Lacey Teen State Finalist in National American Junior Miss Pageant

Alyssa Balo of Lacey is hoping to learn how to walk and speak publicly properly in August.

Balo, a sophomore at Lacey Township High School, was recently named a state finalist for the National American Junior Miss Pageant. The competition takes place in August.

“I have never been in a pageant before, so I don’t really know what to expect,” Balo said. “I hope to gain some more self confidence, develop better public speaking skills, interviewing skills, and make some new friends.”

She added that she looks forward to learning how to “properly walk.”

Prior to becoming a state finalist, Balo had never participated in pageants, her mother Dena Balo said.

“She received the invitation and thought it would be fun to try,” Dena Balo said.

There were over 2,000 applicants for all age groups, out of which only 30 percent were selected to participate in the August event in East Brunswick, she said.

To prepare for the pageant, Alyssa Balo will attend a workshop where the organizers will go over event details as well as provide coaching on how to walk, speak publicly and more.

In addition to training, finding a formal wear gown and preparing for the personal interview, Alyssa Balo is required to find sponsors for the event. Balo is required to raise $440 to cover the total entry fee.

According to the National American Junior Miss Pageant website, the competition is an “opportunity like no other.” Contestants gain poise, self-confidence and valuable communication skills giving them the competitive edge to succeed later in the field of their choice. 

For the competition, Alyssa Balo will complete a personal interview and introduce herself as a public speaking portion. She will then compete in a formal wear category and complete a community service project.

The panelists judge contestants according to the following rubric: 30 percent Formal Wear, 30 percent Personal Introduction, 30 percent Interview and 10 percent Community Involvement.

The interview includes basic questions about oneself such as what is your favorite book? The judges will also ask, "Why do you want to be the Queen for your state?"

As a finalist, Alyssa Balo will be recognized on stage with an official trophy. The winner will represent the state for the year and return to the next pageant to crown the successor.

Some opportunities as a winner included visiting the governor, making an appearance with your local sports teams, being an honored speaker at the state fair and participating in parades.

The winner also receives $1,000 in cash; an official state crown, banner trophy and roses; entry fee’s paid for the national pageant; a trip through Hollywood; a VIP day for two at Disneyland; and an authentic modeling scholarship.

“I would love to win the competition, but just being in it will be a great experience,” Alyssa Balo said.

Balo is an honor student at Lacey Township High School, just recently receiving an award for being on the High Honor Roll throughout the entire school year. She is entering her third year of study in German and would love to travel in the future. Her hobbies include spending time with her friends, working and computers.