OCEAN CITY — When Antonella DiAntonio got involved in local pageants, she had no idea where the journey she was about to embark upon would lead.
What seemed to be a good time with friends ended up being something that has affected her lifestyle.
“I got involved in the Ocean City pageants with the help of my friends at the Dance Place. A lot of my friends were doing the Little Miss Ocean City Pageant and I wanted to try it, too,” she said. “At the time it just seemed like a fun summer program, but then I was crowned Little Miss Ocean City and I have been hooked ever since.”
Antonella, who specializes in dance, followed her year as Little Miss with a win in last summer’s Junior Miss Ocean City Pageant.
DiAntonio, who trains at her studio and regularly participates in competitions and conventions, said she owes a lot of the growth she has experienced to participation in pageants.
“I have really grown up through pageants. For me they are learning opportunities, and I owe all of my life skills and confidence to them,” she said.
“It has brought my attention to new opportunities and experiences in my community, especially since I go to school in Ocean City and I have grown up here in a way. I have been able to meet new people and make new friends all across the country,” she said.
“This title has taught me to be grateful for everything that I have. Also to really appreciate life because this year has really flown by. I can’t believe it’s almost time for me to give up my title and crown to the next Junior Miss Ocean City,” Antonella said.
As she relinquishes her title when she crowns her successor, she also has to give up her time with her sister queens, Little Miss Ocean City Lyla Clark and Miss Ocean City Grace Oves, both of whom will be moving on to other things.
“I’m upset because I love Lyla and Grace and this year truly has been so amazing with them, but I’m also so excited to see what the next year holds for the next Junior Miss,” she said.
Antonella said she was fortunate to spend Night in Venice with her sister queens before the end of her reign.
“My favorite part was definitely watching the fireworks with Lyla and Grace,” she said.
Antonella said she is going to miss a lot of things that have come with being Junior Miss Ocean City, most of all the Wacky Wednesday events.
“They are so fun and I love seeing all the little kids. They are all adorable and they always have something sweet to say and they always have a smile on their face,” she said.
As the day approaches for her to pass on the crown, she wants to lend some advice to the next Junior Miss Ocean City.
“My advice would be to enjoy it before your year is over and soak in all the fun moments and memories because you’re not going to be able to do something like this over again,” she said. “You only have one chance, so make sure to make it all you want it to be.”
The Junior Miss Ocean City Pageant is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Ocean City Music Pier, where tickets are available at the box office.
There are seven contestants for Junior Miss Ocean City 2024: Arianna DiAntonio, Sarah Avellino, Brooke Delanzo, Sarah Smith, Gia Emilio, April Wright and Suzy Bautista. They will compete in interview, talent, evening gown and on-stage question.
By CAMRYN SCHULTHEIS/For the Sentinel
