As the lights went down, my parents, our three boys and my husband, Jeff, sat quietly in anticipation. I was sitting near the rear of the auditorium so I could help my daughters with costume changes.
I spent most of the evening escorting them to and from the dressing room, and topping each new outfit with just the right accessories. I was very proud of all three girls.
Soon it was time for Darleen to recite her speech on her favorite American. She finished among the top five. And I could hardly contain myself when she was announced as winner of the community-involvement award, earning $250 and a plaque.
Tylina dramatically sang her favorite song, "Little Mermaid," for the talent competition, then performed her speech, "Youth: pride for the present and hope for the future."
I was overjoyed as the master of ceremonies announced she had finished as the first-runner-up in the speech competition. As I watched them hand her the trophy and admired this beautiful young lady, I was reminded that just eight months prior she had received a trophy for competing on a boys' football team. What a contrast.
Tanisha received an array of pins for participating, a participation trophy and a finalist trophy in the photogenic category. She was enjoying her moment.
She made us proud as she performed her song, "It's Not Logical." She was so anxious that she didn't even wait for the accompaniment and sang it a cappella.
The contestants who earned the crowns and banners that night were not necessarily the elite glamour girls, the flawless faces and the perfect few. But they did have what it takes to be winners.
Some qualities and physical features judges look for in a contestant include a confident smile and a well-groomed appearance.
A contestant who speaks well and has learned to capture her own beauty also fares well. And poise and confidence look good on anyone competing.
There are no guarantees and no magic formulas, only opportunities.
When we returned home from pageant weekend, we put the photos neatly in an album. The memories were positive. We were proud of the night our kids shined.
Because of the pageant, Darleen was nominated for the 1994-95 "Who's Who Among American High School Students," which recognizes community involvement and volunteer work. She also was contacted by a modeling agency in Denver.
Tylina came home just in time to act in a learning film for Pegasus in Colorado Springs.
Tanisha brought home enough trophies to line her shelves.
Our three boys were proud of their sisters, but they have always been proud of their sisters.
I feel we made the right decision in allowing our daughters the opportunity to compete.
Competing is not for everyone. My experience as a teen-ager did not necessarily compare to my daughters' experience.
They did not win the title, yet they understand it is not the crown that makes you a winner.
My husband and I are getting back to our usual routines - but our daughters have informed us that they are looking forward to next year's pageant.
We'll see.
ABOUT THE WRITER
TEILA TANKERSLEY is married and the mother of six children. She is a former Colorado District Ideal Miss and has won other pageant awards. Her daughters made history as the first three sisters competing in three separate divisions of the Miss American Coed Pageant. Her three boys are active in sports. Teila writes as a hobby. She owns and operates Loving Arms Child Care. She says about pageants, "The glamour and excitement lure many young women, while the controversy and the disappointments stir conversations."
