WILLIAMSBURG — Reigning Miss Williamsburg Taylor Curro and Miss Williamsburg Teen Addy Herrick are getting the word out about the new Miss America’s Little Sisters Virginia Stars mentorship program for girls ages 5 to 12.
The Miss America’s Little Sisters Virginia Stars program introduces young girls to the Miss America program. Through mentorship workshops during the Miss Virginia pageant week, girls are taught different skills that involve fashion, community service, creativity, stage confidence and more.
“Many of our titleholders have gone on to become doctors and lawyers, they have gone on to help mentor other people who are at the beginning of their own journey to launching a mentorship program. The vision is to really teach life skills that our girls can use both on stage and in real life,” Dale Bradshaw, a Miss Virginia board member, shared.
Herrick, who was a little sister in her youth, was exposed to the world of pageantry at a young age. According to Herrick’s mother, the program helped Addy in all different facets of life.
“Watching Addy start out in the Little Sisters program with the Miss Virginia Program was such a wonderful experience for her. One she will cherish always. First of all, she had an absolute blast. She met so many new friends. Her Miss was absolutely amazing and she really took the time with the little ones,” Herrick’s mother said of the program.
“Then meeting the current Miss Virginia and the newly crowned Miss Virginia was the highlight for her week! Every interaction they had with all the little girls was so heart warming to watch. Really made them feel as special as they already were,” she continued.
“Attending this program was a stepping stone for her competing as a Teen now. It helped her gain poise and confidence in her self. Her interview skills and personal presentation has improved so much over the years because of this program. It is a beautiful memory that your child will cherish forever! I would highly recommend this program to any little princess,” she added.
During the week-long Miss Virginia pageant, Little Sisters will have the opportunity to learn choreography to perform in an on-stage number during the production, participate in themed workshops, have a tea party with reigning Miss Virginia Katie Rose, a coronation and awards ceremony, a luncheon with their Miss Virginia Big Sister, and participate in the Miss Virginia parade.
“I didn’t have a big sister growing up, I was the big sister. I wish I had a program like this to help me navigate the uncertainties that come with growing up,” Curro said.
All girls will also receive a T-shirt, tote bag, little sister’s sash, and crown. Girls will also get two tickets to each night of competition of the 2024 Miss Virginia and Miss Virginia Teen show.
Girls in the 2024 program will also get a chance to meet reigning Miss America, Madison Marsh. Marsh is the very first active duty Miss America where she serves as an Air Force pilot. Originally from Arkansas, Marsh was crowned Miss Colorado in 2023.
Any girl can take part in the program, regardless of where they reside. The program is $365 and runs the length of the week leading up to the Miss Virginia pageant. Pageant week is currently scheduled for June 24-29 in Roanoke.
“We want young people to come and experience a youth mentor and development program that will help them through the ages of 5 and 12 learn some core values while having fun and building meaningful friendships,” Mark Schreier, Co-Executive Director of the Miss Virginia Opportunity pageant, said.
Registration for the Miss America’s Little Sisters Virginia Stars program ends on May 15.
For more information, visit missvirginia.org/little-sisters.