NORWICH – With dimmed lights and sparkling props, 28 young women from across New York took to the stage Saturday, hoping for a chance to be crowned the next Miss Teen-Ager of New York.

The high school auditorium, containing dozens of family and friends, was bustling with cheers and clapping as each of the girls walked, spoke and posed on stage for the panel of three judges. The judges were Kerrylyn Boettcher, Tiffany Vacirca, Melissa Roach, and the tabulator was current Mrs. New York State, Shana Jaycox.

Throughout the girls three-day stay in Norwich, all 28 had a chance to get acquainted, practice for the competition, and do various other actives. On Friday, they each gave a nine-minute speech with three separate judges. The girls were judged on grammar, personality, speech and poise.

Early Saturday, the girls were escorted in eight classic cars, provided by the Rolling Antiquers Old Car Club, to the local high school.

Opening the show, the girls took to the stage and performed a dance routine. Following the opening number, taking the place of the bathing suit competition for the first time this year, the girls first posed and walked in casual wear. The girls sparkled along with the decorated stage next during the formal wear competition.