San Gabriel Valley : SINK THE SWIMSUIT
The next Miss Baldwin Park will answer an essay question, wear an evening gown and display a special talent--but the honor won’t be for wearing a swimsuit.
The scholarship pageant has eliminated the skimpy outfits from the contest for the first time in 35 years.
“We wanted to base this on their academics, instead of exposing their bodies,” said Rita Gallegos, pageant coordinator. “At the same time, we want to give the girls an opportunity to prove to themselves that they don’t have to show off their bodies if they have a great brain.”
Swimsuit segments are required for local pageants that send winners to the Miss California pageant and then the Miss America contest. The Baldwin Park event has never been affiliated with either pageant. First prize is a $2,000 scholarship.
Miss Baldwin Park officials also are going their own way when it comes to essay questions.
The nine contestants must answer this essay topic: Swimsuit competition or no swimsuit competition?
That means contestants will be hard pressed to come up with an answer like: I want peace for all the world’s people .
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