Miss City of Orange 2012 Scholarship Pageant

More Than Just a Pretty Face

If you think beauty pageants are just a sea of pretty faces, you’ll want to attend this year’s Miss City of Orange Scholarship Pageant. Taking place on Saturday, September 17th at Chapman University’s Memorial Hall at 7 PM, the event showcases not only beauty, but also talent, intelligence, and leadership.

Competition Categories

Contestants compete in the following areas:

• Evening gown
• Physical fitness swimsuit competition
• Talent performance
• Onstage interview question

The winner becomes an ambassador for the City of Orange for the following year.

Voices of Experience

Rachel Berry – Miss City of Orange 2010

“People were surprised by how involved I was in the community and how well-rounded I am,” says Berry, a Chapman University graduate. “I considered my reign a part-time job. I ran for the title to get to know the city and its leaders. Once people understand how the pageant works, they respect how it empowers young women.”

Connie Benson – Executive Director

“Many girls will tell you the program changed their lives,” says Benson, who has served as Executive Director for nine years. “Miss City of Orange attends numerous local events, hosts a ‘Queen for a Day’ leadership workshop for 2nd through 6th grade girls, and represents a charity of her choice.”

She adds that the skills learned—public speaking, leadership, and networking—are invaluable, and that over $5,000 in scholarships is awarded each year.

Path to Miss California

Winners of Miss City of Orange go on to compete in Miss California. Rachel Berry placed in the top 10 in both 2010 and 2011, winning in the talent and interview categories. Notably, Miss City of Orange 2009, Noelle Freeman, won the Miss California title in 2011.

A Legacy of Empowerment

In its 76th year, the pageant evolved from a community event to a franchise of the Miss California Scholarship Pageant in the 1980s, thanks to then-Executive Director Elsa Olson. Since then, City of Orange winners have proudly represented their community at the state level.

Encouragement to Future Contestants

“Even if you don’t win, the process is worth it,” says Berry. “You learn about yourself, improve your public speaking, and build lifelong skills.”

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, September 17th
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Location: Chapman University Memorial Hall
• Tickets: $15 with student ID, $25 general admission

Special Performances Include:

• Opening dance by contestants
• Performance by Miss California, Noelle Freeman
• Chapman University Dance Team
• Men of Harmony
• Performance by “Queen for a Day” participants with Rachel Berry

A Non-Profit Mission

The Miss City of Orange pageant is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization. Contestants do not pay an entry fee, and each participant receives scholarship money. For more information, visit the official website:
MissCityofOrange.com.