E.L. senior to compete for Miss Mass. Teen USA

Date: 11/16/2009

By Kaitlyn Schroyer

Staff Intern



EAST LONGMEADOW -- To many little girls in Western Massachusetts, Tamara Sacharczyk is an inspiration.

A girl that's outgoing, intelligent and adventurous is beginning a new chapter in her life and it all started with a letter in the mail. When the organizers of the Miss Massachusetts Teen USA contacted her via mail, Sacharczyk was skeptical that it wasn't a legitimate invitation. When they called her in for an interview and to speak with them, Sacharczyk was no longer an average East Longmeadow High School senior.

"I'm really excited to show people what I'm capable of and bring something new to the pageant," Sacharczyk commented. "I want to bring my personality and confidence."

From Nov. 21 through 23, at the Marriot Hotel in Quincy, Mass., Sacharczyk will be competing in the beginning rounds on her way to possibly becoming Miss Teen USA. She will be judged in swimsuit, evening gown and on a personal interview. If she wins this part of the pageant road, she will be crowned Miss Massachusetts Teen USA and will then be on her way to the larger Miss Teen USA Pageant in 2010.

The daughter of Elise and Paul Sacharczyk, Tamara has been dancing all her life, done some modeling, is an editor on the East Longmeadow High School news-paper, the Spar-tan Spectator, and also volunteers with ELCAT, the town's public access television station.

"She is very comfortable in front of people, very personable, and has a good sense of humor," Elise told Reminder Publications.

This will be Tamara's first pageant. To prepare, she has been working out a lot and talking to as many people as she can, especially those who have been in the pageant world before.

"I've been really trying to get to know myself," Tamara explained. "You have to know yourself more than anyone else."

Tamara will be competing against 55 other girls at the Quincy pageant. The judges will be especially looking for the overall package intelligence, beauty and poise.

"I have just as good of a chance. I just need to keep my confidence up and be myself," Tamara said.

A very genuine, outgoing person, Tamara loves talking to people and is extremely friendly and approachable. Helping to sponsor Tamara's journey are La Fiorentina Pastry Shop, Hawley's Auto Repair, Rick's Auto Body, Sayegh Jewelers and Savage Arms.

Everyone is welcome to attend Saturday's preliminary and Sunday's final competition. To purchase tickets, call (781) 321-3500.