Miss Massachusetts vying for Miss America crown

Date: 12/22/2008

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD On Jan. 24, West Springfield native Alicia Zitka will take the Las Vegas stage as one of 52 contestants vying the title of Miss America

Since being crowned Miss Massachusetts in June, Zitka said her life has been filled with non-stop preparation for the pageant.

"Many people don't realize how much goes into preparing for the Miss America Pageant," Zitka told Reminder Publications. "Throughout the state I have been attending charity functions, working as an Ambassador for the Children's Miracle Network and promoting my personal platform which is entitled 'Building Self-Confidence in Children.'

"In preparation for the pageant, I've also been keeping up with current events, perfecting my talent and spending more time in the gym than I am used to," she continued. "I have learned a great deal about myself, about the woman that I want to become and about the importance of my support system. To prepare for the Miss America Pageant, I've learned to find a balance my life -- mentally, physically and spiritually."

Zitka also spent three weeks in September in Los Angeles filming the reality show, "Countdown to the Crown," which united the 52 2009 Miss America contestants on the Queen Mary ocean liner for a series of physical and mental competitions.

"It definitely was an interesting experience," Zitka said of the filming. "Spending so much time with each other bonded us together as the 'Miss America -- Class of 2009' and I was lucky enough to find some girls who will be lifelong friends. The experience allowed us to become more comfortable with each other before the Miss America Pageant. The women competing this year are outrageously driven, talented, accomplished and beautiful."

The show will air Jan. 2 on TLC.

Zitka said that regardless of the outcome of the pageant she is grateful for the entire experience. She is fairly new to the pageant circuit; she placed second runner-up at the 2007 Miss Massachusetts Pageant before being crowned this year.

"The past few months have meant the world to me," Zitka said. "I have had the opportunity to give back to members of the community, personally welcome home veterans, be inspired by courageous stories of true survivors and light up children's faces. I feel incredibly blessed by this opportunity and by the people that have been helping me along the way and I am truly appreciating every moment."

She explained that her overall goal for next month's pageant is to "enjoy the entire experience." Zitka said over the course of the next few weeks, she will be dedicated to completing pageant preparations, which will include spending time with family, keeping up on current events, exercising and praying before traveling to Las Vegas.

"Every year, thousands of young women compete to represent their state at Miss America," Zitka said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity regardless of who the winner is . and obviously my goal is to be the first Miss Massachusetts to be crowned Miss America."