REACHING NEW HEIGHTS: Excitement reigns at Petite’s finals, from the “I Feel Like A Woman” opening number to the crowning moments for Ms. Tiffany Muniz (L) and Teen Denise Verriello.

Realizing personal dreams—even for these mini Ms. and Teen contestants—adds up to high drama in Houston at MS. & TEEN PETITE INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT.

Proving that good things really do come in small packages, the Ms. Petite International and Miss Petite Teen International Pageant, held mid-September in Houston, Texas, brought dozens of delegates from around the world to the Space City to compete for the coveted crown and the opportunity to represent petite women in the fashion, modeling, and entertainment industries. Compared to most modeling and pageant opportunities, where the average winner is 5'7" or taller, the Petite International Pageant offers married or single women and teens who are 5'6" and under a rare chance to stand out and shine.

You could feel the energy and excitement in the auditorium as the curtain opened and the delegates debuted onstage in costumes representative of their home state or country, then danced to Shania Twain’s “I Feel Like a Woman.” After the contestants introduced themselves, the field was quickly narrowed as the semi-finalists were announced based on their scores from personal interviews and preliminary events.

In the Onstage Interview round, each contestant exuded confidence and charisma in her answers to questions asked by the judges. Next, the teens modeled in Sportswear, with their choice of clothing, while the Ms. contestants displayed their physical fitness wearing two-piece Swimsuits. Elegance and sophistication shined in the Evening Gown competition, as both Ms. and Teen candidates crossed the stage with poise and grace.

Audience members were on the edge of their seats as the Top 5 finalists in each category were announced. The Teen finalists were: Miss Petite Teen CT Nikki Guitard, Miss Petite Teen Dominican Republic Luisina Mota, Miss Petite Teen NH Amber Faucher, Miss Petite Teen NY Denise Verriello, and Miss Petite Teen Venezuela Eliana Contreras. The Ms. finalists were: Ms. Petite Canada Yasmin Ali, Ms. Petite CT Tiffany Muniz, Ms. Petite Honduras Lesly Molina, Ms. Petite Puerto Rico Giselle Rivera, and Ms. Petite TX Bronwyn Landry.

The tension mounted as the girls sat onstage in captain’s chairs for the final portion of the competition. Each contestant was asked to draw a judge’s name and then answer his or her question to the best of her ability. In spite of their nerves, the candidates maintained their composure and responded with confidence and eloquence.