N. Babylon Girl Out to Capture the Crown

While most students are planning their back to back-to-school outfits, fourth grader Briana Velazques, of North Babylon, is shopping for a sash and crown.

The Parliament Place Elementary School student will compete in the National American Miss Pageant on Aug. 17 and 18. If crowned the winner in the local contest, she will travel to California to represent New York in the national competition for a chance to win $1,000, a trip to Disneyland and a modeling scholarship.

Velazques made it through the first round of competition in June, which included a photo shoot and interview. The upcoming pageant is considered a natural competition, meaning Velazques will not be allowed to wear make-up. There is also no bathing suit portion of the pageant. There is however, a formal wear category along with photogenic, casual wear, personal introduction and an interview portion.

“I am practicing walking in my dress and for the interviews every day,” she said.

The fourth grader will be competing in the Jr. Pre-Teen category, which encompasses the 7 to 9-year-old age division.

According to National American Miss Pageant, the competition is designed to showcase inner beauty, as well as poise and presentation of its contestants.

Velazquez may enjoy the glamour of pageantry, but don’t underestimate her ability to get down in the mud. When not practicing for pageants, the local beauty can also be seen getting dirty on the soccer field. She also enjoys singing and dancing.

The pageant queen hopeful has her community rooting her on with local sponsors such as Fragrancenet.com and Stack’s Auto Service.