Middle PAC to Host South Jersey’s First Precious Pageant

COURT HOUSE – Step aside Miss America. Here comes the Miss Precious Gem Pageant.
Kay Aspell, managing director of The Performing Arts Center of Middle Township, has announced that the PAC will host South Jersey’s first Miss Precious Gem Pageant for special needs girls between the ages of 10 and 18 on April 27, at 4 p.m. Age divisions will be 8-10, 11-14, and 15-18 years. Although it is not being officially presented by the Miss America Pageant, the event is being produced by former winners, directors and others affiliated with that pageant.
“The goal is to help these girls gain self-esteem, confidence and motivation while making new friends,” said Aspell. “We want to create a world of magic and a lifetime of memories.”
The idea, spurred by similar events in the mid-west, has been so popular here that 15 girls have signed up already and registration has closed. However, chairperson Faith Miller of Court House is seeking corporate and other contributions to cover the expenses of a program book and prizes. Contributors may contact Carol Taylor at 856/628-6532.
Each contestant will be assigned a mentor, a former winner of a Miss America event, who will aid the contestant in the various categories of competition including interviews, personality, talent, casual wear, evening wear and stage presence. Every contestant will receive an award, including a tiara, flowers and a certificate, and the grand prize winners of each age category will also be given a scholarship.
“We hold many pageants at the Performing Arts Center during the year and this new one is so very special and innovative that we hope it will be given widespread support by the many pageant fans who come to The PAC,”said Aspell.