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Cardinal Courier

Miss New York Teen 2006

By Candice Woodin

Last Updated:8:56 PM EST 4/8/08 Section: Lifestyles

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Media Credit: The Miss Universe Pageant

St. John Fisher College freshman Candace Kuykendall has lived the life that many young girls only dream of, all while wearing a tiara.

Kuykendall has accomplished more than many of her peers have at the age of 18, and yet, remains very down-to-earth about it all.

The former Miss New York Teen USA proves that there is much more substance behind the sparkling tiaras and sequined dresses than is portrayed in the glamorous pageant world.

Kuykendall calls her experience "a dream come true," and rightly so. In addition to winning the prestigious title of Miss New York Teen USA 2006, she was also awarded numerous other prizes including a scholarship, $1,500 in cash, jewelry, clothing, a fitness trainer and a pageant consultant.

Even more rewarding for her was the opportunity to be a role model and give back to the community. Despite her pretty face and shining smile, Kuykendall is not the stereotypical image that many have of beauty queens.

"Ever since I can remember I have naturally wanted to be a role model for people all over," Kuykendall said.

Aside from the numerous interviews, public appearances and photo shoots she was required to fulfill during her reign, Kuykendall also saw community service as a high priority.

During her year-long representation of the Miss Universe organization, Kuykendall did several charity events for multiple sclerosis, breast cancer coalitions, Lollypop Farm and Foodlink. However, assisting these charitable organizations and promoting their causes wasn't as much of an obligation for her as it was a personal crusade.

Her commitment to community service has a very special place in her heart. Kuykendall says she was especially grateful that she was able to use her title to raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis seeing that MS is a disease that her Aunt Mary Ann copes with.

Even though her reign has ended, she continues to stay involved in the community, coaching girls in pageants, speaking to Girl Scout troops and teens and raising money for charities.

"One of my favorite events was speaking to teenagers about peer pressure and standing up for themselves," Kuykendall said. "I think it is very important with today's media that teenagers do not feel pressure to do things they do not think they should."

Although Kuykendall is now a college student and is no longer bound by the high expectations set for her as a title holder, she maintains the same perspective she held before and stays true to her morals. Since entering St. John Fisher College, Kuykendall says she hasn't felt the need to give in to the temptations college students are faced with, like drinking or partying.

"I have stayed true to my beliefs and sometimes persuade others to follow their instincts and morals in certain situations," Kuykendall said.

"There are not many well-known role models in our society today, and I try to be someone who is a sincere, caring and down-to-earth person that others can confide in."

When it comes to the scandals that have shaken the pageant world in recent years, Kuykendall said, "Sometimes the personality and good intentions of someone are more important than their rough past."

Kuykendall personally defends Tara Connor, one such title holder who fell from grace, saying that she is a "sweet and genuine person."

Kuykendall recalls how Tara Connor comforted her at the Miss Teen USA pageant after Kuykendall thought she lost a ring her boyfriend had given her and offered to help her find it.

While Kuykendall has not personally experienced any incidents of sabotage in the pageant world, she has been the victim of jealous and insecure individuals. At the Miss Teen USA pageant, some of the other contestants wrongly accused her of being anorexic. According to Kuykendall, one girl went as far as to publicly publish the rumor on MySpace.

Of the incident Kuykendall said, "Although I was sad at first, I realized that whatever they say is not going to affect me and that they may have been saying it out of insecurity."

Despite the drama, Kuykendall remains optimistic in the remembrance of her pageant experience, noting that she was very fortunate to meet and befriend many "really sweet girls" and spent much of her time at the pageant in their company.

"What I like best about pageants," Kuykendall said, "is that it gives an opportunity for young ladies to meet new people, learn about themselves and become a role model for others."

What does she like least? "The way pageant girls are stereotyped by the media."

Kuykendall, a graduate of Greece Arcadia High School, is now a Corporate Finance major at Fisher. She is also an active member of Fisher Players, the Fisher Dance Team, Colleges Against Cancer, Cardinal Television and Arts in Motion.

Kuykendall also looks forward to taking on the role of Fisher Players treasurer next semester.

In her spare time, she says she focuses on homework, since education is a top priority for her. She has also danced for 16 years, practiced karate for 13 years and modeled for three and a half years.

Even more impressive than that, she has competed in two Isshinryu World Karate championships, earning three gold medals and one bronze.

Kuykendall says another passion of hers is music. Throughout her elementary and high school career she played the violin and sang in school choirs. How did she manage to balance all these activities with pageant life?

"I had to learn time management skills and prioritize," Kuykendall said. "My teachers in high school understood, but I had to do my homework on planes or in the car and would have to make up everything I missed."

After accomplishing all that she has thus far, Kuykendall plans to continue to excel in school and further pursue her modeling career, with the intention of competing in the Miss New York USA pageant in about three years.

Her dream is to be a financial analyst for a fashion designer, and she hopes that by making connections through the modeling industry, she can obtain this goal.