SCSD Students Compete for Pageant Crown

Eight students from the Syracuse City School District will compete in the Miss Central New York Scholarship Pageant on June 10, 2012, at the Palace Theatre, 2384 James St.

The contestants participated in a number of programs leading up to the pageant including a spring fashion show, a day of service raising funds for Alzheimer’s research; a day fitness and yoga at CNY Healing Arts and a day of worship. In addition, there was a senior workshop with Junior Achievement and dinner with Jeselle L. Eli, a motivational speaker from Manhattan.

The pageant, now in its fourth year, celebrates high school seniors and their acceptance into college. “We have found this to be an effective way to encourage young women to continue their education growth and development,’’ said Mia Adams McSherry, the pageant’s director. “I am proud to say that attendance and community support for this event has grown every year,’’ she said.

Competing in this year’s event are Marissa Williams, Nieshia Hill and Kya Bullock, all from Corcoran High School; Diamond Young and Siobhan Dunn from Henninger High School; and Polina Strazhina, Molly Naef and Mackenzie Scott from Nottingham High School.

Judges for this year’s event will be Renee Franklin, an assistant professor at the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University; Maria Hoyt, director, Huntington Learning Center, Fayetteville; Lorraine Koury, of Boom Babies; Cammi Clark, editor-in-chief of Today’s CNY Woman magazine; and Suzanne Kondra-DeFuria, vice president of Potter Heating and Air Conditioning.

This year’s winner receives $1,000 cash, $150 in gifts and prizes and roses. The first runner up will receive $500 in cash and $150 in gifts and prizes. A People’s Choice selection will receive $250 in cash and $150 in gifts and prizes. One participant will also receive a $250 prize from Junior Achievement.