South Windsor Student Prepares for Miss CT Outstanding Teen Pageant

While most teenagers are busying themselves with end-of-the-year vacation plans, South Windsor High sophomore Jeanette Porcello is preparing for a grueling week ahead.

Indeed, Jeanette, 15, is heading off to New London on Tuesday to compete in the Miss Connecticut Outstanding Teen Pageant. And, as Jeanette explains, it’s an exciting, yet grueling, experience.

“It’s going to be fun, but very tiring,” Jeanette said in a recent telephone interview. “I’ve heard of girls bringing a pillow around so they could catch some sleep whenever they could.”

Jeanette is competing courtesy of her title as Miss Greater Rockville Outstanding Teen, which she won in February.

The pageant, which will take place at the Garde Arts Center, comprises the following: a Private Interview, Academic Achievement, On-Stage Question, Lifestyle and Fitness, Talent and Personal Appearance/Poise in Evening Wear.

For the talent portion of the competition on Thursday, Jeanette will sing “Bless the Broken Road” by the Rascal Flatts.

The pageant also requires a service platform; Jeanette’s is Autism Families CONNECTicut, an organization she has been involved with for four years.

Jeanette, who has a passion for music (she sings, plays guitar, piano and trombone), enjoys helping out in music therapy classes.

“It just touched me how music relaxed people who are on the autism spectrum,” Jeanette said. “I just knew I wanted to get involved in the organization. … It’s a really fun experience.”

Jeanette said she has been preparing for the state pageant by studying and researching Connecticut issues and history.

“I hope to knock it out of the park,” said Jeanette, who has competed in pageants for just two years.

And while the state pageant is new to her, Jeanette remains preternaturally calm.

“I’m more excited than nervous,” she said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing. So why waste time worrying?”