Photos by Sy Salter

2002 American Coed Winners Miss American Princess Jenny Koch, FL Miss American Sweetheart Nicole Block, NY Miss American Preteen Amber Bouchard, MI Miss American Junior Teen Andrea Schreiber, KY Miss American Teen Alana Paulo-Tamashiro, CA Miss American Coed Judie McInerney, MA

Serving tots to young adults, this pageant system knows how to please its audience — and the decades have proven that.

This year's American Coed Pageant, held in the "City Beautiful" — Orlando, Florida — reached a new level of excitement that was marked with a 20-year celebration. Twenty years — two decades! — serving the pageant industry is certainly an accomplishment that is not only noteworthy but also makes a statement about the quality of such an event. With the guidance of the American Coed Organization, the American Coed system has established itself as one of the premier pageant systems in the U.S.

The Walt Disney World Hilton Hotel Resort played host again this year, during the Thanksgiving holiday, for a spectacular week of individual and family activities. With Disney World as a backdrop, this 20th-anniversary celebration seemed to make a fantasy wish come true for all the participants and the American Coed Organization. Excursions by the contestants and their families to the Walt Disney World Resorts theme parks set the tone for all the excitement that was to follow. It would prove to be a family experience that will long be remembered.

American Coed contestants are divided into six well-defined age groups, encompassing 3-year-olds to young women age 20. These divisions, encompassing three years each, not only help keep the competition fair, but they also give young women many opportunities to return and win titles as they grow older.

American Coed judges are encouraged to evaluate the contestant as a well-rounded individual, and they look at her commitment to family, communication skills, and level of maturity for her age. Prior to the finals, girls are chosen as National Hostesses and National Cover Girls, and these honors add to their recognition as well as their cash awards.

Competition this year began with the all-important interviews that gave the judges an opportunity to meet each contestant. Interviews would reveal something personal about each of the entrants and their individual personalities. The week would also include elective areas of competition, such as talent, acting, modeling, and speech. These events are optional categories in the pageant that candidates can choose to enter, giving themselves a great opportunity to display some special skills they have developed.

During the week, time was allotted for rehearsals and personal visitations which would offer many chances for the contestants to get to know one another and forge new friendships. As the week progressed and the onstage sportswear and evening wear competition took place, the excitement of the 20th anniversary awards show was growing.

When the first night of competition arrived with the stage set for a patriotic theme, the ballroom held an air of anticipation. The culmination of the week of rehearsals was the final show, filled with entertainment provided by the talented and enthusiastic contestants. The audience and supporters were delighted to see their contestants shine on stage during the production. When the final decisions by the judges were reached, six young ladies saw their dreams fulfilled [see American Coed Winners].

Congratulations to these young ladies, who will represent the American Coed System for 2003 and will always symbolize the quality of the 20th-anniversary celebration.

Click Below to visit American Coed Pageant's Website...