope they all walk away from this with a boost of confidence," she said. "It's their time to shine."
e-mail:jcarswell@buffnews.com

COMPETITION

Applications being taken for Young Miss Buffalo.
Organizers of the Young Miss Buffalo Pageant are accepting applications from girls 13 to 17 years old to take part in its 2010 program. Teens must been residents of Buffalo or the surrounding area, middle or high school students and citizens of the United States. Deadline for applications is Feb. 12, 2010. For details or an application, visit www.ymbp.org or call 228-3317. The reigning Young Miss Buffalo is NaTania Parker, 13, a student at Middle School for Applied Technologies.