Saugus girl, 12, brings home honors in national pageant

SAUGUS – Saugus resident Sabrina Panetta wowed the judges at the National American Miss Massachusetts State Pageant last month and walked away with a slew of honors.The pageant was held at the Coco Key Hotel & Water Resort in Danvers, and Panetta, 12, was named first runner up in the “Top Model” competition, received a top talent trophy for dance, received the Spirit trophy and came in first place for her volunteer services.?I try to give back to my community whenever I can,” said Panetta about her volunteer service. “When I was no more than four years old, I worked on planting trees at the Saugus Tree Farm with my family. I love my community and always try to do the right thing.”The pageant is held for girls aged 4 to 19 and Panetta competed in the preteen division against 79 others her age from across the state. Panetta was well-prepared for the pageant and has been taking dance lessons since she was 3. Panetta currently is part of the Chiampa Dance Company in Lynnfield.?I love dancing,” she said. “I just think it?s really awesome to dance and I just feel free when I?m dancing.”Despite the big crowd in attendance for the pageant, Panetta said she wasn?t nervous at all.?I?m pretty used to people watching me because I do competitions and recitals for dance,” said Panetta. “I thought it was really awesome.”Panetta?s mom, selectman Debra Panetta, said The National American Miss pageant keeps all activities and competitions at “age appropriate levels,” noting that girls 12 and under are not allowed to wear make-up and there is no swimsuit competition.Debra Panetta said the pageant is based on inner beauty as well as poise and presentation, and offers an “all-American spirit of fun for family and friends” with an emphasis put on gaining self-confidence, learning good sportsmanship, and setting and achieving personal goals.Debra Panetta said she and her husband Mark are “very proud” of their daughter.?Not just for doing an amazing job at the pageant, but for always striving to better herself,” she sad. “Whether in school, dancing, soccer, or anything else she pursues, she gives it 100 percent. Sabrina also has a very kind heart and spends a lot of time trying to help others through her volunteer efforts. She?s a wonderful daughter.”Sabrina Panetta also thanked her sponsors for the pageant, which included U.S. Realty Development LLC, the Kernwood Plaza, Fort Heath Management LLC, Carol Mancini, Rita and Ralph Panetta, and Robert and Kim Francini.Sabrina Panetta said she was featured in the pageant when she was around 4 and said she?s looking to competing again next year.?I?m really excited for it,” she said. “I think it?s really fun. I?m going to be learning a new solo at Chiampa Dance Studios for the talent portion.”Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].