Ferratto's more than just a pretty face

COPAKE FALLS —  There’s more to beauty than meets the eye — it’s an adage that we’ve all heard before. But it’s refreshing to know that Paige Lang Ferratto, the 15-year-old who proudly wears the 2008-09 Miss New York Junior Teen crown, knows the saying well.

“I would definitely say that a lot of people have the perspective that the pageant is all about makeup and beauty, but this pageant that I’m involved in is all about personality and self-confidence,� she said. “And if you wear a lot of make up they actually take points off because it’s about being natural, it’s about being the person you are and having fun. It’s about the family experience, it’s not a beauty pageant whereas some other pageants may be.�

Paige has been in pageants since she was 9. Her latest accomplishment led her to the Miss American Junior Teen, at which she qualified as a semi-finalist, as well as first runnerup for Miss American Photogenic. Her parents, Ed and Karen Ferratto, and her two brothers have all given her support along the way. So have sponsors from the community who have helped her fulfill her pageant wishes. Those are more altruistic than some may imagine.

“It has definitely brought out helping me be a positive role model to many girls my age and younger, and given me the opportunity to travel many places and help people and broaden my horizons,� she said. “It brings me different opportunities to help charities and stuff and work with the Make-a-Wish Foundation and help a lot of people.�

Recently Paige worked with the Adopt-an-Angel Foundation. She said that was a fulfilling project, as is the animal rescue work she volunteers her time to. She has also worked with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which holds a special place in her heart.

“I had a friend who died from suicide, so that helped me get involved with that foundation,� she said. “That definitely made me a better person. Just by helping people it has helped me realize that some people aren’t as fortunate as others and I realize that a lot of my friends at school aren’t as exposed to [support groups and foundations, or to programs to instill self-confidence]. It makes me stronger and more confident and feel like a better person to know that I’m helping more people.�

What’s hard to believe is that before participating in pageants, Paige said she lacked self-confidence. She couldn’t even talk to others with any sense of security.

“I couldn’t do any public speaking,� she said. “Getting over that has been a huge part of my life. Now it’s fun for me.�

The Copake Falls native said that her experiences in the pageant world have led her to believe she can accomplish many things. One of those things on her list is to become a meteorologist, her future profession of choice. It makes sense, considering that science is her favorite subject.

Meanwhile, she’ll continue her reign as Miss New York  Junior Teen until this July, when she’ll be there to turn over the crown to the next winner.

After that Paige said she will focus on science, as well as her other subjects, until she’s ready for college. Then perhaps in the future she’ll revisit the pageant world and look toward winning a bigger title. Pageants often lead to scholarships, something Paige has no problem reconciling with, along with the fact that they also continue to promote the good works she’s taken such a shine to as Miss New York Junior Teen.