Turkey Creek Middle School seventh-grader Kamille Long out-shined her competition at the Miss Florida American Beauty Pageant Nov. 21 to 23, and was named Junior Miss Florida American Beauty.
Long entered her first pageant when she was just 2 years old and has competed in many events since then.
“Pageants help me do stuff on my own and become a young lady,” Long said. “It helps raise my self-confidence. Even if someone tries to bully me, I’m going to turn it away.”
As the winner of Junior Miss Tampa American Beauty this year, she was sent on to compete at the state level. She won against four other girls in her division, for ages 12 to 14. The competition included interview, casual wear and evening gown stages.
In addition to her crown, banner and trophy — which was pink, her favorite color — Long received prizes worth $5,000 total, such as clothing and pageant-related services. She will appear in parades and charity events around the state during her reign.
Long will represent the state of Florida in the national American Beauty competition in Orlando June 24, 2015. At the national level, winners also receive scholarships. And, their level of responsibility increases.
“You go to more events, you get to reign longer,” Long said.
Long said she wants to improve her interview skills before the national event.
“That’s a big thing I have to work on,” she said.
Recently, Long also competed in the TCMS Calendar Girls pageant and was crowned Miss April.
“That was really fun because all of my friends were doing it,” Long said.
It was exciting for her to see some of her friends compete in a pageant for their first time.
Long said she does not usually buy new dresses for her pageants. She and her mother, Brigittia Long, search for used dresses in top shape online and at consignment shops.
Community service is also an important part of pageantry for Long. One of her most recent projects was a collection of clothing and school supplies to help a girl who had finished eighth grade at TCMS but could not afford everything she needed for high school.
Long said that by volunteering, she learns about government and law, which will help her someday if she follows her dream of becoming a lawyer.
Other than pageants, Long is involved in a number of extra-curricular activities. She is a cheerleader with Storm All Stars Cheer and Dance, and a member of the FFA at TCMS. She also hopes to try out for volleyball this year.
Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.
