Pageant Participation Strengthens These NJ Sisters' Lives, Bonds

WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ — Pageant participation runs in the Peacock family of South Jersey.

The Williamstown family's oldest daughter Amanda, 23, recently won the title of Miss South Jersey, earning her the opportunity to compete for Miss New Jersey.

The family's younger daughter, Alyssa, 17, was crowned Miss Eastern Shore Outstanding Teen, allowing her the chance to try and win Miss Teen New Jersey.

Amanda said while she knows what running for Miss New Jersey is all about, it was not why she competed in her first pageant about a decade ago.

"I didn't know anything about the Miss America Organization. When I started, I looked at it as another opportunity to be on stage and to sing," she said. "When I competed in my first competition, that's when I truly learned what the Miss America organization is all about and I have been hooked ever since."

Both sisters said they have several skills that could be used in pageants' talent competitions. However, both choose to sing in their respective competition. Alyssa sang "Corner in the Sky" from "Pippin," while Amanda chose "My Man" from "Funny Girl."

Amanda, the more-seasoned pageant contestant, said she still gets nervous butterflies walking and singing in front of a large auditorium full of mostly strangers. She said her secret to not letting the judges know letting those nerves show is well, to kind of sort of parody another song from another well-known movie, is "to let it go."

"I'm not in control of that fate or that destiny," she said in the interview. "That gives me a little peace ... I know I've worked so hard to get to this moment. Let's just ride it out. Let's enjoy it. And let's show the audience and show the judges."

Although Amanda's third run as Miss New Jersey did not end up being the charm, she still felt fortunate to make it as far in the pageant as she did.

"It was an honor to just be there," she told Patch of the statewide competition. "I was super grateful for the opportunity and grateful for my family and my friends and my directors that supported me."

Alyssa, who was unsuccessful in her second bid to be Miss Teen USA, agreed.

"Being onstage of Resorts in Atlantic City, getting to compete with all those different girls ... and get that opportunity to compete for the job of a lifetime at my age was magical," she said.

Neither girl is being a sore loser, either.

Amanda said she hopes to be in Connecticut to root on Augostina Mallous — who beat her for the national title — when Mallous competes against more than 50 other women for the Miss America title. Alyssa too, said she will root Maria Lynn Sooy — Miss Teen New Jersey — on, either in person or through a television screen.

The sisters also intend to continue advocating for their respective social impact initiatives (some may know this by its older name: social platform) that they chose for each of their pageant runs.

Alyssa's initiative is Paws for a Cause: Adopt Don’t Shop, which she said "is all about encouraging people to go out to animal shelters and adopt from those shelters."

Amanda, meanwhile, chose the Toni Donato Bolis & Baby RJ Foundation, which seeks to educate about the dangers of distracted driving.

The girls' mother, Jennifer, noted that although she and her husband have had quite a juggling act through the years with all the lessons, practices and rehearsals, it has been worth it.

"It's a big commitment to be a part of this organization. So many people don't realize the work that goes into it," she said in the interview. "However, I can attest to the pride my husband and I have as parents when we watch our girls be the talk of the town."

Both girls are still young enough to compete for Miss New Jersey and Miss Teen New Jersey again.

Amanda said she will almost certainly vie for Miss New Jersey at least once more.

Although Alyssa was not as certain about her pageant future, she said even if she stops competing, she has many memories both onstage and offstage to last a lifetime.

"I still gained awesome experiences," she told Patch. "And competing alongside her throughout the years has been really nice," she added, referencing her older sister.

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