Okay - it took a bit longer than I had anticipated, but I am ready to write my first blog about the Triple Crown Pageant!
On March 30th, I entered the Triple Crown Pageant with no real expectations but high hopes. Last year, I was Miss Staten Island, and prior to this pageant I had also competed in the Miss Manhattan Pageant. However, with so many amazing, intelligent, and beautiful women competing, I knew this could have been anyone's crown to win. The Triple Crown Pageant is run by the Miss New York Board. They award three young women titles (whose names are determined based on region of residence) and give them a chance to compete at the state level.
My interview in the afternoon was fantastic, which is unusual for me to say since I'm my biggest critic. I really felt comfortable speaking with the judges about many topics; from my platform, to current events, to fun facts about Disney! I was challenged to show my intelligence, but was also able to show them personality. That is what I think makes the perfect interview. It was fun and casual, while still being professional.
On March 30th, I entered the Triple Crown Pageant with no real expectations but high hopes. Last year, I was Miss Staten Island, and prior to this pageant I had also competed in the Miss Manhattan Pageant. However, with so many amazing, intelligent, and beautiful women competing, I knew this could have been anyone's crown to win. The Triple Crown Pageant is run by the Miss New York Board. They award three young women titles (whose names are determined based on region of residence) and give them a chance to compete at the state level.
My interview in the afternoon was fantastic, which is unusual for me to say since I'm my biggest critic. I really felt comfortable speaking with the judges about many topics; from my platform, to current events, to fun facts about Disney! I was challenged to show my intelligence, but was also able to show them personality. That is what I think makes the perfect interview. It was fun and casual, while still being professional.
As we prepared for the show, I was feeling confident, but I still knew I would have to give it my all to win one of the titles. Backstage, all of the girls were getting ready together and taking some photos along the way. Making fabulous new friends is one of the great things about the Miss America System.
Then, it was about to begin -- SHOWTIME! I was as ready as I could've been. I had practiced and trained for weeks and it was time to show what I had been working toward. Category after category completed and I couldn't believe how fast it was all flying by. Before I knew it, it was crowning time!
They began with announcing overall category winners. To my surprise and delight I was called as the overall talent winner! I couldn't believe it! My talent piece has a lot of emotion behind it and is close to my heart, so this win meant the world to me.
Finally, the moment of truth arrived. Who would be crowned the three Triple Crown titleholders? They began with the two runners-up: Stephanie Accardo and Katie Berry. Next came the first titleholder, Nina Davuluri! She picked the title Miss Syracuse 2013. With only two crowns left, a good friend, Christina Moore, was announced! Miss Kings County 2013 was a perfect fit for this Brooklynite. At this point, I was getting butterflies in my stomach and I knew that my entire family was praying for me in the audience. "And our last winner of the evening is......Contestant #20, Jamie Lynn Macchia!" I was in such shock that I don't even remember how I reacted! I'm pretty sure I walked to the center of the stage with my hands over my face.
They began with announcing overall category winners. To my surprise and delight I was called as the overall talent winner! I couldn't believe it! My talent piece has a lot of emotion behind it and is close to my heart, so this win meant the world to me.
Finally, the moment of truth arrived. Who would be crowned the three Triple Crown titleholders? They began with the two runners-up: Stephanie Accardo and Katie Berry. Next came the first titleholder, Nina Davuluri! She picked the title Miss Syracuse 2013. With only two crowns left, a good friend, Christina Moore, was announced! Miss Kings County 2013 was a perfect fit for this Brooklynite. At this point, I was getting butterflies in my stomach and I knew that my entire family was praying for me in the audience. "And our last winner of the evening is......Contestant #20, Jamie Lynn Macchia!" I was in such shock that I don't even remember how I reacted! I'm pretty sure I walked to the center of the stage with my hands over my face.
I already knew the title I wanted, too: Miss Greater New York 2013.
Grateful is not even the word to describe how I feel. There were 20 fantastic contestants and I am honored to have been chosen as one of 3 to move on to the Miss New York competition in July! I look forward to making my reign as Miss Greater New York 2013 just as special as my Miss Staten Island 2012 year. I hope to reach even higher with my goals and work toward things I never imagined possible. I plan on traveling around the 5 boroughs and Long Island to promote my platform and the Miss New York Organization. Here we go!