Miss Yuma Scholarship Pageant aims to change traditional ideals

Beauty pageants have a reputation for being both popular but controversial. The Miss America Organization began nearly 100 years ago in Atlantic City, N.J., as a bathing suit contest to attract tourists. But now, many things have changed.

Just last year, the Miss America Organization announced that it would be dropping the swimsuit competition, saying it will “no longer judge contestants on their appearance.”

The Miss Yuma Scholarship Pageant, which is under Miss America, seconds this and emphasizes the idea that it is a scholarship pageant that revolves around service, not just beauty.

Contestants and titleholders who have attended the pageant said that through Miss Yuma, they have learned and experienced more than they ever thought they would.

Aiming to replace outdated traditions organizations like Miss America and Miss Yuma want to encourage women to be the most well-rounded community-oriented women they can be.

For more information you can visit the website here and the Official Facebook page here.