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Girls World Expo a success

| 14 Oct 2014 | 04:07
    Photo by Frances Ruth Harris Having fun in the air.
    Photo by Frances Ruth Harris Having fun in the air.
    Photo by Frances Ruth Harris Dancing to beats.
    Photo by Frances Ruth Harris Dancing to beats.
    Photos by Heidi Robertson A boy models off his tuxedo for the fashion show.
    Photos by Heidi Robertson A boy models off his tuxedo for the fashion show.
    Men strike a pose.
    Men strike a pose.
    Girls model off dresses in the fashion show.
    Girls model off dresses in the fashion show.
    Taking turns at gymnastics.
    Taking turns at gymnastics.
    Modeling an everyday wear.
    Modeling an everyday wear.
    The 10 girls of merit winners with Publisher of Straus News Jeanne Straus and Varinda Missett, President of Girls World Expo.
    The 10 girls of merit winners with Publisher of Straus News Jeanne Straus and Varinda Missett, President of Girls World Expo.
    Learning self defense.
    Learning self defense.
    Taking fun to new heights with rock climbing.
    Taking fun to new heights with rock climbing.
    Girls learn the basics of car maintenance.
    Girls learn the basics of car maintenance.

FLORIDA, NY — Women of all ages came together to celebrate and unleash the strength, knowledge and power of what each girl harnesses inside on Sunday, Oct. 12.

A record number showed up; more than 530 girls came out to the third annual Girls World Expo, held this year at and sponsored by Sports Fitness and Fun in Florida, N.Y.

The day, hosted by Straus News, kicked off with a brunch honoring the 10 Girls of Merit award winners. More than 80 local girls were nominated who influence others and have proven themselves exceptional members of the community. Sponsored by Cyrus Jewelers, the brunch highlighted the achievements of Victoria Garloch, Kayla Campana, Catherine Marie McCabe, Sabina Marra, Demi-Lee Pretorius, Alexis Rabbitt, Hannah Whitfield, Sarah Stickney, Abigail Lupi and Julia Milliken.

The day-long Girls World Expo event continued with an abundance of activities for parents and teens.

In one arena, girls glided across the floor in dance performances by NorthEast Dance Movement while in another girls hung from the air in aerial silk gymnastics offered by Chester Body Art Studio.

Girls were also able to participate in a martial arts demonstration by Northeastern Martial Arts, rock climbing, Henna designs and other arts by The Body Art Barn and Satin Ice fondant demonstrations by Satin Ice Rolled Fondant.

Art displays showcasing drawings and paintings, coupled with intricate crafts and designs, were also on display. Singers performed and girls danced to a variety of musical beats while many area businesses were on hand.

Every nook and space throughout the complex showcased events upstairs and down.

A highlight was the live runway fashion show — sponsored by Cedar Chest and Foeller Men’s Wear (tuxedo’s) — featuring local girls from sizes 2 to 22. The show celebrated girls' healthy body images, with girls modeling ready-to-wear clothes and prom dresses, with some boys in tuxedos as well.

Seminar speakers and panels addressed topics such as texting, relationship advice, body images, and college and career options. There was also a Leadership panel, “Leaders Within Us” sponsored by Westchester Medical.

The Poetry Contest, sponsored by Ye Olde Warwick Book Shoppe, announced the winners at the expo: first prize Devin Sellinger of Sparta, second place Hadley Benneyan of Sussex and third place Morgan Parker of Vernon.