Preteen Fashionista from Estero wins National Pageant Title

By D.K. Christi

 

Kennedy Luciano, 11, was crowned Miss Preteen Legacy USA at a recent pageant competition in Orlando. Open to all states and all ages (from babies through elite), the Legacy USA pageant contestants compete in fun fashion, evening gown and interviews. Kennedy’s award package includes a scholarship to attend New York Fashion Week.

“It was a moment I will never forget for the amazing opportunities I will have this year,” said Kennedy, a fifth-grade student at Pinewoods Elementary School in Estero. “What excites me most about winning a scholarship to attend the New York Fashion Week is possibly seeing big stars and being surrounded by fashion I might not get to see otherwise.”

Each contestant makes a commitment to their community and develops a platform to advocate for their chosen initiative. Contestants may also compete in a supermodel competition and other optional competitions. These events occur from local pageants to the national level.

Kennedy competed in a lengthy program in Orlando and received a supermodel title for winning in categories including “state costume,” “red, white and blue,” and “photogenic.”

“I worked really, really hard to get into this and spent a lot of time practicing on the runway,” she said. “I hope winning the Miss Preteen Legacy USA title will help get me to the next big thing.”

Her platform for the upcoming year showcases her passion for encouraging girls to make healthier choices for their lives and use cleaner products for their health and wellness. She will engage in several speaking events to share this information.

Important to her success is her family support. Her mother, Christian Luciano, makes sure Kennedy has the transportation, costumes, training and encouragement to compete. Kennedy is currently enrolled in competitive dance classes.

A dance class friend encouraged Kennedy to compete in the pageants several years ago. Kennedy received honorable mention in her age groups previously, but this year she attained the desired top title. Her persistence and hard work were rewarded.

“I was in shock at first, and then I felt wonderful,” Kennedy said.

Her proud mom and dad were in the audience at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando.

Kennedy says she looks forward to a year of presentations and community service sharing her pageant platform. Anticipating New York Fashion Week, however, remains the high point on her excitement list.