Spotlight Interview: Ashley Shaffer, Miss New Jersey 2009.
This month’s interview is with Ashley Shaffer, Miss New Jersey 2009. Ashley will compete in the Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas in January, 2010 and travelled to Orlando, Florida with the other contestants in August, 2009.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ but moved to Millstone Township 13 years ago. I attended Allentown High School in Allentown, NJ.
Which Jersey Shore beach do you go to most often?
Well it depends, but most of the time I’m at Belmar, Spring Lake or Point Pleasant. There is nothing like the Jersey boardwalks in the summer and the smell of the food!
How did you get started in pageants?
Well growing up and living in New Jersey, the Miss America pageant was certainly a staple in our family and something my mother and I enjoyed together. So when I was younger I did a few teen pageants to try and see what happened, hoping to launch a modeling/acting career. And when I became of age to compete within the Miss America system, I couldn’t wait!
Did you enjoy the trip to Orlando with the other contestants?
I had the best time in Orlando with the other contestants! During the week we got special VIP access to Universal Studios, we did some taping for TLC network for promotional things for Miss America, we watched the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant and I was so proud of my “little sister,” Miss New Jersey’s Outstanding Teen Brenna Weick because she placed first runner-up! Also, I had the chance to spend time with the other contestants and enjoy the company of my roommates - Miss California, Miss Kentucky and Miss Massachusetts. I’m so excited to see them again in January!
What song will you sing in the talent portion of the contest?
I will be singing Nessun Dorma from Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot.
Which of the five categories in the competition is your strongest?
I wouldn’t say any particular phase is my strongest, I believe you need to be balanced in all areas in order to be a good competitor. But talent certainly is my favorite portion because music is such a huge part of my life, and it allows me to express myself and my character.
What scares you most about the competition?
I think the one thing I am worried about is being about to stay strong mentally and physically because we are constantly going throughout the time we are there. I know how draining it will be, and I know that my adrenaline will be going, so it will be difficult to sleep.
The swimsuit competition is always controversial; would you eliminate it if you could?
Absolutely not! And I am someone who struggled with swimsuit for many years, but I believe that there is something very valuable in the swimsuit portion because - in preparation alone - it pushes you to the next level. But it encourages you to stay fit and live a healthy lifestyle, which is what this nation should be promoting with the obesity rate so high!
What is your platform and why did you choose it?
My platform is entitled “A Healthy Weight to Feel Great.” I chose this platform in memory of my late grandmother who suffered from obesity throughout her life, which eventually caused her death. Much like my grandmother, my life began to follow the same path of unhealthy living and an unhealthy diet. Since then, I’ve lost over 40 pounds and completely changed my life for the better. Now I educate our youth and adults alike, through my personal story, to live healthy lifestyles for a more productive and successful future.
The 2010 Miss America Pageant will be televised live on TLC, Saturday, January 30 starting at 8 p.m. EST, with a one-hour pre-show on Friday, January 29. Check your local listings.
For more information on Miss New Jersey go to www.missnewjersey.net
For more information on the Miss America Pageant go to www.missamerica.org