Applications Sought for Annual Miss Wantagh Pageant

The annual Miss Wantagh Pageant is fast approaching and organizers are seeking nominations from high school sophomores for the community event that has been held each year for over a half a century.

“It seems like only yesterday, when we crowned Kelly Garland Miss Wantagh 2010, Eden Held Miss Wantagh 2009, Katina Mountanos Miss Wantagh 2008, Mary Kleshefsky Miss Wantagh 2007, and the list goes on and on,” said Ella Stevens, Miss Wantagh Pageant coordinator and Fourth of July Association president. “If you are a sophomore or junior in high school, a resident of Wantagh and love your community, then we welcome and encourage you to apply for Miss Wantagh.”

Miss Wantagh applicants will meet several times to rehearse prior to the annual pageant, which will be held June 29 at the Wantagh Public Library. The traditional crowing of Miss Wantagh will be held at the conclusion of the Fourth of July 4 Parade ceremonies, held at .

The Miss Wantagh Pageant has taken place since 1956 and Stevens emphasizes the unique way in which the winners are determined in this competition. “These are not ordinary crowns –these crowns were hard earned and well deserved,” said Stevens. “It wasn’t their outer beauty that won these ladies the crown but the beauty within for they all possessed special determination allowing them to excel academically while still finding time to be involved and contribute to the betterment of their community.”

Whoever is crowned Miss Wantagh becomes a teen representative for the community. Miss Wantagh 2011 will receive a $500 cash prize, the first runner up will receive $250 and the second runner-up will receive $125.  All the semi finalists will receive gifts from merchants throughout Wantagh in appreciation of their interest and enthusiasm for the community.

“If you are a Wantagh resident, a high school sophomore or junior, committed to the betterment of the Wantagh community, and want to go the extra mile to be involved in community sponsored events by many organizations, meet elected officials from all government levels and be the voice of your peers, fill out an application," said Stevens. 

Applications are available at the Wantagh High School main office, can be requested by contacting Ella Stevens at 409-1645 or downloaded an application attached to this article The application deadline is June 10.