STUART — Nozizwe Masondo may be an all-around Florida woman who loves to spend time at the beach — either snorkeling or swimming — but she doesn’t believe you need to be wearing a skimpy bathing suit to show people how unique you are.
That’s why, when the opportunity to compete in the National American Miss beauty pageants arose, she jumped at the chance.
The National American Miss pageants stress poise, academics and community service. The contestants are judged on a personal introduction, a panel interview and, finally, a formalwear display — there is no swimsuit competition.
Masondo, a graduate of Community Christian Academy, earned a trip to the Florida finals in July and impressed the judges enough to earn the title of National American Miss Florida and a trip to Anaheim, Calif., on Thanksgiving weekend for the national pageant.
“It was amazing,” Masondo said of being crowned National American Miss Florida. “I had the chance to have my family and my friends there. It was really a feeling of accomplishment most of all.
“It’s a privilege to even represent the state of Florida. To be able to go there and say, “I’m from Stuart, Florida, and I’m a proud member of the Sunshine State’ is going to be awesome.”
The road to the Florida title should have been an easy one for Masondo, who is close to completing her associate degree at Indian River State College. She has a 4.0 GPA at IRSC and is studying business management. She hopes to one day be a counselor, and has plans to first attend Boston Baptist College and, ultimately, Yale University to get her doctorate degree.
Masondo spends time as varsity basketball cheerleading coach at Community Christian, all while volunteering every Thursday at Care Net Pregnancy Services of the Treasure Coast.
Masondo, 20, also sings in her church choir and is volunteering once a week during October at a soup kitchen for the homeless. That experience, she hopes, will lend itself to one of the essays she is required to write prior to the national pageant.
She said all of the national contestants should have similar résumés. That’s where the formalwear part of the competition comes into play.
“That is your time to show them you’re unique in your own style by what type of dress you choose,” said Masondo, who will wear the dress she is pictured in at the nationals. “It shows why you’re different, why you are unique.
“You need to have multiple character traits to be able to mesh and mingle with all kinds of people. If you have to meet the president, you can show you know how to handle yourself. Likewise, if you’re going to the Boys and Girls Club to meet a bunch of 5-year-olds.
“You have to be able to handle many different situations.”
