Seaford teen a finalist in Nat'l Miss pageant

Ashley Blum of Seaford 13, brought home wins in several categories of the National American Miss pageant, New York Junior Teen Division, this year. The high school freshman was a winner in the Miss Personality, Academic Achievement and Spirit of America categories.

She was also chosen by NAM as a state-finalist to compete for the title. The distinction is based on her high academics, stage experience or public speaking experience, community service hours, etc.

Also at the competition on August 12 and 13, at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, NJ., Ashley was voted 1st runner up Spokesmodel, 4th runner up Miss Photogenic and 1st runner-up Heart of Service.

Last year, Ashley was a finalist for the title of Miss Pre-Teen New York.

The goal of the National American Miss (NAM) Pageant is to “grow confidence and teach real world,” according to its website. “NAM is a program based on the foundational principle of fostering positive self-image by enhancing natural beauty within. . . it is a program designed for today’s girl.”

In order to be a contestant, Ashley chose to do a project this year called: “Candy Cups for Kids with Cancer” to raise funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Ashley will enter MacArthur High School in Levittown as a freshman this Fall, as well as a member of the National Junior Honor Society as well as the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She has her sights set on a future career in medicine.

In the meantime, she plans to compete in the East Coast USA Teen Pageant on February 24th in White Plains.

— By Eden Laikin