Local girls win crowns at Magical Moments

Magical Moments USA, a Sussex County-based pageant, held its first national pageant on Nov. 4-6. Held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Rockaway, the pageant hosted more than 25 contestants who competed to become a “queen.” Sussex County residents Marissa Avino-Hill, 8, of Vernon was crowned the 6-10 grand supreme winner and 11-year-old Hadley Ingersoll of Sparta won the 11-15 mini-supreme title. Other winners were Kiara Rodriguez, almost 3, of Rockaway in the baby division; Cheyanne Giuliano, 6, of Hopatcong who won eight awards, including the hostess’ choice award; and 17-month-old elisabeth Watts of Vernon, who won five awards including director’s choice. Magical Moments, under the direction of Kimberly Mott of Hopatcong, unlike other pageants, has has a no make-up policy for those under 13 years old. Also, all contestants were asked to wear long formal gowns or tea-length dresses. The pageant’s motto is: “No Glitz, No Glam, Just Who I Am.” Each contestant received two gifts, a participation trophy, t-shirt, a DVD of the entire pageant and a program book. For more information, visit www.magicalmomentsusa.homestead.com.