Miss New Bedford 2009
On September 21st, 2008, Ashley was honored to become Miss New Bedford, a local preliminary to the Miss Massachusetts and Miss America Scholarship Pageants. During her year-long reign, she served as the local ambassador for the Miss America Program, as well its national partner, The Children’s Miracle Network. In addition, she dedicated her year to raising awareness of domestic violence and advocating for enhanced prevention education in schools.
At the time, Ashley set a record in the program’s 56-year history, making over 120 appearances. Representing New Bedford at the Miss Massachusetts Pageant, she placed as a TOP 5 FINALIST as 4th runner-up. After relinquishing her title, she competed and won the title of Miss Apponagansett Bay for additional scholarship money, and placed once more as 4th runner-up at the Miss Massachusetts pageant. Her participation earned her more than $6,000 in scholarships.
Due to Ashley's success and commitment to the values of the program, she joined the program committee and now serves as the Chairperson of the Miss New Bedford Scholarship Program.
120+ Appearances!
Highlights
- Top 5 Finalist at Miss Massachusetts twice! Recipient of the Swimsuit Award. Additional honors include 1st Runner-Up to Miss Boston 2010, and winning the title of Miss Apponagansett Bay 2010.
- Produced a monthly TV show, The Miss New Bedford Insider, interviewing key local leaders
- Received Citations from the MA House of Representatives, MA Senator Mark Montigny, New Bedford City Council, and New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang
- Celebrity dancer for “Dancing with the New Bedford Stars” to benefit St. Luke’s Hospital
- Ballroom dance performer for New Bedford Symphony Orchestra’s annual “Seaside Swing”
- Featured dancer in “Phantoms of the Orpheum” Orpheum Theatre tour
- Helped produce the First “New Bedford’s Got Talent” competition – over 50 acts, ages 4-84!
- Sang the national anthem for the New Bedford Half Marathon for 2,800+ runners!
- Sang the national anthem for the Women’s 5K to benefit The Women’s Center (I then ran it with my crown on!)
- Raised over $1,500 for Children's Miracle Network locally for Children's Hospital Boston
- Advanced my platform as a survivor speaker and community advocate for domestic violence and teen dating violence awareness; Partnered with The Women’s Center of New Bedford to enhance school-based education on the issue
Top 5 at Miss Massachusetts!
