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Pageant Helps Pixley Promote Protection for Children

Beauty pageants? Many people today say they're frivolous, superficial, or even downright harmful. Christina English Pixley, however, sees an upcoming pageant as her chance to change the world.

Pixley has been selected Mrs. Polk County International 2010. A graduate assistant at the University of South Florida Polytechnic, she will compete in the Mrs. Florida International Pageant Sept. 11 - 13, 2009, in Kissimmee, Fla. More than 50 married women from the Sunshine State will vie for the title of Mrs. Florida International, with the winner representing Florida at the 2010 Mrs. International Contest.

"My main reason for competing is to gain exposure for Guardian ad Litem, the organization with which I volunteer," says Pixley. "It's a fantastic organization that provides a voice for children who have become a part of the childcare protection system."

According to Pixley, recent cutbacks have affected the staff and size of Guardian ad Litem, which now more than ever needs volunteers to represent children in court.
"By participating in the Mrs. Florida competition, I hope to shed light on this organization and the children who need help. I'm looking for sponsors to help me get where I need to be to help others help children and families."

Christina English Pixley

Pixley has a special interest in Guardian ad Litem because as a child she went through the court system, just like the kids with whom she now works.

"I have a better understanding of what they are going through, and the right words that they need to hear'" she says. "It's my way of giving these children a voice, and a hope for success in the future by my example.

"As a child in the system myself, I never had a specific person who represented me and my needs. Now I can come into the homes of children, examine their living situations and environment, and really become involved with their feelings and needs. Knowing this, I can take that information with me into the court room and recommend to the judge what I see that the children really need. Because I am an intermediary, my alliance is not with just the parents or the state. I am able to give children the comfort of knowing that someone is there for them in a tough situation, and it is rewarding to provide that comfort and an ever smiling face for them."

Born in Bartow, Pixley grew up in Polk City and attended Auburndale High School. An Auburndale resident, she received a bachelor's degree in religious studies, with a minor in communication, from USF in 2008 and is working on a master's degree in instructional technology. As a graduate assistant at USF Polytechnic, she researches, plans, and coordinates various Extended University programs and events throughout the year.

"Christina is a valued member of the USFP staff, and through her work on campus and in the community she exemplifies a woman of strong character and committed action," says Dr. Naomi Boyer, executive director of Extended University. "I am very proud of her accomplishments, her continued educational progress, and her moral platform, which focuses on children and young adults. As a candidate in the Ms. Florida pageant, she is an excellent representative of the USF Polytechnic community."

According to Michael Galanes, director, Mrs. Florida International, "Each Mrs. Florida International contestant is daring to make a difference in her respective community and we are honored to acknowledge these ladies in providing the venue to speak about family morals, values, and the need to help in your community."

Mrs. International showcases women 21 to 56 years old, married at least six months and a resident of the state or a citizen of the country she represents. Each contestant competes in three areas: Interview, which is valued for 50 percent of her overall score; Evening Gown, valued for 25 percent; and Fitness Wear for 25 percent. Each contestant has the opportunity to select a platform of her choice that she spends the year promoting. Husbands are a direct part of the show, escorting their wives in the evening gown competition, and the husband crowns his wife titleholder.

The Florida Guardian ad Litem program is a partnership of community advocates and professional staff providing a powerful voice on behalf of Florida's abused and neglected children.