Preparations Begin for Miss St. Clair Shores Pageant

Brenna O'Malley reign as Miss St. Clair Shores has taken her throughout the city representing the pageant and may take to her to the front of a classroom one day.

O'Malley, 22, a senior at Oakland University who is pursuing a major in elementary education and minor in dance, is preparing for the Miss Michigan pageant while still representing the city at a number of events including the Lac Ste. Claire Fine Art Fair, Halloween in the Park and speaking before benefit concert.

Along with her title, she has also won scholarships to help her obtain her degree.

"That is one of the main reasons (I participated) to get through school and do what I love—which is to dance," said O'Malley, of Sterling Heights. "I live in Sterling Heights, but my entire family is in St. Clair Shores. Basically I grew up in St. Clair Shores and I am so excited (to represent St. Clair Shores)."

Last year the pageant was opened up to participants from throughout the county, and while Miss St. Clair Shores may be from outside of the city, the title will remain, organizers said. 

Miss St. Clair Shores is open to the county, but the Little Miss St. Clair Shores and Miss Teen St. Clair Shores will be for residents only.

Participants for all three competitions can learn more about the event by attending an orientation May 9 at .

By attending the orientation, participants can learn more about the pageant schedule, what is required to wear and what is needed to participate in the program. Additionally, parents can ask questions about the 58th annual pageant, which will be held on July 30 at South Lake High School.

"(The Miss St. Clair Shores pageant) is a local preliminary for the Miss America Pageant," said Elizabeth Munger, executive director, who added that $45 million in scholarships are available nationwide. "The Miss America program promotes scholarship, education and service to your community."

And those who win Miss St. Clair Shores could have the opportunity to compete on a national level. But beyond the competition, participants have gained a number of skills and talents that can be used in their professional lives.

"I have seen how they have grown as confident young women who want to make a difference in the world," said Munger.