If recent successes are any indication of what the future holds, Danielle Dominski of Lake Orion could well find herself among the finalists in the 2006 Miss Michigan USA competition.
Danielle, 19, finished as the 2nd runner-up in the Miss Teen USA competition two years ago, before advancing to the the prestigious Miss Michigan USA Pageant in 2005.
As the youngest contestant in last year’s competion, Danielle finished among the top 15, out of 110 participants.
On Oct. 19-21, she’ll return to the Miss Michigan USA competition, this time at the McMorran Place Theater in Port Huron, where she hopes to capture the crown.
‘This has been a great experience for me,? says Danielle of her participation in pageants. ‘It’s given me confidence and the ability to focus on my future goals.?
Speaking of goals, the Michigan State University sophomore is majoring in the school’s packaging engineering program.
Danielle is also an accomplished dancer and athlete, having been a member of Oakland University’s women’s golf team during her freshman year in college.
Danielle’s interests aren’t limited to classwork and pageant competitions.
During the summer months she works at the Lake Orion Nursing Home and has joined in a Habitat for Humanity building project in Pontiac.
Community involvement and helping others is another aspect of leadership she has developed through her experience with pageants.
‘It inspires us to be proud of our communities and take part in community service,? Danielle says.
During the upcoming Miss Michigan USA competition, she will be judged in the categories of interview, swimsuit and evening gown.
The interviews include a private session with a panel of judges and a live question and answer session on the stage during the finals.
The winner of the competition receives a scholarship from Baker College, along with a wardrobe, crown, coaching and other perks.
The Miss Michigan USA competition is sanctioned by the Miss Universe Organization.
Danielle is the daughter of John and Kathleen Dominski.
She attended St. Joseph School in grades K-8, before moving to Notre Dame Prep.
Her long list of sponsors for the Miss Michigan USA Pageant include: Dr. Komendera, D.D.S.; Saturn of Clarkston, Dr. Cornwall of Advanced Pet Care and her many friends and family.