Teen wins 11 awards at pageant

SAUGUS ? Sabrina Panetta brought home 11 awards and a mountain of memories from the National American Miss Massachusetts State Pageant, where she chosen as a state finalist.The daughter of Selectman Debra Panetta and her husband, Mark, it’s the fourth year the 14-year-old Saugonian has been named a state finalist.?This is a wonderful opportunity for Sabrina to build on her public speaking skills, increase her confidence and make new friends,” said Debra Panetta.As a 14-year-old, Sabrina Panetta competed in the Junior Teen age division against 69 other teens from across the state. The pageant, however, caters to girls as young as 4 and as old as 18.For her efforts, Sabrina Panetta brought home a first place trophy and cash award for talent portion of the competition for her self-choreographed tap routine to the Pharrell Williams song “Happy.”She also took the top spot for modeling, winning another trophy and cash award, and received the title of Miss Spirit, due to her helpfulness and great attitude throughout the completion. Sabrina Panetta also came in second runner-up for actress, received the Spirit trophy, the outstanding program participation award, and a writing award. For the third year in a row, she came in first place for the volunteer service award.?My parents have always taught me to give back to the community,” Sabrina Panetta said.The pageant program is based on inner beauty as well as poise and presentation and offers an “all-American spirit of fun for family and friends.” Emphasis is put on the importance of gaining self-confidence, learning good sportsmanship and setting and achieving personal goals.Outside the pageant world, Sabrina Panetta is an honor student whose been taking dance lessons since age 3 and also enjoys playing the violin. She has also received four invitations to compete in the national competition in November.