On Saturday January 17th, eleven young women will compete to become the next Miss New Bedford’s Outstanding Teen. The pageant will begin at 6:00PM at Keith Middle School in New Bedford. Media encouraged to attend. Winner to be crowned between 8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

A local preliminary competition to the Miss Massachusetts’ Outstanding Teen and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen scholarship programs, the pageant emphasizes scholarship and service to the community. This year’s winner will receive a $500 educational scholarship, in addition to hundreds of dollars in additional prizes. Runners-up and special awards winners will also receive scholarship money and awards. The pageant is also a “little sister” program to the annual Miss New Bedford Pageant.

Contestants compete in five stages of scored competition: a private six-minute Interview, Talent, Physical Fitness, Evening Wear, and On-Stage Question. Contestants are expected to exude confidence, demonstrate academic excellence, and show a commitment to service. Each contestant has chosen her own personal ‘platform’ which she will emphasize during her year of service, in addition to serving as a role model for young girls in the Greater New Bedford area.

The current reigning Miss New Bedford’s Outstanding Teen is Olivia Marques, a 17-year-old junior at New Bedford High School. Throughout her year, Olivia made more than 95 appearances throughout the community. Her year of service was devoted to her platform, “We Rise By Lifting Others” which promotes the values of volunteerism.

Tickets purchased in advance are $20 for adults and $15 for children/seniors at tickets@missnewbedford.org or by calling 978-914-1146. Tickets will be available at the door for a flat rate of $20 for all ages. Additional information may be found at www.missnewbedford.org.

This year’s contestants are:

• Lindsey Ashworth, a 14-year-old freshman at Fairhaven High School. She will sing for her talent and her platform aims to raise awareness and funds for the Make a Wish Foundation.
• Meighread Dandeneau, a 16-year-old junior at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. Her talent is a vocal performance and her platform is titled, ROAD: Reading Opens All Doors.
• Kenzi Farland, a 16-year-old junior at New Bedford High School. She will sing for her talent and her platform focuses on promoting the benefits of participating in the Boys and Girls Club.
• Bethany Fernandes, a 16-year-old junior at Fairhaven High School. She will dance for her talent and her platform is titled Hungry for Change, engaging youth in efforts to reduce hunger.
• Danielle Guimont, a 16-year-old junior at New Bedford High School. Her talent is a color guard performance and her platform is titled Imperfect but Perfectly You, Boosting Self Esteem and Positive Self Image.
• Mae Harrington, a 14-year-old student at The Wheeler School. She will sing for her talent and her platform is titled Curiosity for Kids, promoting an interest in STEM.
• Stacie Hartman, a 15-year-old sophomore at Dartmouth High School. Her talent is a vocal performance and her platform promotes the support and services of The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.
• Victoria Kalisz, a 13-year-old student in the 7th grade at St. Francis Xavier School. Her talent is a vocal performance and her platform is titled Tori’s Teens for Jeans which aims to provide clothing for youth who are less fortunate.
• Violet Maher, a 13-year-old who is homeschooled in Dartmouth. Her talent is a vocal performance and her platform is titled Fit Teen: Fifteen Qualities of a Fit Teen promoting health and overall wellness.
• Michaelah Nunes, a 16-year-old junior at Old Rochester Regional High School. She will dance ballet for her talent and her platform is titled, Reviving the Lost Art of Good Old-Fashioned Communication.
• Cierra Vicente, a 16-year-old junior at New Bedford High School. Her talent is a vocal performance and her platform is titled Here for a Purpose: Giving Youth Drive to Stay Alive, which aims to reduce teen suicide.

ONE Theater Group is proud to announce its upcoming production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” The show is fun and entertaining for all ages, but it also serves a very important purpose – all of the proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The show is being produced by ONE Theater Group, a newly formed company in Fairhaven with a vision of combining theater and philanthropy. The idea came just days after the passing of Producer Ashley Bendiksen’s mother, Cheryl Bendiksen of Fairhaven. Cheryl developed what is called “young-onset” Alzheimer’s at the age of 48 and passed away from it nearly eight years later, on August 13th, 2014, at the age of 56.

“I wanted to do something in my mother’s honor, but most importantly I wanted to give families in our community an opportunity to gather and spend time together. Losing a loved one teaches you that life is very short. Someday, you’ll look back and wish you had done this or that. I hope our show gives families and members of the community a great local event to laugh, smile, enjoy, and make a memory of.”

Of course, of equal if not greater importance for this particular show, is its goal to raise money to fund Alzheimer’s research. Bendiksen notes that while the issue is important to her, Alzheimer’s has affected nearly every family. It is a disease that matters to us all.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown will take place Thursday November 20th, Friday November 21st, and Saturday November 22nd, at the Fairhaven Town Hall Auditorium located at 40 Center Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children. Seating is general admission. Tickets may be purchased at the door or anytime during normal business hours at Emma Jean’s at 115 Huttleston Ave., Fairhaven and at the Millicent Library, 45 Center St., Fairhaven. Tickets may also be reserved in advance by emailing onetheatergroup@gmail.com or by calling 508-525-9972. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

All members of the cast have been personally affected by a loved one having Alzheimer’s disease. The show features Daniel Guay as Charlie Brown, Ricardo Aguiar as Snoopy, Patrick Long as Schroeder, Kelsie Brejcha as Sally Brown, Jillian Zucco as Lucy van Pelt, and Seth Sweeney as Linus van Pelt.

On Saturday September 27th, eight young women from Greater New Bedford will compete for the coveted title of Miss New Bedford. This year’s winner will become the will be the 62nd woman to join a long sisterhood of Miss New Bedford’s whose lives have been changed by winning the crown. The pageant begins at 7:00PM and crowning is expected to take place between 9:00PM and 10:00PM.

A local preliminary to the Miss Massachusetts and Miss America scholarship programs, the Miss New Bedford pageant emphasizes scholarship and service within the community. Since 1954, the pageant has awarded more than $120,000 to winners and contestants.

An estimated $10,000 in scholarship monies will be awarded at this year’s pageant. The winner will receive a $3,500 educational scholarship, in addition to thousands of dollars in additional prizes. Runners-up and special awards winners will also receive scholarship money and awards.

Contestants compete in five stages of scored competition: Interview, Talent, Lifestyle and Physical Fitness in Swimsuit, Evening Wear, and an On-Stage Question. The phases aim to test contestants on a variety of qualities that Miss New Bedford is expected to have, including confidence, intelligence, and a commitment to service. Each contestant has also chosen her own personal ‘platform’ to advance, and if chosen, dedicate her year of service to.

The reigning Miss New Bedford 2014 is Jillian Zucco. Jillian is a 21-year-old Junior at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth where she studies Nursing. She has devoted her year of service to promoting volunteerism throughout Greater New Bedford with her platform, “Choose a Cause, Make a Difference.”

This year’s contestants are just eight of 13,000 contestants throughout the country who will compete in local pageants hoping to win scholarship money, leadership opportunities, and a chance at becoming Miss America. This year’s contestants are:

• Monique Hebert, a 20-year-old Junior at Bridgewater State University double majoring in Early Childhood Education and English. She is singing for her talent and her platform is titled, Baby Steps to Success: Emphasis on the importance of early childhood education.
• Shawna Lapointe, a 23-year-old freshman at Bristol Community College majoring in American Sign Language. She will perform a song in sign language for her talent and her platform is titled, Life is Worth the Fight: Reducing Bullying-Prompted Suicide.
• Kenzie Moniz, an 18-year-old freshman at Lesley University double majoring in English and Secondary Education. She will sing for her talent and her platform is titled, Living Above the Influence: Preventing Teen Substance Abuse.
• Joclyne Nunes, a 22-year-old graduate of Dean College with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and an Associate’s Degree in Science and Business. She is currently in her first year at Boston University studying Arts Administration. She is dancing for her talent and her platform is titled, Power of Performing Arts (POPA).
• Kristen Rose, a 20-year-old junior at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth majoring in Crime and Justice Studies. She will sing for her talent and her platform is titled, Let’s Move.
• Kimberly Souza, an 18-year old freshman at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth majoring in Biology. She is playing the piano and singing for her talent. Her platform is titled Healthy Smile, Healthy You.
• Katelyn Sylvia, a 19-year-old junior at Bridgewater State University obtaining her dual licensure in Elementary Education and Communication Studies while also studying to obtain her Masters in Special Education. She is dancing for her talent and her platform is titled, Autism Awareness: It’s OK To Be Different!
• Devon Williams, a 23-year-old graduate of Eckerd College with Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a double minor in International Relations and Journalism. She is presently studying at Bridgewater State University to obtain her Master’s Degree Public Administration Candidate. She will sing for her talent and her platform is titled, Rock the Vote.

The pageant will be held Saturday September 27th, 2014 at 7:00PM at Keith Middle School in New Bedford. It is open to the public and tickets are $20 each. To reserve your tickets, email tickets@missnewbedford.org. For more information, visit www.missnewbedford.org.

The Miss New Bedford pageant is seeking contestants from the Greater New Bedford area for its 62nd annual pageant to be held on Saturday September 27.

The Miss New Bedford pageant is the premier provider of scholarships for young women in the Greater New Bedford area and will award roughly $10,000 in scholarship monies at this year’s pageant. The winner will receive a $3,500 scholarship in addition to both runners-up and top scoring contestants. The Miss New Bedford pageant is also an official preliminary to the Miss Massachusetts and Miss America pageants where more scholarship monies can be earned.

The reigning Miss New Bedford 2014 is Jillian Zucco. Jillian is a 21-year-old Junior at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth where she studies Nursing. She has devoted her year of service to promoting volunteerism throughout Greater New Bedford with her platform, “Choose a Cause, Make a Difference.”

Contestants must be between the ages of 17 and 24 and must live, work, or attend school in the Greater New Bedford area (Acushnet, Assonet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Lakeville, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, and Rochester).

An information session will be held on Thursday August 14th at 6:30 PM at the Cheryl McCormack Academy of Dance located at 731 Tarkiln Hill Road, New Bedford. Attendance does not obligate competing, however interested contestants are required to attend. If this date does not work, we encourage contestants to contact us to discuss a secondary date.

To register for the August 14th information session, email info@missnewbedford.org or call (508) 971-9564. You may also visit www.MissNewBedford.org or find Miss New Bedford on Facebook.

For more than 25 years, the YWkids School Age Program has fulfilled a big need among local families – quality care for their children. The program, offered by the YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts, provides after-school care as well as a full-day summer program to school age children (ages 5-14) of New Bedford.

But there’s something especially unique about YWKids…parents benefit, but the real benefits of the program impact the youth who participate. With the summer season in full swing, YWkids mitigates summer learning loss for children in New Bedford. The program keeps children involved in structured, positive activities focusing on personal development and growth.

Kathryn Nunes, Director of YWkids, explain how the program’s activities facilitate higher learning. “YWkids supports children to create healthy living habits, to develop positive conflict-resolution techniques, and to become responsible leaders,” she says. “These goals are met through various activities, ranging from music to physical activity, discovery and inventions.

Unlike most child-care programs, YWKids follows a special curriculum highlighting seven essential areas of focus: Literacy & Language arts, Health & Wellness, Free Choice, Social Skills Enhancement, Creative Arts, Science & Technology, History & Geography. Throughout the school year, group facilitators offer lessons and activities based on monthly themes. For youth with more specific interests, YWkids also offers various clubs, including a Science Club, Music and Art Club, and Cooking Club.

In the summer, youth participate in a special ‘curriculum’ called the “World Tour.” Each week, the children “visit” a different country, learning its culture, language, food, clothing, and more. Youth then engage in hands-on projects like cooking, dancing, and sewing.

Plus, perhaps what is most unique is that youth are given a chance to learn and think about issues that affect them and their communities. One example, and a key hallmark of the YWCA, is its focus on racial justice. In its many years of operation, YWkids has participated in related events such as Stand Against Racism, Black Out Bullying Day and A Week Without Violence.

The program provides breakfast, lunch and a snack during school vacations and the summer program, as well as a daily snack in the after-school program. Education on nutrition and providing a model for good health is strongly emphasized by facilitators.

“YWkids is unique because the staff are well educated, the classrooms are separated by age, and the program is very structured,” Nunes says. With a focus on making education fun, she adds, “The kids are learning while they are here, yet most of the time they don’t even know it!”

For more information on the program, you may call the YWCA at 508-999-3255 or visit www.ywcasema.org. Follow YWKids on Facebook at facebook.com/ywkids .

Losing a loved one is one of the most profound emotional traumas one can experience. As an adult, the death of a spouse is particularly life-altering. While there a need for immediate grief support, challenges often exist long after loss.

The Widowed Persons Program of the YWCA has been fulfilling the diverse needs of widowed persons for the past 22 years. It serves to address the many issues persons may face, providing immediate grief support as well as companionship for those who are widowed.

Linda Rose, Program Director for the Widowed Persons Program explains, “The program serves newly widowed men and women who are going through the grieving process. It provides mixed group support and one-on-one emotional support, plus resources and referral information.” The program is also modeled on providing “mutual self-help” as participants find that talking with others in the same situation provides the greatest source of support.

Providing social support is what Rose sees as particularly valuable. “Many program participants feel isolated and alone before coming to WPP. Many were caregivers for years and have lost contact with the outside world,” she says. “WPP provides a place for them to go and discuss their needs, make new friends, and discuss their problems with other people who care, listen, and understand.”

In addition, the program facilitates various trainings and presentations throughout the year. For many who are widowed, there may exist a sudden inability to complete certain daily tasks. For some, a deceased spouse may have handled all of the household’s financial matters. For others, the surviving spouse may not or may never have driven a car. Guest educators and presenters help teach new skills (e.g. using technology, paying bills, cooking, understanding finances, etc.).

Even beyond the grieving process, those who attend the Widowed Persons Program remain involved long after the initial stages of loss. Many later serve as outreach volunteers to help the newly widowed regain their sense of well-being. In addition, participants form lasting friendships and participate in various activities together throughout the year.

“Twice a year, some of the widowed take a bus trip to Indian Head Resort in Lincoln, New Hampshire. Once a year they go to the Newport Play House. We have a non-denominational Memorial Service in August, a Social from April to October with music and a catered meal, and six support groups (via the Dartmouth and New Bedford Councils on Aging) after which some of the widowed go for either coffee or out to lunch,” Rose says. “And sometimes if one person hears of something going on in the community, they let the other know and a group will get together and attend the function.”

When asked what she thinks makes the program particularly unique, Rose said, “WPP is the only program of its kind in this area. All other support groups in this area are for anyone grieving a loss of any kind.” The toll of losing one’s spouse often carries an additional burden and as a result, the program provides more than just a ‘support group’ setting. It offers trainings, outings to bond and form friendships, and creates a lasting foundation for companionship and support.

The Widowed Persons Program is just one of many community-based services offered by the YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts. The program is open to widowed persons of all ages who are going through the grieving process. There is no fee for any service; however, voluntary donations are gratefully accepted.

Note from the Executive Director, Gail Fortes: The YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts is concluding a $5.6 million Under One Roof capital campaign to fund the construction of a new 17,000 square foot LEED-certified building addition onto the historic Levi Standish House in New Bedford. Transporting the YWCA’s programs to a new, specifically-designed building will have a significantly positive impact on the disadvantaged children enrolled in our childcare program, the at-risk women in our residential program, and every YWCA constituent. The new building will not only be central, providing services Under One Roof, but will offer appropriately-designed spaces, controlled and nurturing settings, and a handicap accessible center-city campus. As a result, the YWCA will better serve over 4,000 women and children annually within its expanded Levi Standish House in a more cost-effective manner.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell issued an official proclamation yesterday, marking April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month. Mayor Mitchell was one of several speakers who addressed the crowd at City Hall, joined by the Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County, The Women’s Center, and the Chief David Provencher of the New Bedford Police Department.

Calling it one of the worst traumas one can suffer, Mitchell said, “Sexual assault in Greater New Bedford is a persistent problem. It strikes far too many people…Not just women, but children, and even men.” Noting the city’s already persistent efforts to combat sexual assault and child abuse, Mitchell said, “Here in New Bedford, we have a tremendous service provider network and there is no group of service providers I would prefer to have to handle these problems.”

Pamela Macleod-Lima, Executive Director of The Women’s Center also commented on the local network of support and highlighted the role of law enforcement. “The ring of support that surrounds victims starts with the criminal justice end,” Macleod-Lima said. “We know that victims that find their way to the police will be heard.”

Courtney Cahill spoke on behalf of Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter’s Office. “The District Attorney is dedicated to the prosecution and prevention of these cases,” she said. “We receive numerous reports from across the county and have a Special Victims Unit where all child and sexual assault cases are reviewed, investigated, and prosecuted.” Cahill commended the work of Assistant District Attorney Silvia Rudman, Head of the Special Victims Unit, and noted that there are attorneys and advocates specifically designated and trained to handle such cases.” Cahill additionally remarked on the need to work together saying, “It is important to prosecute, but also to work closely with our partners at The Women’s Center, because that is where our victims become survivors.”

Michelle Loranger, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center, spoke specifically to the issue of child abuse. “Child sexual abuse are three words that are hard to hear together. National headlines and the Children’s Advocacy Center tell us the issue is not going away.” In fact, Loranger pointed out that New Bedford referred the most cases to the CAC in the first five years of its existence. “We have realized a 59% increase in services to victims of child abuse and their families,” however she attributes the increase in disclosures to greater outreach and education.

Loranger reminded attendees that despite the center’s valued services, prevention and education remains critical. “Child abuse and sexual abuse is preventable. Education and awareness are the first steps to prevention.” Similarly, Macleod-Lima appropriated April as a starting point to making a difference. “There are reasons for awareness months. These are times when we turn our eyes to the issue and our voice to the problem,” she said. “This year, the theme is It’s Time to Talk About It, but really, it’s past time to talk about it… Violence and abuse feed on silence.” Noting that only 16 percent of sexual assaults are ever reported, Macleod-Lima urged attendees to break the silence. “It’s difficult to talk about, but we have to do it. Silence is not golden – not when it comes to abuse and violence. That is where these things thrive.”

Closing the ceremony, Mayor Mitchell encouraged ongoing support of community organizations and urged all to communicate about the issues. He said, “Today’s proclamation is to remind us that these are big problems that haven’t gotten away, but that we can continue to fight them if we are willing to work together.”

Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan issued an official proclamation today, marking April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month. Mayor Flanagan was joined by several partnering organizations including the Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County, The Women’s Center, and the Fall River Police Department. Flanagan urged the community to work together to promote awareness of sexual assault and child abuse as it occurs in the community.

Fall River Police Chief Daniel Racine offered remarks, highlighting the efforts of the Children’s Advocacy Center in their role assisting victims of child sexual assault. Racine attributed the agency’s success to its use of “best practices” in working with victims.

Michelle Loranger, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center, also spoke at the proclamation. “We know these issues happen year-round. 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be affected by abuse,” she said. In her remarks, Loranger noted that Fall River refers the highest number of child sex abuse cases to the Children’s Advocacy Center. However, while there has been an increase in case reportings, Loranger says that greater education has had the positive effect of promoting an increase in disclosures.

Loranger reminded attendees of the role that adults must adhere to. She says, “Child safety is the job of an adult. We need to be troubled that non-reporting and non-action by adults happens.” Pamela Macleod-Lima, Executive Director of The Women’s Center, mirrored Loranger’s sentiments. Macleod-Lima urged attendees to talk about the issue to effect change. “Child abuse and sexual assault murders the souls of people… so let’s talk about it. These issues happen in silence and perpetrators say ‘don’t tell anyone.’ If we reinforce this silence, victims will not open up,” said Macleod-Lima.

Additional remarks were also offered by the Silvia Rudman, Chief of the Special Victims Unit of the District Attorney’s Office. Rudman also urged the community to spread the word, stating that continued partnerships, enhanced education, and an unrelenting pursuit of justice were the keys to reducing victimization.

Throughout the month of April, the community is encouraged to take a stand against sexual assault and child abuse, however real change requires effort year-round. Quoting Fred Rogers, Loranger ended her remarks with a powerful statement, spelling out the need for both an individual and collective commitment to change. “We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say, ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.”

Eleven contenders took to the stage at the 4th annual Miss New Bedford’s Outstanding Teen pageant, but only one walked away with the crown. Olivia Marques, a 16-year-old sophomore at New Bedford High School, amazed the judges with her confidence, stage presence, talent, and poise. The pageant, a scholarship program for teens, awarded Marques with a $300 educational scholarship among other awards and prizes.

The pageant itself is a “little sister” program to the annual Miss New Bedford Pageant, which recently celebrated its 61st anniversary. Similar to the Miss New Bedford pageant, contestants began the competition on Sunday in a private interview with a panel of five judges. At 3:00, with hair and make-up ready, the contestants competed in the remaining phases of competition: Physical Fitness, Talent, Evening Wear, and On-Stage Question.

Chosen as this year’s winner, Marques performed “Unexpected Song” from the musical, Song and Dance, for her talent. During an on-stage question, she was given the opportunity to discuss her platform which is titled “We Rise by Lifting Others,” emphasizing the power of community service. Throughout her year-long reign, Marques will promote this platform and will serve as a role model for young girls in the Greater New Bedford area.

In addition to its winner, the pageant showcased eleven other outstanding teens, ages 13-17 years old. Additional award recipients included a Scholastic Achievement winner, Meighread Dandeneau; a People’s Choice Award to Coral Costello; and an award for the highest overall Talent to Camryn Morais. The fourth runner-up and recipient of a $50 scholarship was Meighread Dandeneau, 15; third runner-up and recipient of a $75 scholarship was Olivia Nunes, 13; second runner-up and recipient of a $100 scholarship was Cierra Vicente, 15; and first runner-up and recipient of a $150 scholarship was awarded to Camryn Morais, 14. Lastly, the “Spirit of Outstanding Teen” award, similar to a “Miss Congeniality” is voted upon by all contestants. A true testament to the friendship these girls made, a five-way tie resulted for Olivia Nunes, Alyssa Maitoza, Olivia Marques, Camryn Morais, and Meighread Dandeneau.

On behalf of the Greater New Bedford Scholarship Foundation, the program would like to thank its many sponsors and dedicated volunteers. For more information on sponsor-ships and/or becoming a contestant, visit missnewbedford.org. To view all photos from this year’s pageant, and to keep up with us throughout the year, visit: facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152166148580041.1073741838.143999190040&type=1.

On Sunday October 6th, ten young women from Greater New Bedford will compete for the coveted title of Miss New Bedford. Recently celebrating its 60th year of success, this year’s Miss New Bedford will be the 61st of a long sisterhood of Miss New Bedford’s whose lives have been changed by winning the crown.

A local preliminary to the Miss Massachusetts and Miss America scholarship programs, the Miss New Bedford pageant emphasizes scholarship and service within the community. Since 1954, the pageant has awarded more than $120,000 to winners and contestants. This year’s winner will receive a $3,500 educational scholarship, in addition to thousands of dollars in additional prizes. Runners-up and special awards winners will also receive scholarship money and awards.

Mirroring the Miss America pageant, contestants compete in five stages of scored competition: Interview, Talent, Lifestyle and Physical Fitness in Swimsuit, Evening Wear, and an On-Stage Question. The pageant itself will test contestants on a variety of qualities that Miss New Bedford is expected to have, including confidence, intelligence, and a commitment to service. As a result, each contestant has chosen her own personal ‘platform’ to advance, and if chosen, dedicate her year of service to.

The current reigning Miss New Bedford is Janelle Guenette. A resident of Acushnet, she is a graduate of Bridgewater State University with a B.A. in Communications Studies. As Miss New Bedford, Janelle has devoted her year to promoting Big Brothers Big Sisters – a program uniting positive mentors with youth. Janelle received a $6,000 scholarship at last year’s pageant.

This year’s contestants are just ten of 13,000 contestants throughout the country who will compete in local pageants hoping to win scholarship money, leadership opportunities, and a chance at becoming Miss America. This year’s contestants are:

Paige Cabral, a 17-year-old student at Dartmouth High School. Her talent is a vocal performance and her platform is titled, I am Not Afraid: Women and Self-Defense.

Bianca DeBarcelos, a 20-year-old student at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. She will perform a comedic monologue for her talent and her platform is titled, Not For Sale: Raising Awareness on Human Trafficking.

Lindsey Fernandes, a 22-year-old student at Rhode Island College. She will dance for the talent competition and her platform is titled, Soles4Souls – Changing the World One Pair at a Time.

Monique Hebert, a 19-year-old student at Bridgewater State University. Her talent is a vocal performance and her platform is titled, Healthy Choices, Healthy Living.

Shawna Lapointe, a 22-year-old student at Johnson and Wales. Shawna will perform American Sign Language before a showcase of her photography. Her platform is titled, Tangible Philanthropy and Big Citizenship: Gifts to Give.

Kenzie Moniz, a 17-year-old student at Dartmouth High School. Kenzi will perform a vocal talent and her platform is titled, Be a Leader: The Power of Mentoring.

Kimberly Souza, a 17-year-old student at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. She will play the piano for her talent and her platform is titled, Youth Motivation: Anything is Possible.

Katelyn Sylvia, an 18-year-old student at Bridgewater State University. She will tap dance for her talent and her platform is titled, Autism Awareness: It’s OK to be Different.
Devon Williams, a 22-year-old graduate of Eckerd College. Her talent is a vocal performance and her platform is titled, Rock the Vote.

Jillian Zucco, a 20-year-old student at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Her talent is a vocal performance and her platform is titled, Choose a Cause, Make a Difference.

The pageant will be held Sunday October 6th, 2013 at 3:00PM at Keith Middle School in New Bedford. It is open to the public and tickets are $15 each. For more information, visit www.missnewbedford.org.