2013 Miss New Bedford $6,000 Scholarship

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Ashley Bendiksen
by Ashley Bendiksen

The Miss New Bedford Scholarship Program is now seeking contestants for their 60th annual Miss New Bedford Pageant!  In honor of the program’s 60th anniversary, Miss New Bedford will receive a $6,000 scholarship! Since the very first crowning of Miss New Bedford, Judith Drake, in 1954, the pageant has defined a legacy of success.  Over the past 59 years, the program has awarded more than $120,000 to winners and pageant participants.  Even more impressive is that Miss New Bedford participates tirelessly in community engagements and charitable events throughout her year.  Because the program provides a foundation for future success, Miss New Bedford titleholders have gone on to accomplish great things in all aspects of their lives from business to family, and community.  Now, it’s another young woman’s turn to win the opportunity of a lifetime….

The What and Why: A life-changing opportunity. Have fun, make new friends, win scholarship money, and earn the chance to stand beside elected officials, network with professionals, brush up on public speaking skills, and enhance your resume.  Titleholders and past contestants alike attribute their confidence, drive, and ambition to the skills they learned from competing.  Most say that the Interview phase of competition prepared them later in life to excel in professional interviews and achieve their career goals.

Marlena Johnson Miss New Bedford
Marlena Johnson Miss New Bedford 2012.

The Who: The pageant is open to young women, 17 to 24 years of age, living, working, or attending school in Acushnet, Assonet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Lakeville, Mattapoisett, Marion, New Bedford and Rochester.  The current reigning Miss New Bedford is Marlena Johnson.  A resident of New Bedford, she is an accomplished vocalist and an honors graduate of New Bedford High School.   She is employed by New Bedford Public Schools working for McKinney Vento as the Homeless Education Support and Data Specialist.  As Miss New Bedford, Marlena has worked closely with New Bedford Public School’s initiative “Where are YOU Headed?” drop-out prevention campaign.  Marlena received a $3,000 scholarship, in addition to another $1,800 from her placement as the 3rd runner-up at this year’s Miss Massachusetts pageant.

The ‘Say What’?! The perks of being Miss New Bedford are endless.  Not only is there scholarship money at stake, but an outstanding prize package.  Local donors and sponsors contribute all the essentials for Miss New Bedford’s use throughout the year including wardrobe allowances, gift certificates, massages, hair and nail care, tanning, personal training and a gym membership, personal  make-up artistry, custom jewelry and more.  Then, there are the appearances!  Many requests are truly incredible!  This year’s Miss New Bedford received an all-inclusive trip to Florida to emcee a major event!

The How and NOW!:  Anyone interested should attend the upcoming informational meeting and orientation on Thursday, Aug. 9, at 7 p.m. at the Cheryl McCormack Academy of Dance, 731 Tarkiln Hill Road, New Bedford (behind the King’s Highway Stop&Shop.)  Attendance creates no obligation to compete.  This is simply an information session, so please attend!  (The pageant will be held on Sunday, September 23rd.)  You must notify the facilitator of your attendance in advance.  You may do this by filling out the Contestant Registration Form at www.missnewbedford.org or email info@missnewbedford.org or call the Contestant Coordinator at 508-525-9972.

About Ashley Bendiksen

Proud Southcoast, seaside native; Advocate for women's empowerment, leadership and success with special interest and expertise in writing, social media, PR, and communications; Lover of books, life, and all things fabulous.

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