The Manchester Enterprise
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Girl, 7, state finalist in contest
PUBLISHED: February 8, 2007
Emily Orta, 7 of Manchester, has been chosen as a state finalist in the National American Miss pageant. She is the daughter of Autumn Orta of Manchester.
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Her mother said Emily became interested in the contest after seeing a cousin compete a year ago.
"We visited the pageant last year when my niece Amanda was in it," Orta said. "(Emily) said she really wanted to do this."
The pageant is designed for girls in five age groups from 4 through 18. The state finals will take place July 19 through 21 at the Marriott-Detroit in Troy.
Winner of the state contest will receive $1,000 cash, and free air transportation to the national pageant at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.
According to a press release, the pageant program is based on inner beauty, poise and presentation. Emphasis is placed on promoting self-confidence, learning new skills, developing positive attitudes about competition and setting and achieving personal goals.
That has never really been a problem with Emily, Autumn Orta said, particularly when it came to visiting area businesses to ask for sponsorships.
"She went to each business and asked for $20 each. We didn't want one to sponsor the whole amount," Orta said.
Emily is a second-grader at Klager Elementary School. Her interests include dancing, Girl Scouts, Awana Club, swimming and the arts.
"One of the big incentives for Emily is that she's a very social child; she likes being around other kids," her mother said.
Local merchants were "more than willing" to help out with the contest fee and other expenses, she added.
Local sponsors include The Coffee Mill Cafe, Village Gifts, Frank's Place, Robin Scully Photography, Black Sheep Tavern, Sew-Right, The Manchester Market, Unforgettable Photos and Norris Floor Covering.
Emily has raised about $220 so far, or about half the contest entry fee. Other related contests for talent, poise and more, require an additional $50 fee. Deadline for entries is March 26.
Orta was quick to point out that the contest is not a "beauty pageant" that exploits young girls.
"It's more about motivating them to be public speakers and make new friends," she said. "It's not a beauty contest of any kind."
Tickets for the state finals in July are $15 at the door.
"We're very appreciative of all the generosity we've received," Orta said.
"I invite everyone in the community to come and support her."
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