Local pageant winner to represent Cambodia in world competition

Local pageant winner to represent Cambodia in world competition

By Melissa Hanson, mhanson@lowellsun.com

Updated:   10/06/2015

Virginia Prak, the newly crowned Miss Cambodian-American Northeast, practices her moves with the Angkor Dance Troupe during a rehearsal Sunday at the troupe's Lowell studio. On Oct. 22, she'll take the stage representing Cambodia in the Miss Global pageant in Manila, Philippines. SUN / CALEY MCGUANE

LOWELL -- Recently crowned Miss Cambodian-American Northeast, Virginia Prak is packing her bags to take the pageant stage again in the Miss Global competition, with the hopes of winning a title and having the chance to help children around the world.

Representing Cambodia, Prak, a Lowell native who now lives in Nashua, is vying for the Miss Global title and scholarship along with more than 100 women representing countries from across the globe.

Though she's not looking forward to the 14-hour plane ride, Prak said she is excited to meet contestants from around the world, and have a chance to show judges the culture and traditions of Cambodia. She leaves Friday for the competition on Oct. 22, which is held in Manila, Philippines.

Virginia Prak helps students warm up before their class at the Angkor Dance Troupe's Lowell studio on Sunday. On Oct. 22, she'll take the stage representing Cambodia in the Miss Global pageant in Manila, Philippines. SUN / CALEY MCGUANE

Winners also receive $20,000 and a chance to help children around the world.

"That's what I really want to do," said Prak.

Prak is a member of the Angkor Dance Troupe, and plans to use the skills she's learned in the studio to show the judges about Cambodia during the talent portion of the pageant.

"Of course I wanted to show them what Cambodian culture is like," she said. Some of the Cambodian dances embody the beauty of women, something Prak, 22, thought would be perfect for the pageant. She'll have less than five minutes to impress the judges.

The dance routines are special to her because they are a tradition that has been passed down for years and years.

Virginia Prak, recently crowned Miss Cambodian-American Northeast, rehearses with fellow members of the Angkor Dance Troupe in Lowell on Sunday. It's a busy month for the Lowell native as she prepares to take the pageant stage in the Miss Global competition on Oct. 22 in Manila, Philippines. See the video at lowellsun.com. SUN / CALEY MCGUANE

"As I grew up, it got more spiritual to me," Prak said.

"I feel honored and proud to keep the tradition going."

Her pride was apparent Sunday as she practiced with the troupe at their studio on French Street. Prak's face showed intense focus and concentration as she moved to the music with poise, her hands and fingers making intricate movements to the beat.

With Prak's excitement for the pageant comes some worry. She's not allowed to have any assistance in putting together her intricate outfits, which include a corset and a skirt she needs to sew.

"I'm nervous," she said. "Anything can happen."

This will be Prak's third pageant. When she was 16, she competed in the Miss New Hampshire Teen USA pageant. She attends Middlesex Community College, and is planning to transfer to UMass Lowell to study pharmaceutical science.

If she wins, Prak said she would be beyond excited.

"I feel like the Cambodian community would also be proud," she said.

But for now, just knowing she will be a part of the pageant, with a chance to bring honor to Cambodia, is thrilling on its own.

"The experience is exciting enough," she said.