I see value in pageants.
Now, the pageant that you list sounds like a local fundraiser which is probably not one of the larger systems (Miss America Organization and Miss USA are the two largest systems), so I can't speak for it.
What most people who watch pageants do not understand is that 40-60% of the score is actually not even visible onstage - the big determiner when it comes to the winner is in interview. This happens (sometimes days) before the show and behind closed doors. But what a pageant system is looking for is a representative - someone who is intelligent, has educated opinions, and can communicate her thoughts clearly. They want someone engaging and with public speaking skills. Because the actual "job" of the winner (yes, for winners of the larger systems at the state and national level, this is a job) is to make public appearances, read to kids in hospitals, participate in fundraisers, etc. But, in order for a pageant to raise money for scholarships, they need a show - and that's what everyone sees, beautiful young women walking on a stage.
Pageants give young women a lot of great life skills - interview practice, confidence in public speaking, and volunteering and raising money for good causes. This can be learned participating at every level. But what most people don't understand is that the winners at state and national level are actually very intelligent, well-informed women who happen to also walk well in an evening gown.
*Editing to add that I do not support child beauty pageants (the Toddlers & Tiaras type). This, to me, is the parents living through their children. If you have a daughter and want her to one day become Miss America, do not have her do child beauty pageants. Instead, encourage her to pursue a talent that she is passionate about - whether that be dance, piano, singing, etc. The problem with these child pageants is that they aren't focusing on developing actual skills and technique and instead rely on sloppily memorizing an easy routine.
