Media and Communications major, Melissa Ocampo, will be competing at a pageant for the chance to become Miss NY International 2012. The pageant will take place the first weekend of October at the Villa Roma Resort in the Catskill Mountains.
According to the pageants’ website (www.nypageants.com), “Each contestant has the opportunity to select a platform of her choice that she spends the year promoting.” Melissa Ocampo has chosen to spend a year raising awareness to domestic violence. She chose this platform because she was in an abusive relationship in the past. So, she has been sharing her story and doing community service to raise awareness about domestic violence. She hopes to encourage women to stand up for themselves.
She is excited that the pageant will be held the first weekend of October because October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. She says, “I feel like it’s important for students to know about domestic violence because it’s ignored.” Melissa Ocampo expressed that it’s important for women of all ages to know the early signs of an abusive relationship.
To help victims of domestic violence, she says to be there for friends and family who are going through a rough time in an abusive relationship, encourage them to stand up for themselves, and let them know that they’re not alone. She says, “There is hope and there is help.”
At the pageant, contestants will be scored for their interview, evening gown, fitness wear, and fun fashion wear. Melissa Ocampo says, “This pageant is very focused on woman power, family values and giving back to the world. I’ve been competing in pageants since 2007…” She has four years of pageant experience.
If Melissa Ocampo is chosen as Miss NY International 2012, she will have the opportunity to compete for Miss International 2012 at nationals in Chicago during July of 2012. Students, staff and faculty are invited to join Melissa Ocampo at the pageant in the Catskills this weekend. Call the Villa Roma to make reservations at 1-800-533-6767.