Portage High School Senior, Rachel Major, is more than just an average student; she is Miss Teen Indiana.
Major has been participating in beauty pageants for thirteen years and has competed in seventeen pageants. National American Miss was the first pageant she had ever participated in at the age of five, and was first runner up; Major continued to participate in pageants ever since.
“I love pageants because it brings out your self-confidence a lot, and I love being on stage. I’ve met a lot of friends through pageants that I’m still friends with them today,” Major said.
Her support group consists of her family, friends, and pageant coach, Ashley Swathwood. Swathwood has been Major’s pageant coach since Major was only eight years old. Major says that Swathwood has always been there for her and is a role model to Major.
Although Major has a great support system and an immense amount of passion, one aspect that adds to her inspiration is her grandmother, Carol Major.
“My grandma loved when I did pageants, and she passed away four years ago but basically, she made me want to keep doing pageants and win for her,” Major said.
To prepare for her most recent pageant Major had to practice interviews, personal introduction, and formal wear. Major practiced persistently until she reached perfection.
This summer Major’s hard work and dedication all paid off when she competed in the Natural American Miss beauty pageant and was titled Miss Teen Indiana.
“When I won I was in awe, I’ve tried for thirteen years and never won, I was always first runner up or second runner up,” Major said.
In November, Major is expected to compete in California for nationals called Natural American Miss; one girl from the age group 16-18 from each state will be attending this week long competition. Since Major has been titled Miss Teen Indiana, she has the opportunity attend pageants all over the country to meet new people.
“What I’ve learned from pageants is to never give up, because you never know what will come next,” Major said.