Sophomore Sammi Puglisi struts on stage during Miss Florida Teen USA. Puglisi is determined to make her way to the top of the pageant circuit. Photo Courtesy Of: SAMMI PUGLISI
BY HAILEE YAEGER
Family and friends are seated in Bailey Concert Hall holding huge signs of support for various contestants, waiting eagerly for the Miss Florida Teen USA pageant to begin. Suddenly the chatter dies down as a curtain drops to reveal some of the fifty-seven girls, all wearing matching yellow rompers, in place for their big dance number. With huge smiles, all eventually come out to walk around the stage, striking various poses. Within the large group of girls is Cooper City High School sophomore Sammi Puglisi, who confidently stands out among the competition.
Puglisi’s career in pageants started at a young age. Inspired by her God sister, who had previously performed in different pageants, Puglisi became eager to try it herself. In fifth grade, Puglisi’s Godmother entered her into her first pageant, National American Miss. Although Puglisi had no idea what she was doing, her ranking in the end seemed to prove otherwise.
“After making top 25 out of over 180 girls, I was hooked,” Puglisi said.
Puglisi has been involved in everything from little local pageants to national stages and done so many she can barely keep count.
“I think I’ve been blessed to have made it this far, and stopping just doesn’t seem right. It’s just what I do,” Puglisi said.
Puglisi has previously held the title of Miss Sunshine State and currently holds the title of Miss Coconut Grove. With the title of Miss Coconut Grove comes a lot of responsibility. Being in pageants has gotten Puglisi involved in the community in many ways, whether it’s riding in parades, working festivals, walks to support cancer or visiting children’s hospitals.
While pageants can be cutthroat, there are a lot of friendships that develop in the midst of the competition. The bond between the girls during the competition is something that can’t be explained, but only experienced.
“When you’re a dedicated pageant girl it becomes a huge part of your life, and being around the girls so much there are just a few you fall in love with,” Puglisi said of the bonds she has made during her years doing pageants. “I seriously consider some of these girls to be my sisters.”
Miss Florida Teen USA and the Miss Florida USA pageants are the official qualifiers for Miss Teen USA, Miss USA and Miss Universe. Each delegate has to qualify at a local preliminary pageant and either wins her way to state or qualifies as a local finalist. Since Puglisi’s preliminary title is Miss Coconut Grove she is able to compete in Miss Florida Teen USA.
“When I am onstage I feel like everything just disappears and all of my problems just go away,” Puglisi said. “For the short while I’m up there, I feel like the most beautiful girl in the world.”
Miss Florida Teen USA contestants are judged in three categories: Interview, swimsuit (physical fitness) and evening gown. The interview portion is when eight out of the top sixteen pick one question from a bowl and have to give a quick answer. As for the swimsuit and evening gown it is important to dress your age and show that you have confidence in yourself.
“It’s not how you wear the dress; it’s how you carry yourself,” Puglisi said
There is a goal Puglisi has in mind not only for the Florida Teen USA pageant, but for all pageants.
“I hope to gain independence from it, and hopefully learn more about who I am,” Puglisi said.
Although pageants may seem like a cakewalk, there is much more to it than you would expect. Not only do you have to go through various lessons to perfect everything from walking and makeup, but you have to compete against girls who have 4.0 GPA’s and are duel enrolling in college. Pageants aren’t only a contest of beauty but brains as well.
“People don’t realize how much work goes into preparing for a major pageant like this, but it really is more than just getting onstage and looking pretty,” Puglisi said, “It’s a whole long process and it takes 100% of your heart and soul to accomplish reaching your personal best.”
It is a challenge that Puglisi has fallen in love with and wants to continue throughout her future.
“Without a doubt I want to continue doing pageants,” Puglisi said. “Looking back on the past few years of my life, pageants have truly made me who I am today.”
As the two hosts walk on stage, the fifty seven contestants stand in place with large smiles awaiting the results for the top sixteen. Supporters yell out names, holding up decorated signs as various girls are called out one by one to stand on stage as the top 16. Finally the waiting is over when Miss Coconut Grove, Samantha Puglisi, is called, a look of pure happiness and excitement on her face as she walks down to stand with the other semifinalists. After years of pageants and months of hard work toward Miss Florida Teen, Puglisi has reached another one of her many goals.
