Miss Louisiana International searching for new delegate

Tri-Parish Times

A Tri-parish woman could be first to wear a beautiful tiara and represent the state of Louisiana in the 2007 Miss International pageant.

The Louisiana Miss International pageant, not to be confused with the Louisiana International Miss Pageant’s “Youth Development Program,” is accepting applications for women ages 19 to 29. The ladies must live in Louisiana for either school or work and have never been married, said National Executive Director Mary Richardson.

The pageant accepts applications for Miss International delegates every year, but Richardson never receives any from Louisiana. She said the state doesn’t have an official international pageant competition but the delegates for the Louisiana Teen Miss, Miss and Mrs. Louisiana pageants are selected based upon her interview alone.

“We have been doing the Louisiana Miss International for the past two years; no one has sent in an application,” she said. “However, we have delegates for the Teen Miss and the Mrs. Louisiana International pageant.”

Richardson said the official international pageant has been a big success over the years. The International Teen Miss started in 2001 and Mrs. pageants began in 1985. She said the reigning Teen Miss is Gretchen Conners, and the reigning Mrs. International is Lisa Page.

“We are looking for one young lady with a strong platform, who is willing to serve as an ambassador for Louisiana,” Richardson said. “She will also have to travel around the state promoting the non-profit organization she is affiliated with.”

One of the lucky Louisiana delegate’s top priorities will be to compete in the Miss International pageant on July 23, 2007, in Chicago at the North Shore Performing Arts Center. Each state delegate is also required to make one monthly guest appearance that pertains to her chosen platform, she said.

Richardson said the pageant competition will consist of a private interview, the fitness and fashion wear portion and evening gown competition. The winner will also receive an official crown and sash along with prizes and cash, she said.

“Unlike other pageants, we don’t have a talent or a swimsuit portion,” she said. “Our main focus is not on how a person looks, but how well they articulate themselves.”

For more information on the application process contact Mary Richardson at (540) 989-5992.