Left to right, top to bottom: Miss New Bedford 2015 Joclyne Nunes, Aubrie Britto, Erica Mendes, Kenzie Moniz, Alexandra Pimental, Kristen Rose, Kimberly Lim Souza, Gina Tigao.

7 Local Women Compete to Become the 63rd Miss New Bedford

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On Saturday September 26th, seven young women from Greater New Bedford will compete for the coveted title of Miss New Bedford. This year’s winner will become the 63rd woman to join 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 $130,000 to winners and contestants.

An estimated $10,000 in scholarship monies and prizes 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 gift awards. Runners-up and special awards winners will also receive scholarships 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 2015 is Joclyne Nunes. Joclyne is a 23-year-old graduate of New Bedford High School and Dean College, and is currently studying to receive her Master’s degree in Arts Administration from Boston University. She has devoted her year of service to her platform, “Power of the Performing Arts” and has made more than 160 appearances throughout her year-long reign.

Left to right, top to bottom: Miss New Bedford 2015 Joclyne Nunes, Aubrie Britto, Erica Mendes, Kenzie Moniz, Alexandra Pimental, Kristen Rose, Kimberly Lim Souza, Gina Tigao.
Left to right, top to bottom: Miss New Bedford 2015 Joclyne Nunes, Aubrie Britto, Erica Mendes, Kenzie Moniz, Alexandra Pimental, Kristen Rose, Kimberly Lim Souza, Gina Tigao.

This year’s contestants are just seven 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:

  • Aubrie Britto, a 20-year-old student at Bristol Community College studying Communications. Her platform focuses on youth empowerment and she will perform a contemporary dance for her talent.
  • Erica Mendes, an 18-year-old student at Bristol Community College studying Liberal Arts. Erica’s platform focuses on colon cancer awareness and she will sing for her talent.
  • Kenzie Moniz, a 19-year-old student at Lesley University studying English and Secondary Education with a minor in History. Kenzie’s platform is titled, “Be True, Be You: Promoting Positive Body Image.” She will sing for her talent.
  • Alexandra Pimental, a 19-year-old student at Bridgewater State University studying Elementary Education and History. Her platform is titled, “Standing Up Against Bullying” and she will perform a color guard routine for her talent.
  • Kristen Rose, a 21-year-old student at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth studying Crime and Justice Studies. Kristen’s platform is titled “Let’s Move” and she will sing for her talent.
  • Kimberly Lim Souza, a 19-year-old student at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth studying Biology. Kimberly’s platform is titled “Healthy Smile, Healthy You” and she will sing for her talent.
  • Gina Tigano, a 20-year-old student at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth studying Biomedical Engineering. Gina’s platform is titled “Donate for Life.” She will dance for her talent.

The pageant will be held Saturday September 26th, 2016 at 6:00PM at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, located at 1121 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02745. The pageant is open to the public and tickets are $15 if reserved in advance, or $20 when purchased at the door. To reserve your tickets, email tickets@missnewbedford.org. For more information, visit www.missnewbedford.org.

About Michael Silvia

Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Owner of New Bedford Guide.

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