"It's surreal, but I'm starting to get used it," said Ms. George.

Ms. George has been involved in the pageant for four years, taking part in her first pageant when she was 17.

"I saw a poster for it and just got into the swing of it," said Ms. George.

The pageant had nine contestants, participating in five phases of competition. All non-finalists received a $100 scholarship for participating in the pageant program. Caroline Perkins received the honor of being voted Miss Congeniality by her peers; Christina Sciongay received the interview award and was second runner-up, winning a $164.83 scholarship; Marlana Carroll was awarded the talent award and received a $250 scholarship for placing as first runner-up; Lisa Nemense won the title of Miss Northwest 2009.

Ms. George's issue of concern was juvenile diabetes awareness and support.

She recently soughts sponsors to support her mother, sister, sister's friend and herself in walking two miles in support of the issue.

Ms. George performed dance at the pageant, using a swing presentation, which she described as a type of ballet. Ms. George has been practicing ballet for about a year.

Ms. George is currently working full-time, as she takes a year off from college studies to get real-world experience.

"Right now I'm in a liberal arts major, but I'm involved in the medical field," she said. "I work as an EMT and also as a volunteer"

Speaking on the pageant program, Ms. George stated, "It has all been fantastic, the girls are wonderful and that's what kept me coming back. A lot of girls don't realize the nature of the other participants. A lot of the friends I hang out with now are the ones I met through the circuit."

In June, Ms. George and Ms. Nemense will be participating in the Miss Connecticut pageant, which will take place at the Garde Arts Theater in New London from April 21 to 27. Both young women will have the opportunity to win additional scholarship assistance through the Miss Connecticut Program.