Seekonk Native Named Miss Connecticut First Runner-Up

On first glance, its apparent Jessica Lesage has beauty and grace worthy of a pageant queen. But in addition to her years of dance training and bubbly personality, the Seekonk High School graduate has a long list of philanthropic accomplishments that helped crown her this year's first runner-up of the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Pageant.

After graduating from Seekonk High School in 2006, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Health Science from Quinnipiac University in 2010. But the academics don't stop there. Currently situated in Connecticut, she has one year left to complete her doctorate in physical therapy.

The brunette's Miss Connecticut platform has a special place in her heart. Her older brother Jason has Down Syndrome. She calls him her "hero." According to Lesage, along with the state platform (Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals) each contestant has their own personal platform, an issue of concern they raise awareness for.

"I created my own community service project named 'Reach out, Re- teach, Respond: The Ripple Effect.' The Ripple Effect is based around the “R” word pledge, a pledge to eliminate the use of the word retard in everyday language. The “R” word pledge was started by the Special Olympics and Best Buddies," wrote Lesage in an e-mail.

Lesage is a relative newcomer to pageants - this year was her first to compete. But in order to compete in pageant affiliated with Miss America, she first had to place in others on a state level. She did so getting a first runner-up title in the Miss Greater Hamden, Miss Mattatuck and Miss Nutmeg.

But the stage isn't foreign to Lesage. She represented the United States of America at the World Show Dance Championships in Reisa, Germany in 2004 and 2005.

And she isn't afraid of work. In high school, she held down jobs at Route 6's Target and currently works as a physical therapy aide in the rehab department of St. Raphael’s Hospital in New Haven, CT and as a secretary at Physiotherapy Associates in Guilford, CT.

For Lesage, it seemed as though the night's outcome was almost fated. She had a dream her friend and classmate Morgan Amarone and her would be the last two girls on stage waiting hear who would take come the Miss Connecticut title. And the night's prophecy came true on the New London auditorium. Lesage was named first-runner up; Amarone was named Miss Connecticut. 

"They announced fourth-runner up, then third and second, and before I knew it, it was Morgan and I standing in the top two. I just remember crying, and hugging Morgan," she wrote in an e-mail.

Lesage said she couldn't be happier with her accomplishments.

"I am proud of how I did. I made some friendships that will last a life time."