Like a phoenix rising from the ashes following the dissolution of the Miss Central New York pageant, out came the newest Miss New York preliminary triple crown. Originally limited to 12 contestants and offering a new Miss CNY and inaugural Miss Pride of New York titles, the Miss Metropolitan title was added shortly after increasing the contestant cap to 24. These titles would be open to anyone across the state who is eligible by age and state residency, and who would be willing to attend events in the Syracuse region.
Unlike the other two, however, the Miss Pride of New York title has a unique requirement. As well as the above eligibility requirements, a contestant must be willing to showcase the matter of diversity and pride in New York State- we are after all the melting pot of America. Miss Pride of New York must be willing to promote diversity of New Yorkers, such as the Native American cultures, the LGBTQ community. She is also a state ambassador for travel and tourism, and should be able to support and encourage tourism across the entire state, from Niagara Falls across the Finger Lakes, up into the Adirondacks, and through the capital region and Hudson Valley, down to the City of Lights.
Twelve contestants made their way to the Southern Tier to compete for the three titles. Contestants included 2015 former titleholders, veteran competitors, and even a few first timers, all offering a one of a kind talent for the judges.
Contestants
- Cedar Chambers
- Former Miss Watertown’s OT 2015
- Talent: Operatic Vocal
- Alia Bajorek
- Former Miss Rochester’s OT 2014, Miss Flower City’s OT 2015
- Talent: Ballet en Pointe
- Emmalee Stawicki
- Talent: Piano/Vocal
- Camille Sims
- Former Miss Finger Lakes 2013, Miss Fulton County (GA) 2015
- Talent: Vocal
- Alexandra Canavan
- Talent: Dance
- Emma Silen
- Former Miss NYS Fair 2015
- Talent: Dramatic Monologue
- Allison DeLuca
- Talent: Broadway Vocal
- Lauren Crandall
- Former Miss Mohawk Valley 2014, Miss Upstate New York 2015
- Talent: Jazz Vocal
- Willa Hahn
- Former Miss Erie Canal 2015
- Talent: Vocal
- Sarah Soltish
- Talent: Musical Theater/Vocal
- Nina Zesky
- Former Miss Salt City 2014, Miss Heart of New York 2015
- Talent: Acro-Jazz
Awards
- Interview Award: Camille Sims
- Talent Award: Nina Zesky
- Community Service: Lauren Crandall
- Miracle Maker: Cedar Chambers
- Johnny Ryan Olympic Torch (Spirit) Award: Nina Zesky
- Miss Amity Award: Nina Zesky
Crowning
- 1st Runner Up: Emma Silen
Miss Central New York: Nina Zesky
Miss Pride of New York: Camille Sims
Miss Metropolitan: Willa Hahn
*PC: Abbey Naumowicz, Miss NYS Fair 2016
