Portage Girl Selected to Queen’s Court

PORTAGE_GIRL_SELECTED_TO_QUEENE28099S_COURT-1Vanessa Lynch, a six-year-old Portage Township School student, placed an impressive 3rd runner up in her first pageant experience. The pageant took place over the 4th of July weekend, where Vanessa, daughter of Marissela and Richard Lynch, competed against 54 other girls for the title of Indiana National American Miss princess. The soon to be first grader had wanted to enter a pageant, so after doing some research her mom allowed her to participate in NAM.

"The reason I allowed her to try this pageant is no makeup is allowed for girls 12 and under; even shiny lip gloss will cost you points. The pageant stresses life skills, not beauty. Girls are judged on a 30 second personal introduction given on stage, one on one interviews, poise and confidence in formal wear, and community service. In fact, during the interview the contestants need to answer in complete sentences and include examples in their answer. Due to our wonderful school system and her amazing kindergarten teacher Mrs. Wring, Vanessa was already familiar with how to properly answer a question."

Vanessa made many friends at the pageant, and when asked what her favorite part was, she replied, "My favorite part of the pageant was hanging out with my new friend Dahlia because we bonded and had so much fun together. I also liked the casual wear modeling." Lynch also entered optional contests, where she won the casual wear modeling contest, placed first runner up in both the talent and photogenic categories, and first runner up as most promising model. "I let my daughter try as many activities as possible," says Mrs. Lynch. "She has taken tae kwon do, ice-skating, ballet, jazz, hip hop, gymnastics and she currently performs with the Ballet Folklorico Tapatio of NWI. In fact, her talent was performing the Mexican Hat Dance."

As third runner up and part of the Queen's Court, Vanessa is now invited to represent the city of Portage and compete with other city finalists for the title of National All-American Miss Queen at the national pageant in California. Says Lynch, "I think we are going to pass. Pageants can be an expensive endeavor. We were fortunate to have people help with sponsorship for the state pageant. We would like to thank Braces for All Ages, Jesus Cervera, manager at 1st Source Bank in Portage, grandparents Manuel and Connie Villanueva, and Aunt Grisel Villanueva."