ABOUT US
About twelve years ago, my daughter, Shani and I became involved in the pageant industry -- an industry that was viewed by us (and many others), as a complete waste of time, money, energy and spirit. What Shani and I did not know then was that even though this industry had been around for quite some time, it was an industry whose time had not yet come and one that would change our lives forever.
Shani and I stepped into this arena on an act of faith, not knowing really why we were there or what would be the outcome of our involvement. What we discovered, together, were new and exciting worlds of growth and development, a new way of communicating with one another, and a whole new world of achievement in areas we had never given a second thought. We knew no one in the pageant industry and had no reason to believe that we should be involved - and no reason to think that we would ever reap any benefits as participants. Now, ten years later, we are totally immersed in this industry and now understand why.
Twelve years ago, when Shani "begged" me to allow her to enter a beauty pageant. My response was - well, for those of you know me, I'm sure you know how I responded. However, she was adamant about getting more information about this competition, so I polled the Director and when I was convinced that this particular pageant would be very helpful, i.e., learning interview skills, etc., I said yes. That was in 1993. That year, Shani placed 2nd runner-up; the following year, she returned and in 1994, she placed 1st runner-up. She returned the next year and in 1995, she won her first title. Since then, she has won a title every year - at least seven titles in all, including the right to compete for Miss America State titles in Pennsylvania and Missouri. Over the years, we have both greatly benefited and grown personally and professionally as a result of being involved in the pageant industry.
For the past seven years, Shani and I have produced the Teen Miss Pittsburgh®), Miss Pittsburgh® Pageant and, for the past three years, we have produced the Sir Pittsburgh® Competition, the first competition ever of its kind, offered to young men in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our Pittsburgh winners represent all of our neighborhoods. Contestants are judged on a set criteria and nothing else. I make sure that our judges' scores meet our format for choosing the winner, and nothing else.
Teen Miss Pittsburgh®, Miss Pittsburgh® and Sir Pittsburgh® are icons of our time. They represent the finest of our youth and young adults. Additionally, they represent all of our neighborhoods, no matter what the nationality. This year, we will celebrate 12 years of Miss Pittsburgh® and five years of Sir Pittsburgh®, our oldest competitions. These pageants will be held on May 15-16, 2004 and the 2nd Annual National Miss Black Teen Pageant will be held in Philadelphia on July 16-18, 2004.
While college scholarships are still being sought, we have also added new features to our pageants. We are now listed in the business section of the Verizon white pages and on the Verizon super pages. We are also adding a chat feature to our site so that contestants have easy access to us for any question that may have. Contestants will also be able to chat with current winners. California University of Pennsylvania has once again provided us with a four-year scholarship; Cheyney University has us under consideration for the Keystone Scholarship. Naturally, our efforts to bring more colleges on board is tantamount to us so we are seeking new scholarships all of the time. We are also conducting several workshops for new comers and for those who wish to 'sharpen' their pageant performance and gain skills for life. Workshops are held throughout the country during the off-season. Catch our vision and be part of a winning team.
To God Be The Glory!!
Michele & Shani Alexander
