Fake eyelashes? Check! Interview questions prepared? Check! Pageant-worthy smile? Check!

The Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport Hotel hosted the  annual Miss Pennsylvania Teen and Miss Pennsylvania pageant over the course of November 30, December 1, and 2 this year. This three-day event consisted of an interview, swimsuit, and evening gown competition along with the crowning of Miss Pennsylvania Teen 2013, Ebone Marie Jimerson, and Miss Pennsylvania 2013, Jessica Billings.

Hannah O’Donoghue and Alexandra Pacinda, two Seneca Valley seniors, participated in the pageants earlier this month.

Hannah O’Donoghue, recently crowned Miss Butler County last year, is semi-new to the pageant scene. After taking home a win in the Miss Butler County 2012 pageant,which was actually her very first pageant, O’Donoghue received an automatic entry into the Miss Pennsylvania USA pageant.

So, how does one prep for such a big event? O’Donoghue was able to prepare by taking some of the finishing classes she was awarded through her title of Miss Butler County and also by purchasing a new swimsuit, evening gown, and interview outfit. Aside from all of the hustle and bustle of the competition world, O’Donoghue stated that her favorite part of the pageant was definitely getting the opportunity to meet new people.

Alexandra Pacinda, daughter of George & Barbara Pacinda, is far from a beginner to the performance world. Pacinda has been doing pageants for three years now, and is even involved with the Talent Group Modeling Agency. As if beauty pageants and modeling aren’t enough, Pacinda has also been involved in musical theater since sixth grade. With all of this experience under her belt, it is safe to say Pacinda feels comfortable in the spotlight. This power confidence, along with some encouragement from family and friends, helped make her a semi-finalist in this year’s Miss Pennsylvania Teen 2013 pageant.

Aside from the Miss Pennsylvania Teen and Miss Pennsylvania pageants that were held earlier this month, the Miss Butler County pageant also took place recently. Representatives of Seneca Valley, Alexis Brockway and Kourtnie Regan, both competed in the pageant. Regan, a junior at Seneca, took home the title Miss Butler County and Miss Photogenic.

Congratulations to everyone who participated, and a special good luck to Kourtnie Regan as she makes her way to the Miss Pennsylvania pageant in December 2014.