A Dream Date with Destiny

This pageant’s 10th anniversary has talented queens jumping for joy at the 2005 international finals.

DREAM TEAM’S WINNERS’ PORTRAIT: (Back row, L-R) Lisa Redman (IL), Chrystaline Decker (MI), Iglika Stoyanova (Bulgaria), Analyssa Musquiz (TX), Kira Gilbraith (ND), Alexandria Pizza (NJ), Victoria Hughes (South Africa) Lauren Brennan (IL), Kayla Siebert (NJ), Misty Carson (NC), Dani Juilfs (IL), Samantha Sydow (MN), Brandi Hada (IL), and Danielle Christensen (MN). (Front row, L-R): Jessica Velasquez (MN), Holly Marohn (MN), Claire Milinski (WI), Katelyn Mernack (IL), Shayna Ball (IL), Logan Ackerman (ND), Dakota Crocker (SD), Annie Brewer (IND), Cassie Carson (NC), Erica Hutzler (IL), Sabrina Hubbard (TX), Mary Frances Jerez (NY), and Tiffany McCall (IL).

“Dance Dance Celebration” was the theme for the spectacular 10th anniversary pageant for Dream Girls U.S.A., which drew contestants from 15 states and several countries, including Jamaica, Costa Rica, South Africa, and Bulgaria, to vie for the largest prize pool offered in the program’s history — including a guaranteed $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond that would be presented to the overall winner.

Each of the finals contestants arrived at the Marriott in Schaumberg, Illinois, having been qualified by USA Productions, headed by the pageant founders and producers, Gladys Sierakowski and Melissa Richley, to represent their hometowns for the previous year, after which the contestants progressed to their state or country finals.

The directors’ stated goal is to reward talented young women with “personality plus, who are very individualistic,” Ms. Richley said. “Dream Girls U.S.A. has become known not so much for being a children’s beauty pageant, but as a direct training ground for the entertainment and modeling industries, as well as Miss Teen USA and Miss America. In fact, many Dream Girls winners over the years have gone on to win their state titles in those programs.”

Once the top candidates have been chosen as the winning state or country representatives, Dream Queens represent their titles throughout the year not only by making public appearances at such fun events as parades and civic celebrations, but also by choosing to volunteer their time through community-service events and projects. Once they prove themselves worthy, these queens advance to the international pageant for the annual grand finale. Says Mrs. Sierakowski, “Our goal is to seek out dedicated role models with strong goals to attend our event.”