Lourdese Marzigliano, Miss Teen Florida U.S. Continental
By Krista Martinelli
On Memorial Day weekend, the beautiful Lourdese Marzigliano took home the title of Miss Florida Teen U.S. Continental. With other pageant contestants, she competed at the Eissey Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens for this coveted crown.
Since the beauty pageant world has always been a mystery to me, I asked her how one prepares for one of these competitions. Marzigliano, by the way, is lovely, poised and always has a nice, concise response to questions. Some of the preparation, she says, is going to the gym regularly and getting toned. Another big part of being prepared is keeping up with current events. The interview portion of any pageant might touch on current events, so it’s important to be well-versed in them. (See the related “video” to see one of Lourdese Marzigliano’s interview questions and her response). Finding the right gown (or gowns) is always a big part of the preparation too. At eighteen years old, Marzigliano has competed in many pageants, but this was the first one where she worked with a coach for her attire.
Out of the various aspects of the pageant (swim suit, evening wear, interview), Marzigliano says she prefers the interview portion. She says that she doesn’t get nervous, which probably gives her a good edge. “It’s my favorite part because I get to meet all of the judges. It’s a chance to set myself apart from everyone.” In her opinion, the only unpleasant part of the competition is “waiting for the results.”
She’s already competed in 22 pageants, and her parents Mike and Lourdes have accompanied her every step of the way. While her father Mike might complain that being a beauty pageant contestant is an expensive hobby, he also admits that for Lourdese, “It’s always paid off. And this was the biggest prize so far.” The crown of Miss Teen Florida U.S. Continental brings with it $40,000 toward her college education at Nova Southeastern University. The timing is perfect for Lourdese who is finishing two years at Palm Beach State College. She will continue and graduate from Nova Southeastern. In spite of this terrific prize, you can tell that her parents wouldn’t have it any other way – they enjoy accompanying Lourdese to her various competitions and public appearances.
Lourdese Marzigliano will wear this crown for a year, along with
playing the part, staying active in the community and making public appearances at events. She made her first appearance recently at a fire safety event called Wellington Fire Fest. A big part of the job is just “being a positive role model,” says Marzigliano.
She believes that being involved in pageants is a great way to gain confidence. “These pageants have helped me gain confidence,” she says. She emphasizes the importance of accepting yourself for who you are. “Embrace all of the qualities that you have,” says Marzigliano.
Marzigliano comes from a very supportive family. Her brother (23) is a U.S. Border Patrol Agent and he is her “best friend.” She is also very close with her parents and very appreciative of their sacrifices they’ve made – to make her dreams come true. She’s very grateful for their guidance. “I have my Dad’s personality,” she says. “I’m a jokester.”
Marzigliano has had a steady boyfriend for over two years now. She’s at a point in life where she seems very content. Everything she has been working toward has come together.
She has also figured out what she wants to do “when she grows up.” Marzigliano would like to be an Entertainment News Reporter. She is comfortable in front of the camera and enjoys the lighter side of news.
At the moment, her life is focused on three main things. “It’s basically school, work and the gym,” says Lourdese with a laugh. She currently works for a promotional printing company in Delray Beach. Growing up, she did cheerleading, modeling, acting and pageants. She still likes to take acting classes and enjoys modeling jobs too.
With this new title, Marzigliano is not allowed to compete in other pageants. She serves the role of being Miss Florida Teen U.S. Continental. She looks forward to August when she will compete for the national title.
To follow Lourdese and see her upcoming events, you can “like” her page on Facebook – Miss Florida Teen U.S. Continental.