LIKE MOTHER . . . LIKE DAUGHTER
11-year-old competing in beauty pageant

Many little girls dream of competing in pageants, and for one 11-year-old from Howard Beach, that dream will soon become a reality. But what makes her experience even more special and memorable is the fact that she will be following in her mother’s footsteps.
Brittany Rose Marolda, who recently celebrated her birthday, was spotted by a Teen Miss America agent while at The Meadowlands in New Jersey, and will be competing for the crown in her age group next summer.
“A few weeks ago, we went to New Jersey and she [Brittany] saw the [other] girls,” said her mother, Kerri-Ann Boyle, who competed in the Miss New York and Miss New Jersey Pageants when she was 17-years-old.
“She came up to me and said, ‘Mommy, there are girls in pretty dresses.’”
Soon after, according to Boyle, a pageant director approached the mother-daughter team and asked if Brittany would be interested in competing.
“When I was asked to enter the pageant I needed to contemplate my decision,” said the precocious Brittany, who accepted. “Watching the girls in the pageant made me feel like I wanted to be a part of their world. I felt this way because the girls seemed confident, motivated and were striving to reach a goal. I like culture, education, helping people, and working towards a goal.”
According to the stellar student, her mother’s near win also inspired her.
“My mother has told me positive stories about her experience when entering the pageant,” she said.
In addition, since Boyle knows first hand what it takes to compete successfully, she has decided to train and coach her daughter.
“I’m training her how to walk and all about pageant etiquette,” said Boyle. “She’ll sing, discuss politics and issues, and since she is very smart, she doesn’t even need preparation for the question session.”
However, what Boyle is stressing is that the pageant is more than just about the exterior.
“I explained to Brittany that it’s not all about winning, it’s not just about beauty,” she told The Courier Sun. “It’s about making friends, gaining confidence, and just having fun.”
Brittany, who excels in school and reads at a 9th grade level, completely understands.
“I know this pageant will be a great experience for me,” she said. “I feel lucky that I am accepted to be a part of it. I feel lucky in general and I work hard at everything I do. There is so much for me to accomplish. I want to help so many people. I want to make a change in the world. One day I hope to do it.”