Muskego Teen Will Compete at State Level for American Miss Pageant

Most people think only of beauty when they hear the word 'pageant,' but area teen Jessica Ann Marie Portik is learning a lot about self-confidence, interviewing skills and achieving her dreams as well.

Portik will compete for the title of Miss Wisconsin in the junior miss category on August 25 and 26 at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, as part of the National American Miss pageant. Although appearance is a consideration in competition, finalists are selected based on a personality interview.

The Muskego High School (MHS) sophomore was one of 30 who were chosen when pageant officials visited the area to compete at the state level, and is proud to be the only to represent Muskego. She is an avid dancer, MHS band member, and has volunteered with helping special needs children.

"This started as a referral from a friend, but I think it's cool to be able to represent my city at the state competition, and I'm excited to see what the experience there will be like," Portik said.

Her mom, Tammy Mueller, said she thoroughly checked into the organization, and was impressed with their focus on developing the girls into strong, confident women.

"The point of competition is really to give girls more self-confidence, and communication skills," she explained. "They work with them on interviewing and personal presentation, which helps them become more assertive."

Despite the excitement, costs for entering the competition depend on sponsorships, which help to fund scholarship programs and awards from the pageant. Mueller said they are still hoping to raise about $300 from local sponsors; any business that steps forward can in turn receive advertising in the pageant programs.

Portik is only entering her second year at MHS, but has dreams of pursuing modeling as a career, and has already been accepted at John Casablancas once she is able to afford costs. Winning the state pageant would certainly help toward that goal.

Should Portik be crowned a winner or runner up, she will travel to Florida for the national competition the week of Thanksgiving. Local businesses that wish to sponsor Portik can contact Mueller at rtmuskego@aol.com.