Two Bridgeport Teens to Represent West Virginia at International Pageant
By Trina Runner on July 23, 2016 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
For nearly a decade, World’s Perfect has been hosting unique competitions that blend high fashion modeling with traditional pageantry. This year, two Bridgeport girls will be advancing to the international pageant, to be held in Orlando, Florida in early August.
As West Virginia’s Perfect Junior Teen, Sophia Martino will be joining Clarksburg’s Perfect Junior Teen, Dakota Swiger on the stage with nearly 50 others from around the world. Unlike other pageants, the energy, style and appeal of the World’s Perfect event will be similar to America’s Next Top Model, with some classic pageant elements thrown in.
“The girls will be competing in summer fashion, swimsuit, and evening wear in addition to an onstage interview,” said Angela Oliverio Patsy, local coordinator of the pageant for the past seven years. Oliverios’s Bridal and Prom Boutique is the sponsor of the state pageant, held at Lakeview May 1. “As winners, Dakota and Sophia received gift cards and had their entry fee paid for the international pageant in Orlando.”
The Junior Teen division is one of five divisions competing in the August event. Girls 13-15 fall into this category along with Swiger and Martino, but there will be a total of 12 attending the World’s Perfect Pageant from West Virginia, including many from other age ranges. The pageant will be held at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center August 4-7 and will be sponsored by Citrus Productions.
Winners of World’s Perfect will win a $2000 cash prize, a $15,000 scholarship package, a professional photo shoot, and the opportunity to sign with Posche
Modeling Agency and begin a professional modeling career. Along with those prizes, winners in each category will also be gifted a designer wardrobe collection, including cosmetics, jewelry and hair care, and will appear in the internationally televised Citrus Bowl Parade.
“Oliverio’s Bridal and Prom Boutique has been working with the girls to prepare them for the competition,” said Patsy. “The staff has helped with wardrobe selection and runway walking in addition to helping them prepare for their onstage interviews.”
Swiger is the daughter of Heather and Greg Swiger and will begin eighth grade at Bridgeport Middle School. Martino is the daughter of Donna and Gary Martino and will be entering 9th grade at Notre Dame in the fall. Additional information about entering next year’s pageant can be directed to Oliverio’s Bridal and Prom Boutique.
