Being a judge

for the Southland Beauty Pageant is something that I look forward to every

year.

Initially,

I watched the event, writing a story each year for the newspaper. After

a few years I was asked to be a judge. I treasure the time I spend with

the lovely ladies each year.

However, as

a judge, I understand on a small scale how difficult it must be for those

who judge the Ms. America pageant, or the Olympic trials. All of the contestants

have high hopes. They all try spend time preparing for the event and try

to put their best foot forward. They all invest a part of themselves when

they enter the contest.

The judges

have a difficult time choosing who should be the winner. It's hard to

decide which of the contestants is the most enthusiastic about being in

the pageant, one of the judging criteria. All of them are dressed "to

the nines" and, with the help of many volunteers, sport perfect makeup

and hairstyles. They are also judged on appearance and alertness in relation

to their age.

Each lady is

lovely in her own way and they are all pleasant and enjoyable. Knowing

that someone will not be the top winner, knowing how much it means to

each of them to be in the contest, it is a tough choice.

Some of the

contestants sing, others banter back and forth with the judge. Attitude

goes a long way in swaying the minds and pens of the judges tallying the

points in each category. Most have a wonderful outlook on life sometimes

it is voiced and other times it is displayed in the tone of their voice

or the smiles on their faces.

This year there

were eight of us trying to select Ms. Southland. The scoring was tight

and we all commented on the difficulty. Luckily, with eight scores to

tally, none of us felt as though we were on the hot seat alone - it is

definitely a group process!

Ultimately,

all of the contestants are winners in the eyes of the judges, their friends

at Southland and their families. They each give something special to those

who's lives they touch.

The event is

open to the public each year if you are looking for something to warm

your heart and possibly give you a different outlook on life, this is

an event to mark on your calendar for 2003.

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