Local youth to compete in national modeling pageant

By By Thomas Tingle
Record Managing Editor
While carrying her baby through pregnancy, Cinda Feagan of Madison modeled clothing for an exclusive mother's magazine.
It was something Cinda enjoyed being a part of, and in doing so, Cinda thought that if her baby were a girl, perhaps she would follow in her mother's footsteps and enjoy modeling. That thought came true and Cinda's daughter, Cessalyn Shanae, is the 2002 Miss Alabama Young Teen Model. Cessalyn has been modeling for only two years. She will now go to Nashville, Tenn. on Sept. 28-29 where she will compete for the title of Miss USA Young Teen Model.
Cessalyn, a student at Liberty Middle School, won the title of Miss Alabama Young Teen Model on June 15 at the University of Alabama in Huntsville Chan Auditorium. It was there where she competed with other young girls from around the area.
"My desire to model came from my love of fashion and travel," Cessalyn said. "There has never been any pressure put on me to win."
The pageant will begin with a dinner cruise aboard The General Jackson showboat. Preliminaries will start Saturday night with each contestant modeling formal and casual wear.
"Each contestant will be interviewed by a panel of judges, but it is optional along with the spokes model and cover girl contest," Cessalyn said. "On Sunday, the top 10 talent winners will perform, contestants will model formal wear and the pageant winners will be announced."
The spokes model winner will have an opportunity to be in a commercial that will be aired in several states. The overall talent will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The cover girl winner will be the contest that sells the most ads for the program book. The highest seller will be on the front cover of the book and the second highest seller will be on the back cover.
To get to where she is today, Cessalyn graduated from John Casablanca's Modeling and Career Center.
"I think of this as just having fun," Cessalyn said. "I think it's important that I enjoy what I'm doing."
Cessalyn said her friends are very supportive of her accomplishments and she sees herself modeling for many years to come.
Cessalyn's father, James, along with Cinda, said they are very proud of their daughter.
"We are very blessed to have such a sweet and loving child," Cinda said. "Most people remember Cessalyn for her smile."