Miss Central Mass Embraces Her Spotlight

Friday, June 14, 2013

Jennifer Roy, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

"All relationships should be treated equal. Everyone deserves to love and to be loved."--Scarlette Ariele, Miss Central Massachusetts

Miss Central Massachusetts is 21 year old Scarlette Arielle of Boston. She is half Scandinavian and half Italian. Scarlette grew up in Connecticut and works as a Nurse Aide as well as a Sales Representative and Model for Colorme Pro. The reigning queen is excited to crown the new Miss Central Massachusetts on July 12th at Mechanics Hall! Scarlette’s road to MCM was dramatic, as she originally placed as first-runner-up to Sarah Kidd of Leominster. Sarah went on to win Miss MA USA (MCM is a preliminary to Miss MA USA) which lead Scarlette to graciously accept the title of MCM. While Sarah competes in Miss USA on Sunday, June 16th, Scarlette will be proudly cheering her on. Scarlette reflects on her year of service as Miss Central MA and on her passion of gay rights activism.

Why did you sign up to compete for MCM?

I was inspired by my partner, as well as my family and friends to compete. They all made me feel like a beauty queen, regardless if I won the title or not, and that was so sweet of them.

Have you been involved in pageants before?

The Miss Central Massachusetts pageant was my first pageant experience.

You were first runner up, then graciously accepted the title of MCM when Sarah Kidd went on to Miss MA. What was that like?

I found out I was Miss Central Mass, because Sarah won the title of Miss Mass. I was mostly excited for her and then realized that I had felt like the winner even with my first runner up trophy and Miss Congeniality Plaque. What could get better than that? Now though I have such a gorgeous crown and amazing responsibilities in my community!

Tell me about your GLBT platform. Why is it important to you?

All relationships should be treated equal. Everyone deserves to love and to be loved. It’s important to be because two women or two men in love are just the same as a man and a woman, society just isn't used to it yet.

What is your message to young ladies who might be struggling with sexual identity?

It’s not easy to stand up for something so controversial these days. But what’s harder, is not staying true to yourself. Not all of us are wired the same way, that’s what makes us unique. What’s important is to embrace what might scare you and learn to love yourself for exactly who you are and what you feel from within.

What kinds of obstacles have you faced in your life and how have you overcome them?

I’ve had many obstacles in my young life. They've all turned into wonderful lessons that I would have never learned had I not been strong enough to overcome them as well as surround myself with good people.

Will you be competing in pageants in the future?

I hope to compete in future pageants, though I am not currently committed to one this coming year.

Will you be continuing your work in GLBT advocacy after this pageant?

Every day I look to inspire someone in my culture or outside of it. It’s something I take pride in, and am never ashamed of. If I can open someone's mind to the possibility of accepting something they can't change, it’s a beautiful thing.

How do you feel about giving up your title next month? What are your hopes for the new MCM?

I’m excited to have lived as Miss Central Mass this past year. It was so rewarding and at the same time challenging, but I hope the new MCM will take as much as she can from this experience and strive to be the best role model for our community. I wish her the best!

Jennifer Roy is President and Owner of Jen Roy PR, a socially progressive boutique public relations firm located in Central MA. She specializes in media relations, creative event planning, public speaking and interview training, corporate social responsibility consulting and video production for on-line marketing.