Pleasantville's Decker to Compete in Teen Pageant

Pleasantville's Jordan Decker has as many pageant experiences under her belt as years of high school, and is looking forward to competing again as she prepares to enter her senior year at Westlake High School.

"Even though its my fourth year doing the pageant, I have cultivated many friendships, gained confidence and most importantly, obtained an amazing experience," the 17-year-old shared in a statement.

Coming up on August 3, Decker will be competing in the 2014 Miss Westchester Teen and Miss Hudson Valley Teen Pageant at the White Plains Performing Arts Center.

Decker is an honor roll student at Westlake and captain of the softball team.

She's also passionate about several causes and takes part in the Abusive Relationship Club, Debate Team, Drama Club, Principal's Advisory Club and the ASPCA Club.

The latter has allowed to her to help raise more than $2,000 to help homeless animals since joining in eighth grade. She has also worked to collect monetary and blanket/toy donations to benefit shelter animals.

"Through all of my extracurricular activities, it made me realize the importance of helping the community and showed me that one person can impact many lives," said Decker.

The busy teen is also focused on a potential future post-high school career. She has worked for the past two years as a chiropractic assistant at the Thornwood-based Axis Integrative Medical, which is also serving as her sponsor for next month's pageant.

The competition includes swimsuit, evening gown and personal interview portions. The winner will receive gifts including a $1,000 cash prize.

The Miss Westchester and Miss Hudson Valley Pageant organization states it strives to help its participants "develop self-awareness as well as social awareness by striving to be their “best selves” in everything that they do."

Said Decker, "I also wish to continue helping others and the community regardless if I hold the title of Miss Westchester Teen, even though that would be pretty cool if I got to help people wearing a sparkly crown and sash. It's every girls dream to be a princess."

The 2014 Miss Westchester Teen and Miss Hudson Valley Teen Pageant will be at held at 4 p.m. at the White Plains Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $35 in advance or $45 at-the-door.