Trisha Tarvestad of Independence Township won a mini photo shoot in a contest a month ago, so she had a portfolio she could use for modeling.
Then she received a letter inviting her to try out for the Nationals? 2010 Miss Teen Detroit pageant.
‘I thought I’d try it,? said Tarvestad, 17. ‘It’s a long shot ? it’s something I haven’t tried before. I have no stage experience. I’m nervous, but I have a good feeling about it.?
She submitted an application, went to meetings, and interviewed with Detroit Pageant coordinators. One question: what’s one word to describe herself.
‘I said ‘leadership,? like on the cheerleading squad,? said Tarvestad, a varsity cheerleader at Brandon High School, where she will be a senior this fall.
Tarvestad learned of her acceptance into the pageant, Monday afternoon.
‘I’m ecstatic ? I’m so proud of her,? said Trisha’s mother, Kim Tarvestad. ‘She’s such a good girl. If I could scream, I would. That’s how I feel.?
She will compete for thousands of dollars in prizes and specialty gifts in the Miss Teen division at the competition, Aug. 1, including interviews and modeling routines in casual and formal wear.
The winner will represent Detroit and surrounding communities in the Cities Of America National Competition, in Orlando, Fla., for more than $60,000 in prizes and awards.
This is her first time competing in a pageant.
‘I thought it would be good learning experience,? she said. ‘Everything’s falling into place ? I’m hoping for the best.?
She grew up in Independence Township with her parents, Kim and Tim, and siblings Heather and Justin.
For sponsorship information, call her at 248-343-3911. For more information on the pageant, contact her pageant coordinator, 800-569-2987.