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Wednesday, March 6, 2002 Judging Ms. Southland not easy By JANET McGREGOR
Being a judge for the Southland Beauty Pageant is something that I look forward to every year. Initially, I watched the event, writing a story each year for the newspaper. After a few years I was asked to be a judge. I treasure the time I spend with the lovely ladies each year. However, as a judge, I understand on a small scale how difficult it must be for those who judge the Ms. America pageant, or the Olympic trials. All of the contestants have high hopes. They all try spend time preparing for the event and try to put their best foot forward. They all invest a part of themselves when they enter the contest. The judges have a difficult time choosing who should be the winner. It's hard to decide which of the contestants is the most enthusiastic about being in the pageant, one of the judging criteria. All of them are dressed "to the nines" and, with the help of many volunteers, sport perfect makeup and hairstyles. They are also judged on appearance and alertness in relation to their age. Each lady is lovely in her own way and they are all pleasant and enjoyable. Knowing that someone will not be the top winner, knowing how much it means to each of them to be in the contest, it is a tough choice. Some of the contestants sing, others banter back and forth with the judge. Attitude goes a long way in swaying the minds and pens of the judges tallying the points in each category. Most have a wonderful outlook on life sometimes it is voiced and other times it is displayed in the tone of their voice or the smiles on their faces. This year there were eight of us trying to select Ms. Southland. The scoring was tight and we all commented on the difficulty. Luckily, with eight scores to tally, none of us felt as though we were on the hot seat alone - it is definitely a group process! Ultimately, all of the contestants are winners in the eyes of the judges, their friends at Southland and their families. They each give something special to those who's lives they touch. The event is open to the public each year if you are looking for something to warm your heart and possibly give you a different outlook on life, this is an event to mark on your calendar for 2003.
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