Jasmine Clasing, 17, won the hearts of North Fork residents when she was crowned Strawberry Queen at the Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival in June. And now, she’s got her eye set on a new title — Miss New York Teen USA.
Jasmine, a senior at Southold High School who’s a familiar face at her part-time job at the Southold IGA, said winning the crown is a dream she’s had for years. “It’s always been on my bucket list. I remember watching Miss USA on TV when I was little and the whole process always stuck in my head. Now that I’m old enough to participate in Miss New York Teen USA, I’m keeping the dream alive that I once had when I was little.”
The pageant, run under the auspices of the Miss Universe/Miss USA/Miss Teen USA organizations, is a joint venture between NBCUniversal and Donald Trump and will take place in Westchester at SUNY Purchase on January 16 through 18.
Jasmine said she’s preparing to compete in three categories during the pageant — the interview segment, as well as the swimwear and evening gown portions.
The competition signifies far more than just a pageant for the Southold teen. “This journey is meaningful to me because it was something I dreamt of when I was younger and I’ve kept the dream alive for this long. The winner of Miss New York Teen USA becomes an icon and promoter of various charities and not-for-profit organizations.”
Giving back is something that resonates with Jasmine, who has gone on two mission trips to Haiti with the Mattituck Presbyterian Church. “Going on these trips instilled a new hope for humanity in my heart. It made me realize how important it is to help other human beings all around the world — that no matter where you are in the world, we’re all people and we all matter. Winning would give me even more opportunities to reach out and help others.”
To that end, Jasmine has embarked upon a fundraising campaign to help cover all fees and costs related to the competition. Jasmine said she needs to raise $1,500 in order to compete. Although she is a registered contestant, unless her sponsorship is paid in full, she will not be allowed to compete. The competition is a three day event; the $1,500 will cover all expenses including transportation, housing, meals, and all other costs.
Should she win the competition, prizes would include numerous scholarships. “As a college-bound high school senior, this would be extremely helpful,” she said, adding that she’s applied to 13 schools and been accepted to five so far. Top picks include Utica College, Sacred Heart University, SUNY Cortland, Bryant University , and Fairfield University, Jasmine said, adding that as of right now, she has “no idea” what school she will ultimately attend.
The winner of the Miss New York Teen USA pageant goes on to compete in the Miss Teen USA competition in the Bahamas, she said.
Looking ahead, Jasmine said she’s set realistic goals. “As much as winning would be more than a dream come true, my goal is truly to do the best that I can. I want to display who I really am as a person, where my heart is and what I have to offer.”
For Jasmine, the experience is a new one, but her list of accomplishments is long. Not only is she the 2014 Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Queen, but she is currently the Regimental Executive Officer of Southold-Mattituck-Greenport NJROTC, a member of the National Society of Blackjacks: Executive Officer of Company A, 8th Regiment, and was selected as a participant in the National Youth Leadership Forum on National Security in Washington, DC.
Those wishing to help Jasmine reach her goal can click here, filling out her name under the “contestant” section and adding her email address,jeclasing@gmail.com.
Looking ahead, Jasmine’s goals are to serve the nation. “My biggest dream is to be an Officer in the United States Army. I want to graduate from college with a nursing degree and hopefully, receive a commission in the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant.”
The competition, Jasmine said, is one step toward her ultimate goal: “Pageants are looked upon as being all about dresses, makeup and beauty. It’s so much more than that. It’s about being comfortable and confident in the person that you are. You have to be confident enough to present yourself just the way you are. It’s more than just outside beauty; judges want to see the beauty on the inside. I’m comfortable in my own shoes. I’ve learned that we only get one pair in life, so you might as well get comfy in those. The confidence that is built throughout a pageant is something I see as extraordinary. Not just anyone can be an officer in the U.S. Army; it takes a bold, brave, confident person. I believe I have all these qualities and participating in Miss New York Teen USA would only make everything even better.”
