What It Takes To Win A Crown

U.P. Pageant winners share their insights on the myths of competition and what it takes to win a crown

Brooke Brauer (left) reacts to winning the Miss U.P. USA Teen title and Jimme Vereb (right) reacts to winning the Miss U.P. USA title for 2014. (photo by Jacqueline Wiles)

Marquette, MI – Miss Upper Peninsula USA Jimme Vereb and Miss Upper Peninsula USA Teen Brooke Brauer are the current reigning title holders for 2014.  Being an advocate for girl power and somewhat conflicted about the paradoxes associated with beauty pageantry I was very interested to speak with them to get an insider’s viewpoint and possibly dispel some myths surrounding the pageantry circuit. 

I recently met with Brook and Jimme and was surprised to discover that this was the first pagaent experience for both of them.  They didn’t spend time as littel girls dreaming of prancing in fancy gowns and becoming beauty queens one day.  It was a hesitant decision and even upon presenting the idea to their families neither one of them were ready to jump in until inspired by the encouragement and support of family members.

Brooke Brauer the reigning Miss Upper Peninsula Teen USA 2014 at the Lower Harbor Park in Marquette, MI. (MarquetteMagazine.com photo by Ron Caspi)

Says Brooke, “I never thought about doing pageants. I just wanted to step out of my comfort zone and try something new.”  Jimme expressed similar feelings adding that, “I thought it would be a really fun experience and something new to try so I just went for it!”

Upon making the decision to get involved they began the rigors of preparation and training for the pageants.  How did they move through the fears and challenges of these new experiences?  Like any new challenge we face in our lives they drew upon the skills and experiences from their past and gained new insights  and increased self-confidence in the process.

Brooke Brauer competes in the swimsuit portion of the Miss Upper Peninsula USA Teen pageant 2014. (photo by Jacqueline Wiles)

Brooke’s background in theatre was a huge help with handling the nervousness of public speaking and feeling confident on stage, unscripted.  Even with her stage experience she says the swimsuit aspect of the competition was still nerveracking.  “You just have to go up there and show that you’re confident in yourself and that’s all that you can do!” Her biggest “aha moment” during the process was realizing how important good communication  skills are and the benefits of becoming more comfortable with public speech.  “I feel it’s something that everybody should learn,” she says.

Jimme drew upon her travels growing up and work with non-profit organizations to help her move through the new challenges.  She feels she’s gained more self-acceptance over the past several months learning how to be herself in front of crowds of people and to not be afraid of what other people think.   “When you’re being yourself, that’s what everyone else want to see too.   It’s a great opportunity for girls to really shine and express who they are.”

Jimmer Vereb reigning Miss Upper Peninsula USA blows a kiss to the camera at the Lower Harbor Park in Marquette, MI on Thursday, May 29, 2014. (MarquetteMagazine.com photo by Ron Caspi)

They went on further to dispel the myth that pageant girls are shallow or vain and try to act like someone else.  They both emphasized the point that you have to really be who you are.  Says Brooke, “That’s what the judges want to see and that’s what will get you a crown.”

Personally, I would still argue that there are other ways one could show off their physical fitness besides a swimsuit competition… that being said it is clear that the pageants are much more than a hot body or pretty face.  As Jimme says, “It’s not just about the hair and makeup.”

Jimme Vereb takes her victory walk across the stage after winning the title for Miss U.P. USA 2014. (photo by Jacqueline Wiles)

With all the increasing media stimulation and societal pressures to look a certain way and be overly concerned by outward appearances the most important message they have for other girls is to work towards gaining self-acceptance and encouraging others to discover what their passions are and going after their life goals.  Says Jimme, “You can look the way you were made to be and shine in that and your own personality.”

To their credit, these girls are working hard on and off the pageant stage striving to be well rounded individuals and helping out within their community.  They’ve given us a great example of the personal growth and rewards that can be gained by taking risks and not letting fear keep you from pushing through self-created boundaries.

by marquette_magazine