Vernon teen to compete in statewide pageant

Vernon — Victoria Marchesani is a contestant in the National American Miss pageant that will be held Aug. 22 at the Hilton Hotel in East Brunswick. Victoria, of Vernon, will be a sophomore at Vernon Township High this fall. She will be competing in the junior teen division. The winner of the pageant will receive a $1,00 cash award, a crown and banner, plus a bouqet of roses and air transportation to compete in the national pageant in California. The pageant’s promoters say they are unlike other pageants because they keep the activities and competitions age-aproppriate. Girls under 12 are not permitted to wear make-up and there is no swimsuit competition. “Emphasis is put on the importance of developing self confidence, learning good sportsmanship as well as setting and achieving personal goals,” according to information provided by the competition. Victoria’s activities in Vernon include lyrical and acrobatic dancing, acting in school and summer theater, singing in church, snowboarding and swimming. She is a member of the National Thespian Society. Her local sponsors include Dariy Swirl, S. Buccieri’s Jewelry, Christine’s Unique Boutique, Pizza Pros, Advance Dental Care and Executive Realty.