Not too long ago, I would have written something much different than what you are about to read. Concerning pageants, whether they be local, regional or national, I held the view that most Americans do: pageants are all about beauty, nothing more.I write to you today not only to admit my wrong assumption, but to elaborate on the true intensity with which pageants exist.A fellow Point Parker and dear friend of mine, Juliann Sheldon, won the Miss Pennsylvania crown in the summer of 2011. I understood pageants pretty well- at least I thought I did.In my mind it went something like this: the host comes out, says a few jokes and the audience laughs. Girls enter the stage, show off their bodies, get asked a “question” that’s always answered with world peace and then “boom”: the blondest one with the richest parents wins.Let’s just say that if my thoughts were a dart bound for a bull’s eye, I wouldn’t have even landed in the outermost ring.Pageants are much more than a contest of beauty, physicality and sex appeal.In preparation for Miss America in Las Vegas earlier this month, Juliann spent hundreds of hours promoting her platform of mental illness, visiting schools and hospitals, speaking at conferences and inspiring young women across the state.For on-stage questions, anything is fair game. Not only did Juliann and her 52 sisters bound for Miss America have to know hot topics, but they also had to provide an informed answer that included more than just their opinion.As the number one provider of scholarship for young women in America, the Miss America Organization is unlike any reality TV show that sells drama for ratings.”I think one of the most important things to know is that people see television shows like “Toddlers and Tiaras” and “Little Miss Perfect” and they assume that the entire [pageant] world is like that,” said Chris Saltalamacchio, a well-respected pageant coach for many Miss America contestants.”They don’t realize the impact an organization like Miss America can have on society,” Saltalamacchio saidSaltalamacchio, as Mr. Delaware 2008, understands the dedication it takes to become a winner of a state title and eventually the national crown. He trains girls in extensive runway walk routines, turns and the proper way one must pose for judges.He was recently featured on MTV’s “MADE” as a pageant coach and coached a wannabe teenage girl named Gloria, who eventually won a local contest.He said that most people    outside of the pageant world think the girls’ intelligence is lacking.”Most people think that the girls are dumb…and chase crowns without caring about the job that they have to do,” said Saltalamacchio.Being a state or national titleholder requires a vast knowledge of social issues as well as political concerns.I was delighted when I heard that contestants also frequently visit Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, sitting down with sick kids whose eyes light up at the sight of a sparkly crown.Another well-respected name in the pageant world is Michael Nash, whose current position as the secretary for the Miss Indiana Board of Directors has led him to become quite insistent on the image of Miss America.”There are many misconceptions about women who compete in pageants, but the one that is most disparaging to me is that they are ‘not smart’,” said Nash. “Programs like the Miss America Organization are actually scholarship programs that award millions of dollars in scholarship to young women every year.”Nash continued, explaining that beauty is only a small part on the road to capturing a crown.”Both programs have extensive interviews with a panel of judges and also have talent as a portion of the contestant’s total score, in addition to lifestyle in fitness, on-stage question and evening gown presentation,” said Nash.”Aspects of contestants, such as poise, confidence and ability to articulate an opinion are actually weighed higher than overall beauty.”Nash also moonlights as the business manager for two Miss America’s, who he says he is very close to outside of the pageant arena.Pam Palmer, Greater Ms. Pittsburgh, agrees.”No we are not bimbos, we’re not flaky; we are intelligent women who people can look up to,” said Palmer.As an administrative assistant in the Center for Teaching Excellence at Point Park, Palmer has won over 100 titles since her pageant career began in 1997 when she was crowned Ms. Mid-Atlantic.”From my experience, the pageants give contestants self-esteem and self-confidence. When judges interview you, it gives you the skills for when you go out on a real job interview,” Palmer said.As a senior pageant veteran, Palmer also wants people to know that each contestant promotes their own platform to draw awareness to their specific cause. Her platform is animal rights.Nash reiterated what being a Miss America contestant is all about.”While many of them are beautiful on the outside, their inner beauty is even more compelling and evident,” Nash said. “The young women of these programs are more than just another pretty face.”