SMALL TOWN, BIG DREAMS. CLAUDIAN FRANCIS TAKES ON MISS TEEN NEW YORK USA

By MIMI BADU

In 1983, Miss New York Teen USA, a competitive beauty pageant that chooses a face for the state of New York, was formed.  Miss New York Teen USA is an official contest under the Miss Teen USA pageant.  The winner of New York will go on to represent the state in the Miss Teen USA pageant that takes place in the summer.  Beauty pageants are not what they are often deemed to be; they do not focus on the beauty on the outside of a person, but the beauty found inside.  The importance of Miss Teen New York USA is to find the best role model for teenagers all around the state.  The chosen young lady needs to embody intelligence, confidence, passion and humanitarianism.  This year, one of Washingtonville’s very own participated in this prestigious competition. 

PHOTO  COURTESY OF CLAUDIAN FRANCIS

This past weekend, Claudian Francis, a junior at Washingtonville High School, participated in Miss Teen New York USA which was located in Westchester, New York.  This was Claudian’s first time being part of a beauty pageant.  When she was first made aware of the pageant, she had no interest in being a part of the organization, but after getting numerous signs to join, she took the opportunity to be a part of it.  

The three day event consisted of her going through three rounds of competition: interview, swimsuit, and evening gown. Although Claudian did not become the teen representative for New York, she did win an award for the best interview out of 60 contestants.  In the interview process,  judges took time to hear about her goals and successes in life along with her aspirations.  She described the process of the interview as, “casual, fun and conversational.”  The judges focused on her communication skills, intelligence and confidence.  

Towards the end of 2016, it was reported that Miss Teen USA would be getting rid of the swimsuit competition and replacing it with an athletic wear event.  This decision sparked controversy from those who support the swimsuit event and those who oppose it.  The 2017 Miss Teen New York USA still continued the swimsuit round.  The swimsuit portion of the pageant concentrated on how physically fit and confident the contestants were with their image.  The last round of Miss New York Teen USA was evening gowns where contestants put on gorgeous gowns that were scored by the judges.

The preparation for the event was not an easy process.  Claudian went through many measures to be ready for the competition. When asked how she prepared for Miss New York Teen USA, Claudian said, “There’s a lot of preparation that goes into a pageant.  From finding the perfect outfits to trying not to over-rehearse interview answers, preparing for Miss New York Teen USA has been a fun experience. In the pageant seminar in December, we had a mini coaching session where I learned the routines for swimsuit and evening gown as well as the opening number dance.  It takes a lot of practice, but it’s nothing short of fun.” 

Pageants are not as easy as they seem.  When people think of these pageants, they only think of beauty and fail to bring attention to the work the contestants put towards performing.  Not only was Claudian preparing for something important to her, but also going through her hardest year of high school.

Claudian was able to share her message to teenagers all over New York.  She believes in empowering girls.  She wants them to know that beauty is not only what is seen but what is hidden.  When asked about her platform and what Claudian believes she embodies, she said,  “Today we are so focused on outer appearances that we forget about the intellectuality and compassion of a person, and the importance of community service. I’ve shown that smart is pretty.  I want to inspire girls to know that they are beautiful, empowered, capable, strong, and worthy.  Just like I did, take the first step towards your goals and aspirations, and never stop until you get there.”  

Miss New York Teen USA has opened many doors for Claudian and her future.  This was her very first pageant, but it definitely will not be her last.  She plans to strive even harder for the tittle in the 2018 Miss New York Teen USA Pageant.  Thank you for representing Orange County and good luck in the future.