A week away from competing in a pageant, Jazmyn Xiong feels few nerves.
Jazmyn, 15, has been selected to participate in the 2013 Miss Jr. Teen Portland Pageant on Sunday, Feb. 24, at Glencoe High School, and will compete for thousands of dollars in prizes and specialty gifts.
The winner also will receive a six-day, five-night trip to Orlando, Fla., to represent Portland at the national competition.
Ive learned how to be professional and how to have a positive impact, Jazmyn said. When you meet someone, you want to make a good impression.
A dancer since fifth grade, Jazmyn dances on the Gresham High School Rhythmettes and has recently made a foray into acting.
With a knack for the sciences chemistry in particular Jazmyn dreams of become a doctor or nurse.
While personality and interviewing skills are the top aspects each contestant will be judged on during the pageant, Jazmyn also will compete in casual and formal wear modeling routines.
Some people think its all about beauty, but its not, Jazmyn said. Its about being able to have confidence and finding who you really are as a person.
Another misconception, Jazmyn said, is that pageant girls could be snobby. On the contrary, Jazmyn has found her fellow contestants kind and friendly.
A week from the competition, Jazmyn is looking for sponsors to help cover her $495 entry fee. She is primarily looking for businesses, which will have their company names published in the pageants program.
Potential sponsors may call 503-875-0087.