Miss Georgia forum in Columbus - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

By Mackenzie Patterson - email

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -  The Columbus Jaycees established the Miss Georgia Pageant in Columbus in 1945.  Now, years later, that tradition is still strong.  

Every June, ladies from across the state come to the Valley to compete for the title at the Rivercenter.  The almost 80 contestants for the Miss Georgia Pageant as well as Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen were in Columbus for a forum to prepare them for the upcoming months.

Cassie Lee, Miss Columbus 2011, told News Leader Nine, she is excited to represent the Valley.

"It's an honor to be able to represent this city.  This is where I live.  This is where I was born.  This is where I grew up.  I go to school here," said Lee.

The forum is a chance to get to know one another and learn everything from hair to makeup to interview skills for the pageant in June.

"It's learning how to present the best us for stage.  To make sure we're all different but we still remain true to who we are," said Lee.

It's also a time to get advice from the person living the dream.  Miss Georgia 2010, Christina McCauley, offered advice to the contestants.

"I know I personally want the next Miss Georgia to be someone who is serious about the hob and who is passionate about her platform," said McCauley.

Mansfield Bias, the President and Executive Director for the Miss Georgia Pageant, said this passion reflects passed the contestant's time with the pageant.

"I get more phone calls from former contestants thanking me for all the skills they learned while competing," said Mansfield.

Throughout the process, the women focus on perfecting skills like public speaking, widening their knowledge of current events, and learning to work with others.  Lee said that is what makes Miss Georgia special.

"It's not just about beauty.  It's about brains too," said Lee.

And, that is one thing they stressed.  Bias said the Miss America franchise is the largest scholarship for young women in the country offering millions of dollars worth of scholarship money to girls across Georgia.

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