Evelyn Caputo selected as Miss Wantagh 2024

Evelyn Caputo, who was crowned Miss Wantagh 2024 during the Wantagh Independence Day Parade on July 4, is poised to inspire another generation of girls in the community.

The Wantagh community continually seeks ways to promote and encourage public service, and Miss Wantagh breaks the beauty norm by focusing on service projects carried out by its participants. The pageant offers girls a platform to explore and implement their ideas about improving the community.

The origins for Miss Wantagh first took shape in 1956 when it was called ‘‘Sunny Day Pageant,’’ and was still a part of the Fourth of July parade ceremony. Girls from Wantagh High School were asked if they wanted to participate, and about 30 girls would apply. Along the way, Miss Wantagh became a pageant, but never a beauty pageant.

“That’s probably why it's survived over these years,” Ella Stevens, executive director of the Miss Wantagh Organization, said. “It was always a community pageant, giving back to the community. That’s where the beauty lies.”

Pageant contestants are made up of sophomore and junior girls who live in Wantagh. After they apply to enter the pageant, the girls are offered training from the organization beginning in January and ending in May. But the pageant never became a competition, and in 2012, the organization tasked the girls with creating a service project for the community as part of their range during the course of the year.

The first service project involved anti-bullying, which became popular in the community. Stevens then wanted to explore more avenues along the same lines, and her organization has since created different themes around anti-bullying, with this year’s theme being “Choose Respect.” This has become a 12-year tradition performed every October, when Wantagh middle and high school students sign a pledge to promote their theme.

Caputo, 16, of Wantagh, will take the reins as the new Miss Wantagh, working to bring her own service project to life. Further adding to the organization’s legacy, she worked as a senior club member to a branch of the organization last year. As a result, she has met with elected officials, participated in the Senior ID program, attended events at the 9/11 Memorial, and even saw Miss Wantagh 2022 Lilly Sloves work on her project regarding epilepsy awareness.

When Caputo first learned about the Miss Wantagh pageant, she thought it was a beauty pageant. But her friend, Julianna Tsempelis, who was Miss Wantagh 2023, explained the pageant’s work to her. Caputo was initially hesitant, but then she saw the beauty in it all.

“I ran for Miss Wantagh not only for my experience on the senior club but also for my passions, and that I want to do my own community service project for Miss Wantagh,” Caputo said.

The pageant was held in Wantagh High School’s atrium, and Caputo and the other girls had to explain to six judges about why they should be chosen as the next Miss Wantagh. Stevens described the process as a job interview based around community service.

Caputo recalled that all the girls entered in the pageant were amazing. When her time came, she gave a bio about herself, including her family, everyday life, and the things she’s done for her community. Caputo said she was very surprised and honored when she found out that she was chosen to be this year’s Miss Wantagh.

Miss Wantagh 2024 was officially announced at the conclusion of the Fourth of July parade. The organization participated in the parade, inviting club members and associates to join in, as they were seen riding in convertibles waving to their community. The parade concluded at Wantagh Elementary School where the ceremony was held.

Caputo thanked her mother for the support she’s shown her, and also thanked Stevens for being a great mentor to her and all the former Miss Wantaghs. Caputo added that, if she had to, she would do it all over again. She walked away learning so much and making many friends, calling it a wonderful experience.

“It’s important to the community because it shows the youth can do things in the community and make it a better place,” Stevens said. “It shows what leadership can do for young ladies and not only that, but what they take with them from the pageant when they get into schools or colleges or even their future careers.”

Caputo urged next year’s Miss Wantagh participants not to be afraid, recalling how intimidating things can be at first, especially when they are up on stage. She recalled how supportive and kind everyone was towards her, just like a family. From then on, she knew there was nothing to be nervous about because that’s what the organization represents: creating a happy community.