MISS AMERICA PAGEANT SEEKING TO CROWN NEXT MISS NYC OUTSTANDING TEEN 2007 & MISS NYC TEEN ELITE 2007

    /24-7PressRelease/ - NEW YORK, NY, February 11, 2007 -- Metropolitan Pageant Productions, the official umbrella organization for Miss America preliminary pageants -- Miss New York City, Miss Manhattan and Miss Long Island -- is looking for young women between the ages of 13 and 17 years old to compete for the title of Miss NYC Outstanding Teen 2007 and Miss NYC Teen Elite 2007. The pageant will be held on Sunday, April 1, 2007 in NYC.

"Having achieved my goals at Miss America, I am so happy to provide other young women with the opportunities I had! When I competed in teen pageants, I learned self-confidence, and invaluable speaking and presentation skills that young women need to be successful in the world today. Our Outstanding Teen and Teen Elite Pageants give young women an opportunity to express themselves in a wide variety of ways. It is an exciting weekend for everyone involved," says Christina Ellington, one of three executive directors at Metropolitan Pageant Productions. Ms. Ellington was crowned Miss New York State 2004 and was a top-ten finalist at the 2004 Miss America Pageant.

The new titleholder for Miss NYC Outstanding Teen 2007 will be selected based on talent, interview skills, evening gown and casual wear competition, lifestyle & fitness, and an on-stage question. Contestants for Miss NYC Teen Elite pageant are judged on personal appearance, interview skills, evening gown, photogenic, and casual wear competition, and an on-stage question.

"We are looking for real young women who are passionate about their goals and the world around them. Even if you do not have experience, we urge you to come join us! This is a special opportunity for young women who enjoy expressing themselves on and off stage. This is not about extravagant gowns, or perfect make up. We are looking for that everyday teenager who has a great personality and loves speaking and working with others. This is about the real YOU!"

Each contestant must meet the character criteria set forth by the Miss America Outstanding Teen Organization and must be a U.S. citizen and a New York State resident or New York State student for at least six months prior to the competition. Complete eligibility requirements are listed on the website http://www.missnewyorkcityteen.org.

For more information, please contact Christina Ellington at 917.557.9022. Press inquiries should be directed to Julie Murray at 718.398.4100.

The Miss America Outstanding Teen Pageant is an official pageant of the Miss America Scholarship Organization. The program gives young women of New York City a forum for their commitment to community service while demonstrating their knowledge, poise and talent.

The Miss America Program is the largest provider of scholarships to women in the world, empowering them to achieve their personal, professional and educational goals.

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