The Road to Miss Massachusetts’s Outstanding Teen 2018 – Emma Gendreau
Our "Road To...," series has become so popular and we want to be able to share with you about the amazing young women competing in the Miss America Organization. Did you know that the MAO is the largest scholarship provider to women in the United States? And even at the local teen levels, they are able to compete and obtain scholarships to assist them in their education. The Miss Massachusetts's Scholarship Foundation has been, "dedicated to helping young women recognize their potential," and they do that at all levels - Teen & Miss. Kicking off our series, "The Road to Miss Massachusetts's Outstanding Teen 2018," is at-large contestant, Emma Gendreau. Continue reading to learn about Emma and her journey towards the crown!
For those who may not be familiar with you, tell our readers a bit about yourself and your background within the pageant world.
At the age of six years old, I participated in the very first Miss New Bedford’s Princess Program. I am fortunate to have been involved in dance since the age of two and dance competitions since the age of seven. My dance education has made me very comfortable performing and entertaining on the stage.
The four points of the Miss America crown represent: service, scholarship, style, and success. Which one is the most important to you and why?
Involvement in the community serving others has always been a significant part of my life so therefore, I believe that service is the most important of the four points of the Miss America crown. Service has brought me closer to my community and it has made me more thankful for what I have. Community service makes our world better. I currently volunteer with a group of special needs children and created a dance group called “Dance Heroes”. I am also an Ambassador for the Massachusetts Service Project 351. We are currently working on a clothes drive for Cradles to Crayons. My involvement with the Miss America Organization will support my continued involvement in the community.
This picture is of my sister Nicole and I in the very first New Bedford Princess Pageant. I felt this picture was important because it is a picture of myself with my sister who inspired me to create my platform “Needs in Action” and it was my very first pageant!
During Carly Fisher’s reign, what is one characteristic you’ve seen her bring forth as Miss Massachusetts’s Outstanding Teen, and which do you hope to emulate if you were to win the title?
I believe Carly has brought service to our attention. She is has been recognized for her service and involvement with The Children’s Miracle Network.
What have you learned from our current Miss Massachusetts Outstanding Teen Carly Fisher, that can help you be a better outstanding teen?
I have learned from Carly, that no matter what, to always be confident and be yourself. Always focus on being the best possible “you” that you can be.
Please share with our readers your platform and why you’ve chosen to advocate for it.
My platform is entitled “Needs In Action” involving children with special needs in the arts. I have chosen this platform because of my twin sister, Nicole my inspiration, has a disorder which causes her to have difficulty processing and understanding information and emotions. I have personally witnessed my sister express herself and grow through the art of dance. She has proven to me that just because she has a disability doesn’t mean she can’t have an inner strength and ability. She has taught me to never give up and to always be your best.
If you were to win the title of Miss Massachusetts’s Outstanding Teen, how do you hope to better educate your generation about your platform and the importance it holds?
I want my generation and everyone after it to realize that children with special needs are not any different from us. Yes they may have a harder time in life, but that doesn’t mean they can’t achieve the goals we achieve. Sometimes all they need is for someone to believe in them.
Tell us about your talent and the decisions you made in proceeding with this talent.
My talent is musical theatre jazz. I have chosen this talent, because I have been involved with dance since the age of two and I believe that is my best talent. I am an outgoing individual and enjoy making the audience laugh.
Having been in pageants and after winning a local title, what advice do you have for those who want to start competing in the MAO system?
I currently do not hold a title, but I have experience in the pageant world. For all of the young women who are think about competing in a pageant or if this is their first year, I am encouraging them not to get discouraged if they don’t place the first time or the second time. I have had such a great experience. Always be true yourself and who you are. Don’t pretend to be someone else you are a beautiful person.
Because of the way media and certain television networks have portrayed the lifestyle of pageantry, there is a preconceived notion of what a pageant girl is like. How do you think that being a part of the Miss America Organization you are able to break that barrier?
I believe that someone who has never been in a pageant should not stereotype “pageant girls” on social media because they have no idea what a wonderful organization this is. I will lead by example and demonstrate that my involvement in the Miss America Organization has made me a better individual and given me the confidence to take on the world, not turned me into a stereotypical “ pageant girl.”
Regardless of who wins the title of Miss Massachusetts ’s Outstanding Teen, what is one goal which you have for them, which you hope they will accomplish during their reign?
I hope they accomplish everything they wish to do but most importantly, I hope they accomplish the goal of promoting their platform. I also hope through service, they make a small difference in our community.
Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. Tell our readers what make you “bravura.”
What makes me “Bravura” is my love for making people laugh.
Where can fans follow you on social media?
Fans can follow me on Instagram.
Do you have any final words for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
Lastly, I want to say good luck to my sisters that will be competing with me. You are all amazing and talented young ladies and I love you all.
It’s a busy month in April, but for those interested in attending the MAOTeen MA pageant this April, you can get ticket information here! We will be sure to share with you more about the contestants who are vying for the title of MAOTeen MA 2018 so stay tuned!
