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Peter Larkins | The Appalachian Miss Forsyth Brittany H. Akers and Miss Piedmont-Triad Lauren M. Maxwell display the crowns from their recent pageants.

Pageant gathers more than good looks

by Alison Fosbenner
 Staff Writer

When one thinks of Miss America, images of sparkling crowns, revealing swimsuits and extravagant evening gowns immediately come to mind.

For two Appalachian State University students, there is more to Miss America pageants than the cliche of a superficial exterior.
Brittany H. Akers, a sophomore music education major, was crowned Miss Forsyth 2005 Oct. 30, 2004.

During the same preliminary pageant, Lauren M. Maxwell, a freshman vocal performance major, was awarded the title of Miss Piedmont Triad 2005.

The two are preparing to compete against 30 contestants in the Miss North Carolina pageant this June. From there, they may possibly move on to the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City, N.J.

“I am really excited; I think it is going to be a great opportunity. For me, it’s always been about being able to sing and get up there to perform,” Maxwell said, who performs opera for the talent portion.

“What I have with this crown is the opportunity to work in my state and community for something I truly believe in,” Akers said.

Traveling, pre-pageant events and their connection to Appalachian helped kick-start their camaraderie. Akers and Maxwell walked off stage with more than just a crown, the title and scholarship money. They now share a close bond and unique friendship.

“We thought, ‘It would be so cool if we could win together,’” Maxwell said. “We were going nuts because I never thought that it would happen together. I have gained a really good friend out of it.”

“We were completely excited for each other,” Akers said. “Before I even got the crown on my head, we ran up and hugged each other.”

The two are able to talk about pageant experiences and life in general.

“There are a lot of girls that you can’t trust and it’s nice to have somebody that you know you can trust and is going to be there for you,” Maxwell said.
The community service platform is a very significant part of the Miss America experience.

Maxwell chose D.R.I.V.E. (Drunk driving, Responsibility, Interaction, Vision, Education). Her platform went from general interest to a personal issue she became very passionate about when she lost two close friends in high school.

Maxwell makes presentations to driver’s education classes.

“A lot of times they feel like they are invincible,” Maxwell said. “I talk to them about drunk driving, life decisions, going to college and following their dreams. I feel like that is an important age group to reach out to.”
Akers’ platform is arts in education.

“What I have seen through the public school system is a need for funding and awareness,” Akers said. “Athletics takes the front row over arts programs.”

She is currently working on the Big Music Move and asks for donations of used instruments, even those that might be damaged, for children at disadvantaged schools.

“The $50-$100 that they would get at a pawnshop is not comparable to the lifetime of experience that the child is going to get,” Akers said. Akers herself never had a music lesson prior to college.

For the talent portion of a pageant, Akers plays the flute and said she gives the opposite of what the audience expects by playing the instrument with flare. On stage, her talent and platform cross paths.

“I am influencing somebody else’s decision as far as music goes,” she said
With platform presentations, other preliminary pageants around the state, photo shoots, parades and intense majors, there is not much time left to relax.

“I sometimes come home exhausted,” Akers said. “But it’s a good exhaustion; I would not have it any other way.” 

Akers said she was surprised at other contestants when she first started competing in the sense that they strayed from the sterotype of pageant contestants.

“These are very helpful, kind, bright, intelligent and extremely talented young women who want tremendous things for themselves and their communities,” Akers said.

The Miss America system is a different operation from Miss USA.

Ten percent of the contestants score is based on swimsuit, 10 percent on the evening wear, another 10 percent for the on-stage question, 40 percent comes from a private interview and 30 percent for talent.

“Miss America used to be such a national icon and something that you could really have pride in,” Maxwell said. “I think a lot of people just don’t understand the difference. “We’re not just prancing around in bikinis.”

For more information, visit www.missforsythcounty.com, Aker’s personal Web site www.brittany-akers.com or stop by and see Maxwell at the Advocacy Issues Fair March 22 in Plemmons Student Union.