Local Sports Briefs
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Pennington resident opens 2012 Miss American Pageant
PENNINGTON — It was a song Natalie Ragazzo had sung many times before, but the feeling that came with the performance this time was different.
In front of the packed Planet Hollywood Theater of the Performing Arts in Las Vegas, the 16-year-old Pennington resident sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” to open the preliminary round of the 2012 Miss America Pageant on Jan. 11.
“It was probably the most exhilarating feeling of my life,” Ragazzo said. “I’ve done it before, but that was my largest venue.
“The butterflies in my stomach and the applause the audience gave me — it was such an awesome experience.”
The Princeton Day School sophomore is no stranger to pageants.
She currently holds the title of Miss New Jersey’s Outstanding Teen, representing the state in the Miss America teen division.
Though her reign officially ends Saturday, it was Ragazzo’s involvement with the organization that gave her the opportunity to open the big show after she placed in the top 10 at a national competition in Orlando recently.
San Jose Calendar
Special Events
Blood Drive: Jan. 24, noon-6 p.m. at Kaiser Permanente, 275 Hospital Parkway, San Jose. Jan. 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Kaiser Permanente, 710 Lawrence Expressway, Santa Clara. Jan. 31, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. 800.733.2767 or www.redcrossblood.org .
Living Christmas Tree Drop Off: Donate your living Christmas tree to the Our City Forest nursery. Healthy living Christmas trees will be accepted at the nursery on Jan. 21, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Our City Forest Nursery, 1000 Spring St., San Jose. www.ourcityforest.org .
South Bay Art of Home Show: Jan. 20-22. $8 general admission/$5 in advance online/$5 seniors (65+)/children 12 and under are free/active military in uniform or per valid ID will receive one free admission. Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara. 408.236.2000, ext. 101 or www.southbayhomeshow.com .
Leigh High School Winter Showcase: "Take It From the Top: Romance, Renaissance, and Rage" is a showcase of advanced drama's best 10-minute plays and stand-up comedy routines of the semester. Jan. 20-21, 7 p.m. Tickets (pay what you can) are available at the door. Leigh High School, 5210 Leigh Ave., San Jose. 408.626.3405.
