Today, Kelly Oles is a junior at Oxford High School with a keen interest in marketing and sales.
But in 10 days, she could be the reigning Miss Teen Saginaw/Flint on her way to compete in the Cities of America National Competition in Orlando, Florida.
Oles, a Dryden resident, was selected last week to compete in the Saginaw/Flint competition on Saturday, September 11 in Saginaw.
‘I am petrified,? she said. ‘I’m nervous, but more excited. I’m just trying to prepare myself as best I can.?
Oles will compete in the Miss Teen division, one of three divisions featuring young ladies between the ages of 10 and 19 competing in modeling routines in which they sport both casual and formal wear.
Appearances aside, Oles said she will be judged ‘primarily? on her personality and the quality of her interviewing skills.
This will be Oles? first pageant competition and she described it as ‘an awesome opportunity? to ‘meet people? and gain ‘experience on the stage.?
Oles is excited because success in the competition could lead to a modeling or acting career. ‘I would love to do that,? she said.
The young lady is also hoping to win her share of more than $20,000 in scholarships, prizes and speciality gifts available to the contestants.
Oles said she’s ‘definitely? looking to win a scholarship to help fulfill her goal of attending the University of Michigan and majoring in marketing.
She’s currently taking a retail marketing class at OHS and hopes to join the school’s DECA Club next year.
But the most valuable thing this self-described ‘people-person? believes the competition will afford her is the chance to ‘gain experience? and ‘confidence? speaking in front of people, which will come in handy in a future marketing or sales career.
Oles is currently participating in training classes (provided by the pageant), which teach ‘modeling routines? and ‘how to present yourself during an interview.? These classes are being paid for through local sponsorships. One of Oles? sponsors is the Oxford/Lake Orion Kiwanis Club, which donated $300.
If Oles wins the Miss Teen Saginaw/Flint competition, she would go on to represent the area and surrounding communities at the Cities of America National Competition in Orlando, Florida.
In addition to an all-expense paid, five-night, six-day trip to the Sunshine State, Oles would also be eligible to compete for more than $60,000 in prizes and awards.