Yvette Bennett wins Miss Idaho US International crown

(First published at the Marianas Variety)  

SAIPAN’S Yvette Marie Deleon Guerrero Bennett has been crowned Miss Idaho U.S. International by the Idaho Committee for Miss U.S. International.

Yvette Marie Deleon Guerrero Bennett

Bennett, the first beauty contestant from the CNMI to capture a state-level beauty title on the mainland, will now compete against other state contestants at the Miss U.S. International pageant in Orlando, Florida from June 27-30, 2013.

The winner will represent the U.S. in the Miss International beauty pageant which will be held in Okinawa, Japan next fall.

In a statement, Bennett’s father Ambrose said he and his wife Lillian know that the entire CNMI is as proud as they are of their daughter.

“We thank all of you who supported our baby girl. Yvette told us it felt amazing and was so much of a surprise. It is a real opportunity to show her abilities and potential as a title holder,” Ambrose said.

Yvette, for her part, said: “I felt that all my hard work had been vindicated and this was well-earned recognition. It also inspired me to work even harder on my walk, my interview and my wardrobe to grab another even bigger opportunity.”

She said her title as Miss Idaho International has put her in an even better position as a role model and advocate for the youth of the nation to live a better and healthier lifestyle.

“Having the support of my family, friends and the community back home means a great deal to me and I must thank everyone who has supported me back home, especially the social media spreading the word around. It has been a lot of motivation for me to continue participating in these Pageant competitions,” Yvette said.

Ambrose said they are now working to get financial support for Yvette’s entrance fee and wardrobe for the national competition.

“Yvette needs the help of the CNMI so if you are willing to be one of Yvette’s sponsors please contact us at 670-256-6602 or you can stop at any First Hawaiian Bank and make a deposit of any amount in Yvette M. Deleon Guerrero Bennett’s account,” he added.

Sponsors can email b_vettie@hotmail.com after making donations so their names will be added to the list of sponsors.

According to an official letter from the Miss International Beauty Pageant in Burton, Michigan, Yvette and the other contestants will be judged on beauty, charm, personality and poise.

The International Cultural Association, producer of the Miss International Beauty Pageant, has been producing the Miss International Beauty Pageant since 1967.

The pageant, which started in Long Beach, California in 1960 and which is also called a Festival of Beauty and Olympics of Beauty, is not based on looks alone. The contestants are expected to serve as “ambassadors of peace and beauty, showing tenderness, benevolence, friendship, beauty, intelligence, ability to take action, and, most importantly, a great international sensibility.”