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Pageant hopefuls hone skills for big day

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By Jessica King

With pageant day nearing, more than a dozen Ramona teens are busy at work honing their walking and interview skills in hopes of catching the judges’ favor.

The Miss Ramona & Teen Miss Ramona Scholarship Pageant is scheduled for April 6 at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center on Aqua Lane.

The 15 girls competing for the titles commit to about a dozen rehearsals, held twice a week.

“I think they’ve been working very hard this year,” said LeAnna Brown, an assistant director and pageant choreographer. “They seem to be coming together very quickly, and that doesn’t always happen.”

During rehearsals, the girls learn how to build themselves up in a resume, how to project their voice and practice good body language while answering questions, and how to walk in high heels and carry themselves with poise and grace on stage.

They participate in mock interviews and lots of other role playing, said Brown.

They also learn an opening dance number.

“It’s about blowing off steam in the beginning of the pageant to get rid of the girls’ early show jitters,” said Brown.

But the pageant prep isn’t all work and no fun.

“The girls get to hang out and bond while standing in line and taking their turns,” said Brown. “It’s a good experience all the way around, I think.”

The winners of the pageant will serve as youth ambassadors for the community, becoming familiar faces throughout Ramona and the region as they volunteer at various events. They will pick up where outgoing Miss Ramona 2012 Kilyaahwii Linton and Teen Miss Ramona 2012 Chersten Sandvik left off.

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