As summer approaches and the days grow longer, another season blooms alongside the sunshine and festivities—pageant season. For many, this time of year brings to mind sparkling evening gowns, dazzling crowns and poised stage walks. But beneath the surface glamour lies something even more powerful: an opportunity for young girls and women to build confidence, character and deep connections within their communities.
Unfortunately, pageants have long battled a cloud of misconceptions. Critics are quick to point fingers, citing unhealthy beauty standards or outdated ideals. However, if you look beyond the stereotypes, you’ll find that modern pageantry tells a much richer, much more inspiring story, one that deserves to be celebrated.
Pageants today are about empowerment, not perfection. They encourage contestants to step into their best selves, not someone else’s ideal. Participants are challenged to develop public speaking skills, interview expertise, leadership qualities and a strong sense of self-assurance. These are tools that serve them far beyond the stage.
Confidence is the crown jewel of pageantry. For many young women, entering a pageant is their first real venture into personal development under public scrutiny. Learning to articulate their thoughts clearly, think on their feet during interviews and present themselves with poise are invaluable experiences. It’s not about learning to fit a mold; it’s about learning to embrace who they are, flaws and all, and present it to the world with pride.
Pageants also foster a unique kind of sisterhood. Contestants, often starting as strangers, become sources of support for one another. They bond over countless rehearsals, backstage jitters and the shared drive to grow. Many leave with friendships that last a lifetime, built on mutual respect and encouragement rather than competition.
The community aspect of pageantry is also deeply woven into its fabric. Titleholders aren’t just ambassadors for their platforms; they become beacons of service, working tirelessly with charities, local businesses and civic organizations. In a time when community engagement is more important than ever, pageants create a bridge between young women and the causes that need them most. From organizing food drives and volunteering at shelters to advocating for mental health awareness and education, these women use their voices for good, and they learn the power of leadership through action.
It’s also important to remember that pageants have evolved significantly over the years. Many competitions now place a heavy emphasis on academic achievements, career ambitions and social impact. Talent showcases, community service hours and advocacy interviews often weigh just as heavily as physical presentation. True modern pageantry values the mind, heart and spirit as much as it does the outward appearance.
Still, like any field, pageantry isn’t perfect. There are areas that need continued growth and vigilance. But to paint all pageants with a single brush of negativity does a disservice to the thousands of girls and women who emerge from these competitions stronger, more self-assured, and more civically engaged than before.
Success in pageantry doesn’t always mean walking away with a crown. Often, the greatest victories are the personal milestones such as conquering stage fright, finding one’s voice and discovering an ability to lead. These moments of triumph ripple outwards, shaping not just the contestants but the communities they serve and inspire.
As the 2025 summer season kicks off, it’s time to celebrate what pageants truly stand for: growth, courage and connection. They remind us that there’s power in stepping outside of comfort zones, in standing tall even when nervous and in speaking passionately for causes that matter.
At their best, pageants are a testament to the idea that true beauty shines from within, through service, confidence and character. They show young girls that they are capable of achieving greatness, not because of how they look, but because of who they are.
So as sashes are pinned and tiaras placed, remember that the sparkle isn’t just on the outside.
It’s in every contestant who dares to dream, who dares to grow and who dares to make a difference. The world could use a little more of that kind of sparkle.