Having anxiety in the past and low self-confidence, this was an amazing opportunity to help me.”

Haley Ann Cooley

PORTSMOUTH — Haley Ann Cooley has come a long way.

The 14-year-old Portsmouth Middle School student says the past two years have been no picnic, but a recent opportunity has given her a new lease on life.

In July, Haley will be competing in the National American Miss Pageant, in which she’s a state finalist. 

“It’s not like a regular beauty pageant,” said Haley. “It’s more based around self confidence and public speaking — trying to encourage more positive things, instead of the average beauty pageant.” 

Her mom, Debbie Janik, said it’s a big accomplishment since Haley has suffered from anxiety over the past few years.

“A lot of that was her suffering from panic attacks,” said Ms. Janik. 

Haley, who’s been a member of Creative Motion Dance Studio in Portsmouth for 11 years, agreed. 

“I was having four panic attacks a day and then I had to go to dance. It got really bad,” she said. “For two years I’ve been struggling with mental health. One of the big things is anxiety, like the fear of talking.”

Her mom said Haley was dealing with a lot of issues: Her grandmother had passed away, Ms. Janik herself had a bout of cancer, a family member committed suicide and Haley was diagnosed with Celiac’s disease. On top of that came the normal angst that teens go through, she said.

“I think that kids this age, or approaching adolescent today, have so much more to deal with than when I was younger. You’re not looked at who you are so much as your (physical appearance),” she said.

“It was so hard, there was so much stress,” added Haley. “When I was younger, I was shy. But you would think that since I dance I’d be more open to doing things.” 

Of her dance teacher, Haley said, “I couldn’t even look her in the eyes and talk to her.”

Coming out of her shell

A recent invitation to compete in her first pageant, however, has helped her along, she said. Haley received a letter inviting her to an open session for the National American Miss Pageant after being nominated by someone in town. “We have no clue” on who nominated Haley, her mom said.

The competition differentiates itself from a typical beauty pageant, as it’s judged 30 percent each on the contestant’s personal introduction, formal wear poise and appearance and communication skills in an interview, and 10 percent on participating in a community involvement project on pageant weekend.

Even though she was out of her comfort zone, Haley decided to try out and attended the session at the Omni Hotel in Providence. 

“We got there and she had us sit down. She told us we had to do an interview. I said, ‘Uh-oh,’ because I’m so nervous about talking in front of people,” said Haley.

But the interviewer asked her only three questions and Haley got through it OK. One of the inquiries was on why she decided to compete in the pageant.

“Having anxiety in the past and low self-confidence, this was an amazing opportunity to help me," said Haley, who dreams of becoming a Rockette one day. ”I think my therapist has helped a lot to help me do things I might not be comfortable with.”

Her mom said she’s already seen a change in her daughter.

“I think she’s starting to come out of her shell,” said Ms. Janik.

Needs sponsors

Haley was chosen as a state finalist and will go on to compete in the Miss Southern New England Junior Teen Southeast Regional, open to ages 13 to 15, on July 23-25 in Springfield, Mass. 

Haley said she’ll be required to do an interview with a judge, speak publicly, walk in her gown and do some community service work.

Haley said she’s participated in many community service projects for her church, St. Anthony’s, including helping needy children and volunteering at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown.

Haley needs to raise $480 from sponsors to compete in the regionals. Anyone who wants to lend financial support should make checks payable to “National American Miss” with “Haley Ann Cooley” on the memo line, and sent it to 14 First St., Portsmouth, RI 02871. All donations are tax-deductible. 

For more information about the pageant, visit www.namiss.com.h