By Staff
Miss Mary Elizabeth Goodman, 11-year-old daughter of Luther and Deborah (Gillesby) Goodman, has been chosen as a state finalist in the National American Miss Michigan Pre-Teen Pageant July 23 at the Troy Marriott. The pageant is for girls ages 10-12. Winner of the pageant receives a $1,000 cash award, the official crown and banner, a bouquet of roses and air transportation to compete in the national pageant at Disneyland in California.
Pageants are held for girls ages 4 to 18 in five age groups. National American Miss Pageants are dedicated to celebrating America's greatness and encouraging its future leaders.
Each year the pageant awards thousands in scholarships and prizes to recognize and assist in development of young women nationwide.
All activities are age-appropriate and family-oriented. The pageant program is based on inner beauty, as well as poise and presentation, and offers an "All-American spirit of fun for family and friends."
Emphasis is placed on the importance of gaining self-confidence, learning new skills, learning good attitudes about competition and setting and achieving personal goals.
The pageant seeks to recognize the accomplishments of each girl while encouraging her to set goals for the future. Mary's activities include cheerleading and special chorus. She also enjoys volunteering her help at St. Vincent DePaul, swimming, biking and being with her friends.
Her sponsors include Drs. Burling and Gillesby, D.D.S., Ridge Auto Store, Apparel Alternatives, Wounded Minnow, Jerz Machine Tool, Larry Martin and the Hardtimes Bluegrass Band, Movies Movies, Klett Development LLC, Ferris Pierson and Son Brokerage, Hale's True Value Hardware and D&R Sports.