Comments about ‘Life goes beyond the tiara’

This article imparted a unique perspective about holding the 'coveted' title of Miss America. When I was growing up in Southern California, w/o fail at the beginning of every school year, my family would gather around the television to watch the Miss America Pageant w/host Burt Parks (I can still hear him singing that song in my mind's ear.) My family not only expected me to compete but to become Miss America which put alot of pressure on a young girl. Strategically placed around my house were sketches of evening gowns and attire I would wear at the pageant along with tiaras and other accessories. Prominently displayed in the dining room china hutch was a gold, sparkling 'blingy-looking' drinking glass upon which was printed the title of Miss America. Even my father tried to inspire and motivate me by having a gold, engraved Miss America nameplate made for my bedroom door which I suspect was my mother's idea. Possibly due to the lack of talent, I never did enter that pageant but after all these years & as I approach 60 I, sometimes, wonder what it would have been like. Sharlene's story gave me a good glimpse.