By AMY MAXWELL
Record Herald Writer
Courtesy of the Weekly Record Herald; Printed 7.8.12
TIPP CITY – Emma Moore, 7, has been chosen as a state finalist in the National American Miss Ohio Pageant to be held July 27-28 in Columbus.
According to its mission statement, The National American Miss Pageants place an emphasis on the importance of gaining self-confidence, learning new skills, learning good attitudes about competition and setting and achieving personal goals.
Moore was formerly crowned Little Miss Mum during the Tipp City Mum Festival and has been involved in competing with the Tiny Expressions Dance Team for the past five years. Moore is looking forward to showcasing her dancing talents in the upcoming pageant. Getting dressed up is part of the fun, too.
“Emma enjoys getting all dressed up in her fancy dresses to compete in the pageants,” her mother Memory said.
The opportunity to be in the pageant started when local photographer Sharon Elaine Hultberg submitted a photo of Moore to a photograph competition to benefit the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep charity, which helps families cope with the loss of a newborn. Moore’s photo took third place out of hundreds of entries.
Shortly after, Memory, received a letter inviting Emma to participate in the search for contestants for the National American Miss Ohio Pageant that was being held at the Dayton Convention Center. After Emma’s interview with the judges, she was informed she would go on to compete as a state finalist in Columbus.
“I am excited, but a little bit nervous,” Emma said.
Moore is also involved in Miami County 4-H and is a member of the Button Buddies, where she recently participated in planting flowers at a local nursing home. She has volunteered at the local food pantry through Ginghamsburg Church and has been involved with the Relay for Life charity to benefit cancer research. Moore has also participated in a cookie sale with Toys for Tots, with proceeds benefitting the families of Marines.
Moore’s sponsors include Smedley’s Chevrolet of Vandalia, Karen’s Karaoke of Troy, and Natures Jewelry of Brookville. Sponsorship helps cover the cost to enter the pageant. Any interested parties wishing to sponsor or support Moore may contact her family at mmoore53@woh.rr.com for more information. Any sponsorship will be tax deductible for businesses that wish to inquire. Sponsor’s names will appear in the pageant program.
The winner of the pageant will receive 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.
For more information regarding the pageant program, visit www.namiss.com.
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