The curtains are being pulled back and beauty and confidence is center stage once again, as the islands’ nonprofit pageant and talent group, Stellar Marianas, returns with the launch of Miss Marianas Teen and Miss Marianas Universe pageants.

Stellar Marianas took a break from organizing the Little Miss Marianas, Miss Marianas Teen, and Miss Marianas Universe pageants in 2008.

“We are super excited to bring these worthwhile and positive community and global events back to our islands and with a team that is going to make the experience not only incredibly fun, but also boost confidence and offer lifelong skills for our young women,” said president Laila Boyer.

“We begin with Miss Marianas Teen 2014 this July and Miss Marianas Universe 2015 in January. We are also looking at bringing in the Miss Earth and Miss World titles to give more opportunities to our women—it is going to be a lot of hard work, and we have an excellent volunteer team ready to take lead,” she said.

Joining Boyer is Sonya Dancoe as vice president; Carline Sablan as secretary; Marites Yumul, treasurer; Nadine Pudney, national director; Cherlyn Cabrera and Frankie Eliptico, public relations directors; Shirley Sablan, community events director; Jojo Alepuyo, video and photography director; Manny Borja, choreographer; Curtis Dancoe and Laurence Boyer, stage and logistics directors; and Michelle Sablan, program and decor director.

2014 Miss Marianas Teen contestant application forms will be available at Marianas Variety office and Iridescent Boutique in Garapan and Pena House in Chalan Kanoa. 

The age range for contestants is 14 to17 years old, must be a U.S. citizen, single, not married, no children, and of good moral and ethical character.

Titleholders have the opportunity to represent the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as its ambassador to the world and a positive role model for their communities.

“We are putting together a very exciting calendar of events and activities for our contestants and titleholders this year, as well as a fabulous prize list,” said community events director Shirley Sablan. 

“We encourage all our eligible young women to apply and deadline to turn in applications is March 14, 2014. We will be sending forms to your schools and if you need any further information, please email me at nadine.stellarqueens@gmail.com,” said national director Nadine Pudney.

Contestants will receive a Stellar Marianas beauty bag, hair and make up training sessions, nutrition and fitness training, model portfolio, media interview and public speaking training sessions, opening number outfit and fitness wear from Stellar Marianas.

“The Miss Marianas Teen Pageant does not have a swimwear competition; rather it focuses on health and fitness, so we have a fitness wear competition. We also have a Fun Fashion competition where contestants design their own outfits as well as a talent night competition,” said Pudney.

Miss Marianas Teen 2014 could win: a crown, trophy, sash and flowers, $1,000 cash, all-expense-paid travel opportunity to compete at Miss Teen International, all-expense-paid travel opportunities, a brand new smartphone, one-year supply of beauty products, one-year gym membership and personal trainer, one-year use of a personal stylist and manicurist, a professional model portfolio, a four-piece luggage set from Stellar Marianas, and an opportunity to create and implement a community project under your name assisted by Stellar Marianas.