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Published: Tuesday, Nov. 06, 2012 / Updated: Saturday, Nov. 03, 2012 04:53 PM

Miss Warrior Pageant set for Nov. 15 at Indian Land High

INDIAN LAND -- 

On Nov. 15 the Indian Land High School gymnasium will have a bit more sparkle than usual, as dozens of girls don sequined gowns and high heels to compete in the Miss Warrior pageant.

Organizers are counting on community members to pack the audience. The $5 admission fee benefits several school-related causes.

The show will open with participants dressed in jeans and T-shirts. They’ll continue to a casual wear segment, a formal wear segment and then wrap up the evening by each contestant answering an interview question.

“It’s a confidence booster,” said student Anthony Colagross, one of the organizers.

“It teaches them to be confident. They have to walk up there like they own it. It also exposes them to public speaking because they have to answer questions on stage, and get over that fear as well.”

Students interested in participating signed up on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are required to have a minimum 2.5 grade-point average and no disciplinary or attendance issues.

“The girls get acknowledged for their hard work, for being good students and for being willing to put themselves out there in front of people,” Colagross said. “They’re learning to take risks and maybe change the perception of pageants.”

They’ve also put a lot time and effort into preparing for the pageant, Colagross said. Most of the girls are newcomers to the pageant scene. They’ve prepared for the stage by attending a workshop hosted by Jaime Estrada, owner of Reign Fine Apparel.

Estrada, a former Miss Florida, 1998 and Mrs. Florida 2007, taught the girls how to walk, pose, answer interview questions and discussed hair, makeup and clothing choices.

Door prizes, donations from local businesses, will be raffled off to audience members. During intermission, the school’s step team will perform.

There’s also a is a bonus show: During deliberations, the Mr. Warrior parody pageant will be held.

At the end of the night, one of the participants will be named the overall winner – Miss Warrior.

In addition to the Miss Warrior title, a freshman, sophomore, junior and senior “princess” will be named. They will receive a tiara and “fame and glory,” Colagross said.

The participants will select a Miss Congeniality.

“Someone who has made the experience fun and has been easy to get along with,” Colagross said.

The winner of the Miss Warrior title takes home the big prize package. She receives a $250 scholarship, a $250 gift card to Reign Fine Apparel to buy a prom dress, a $50 gift card for prom dinner, a corsage and boutonniere from Back Door Florist, two prom tickets and an updo and nail appointment from Dulce Lusso Salon and Day Spa.

“It’s everything for the prom except the limo,” Colagross said.

Proceeds from the event fund the school’s prom. Students are involved in all aspects of the show, from managing the lighting and sound for the production to the student-designed T-shirts used in the opening number.

“It’s just a celebration of them. It’s a focus on them and what they can accomplish,” Colagross said.

Want to go?