Meet: Yorktown Beauty Christina DeLeon, to Compete in Miss Westchester Pageant

Christina DeLeon, 23, from Yorktown Heights has been selected to participate in the 2011 Miss Westchester Pageant on September 5, 2010 at 7 p.m. at the White Plains Performing Arts Center.

She is a graduate of Maria Regina High School where she was the captain of the cheerleading team, a member of an All-Star cheerleading squad, a gymnast, a swimmer as well as a member of the soccer and basketball teams.

We caught up with her before the pageant to get to know her more. 

Yorktown Patch: How did you get involved with pageants? And why?

Christina DeLeon: My first pageant was when I was eight years old. My grandfather entered me into a small pageant and my seven year pageant career took off from there. This will be my first pageant since 2000. That last pageant was the Miss New York American Coed Pageant in the World Trade Center when I was fourteen.

Patch: How did you prepare for the Miss Westchester Pageant?

Christina: I have been seeing a personal trainer, being a little more health conscious, working on my poise and walking skills; as well as, practicing mock interview questions.

Patch: What were some sacrifices you had to make?

Christina: Most of my spare time this summer was spent shopping for the necessary outfits and accessories and working out. Also, I had to take time out to make room for our photo shoots and rehearsals. These were all sacrifices willingly made in order to succeed!

Patch: What are your tips on staying in shape?

Christina: Make sure you hit the gym! Getting there is always half the battle. Be conscious of the things you are eating. If you have a cheat day, make sure the next workout is extra tough! 

Patch: What is your beauty philosophy?

Christina: I believe beauty goes far beyond the physical; that is only the initial beauty that people see. In order to be a beautiful person you must work your way from the inside out. Hair and makeup can only go so far.

Patch: What are you looking forward to the most during the pageant?

Christina: I am looking forward to our opening number! We had such a great time learning it and I love to dance! Also, getting dressed up is another one of my favorite things to do.

Patch: What would bringing home the title of Miss Westchester mean to you?

Christina: In a way, this pageant has been viewed as my last hoorah. I would like to win the title as a 10 year anniversary marker and to be able to use to crown to bring attention to issues that I believe are important to focus on in today's society.

Patch: What do you want to accomplish in the near future?

Christina: I look forward to graduating this upcoming year and hopefully receiving a job in the field of education. I also plan to start graduate school and remain on track with my career as a childhood educator and special educator.

Patch: What are the top three issues facing Westchester County?

Christina: In my eyes, the top three issues facing Westchester County are texting and driving, underage drinking, and child care budget cuts. Texting is causing many accidents and fatalities; the underage drinking, especially recently with the energy alcoholic beverages, has caused preteens to become very ill; and lastly, the budget cuts for child care are leaving parents unable to find affordable, quality childcare.

Patch: Some people have negative stereotypes about pageants, what's your take on that?

Christina: I feel like there are naturally negative stereotypes, as there are about many things, but it is up to the contestants and winner to break that mold. The girls in the pageant have to show that there is more than just beauty needed to succeed in a pageant.

Patch: What questions have you been asked the most? What do you not want to be asked?

Christina: Mainly I have been asked why I am doing the pageant. Another question frequently asked is what I plan to do with the crown if I do win, but that is the one I do not want to be asked. I do not like to count my chickens before they hatch.

Patch: If there was a talent portion of the pageant, what would your talent be?

Christina: My talent would be getting people to laugh; that is what I am best at!

Patch: Who is your role model?

Christina: My role model is Angelina Jolie. She is successful as an actress, yet also takes the time to give back as a UN goodwill ambassador working with refugees.

Patch: What's the most important lesson you have learned?

Christina: The most important lesson I have learned is that no matter how bad things may seem in a moment, life goes on and only gets better!

Patch: What's something people don't know about you?

Christina: I am scared of the dark! Scary movie previews alone can scare me for months!

Patch: Favorite food?

Christina: I am a huge sushi fan. I love a good sushi roll.

Patch: Favorite movie?

Christina: My favorite movie is actually a tough one, I am a movie fanatic. I would have to say it is Hairspray with Ricki Lake. I watched it so many times that I actually warped the tape when I was younger!

Patch: Favorite book?

Christina: My favorite book would have to be 'They Cage the Animals at Night.' I read it in 6th grade and cried through most of it.  The author came to our school and once I was able to put a face to the story, it stuck with me forever.

Patch: Most played song on your IPod?

Christina: Uncle Kracker - Smile

Patch: What are your hobbies?

Christina: Listening to music, watching movies, activities (bowling, sports, outdoors), spending time with family and friends.

Patch: College and major. 

Christina: SUNY Old Westbury - Receiving a dual bachelor's degree in childhood education 1st grade through 6th and special education with a minor in American Studies.