By Allison Perrine
Rumson resident Ann Pennington was recently named this year’s United States of America’s (USOA) Mrs. 2021.
The days-long celebration kicked off Feb. 11 in San Antonio, Texas, where Pennington was later crowned the winner of the 2021 pageant. Over 100 contestants entered the four divisions of the USA pageants: Miss, Teen, Ms. and Mrs. In the end, four individuals were left standing on the stage for the finale on Valentine’s Day.
“What a heady cocktail of emotions and feelings,” she said of her win while highlighting her happiness and excitement. “It is a lot of work, a lot of preparation and an intense competition. I would be lying if those feelings were not mixed in with a little surprise, trepidation and nerves. The caliber of the ladies was so high. They all do amazing work for really worthwhile causes and were incredible to meet.”
The competition this year was certainly different from those she has entered in years past due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It required “compromise and adaptation,” but most importantly the health of everyone involved was of the utmost concern and the pageants ran under strict safety protocols and practices, she said.
“The team is only as strong as its weakest link. It was extremely gratifying to see everyone from the pageant leadership, the hotel, contestants, support personnel and supporters all do their parts. Ever yone was keenly focused on being a par t of a safe, considerate and spectacular event,” said Pennington.
The USOA pageants are designed to encourage women to achieve their dreams while helping them feel confident inside and out, its website states. Its motto is to empower women and inspire others while uplifting everyone. Positive self-image is promoted in this “elite sisterhood that gives support and encouragement to inspire each delegate to be the best version of herself.”
And Pennington found just that when she got involved in pageantry after a “chance meeting” with someone who told her she would be great at it. At first, she was not interested but was persuaded to look into it. That’s when she was “genuinely surprised” by what she found, she said – “smart, motivated, married women who are successful in their own rights raising awareness and tens of thousands of dollars for causes all over the country.”
And at the same time, she thought it would be fun to get dressed up, socialize with interesting individuals and engage in friendly “although intense” competitions, said Pennington. “I guess I just never got the opportunity to take up golf.”
A cause close to Pennington’s heart has been helping those experiencing homelessness and youth trafficking. For over a decade, she has been fundraising to support those individuals as a sitting member of Covenant House’s leadership board. Each year she participates in the organization’s annual Sleep Out event and, as the leadership chair, raises thousands of dollars for youth experiencing homelessness. She is also a board trustee member of HABcore, which provides housing and support for those in need, including veterans, families with children, special needs individuals and others experiencing hardships, according to its website.
Overall, Pennington said she is very proud to have accomplished this honor and “all of these feelings” drive her to not waste the opportunity and to give it her all for her year-long reign.
“It is not lost on me that there could be some preconceived notions around pageantry and that is completely fine. For me, I have met some amazing people from all walks of life, been supported by some wonderful companies, raised large sums of money for charities doing awesome work for worthwhile causes and enjoyed experiences I simply would not have been able to have done without pageantry,” she said. “Why not join me on a Covenant House Sleepout? No sparkles required, just bring a heartful of good intentions.”
Anyone looking to join in and support Pennington’s fundraising efforts can visit unitedstatesofamericapageants.com or the Instagram page @unitedstatesofamericasmrs.
This article was originally published in the March 11-17, 2021 edition of The Two River Times.
