For DeIvory Hampton, it is hard to believe that 10 years has gone by since she launched an event that has changed the lives of numerous young women.
When Hampton held the first Miss Teen Righteous in 2003 she had a vision that perhaps had not been implemented in the Indianapolis community on a major scale: An event with all of the excitement and glamour of a pageant, but also the inspiration needed to keep Christian girls and young women motivated in a challenging world.
“It’s amazing that we have already reached 10 years,” Hampton said. “God has been so good to Miss Teen Righteous. Our goal continues to be keeping our young ladies on the path of Christ and letting them know that we love and recognize them.”
On Sept. 7, the 10th anniversary of the Miss Teen Righteous Pageant will be held at noon at Shortridge Medical Magnet School, 3401 N. Meridian. A limited number of contestant slots are still available, and the public is invited to attend the pageant.
The Miss Teen Righteous Pageant is traditional in that the contestants will model classy clothing, share their thoughts on complex issues and demonstrate various artistic talents. But organizers say that Miss Teen Righteous goes beyond appreciating physical beauty by placing a strong emphasis on championing spiritual and academic development.
“We believe that the real beauty is the love of Christ and that beauty exudes from the inside out,” Hampton said. “We created this to give the youth who are in church a chance to have the spotlight on them. We want to recognize the young women who are trying to serve God and let them know that our churches are not too busy to say we love and appreciate them.”
Pageant contestants must be between the ages of 12 and 18, have at least a C average and be sponsored by a local church or ministry.
Participants undergo a life-changing development in the months leading up to the pageant, taking part in weekly meetings with special guest speakers who give the young women advice on such topics as faith, success, motivation and social etiquette.
Contestants not only practice their presentations and group dance routines, they also share fellowship opportunities at off-site places such as skating rinks, bowling alleys and art galleries. As a result of these bonding activities, most participants end up making friends across denominational lines.
That feeling of Christian unity is also felt among pastors and ministers from the sponsoring churches with members who come out to support the contestants.
On the evening of the pageant the participants appear before a panel of judges and have a friendly competition in categories that include talent, formal wear, casual wear, and a segment where they answer a question related to spirituality.
Top three finalists receive cash prizes for both themselves and their churches. Participants who do not make it to the finals can win awards in such categories as Miss Academic, Diamond in the Rough, Miss Congeniality and Most Improved.
Ashley Vendin, the first Miss Teen Righteous pageant winner, believes the event is a strong self-esteem booster for young women.
“I really enjoyed building new relationships, and because our performances were Christ-centered, preparing for them really drew us closer to him,” said Vendin, now 24.
Hampton, an Indianapolis native who organized her first general pageant in 2001, produces four other events for young women throughout the year, most notably the Miss Indy Charm and Miss Indy Star Princess pageants.
She expressed thanks to every business, church, individual and organization that has served as a sponsor for the event over the last decade, especially Williams & Bluitt Funeral Home.
“Today it’s hard enough for us as adults to stay focused on Christ and maintain a decent lifestyle, and it’s even harder for our teens,” said Hampton. “Our church community needs to come alongside to let them know we are here for them and are proud of them.”
For more information about Miss Teen Righteous 2013, call (317) 298-2576.
