Pageants Can Teach Lessons About Life

I feel your article on pageants, titled “Born Winners,” Nov. 27, is misleading about the reality of pageantry. Did you know every child receives at least one trophy? In fact, many times, with babies and toddlers, there are only two or three competing in an age group. If there are six categories/trophies, they are divided among the participants.

The pamphlets clearly state a goal of fairness. However, if each child wins a category, thus a trophy, the results are far from fair. The most-deserving child in each category should be the recipient of that award.

I would agree with each child receiving a certificate for participation. I suppose the trophies are to keep parents “happy.” Yet I feel if parents have difficulty with their child not winning an award, then they should not participate in competition.

The reality of life is that we cannot be the winner all the time. Children, with the help of parents, need to learn to never give up and always know that although they may not have won, trying your best is what truly counts. The person who walks away with the trophy is not always the winner.

LEE SILVA, Oxnard