Being Miss Maumee Valley

2006-11-27T20:08:00.000-08:00

My apologies for the hiatus and lack of Thanksgiving wishes… How about I make it up to all my readers with a shiny new blog...

Introducing...

MISScellanea

Congratulations to the New Titleholders- Karissa Martin, Chirstie Youssef and Ashley Miller!

2006-11-20T22:25:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday there was something other than the OSU/Michigan game going on- a pageant! Former Miss Ohio Top 10 Semifinalists Roberta Camp and Nanciann Strosnider gave up their titles, sending two women to Miss Ohio for the first time.

The new Miss Scioto Valley is Karissa Martin [left]. The first time I saw her compete was last year at Miss Southeastern Ohio and she is one of those women of whom you automatically say “she will undoubtedly make it to Miss Ohio soon.” Karissa is a talented vocalist, usually performing “I Feel Pretty” from West Side Story. She is studying Music and Theatre at West Liberty and advocates Skin Cancer Awareness.

Also heading to Miss Ohio for her first time is the new Miss Portsmouth, Christie Youssef [right]. However, it will not be her first time at a state pageant; while I believe she is originally from Ohio, as a pre-med student at Westmont College in Santa Barbara California, she held three local titles in that state. In her first year, 2004, Chirstie was named Fourth Runner-up to Miss California. Her platform is Domestic Abuse Awareness and for her talent she plays the harp or performs a monologue.

Jillian Dansko, a Communications major at John Carroll University was named First Runner-up. Jillian is a tap dancer competing for her third local title whose platform is Artistic Involvement for the Disabled. [Below left to right: Jillian Dansko, Katie Camp, Ashley Hartman, Amy Allen, Cassie Ann Rice, Ashley Brown]

The Second Runner-up was Ashley Hartman. Ashley, a lyrical dancer, is a Communications major at the University of Akron. She advocates Internet Safety, so of course she has a website, click here to check it out! [Below left to right: unsure and Ashley Hartman]

Katie Camp was named Third Runner-up. Katie is a tap dancer studying dance at Wright State University. For her platform, Katie advocates Mentoring through the Arts. [Below left to right: Holly Sue Harris and Katie Camp]

The lovely Amy Allen, from whom I snagged most of these photos :), won the Spirit Award. She is a vocalist who works with Habitat for Humanity. She is a graduate student at Mount Vernon. [Below left to right: Katie Camp, Christie Youssef and Amy Allen]

The winner of Miss Portsmouth's Outstanding Teen was Ashley Miller; her twin sister Amber Miller was named First Runner-up and older sister Elizabeth Ann competed for the Miss titles. They're all below, but I couldn't tell you who is who!

I have but one question about the pageant's opening number- what if a contestant were a Michigan fan?!?!?

For more photos, check out Roberta Camp's and Amy Allen's blogs.

Pageant Press: Pageant Playoff

2006-11-20T18:25:00.000-08:00

The following is from the Portsmouth Daily News:

Pageant Payoff
Youssef, Martin and Miller take home titles in pageant

By JEFF BARRONPDT Staff Writer
Sunday, November 19, 2006 9:53 PM EST

Christie Youssef, Karissa Martin and Ashley Miller were the winners in Saturday's pageants at Shawnee State University's Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.

Youseff, a 21-year-old Westmont College student, is the new Miss Portsmouth.

[Photo by Lindsay Niegelberg/Daily Times; Christie Youssef takes the stage Saturday night at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts during the pageants. Youssef was named the new Miss Portsmouth.]

“This shows that hard work pays off,” the Canfield native said. “I've been working hard for this for the last couple of months.”

Much of that hard work was spent practicing the harp. Youseff played “The Baroque Flamingo” for the talent portion of the show. Youseff lives about five hours away, but the Miss Portsmouth title is open to all women in the state. Besides working on her music, Youseff also planned her platform, which focuses on preventing domestic abuse.

Martin, an 18-year-old West Liberty State College student is Miss Scioto Valley. She could not be reached for comment.

Jillian Dansko from John Carroll University was first runner-up, Ashley Brown from Evangel University was second runner-up and Wright State University's Camp was third runner-up. Shawnee State University's Morgan Allard also competed.

Miller, 16, won the initial Miss Portsmouth Outstanding Teen pageant. She attends South Gallia High School.

“This is the first contest I've competed in,” Miller said. “I was just focused on having fun and enjoying the experience. I hoped I would be picked, but I didn't have my heart set on it.”

Amber Miller was the first runner-up. The 16-year-old's school was not available.

Emilee Lowe from East Junior High School, Kayla Reedy from Minford High School and Kaci Webb from Wheelersburg High School also participated in the pageant. The contestants competed in swimsuit and evening wear contests, performed song and dance routines and had a question-and-answer session. The teen contestants, however, did not participate in the swimsuit event. Instead, they wore active, or sportswear, clothing.

The winners will compete in June 2007 in Mansfield in the Miss Ohio Pageant in their respective programs.

Miss Ohio will then compete for the Miss America crown.

The event also featured several other pageants. Haven Dillow won the Tiny Miss title. Sicily Kiesel is the new Little Miss.

Brooklyn Thompson took the Junior Miss crown and Fred Gillenwater is Little Mr. Portsmouth.

Amy Allen won the Ellen Pasturzak Spinner Spirit Award.

Pasturzak is a former Miss Ohio from Franklin Furnace.

JEFF BARRON can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 236.

Pageant Press: Shooting For Miss Ohio Crown

2006-11-19T14:06:00.000-08:00

The following is from the Portsmouth Daily Times:

Shooting For Miss Ohio Crown

By JEFF BARRONPDT
Staff Writer
Saturday, November 18, 2006 11:41 PM EST

Thirteen contestants took the stage on Saturday at Shawnee State University's Vern Riffe Center for the Arts with hopes of becoming Miss Ohio next year.

Five others were competing for the Miss Portsmouth Outstanding Teen title.

[Photo on the Right: Lindsay Niegelberg - Daily Times - Ashley Miller, of South Gallia High School, sings as part of the talent competition during the Miss Portsmouth Outstanding Teen competition on Saturday night.]

The evening featured the Miss Portsmouth, Miss Scioto Valley and Miss Portsmouth Outstanding Teen pageants. The winners will compete in June 2007 in Mansfield in the Miss Ohio Pageant.

Miss Ohio will then compete for the Miss America crown.

“This is to encourage girls to be involved with Miss America in the years to come,” reigning teen queen and Chillicothe resident Kelsey Ballew said. “We also have a princess program now, which is a feeder to the teens.”

Ballew won her title in April at the Miss Ohio Pageant in Mansfield.

The winners of Saturday's contests were not available at press time. But pageant producer Greg Davis said he will provide them to the Portsmouth Daily Times today for Monday's edition.

There were 13 contestants in the Miss Portsmouth/Miss Scioto Valley Pageant, including SSU student Morgan Allard.

They competed in swimsuit and evening wear contests, performed song and dance routines and had a question-and-answer session.

Emilee Lowe from East Junior High School, Kayla Reedy from Minford High School and Kaci Webb from Wheelersburg High School were among five teen contestants.

They competed in the same events as the older contestants, except for the swimsuit event. The teens wore active wear instead.

This is the 49th year for the Miss Portsmouth Scholarship Program and the first for the Miss Portsmouth Outstanding Teen Program.

“This is a great opportunity and I'm glad I was able to do it,” Ballew said. “I hope that someday I will get to compete at Miss Ohio and maybe Miss America. That's my dream.”

Ballew sang “Someone to Watch Over Me” on the SSU stage.

The winners in several pageants in the afternoon were also announced.

Haven Dillow won the Tiny Miss title.

Sicily Kiesel is the new Little Miss.

Brooklyn Thompson took the Junior Miss crown and Fred Gillenwater is Little Mr. Portsmouth.

JEFF BARRON can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 236.

Miss Portsmouth and Miss Scioto Valley Results

2006-11-18T22:56:00.000-08:00

Miss Scioto Valley: Karissa Martin
Miss Portsmouth: Christie Youssef

1st Runner-up: Jilllian Dansko

2nd Runner-up: Ashley Hartman

3rd Runner-up: Katie Camp

Spirit Award: Amy Allen

Miss Portsmouth's Outstanding Teen: Ashley Miller

Teen 1st Runner-up: Amber Miller

Congratulations to everyone! More soon...

Best of Luck to the Miss Portsmouth and Miss Scioto Valley Scholarship Program Tonight!

2006-11-18T08:30:00.000-08:00

Today in Portsmouth Ohio pageant director Greg Davis is putting on quit a production! In addition to crowning two Miss Contestants, two Teens will be crowned and I believe there will be additional “Little Miss and Mister” pageants.

The women doing the crowing are the lovely and talented Roberta Camp [right] and Nanciann Strosnider [left]. At Miss Ohio both these vocalists made the Top Ten. In September I had the pleasure of competing at Ohio USA with 'Berta where she made the Top 16. Nanciann is headed back to Miss Ohio for a third time, having won Miss Lake Erie just last weekend.

Director Greg Davis released the following contestant lists:

Miss Portsmouth/ Miss Scioto Valley contestants:
1. Ashley Hartman
2. Jillian Dansko
3. Cassie Ann Rice
4. Mellissa Marksberry
5. Elizabeth Ann Miller
6. Katie Camp
7. Amy Allen
8. Ashley Brown
9. Holly Sue Harris
10. Morgan Brooke Allard
11. Karissa Martin
12. Christie Youssef
13. Nicole Reidel

Outstanding Teen Contestants:
1. Ashley Miller
2. Emilee Lowe
3. Kayla Reedy
4. Kaci Webb
5. Amber Miller

This pageant will be taking place in the Vern Riffe Center on the campus of Shawnee State University. (This is the same wonderful facility which hosted the Miss Ohio USA pageant.) The Miss pageant begins at 7:30 p.m. click here or here for more information.

Best of luck to everyone!

Little Miss Springfield

2006-11-17T16:37:00.000-08:00

The following is one of my promos running on FOX Toledo today. I was excited to get to use my crown as a prop, and I thought you'd all get a kick out of it as well. And, yes... yes I realize that the crown doesn't show up too well and for some reason now that it's on YouTube, the sound isn't matching my mouth movements... I just joined YouTube in order to share this so I don't know much about it; leave a comment if you know how to fix it.

Click on the grey "play" button. And for the record, I don't select the background music!

Pageant Press: BGSU Women Compete for Miss Ohio Title

2006-11-17T12:25:00.000-08:00

The following is the BGNews article I mentioned being interviewed for about a week ago. I think the reporter did a nice job, I only wish she could have included Becky more.

BGSU Women Compete for Miss Ohio Title

By Sarah Moore

November 17, 2006

Most young girls find themselves at one point or another imagining that they would be crowned one of the highest honors in a pageant, waving at the applauding crowd while cradling a bouquet of flowers in their arms.

For three current and former Bowling Green students, among others, this dream has come true.

Lauren Hogan, a senior majoring in Interpersonal Communications, was recently crowned Miss All-American City. She is a member of the campus organization Bacchus Gamma, and is also a peer educator.

Dance Performance and Exercise Specialist major Kristen Haas currently holds the title of Miss Maumee Valley 2007. She began competing when she was 18 years old, and has won $3,700 in scholarship money so far.

Both young women won their crowns at the Miss America Scholarship that was held on Saturday, Nov.. 4 in Maumee.

With Hogan and Haas' preliminary titles under their belts, they will be competing in the Miss Ohio pageant this summer.

Abby Bollenbacher, former Miss Maumee Valley, is a 2006 alumni that made it to the top ten round in the Miss Ohio pageant this year. She serves as an example to BG women that they can make it far as well, which should help with pre-pagent jitters that are rather common.

"People see us on stage and think that it's all glitz and glamour, but they don't see us backstage getting ready and spending countless hours preparing for our interviews or our different appearances that we make," Hogan said.

Sometimes television shows and movies, such as 'Miss Congeniality' and 'Tiara Girls', emphasize, stereotype and make fun of pageant life.

"I guess one of the biggest stereotypes is that pageant girls are nothing but princesses, or we're all cheerleaders and homecoming queens," Bollenbacher said. "I was neither of those things. There's nothing wrong with being the homecoming queen or a cheerleader - I just never fit that mold."

Haas tends to feel the same way. "People always say when I go on stage for my question do I answer, 'world peace', but that's probably the worst answer you could give," Haas said.

"I am an educated woman, and I know a lot about what's going on with the world. The women I compete with are some of the most educated people that you will ever come across. They've learned more in their lives of just 20 years than people will accomplish in their whole entire lives."

However, there is a difference between a beauty pageant and a scholarship pageant that the general public may not realize.

The Miss America circuit, whose four crowning points stand for style, success, scholarship and service, is a non-profit scholarship program that provides funds to further education for young women.

Other pageants are typically profitable programs, and they focus more on the whole beauty queen aspect.

Miss America is also based on three tiers: local, state and national levels. In order to reach the ultimate national goal, the local level must be achieved first.

In order to compete in a preliminary pageant, a personal platform must be designated for each contestant.

Bollenbacher's platform dealt with being a campus Springboard coach, because she wanted to give back to the school in return for the help she received while conquering various obstacles throughout her own college career.

Hogan's platform, titled "Risky Business", is a program aimed at preventing high risk behavior in today's youth.

She is focusing on high school aged students, and hopes that her title will help her advocate the program at different schools.

Heart disease is the issue for Haas' platform. She wants to educate women about the disease while encouraging them to live healthier lifestyles.

So what is it like to earn a pageant title while living the life of a college student?

Hogan feels as if the crown displays her hard work. "I feel like I'm one of those people that understand that I need to get certain things done," she said."

I'm not going to go out and party and all of those other things they say real college students do. I want to represent myself well, and especially the organizations that I'm in.

"Note: Bowling Green student Becky Minger won Miss Northwestern Ohio last Saturday, and will be competing in Miss Ohio alongside Hogan and Haas.

Introducing Two New Pageant Blogs... and what should I do with this one???

2006-11-14T14:33:00.000-08:00

Upon the request/permission of Miss Clayland, Allie Krucek, and Amy Allen, I am pleased to announce their new blogs:

Miss Ohio Sisters

and

What I’ve Learned on My Journey

Both ladies are off to wonderful starts; be sure to check them out by clicking the titles above and make their blogs a usual stop in your internet routine!

[Photo on the left was taken backstage at Miss Maumee Valley and copied from Facebook.]

What Next?

Now that I am done with the MAO, many people have asked me, “you’re keeping your blog, right?” The answer is yes, of course, but I’m not sure exactly what my next blog will be… and I’d like some reader feedback to help me make that decision.

Because I used the title Miss Maumee Valley for the Miss Ohio USA pageant back in September, I could theoretically continue to claim that title until Miss Ohio USA 2007 next fall and continue using this blog with its current name. However, local USA titles are arbitrary and continuing to use “being Miss Maumee Valley” would feel contrived to me. Plus, I don’t want to confuse people or take away from Kristen, the new Miss Maumee Valley.

In my next phase of blogging I plan to continue reporting on all the pageant happenings around Ohio; now that I am no longer a contestant my commentary will likely include more opinions and critiques of the system. In the past I have shared information about the changes in the Miss America system, but as a contestant I didn’t feel it would be prudent to express my discontent or criticize issues I didn’t agree with. Now I feel free to analyze such matters at the local, state and national levels, with the intent of being a pro-active volunteer of the program. When I began blogging I wanted to share the process of being a contestant and preparing for competition, but I soon realized that as a competitor, I didn’t feel comfortable making much of that information public. Now that I am done competing, I hope to finally share some of that kind of information.

So… I obviously need a new blog title that indicates the pageant connection. I know I’m not Pageantry Magazine or tftj.com or anything, but I really do feel like I offer Ohio pageant lovers and contestants an exclusive resource and I plan to continue that.

However, we all know that there can be weeks on end with no pageant action, so during pageant pauses I hope you’ll continue to endure or enjoy my personal updates, rants and randomness. Thus, I feel like I need a new blog name that indicates both pageant and personal… Thoughts? Suggestions? Ideas?

I’ve maintained this blog to cover the five titles over the past two weeks, but I hope to have a new blog named, up and running by the end of this week, so please, leave your feedback as a comment or send me an email at missmaumeevally@yahoo.com... Oh drat, I need a new email address too!!!

More Miss Northwestern Ohio Photos!

2006-11-13T17:32:00.000-08:00

[In these photos: Miss Ohio Melanie Murphey, Outgoing Miss Northwestern Ohio Marisa Minor, the new Miss Northwestern Ohio Becky Minger, visiting titleholders Miss All*American City Lauren Hogan and Miss Clayland Allie Krucek. Oh, and me... :) ]

Click to enlarge these photos and check out all Loren's Miss Northwestern Ohio photos, including the contestants in Onstage Question and Evening Gown by visiting my Webshots account.

Miss Lake Erie Photos!

2006-11-13T14:06:00.000-08:00

[Above L-R: Alyssa Speicher, Nanciann Strosnider and Jillian Dansko; Below left: Amy Allen and Ashley Hartman; Below right: Alyssa Speicher and Brandi Herceg.]

Contestant Order:

1. Alyssa Spiecher
2. Amy Allen
3. Megan Wombacker
4. Brianna Savoca
5. Jillian Dansko
6. Katie Camp
7. Angela Speece
8. Krystle Formosa
9. absent
10. Brandi Herceg
11. Nanciann Strosnider
12. Ashley Hartman

[Click to enlarge photos. On the right, top photo: unsure, Nanciann and Brianna; bottom photo: Brianna and two women who I don't know... please identify them in a comment.]

Congratulations to Brianna Savoca for winning the Spirit Award! I agree, she is definately a sweetheart! Also, the Outstanding Interview Award went to Nanciann Strosnider. As I posted below, Nanciann won the title and Talent, Jillian Dansko was the First Runner-up and Swimsuit winner and Alyssa "Ali" Speicher was Second Runner-up.

Special thanks to Amy Allen and Brandi Herceg for the photos and contestant order!

Pageant Press: Sylvania woman wins Miss NWO pageant

2006-11-13T01:44:00.000-08:00

Darlene Prince wrote the following for the Crescent-News:

Sylvania woman wins Miss NWO pageant

A triple dose of talent, poise and beauty propelled Sylvania resident Becky Minger into winning the Miss Northwestern Ohio Scholarship Pageant crown on Saturday night.

The 31st pageant was held in the Defiance Community Auditorium.

Minger, 18, was chosen from a field of 12 contestants, which included six young women from Defiance, Henry and Fulton counties. She also won the talent award for her rendition of the song, “Whenever You Remember.” Included in the talent award is the traditional silver bowl from the Fort Defiance Players and $200 from Jim Estep.

Defiance contestant Samantha Pixler was fourth runner-up and received a $200 scholarship.

With the crown, Minger earns a $1,500 scholarship and the opportunity to go on to the Miss Ohio Scholarship Pageant in Mansfield next year. The winner of that pageant will compete in the Miss America pageant in Las Vegas.

The first-runner-up was Heather Waterman, Celina, who received a $600 scholarship. Second runner-up was Rachel Maris, Ada, who was given a $400 scholarship. Third runner-up was Danielle Bash, Findlay, who will get a $300 scholarship.

Minger was almost speechless as she was crowned by the 2006 Miss Northwestern Ohio queen, Marisa Minor. “I am just so excited,” she said. “I did not really expect to win the pageant and the talent competition, too. I am excited to be going to the Miss Ohio contest.”

Receiving the annual Charles Perkins Award was Elizabeth Lopez, who serves as a hostess for the young women competing in the pageant. This award is given each year by the Miss Northwestern Ohio Scholarship Pageant committee for time and service donated by an individual to the pageant. The award was named after Charles Perkins, the first director of the pageant.

Other area competitors in the pageant were Defiance resident Mellissa Marksberry; Cassandra Fruchey, Napoleon; Tiffany Westfall, Liberty Center; Jamie Burns, Delta; and Abigail Goldsmith, Swanton.

Also competing were Brandy Willoughby, Findlay; and Janelle Zindroski, North Royalton. Each non-finalist receives a $100 scholarship.

Scholarship funds are donated by private individuals and businesses.

Minger will go on to compete in the Miss Ohio pageant against a number of contestants, including Lauren Hogan of Napoleon and Kristen Haas of Rocky River, who both recently won separate pageants in Maumee. The pair originally had been entered in the Miss Northwestern Ohio pageant.

Pageant organizers are hopeful that Minger will place high in the Miss Ohio competition.

Shirley Lemaster, of the Miss Northwestern Ohio pageant, said that two former pageant winners have gone on to win the Miss Ohio crown. Robin Hancock won the Miss NWO pageant in 1994 and won Miss Ohio a year later. Kelly Creager, who was Miss NWO in 1996, also won the Miss Ohio crown a year later.

Several winners of the Miss NWO pageant have placed in the Miss Ohio pageant. They are Minor, who was among the top 10 finishers this year; 2001 queen Charlotte Eble, who was third runner-up in 2002; and 1997 queen Kristen Carpenter, who was second runner-up in 1998.

Working with the theme, “Music Across America,” the evening began with Defiance Dance Studio performers presenting the country song, “Cotton Eyed Joe.”

There was a somber note as Marisa Minor sang the song, “There Will Come a Day,” to images of American soldiers serving in the Mideast and other places.

thoughtful touch to the evening was given by emcee, Mark Schnitkey, who thanked, several times, the veterans of the armed services who were in the audience.

The finale, a moving rendition of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” was performed by the Miss Northwestern Ohio Choir directed by Eric West and accompanied on the piano by Suzi Blank.

Northwest State Community College also offered a $750, tuition-only scholarship to the winner and $500 tuition-only scholarship to the first runner-up.

Serving as mistress of ceremonies was Melanie Murphy, Miss Ohio 2006.

Congrats to the New Miss Northwestern Ohio, Becky Minger!

2006-11-12T01:40:00.001-08:00

Call the presses! The upcoming BGNews article on Falcon women succeeding in pageants will now include one more- BGSU Journalism and Musical Arts major, Becky Minger! Tonight in Defiance Becky won the Outstanding Talent award and was crowned by Marisa Minor! Miss Northwestern is known for high scholarships and Becky raked it in tonight, earning $1700 total. For talent she sang “Whenever You Remember” popularized by Carrie Underwood and her platform is Building Self-esteem in Youth “It’s not your booty, it’s your inner-beauty.” This is Becky’s second title; as Miss Greater Dayton she was First Runner-up to Melanie Murphy and the Miss Ohio crown this past July.

Becky’s First Runner-up was Heather Waterman of Celina. Heather competed last weekend in Maumee and was a Runner-up at Miss Lake Festival earlier this pageant season. She is a vocalist who advocates Mentoring. She earned a $600 scholarship to further her studies at Wright State University.

The lovely Rachel Maris was Second Runner up and also won the all important Outstanding Interview award and $650 total. Rachel sang “On My Own’ and advocates the importance of vision care for children. She has an undergraduate degree from Ohio Northern University and is now pursuing graduate studies at Rio Grande University (which, is in Ohio, not desert-town-USA.)

Third Runner-up honors and $300 went to Danielle Bash. She is a harpist and fans of former Miss Northwestern Ohio, Amber Stafford would remember the song she performed. Like Amber, Danielle is from Findlay, I didn’t get the chance to ask Danielle if perhaps she knows Amber. Her platform is the Importance of Arts in Schools.

Finally, the Fourth Runner-up was vocalist Samantha Pixler. She earned a $200 scholarship and her platform is Increasing Involvement in School Organizations.

Congratulations to the Miss Northwestern Ohio program for giving out the largest amount of scholarships in their history! No women walks away from this pageant empty handed, each nonfinalist received a $100 scholarship.

The contestant order was as follows:

1. Mellissa Marksberry
2. Abigail Goldsmith
3. Becky Minger
4. Brandy Willoughby
5. Heather Waterman
6. Tiffany Westfall
7. Samantha Pixler
8. Janelle Zindroski
9. Would have been the new Miss Maumee Valley Kristen Haas…
10. Hanna Hauman
11. Rachel Maris
12. Danielle Bash
13. Would have been the new Miss All*American City Lauren Hogan…
14. Jamie Burns
15. Cassandra Fruchey

Unfortunately Loren and I were both working late, and thus, only caught the last three talents, onstage question and gown. From what we saw, outgoing Miss Northwestern Ohio Marisa Minor, Miss Ohio Melanie Murphy and Mark Schnitkey did a wonderful job emceeing. Marisa and Mark performed a beautiful number from Phantom of the Opera, complete with ballerinas. The finale included gorgeous choral music and an enormous flag!

Congrats to all!... Many more photos coming soon...

Congrats to the New Miss Lake Erie, Nanciann Strosnider!

2006-11-12T01:39:00.000-08:00

Miss “Fancy-pants” Strosnider [left] snuck in under the radar, I had no idea she was even competing! (Nickname courtesy of former Miss Ohio, Marlia Fontaine.) Congratulations to Nanciann for capturing the title and Outstanding Talent Award! She is a Broadway vocalist who advocates The Arts. She was, of course, crowned by the outgoing Miss Lake Erie, Leslie Ondrey. Like Leslie, Nanciann has a strong track record on the Miss Ohio stage, having placed in the Top Five her first year and in the Top Ten this past July as Miss Portsmouth. Originally from the Cincinnati area, she is currently studying Musical Theatre and Broadcast Journalism at Elon University in North Carolina.

The First Runner-up was pageant veteran Jillian Dansko. Jillian is a Communications major at John Carroll University. She is a Tap Dancer who advocates Arts for the Disabled. Just like at Miss Ohio this past July, tonight Jillian also took home top honors in Swimsuit.

Alyssa Speicher was the Second Runner-up. She is a baton twirler who place First Runner-up last weekend in Maumee. She is studying Dentistry and Microbiology at Miami of Ohio.

Best of Luck to the Miss Northwestern Ohio and Miss Lake Erie Pageants, both tonight!

2006-11-11T14:17:00.000-08:00

Like last Saturday, it’s another double crown night!... But more traditionally, that means two separate pageants, some three hours away from each other. In Defiance, the beautiful Marisa Minor will crown a new Miss Northwestern Ohio and in Lexington, the talented Leslie Ondrey will give up her final title, Miss Lake Erie!

[The photo above was snapped by Jerry Deitsch from the balcony after Miss Ohio was crowned this past July. None of us remember this moment and it’s pretty impressive that he caught it with no one onstage around us! L-R: Leslie, me and Marisa.]

I had to joy of crowing Marisa Miss Northwestern Ohio last year; this was her second title, having also been a Miss Lake Festival like me. We hail from the same county and it has been wonderful getting to know her over the past couple years. At Miss Ohio this past July Marisa was in the Top 10 and for a second year in a row won the Miss America Community Service award for her work with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. I’m sure she will contribute to a wonderful show tonight with her vocal talent. Miss Ohio, Melanie Murphy, will also be at this pageant serving as a co-emcee! It begins at 7:30 in the Defiance Community Auditorium. CLICK HERE for more information.

This program lost two of its contestants last weekend when Lauren Hogan and Kristen Haas won my titles, but rumor has it the following women, listed in alphabetical order, are still competing:

*Danielle Bash is an 18 year old harpist from Findley who advocates Arts in Schools.

*Jamie Burns of Delta is a 19 year old Tap Dancer; her platform is Arthritis Awareness.

*Cassandra Fruchey is a vocalist from Napoleon who’s platform is the Pressures of Sex. She is 22.

*Abigail Goldsmith is an 18 year old from Swanton; she twirls Baton and her platform is Preventing Animal Cruelty.

*Hannah Hauman is a 17 year old from Findlay; she is a vocalist who promotes programs for Mental and Physical Disabilities.

*Racheal Maris is a vocalist from Ada, this 22 year olds platform is Visual impairment in children.

*Mellissa Marksberry is a Defiance native who advocates Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness. For her talent this 22 year old will perform a vocal selection.

*Becky Minger is an 18 year old vocalist from Sylvania; she advocates Building Self Esteem in youth.

*Samantha Pixler is a 17 year old Defiance native; she is a vocalist whose platform is Involvement in School Organizations.

*Heather Waterman of Celina is a 19 year old vocalist; her platform is the Importance of Mentoring.

*Tiffany Westfall of Liberty Center is a 17 year old gymnastics. She advocates Ovarian Caner Awareness and Research.

*Brandy Jo Willoughby is a 20 year old comedian from Findlay; her platform is Positive Messages for Youth.

*Janelle Zindroski is a BGSU student originally from North Royalton; this 19 year old will perform a vocal talent and advocates Teen Volunteering.

Note, participation in this program is restricted to women in specific northwestern Ohio counties.

Leslie Ondrey has been a fierce competitor at Miss Ohio for the past three years, placing in the Top 5 with each of her local titles and twice winning preliminary talent awards for her operatic performances! Unfortunately, like me, she has reached the dreaded age of 24, meaning she can no longer compete in the Miss America system. I’m certain tonight she will put on a phenomenal final performance as she gives up the title, Miss Lake Erie. The pre-show will begin at 7 p.m. at Lexington High School. CLICK HERE for more information about this program, which
is open to contestants from across the state.

I only know of a few women competing in this program, they are:

*Amy Allen, a graduate student at Mount Vernon. She is a vocalist who works with Habitat for Humanity.

*Jillian Dansko is a tap dancer attending John Carroll University. Her platform is Arts for the Disabled.

*Alyssa Speicher is a baton twirler attending Ohio State University; she advocates Increasing Awareness for Cardiovascular Disease.

I think Brandi Herceg is competing, she is a dancer attending Franciscan University; her platform is “Healthy Hearts are Happy Hearts.”

Best of luck to Randy, Amy and the entire Miss Northwestern crew and James and his volunteers at Miss Lake Erie, as well as to all the contestants! I have a FOX event, which I’m not sure what time I’ll get out of, but I’m going to try to make it to Miss Northwestern, even if I’m more fashionably late than normal!

Pending Pageant Press

2006-11-09T20:11:00.000-08:00

Over the past few years as the Forensics team PR chair, and doing all my own pageant press, I have learned that getting newspaper articles is like pulling teeth! So I am ecstatic to announce that the BGNews is working on a pageant article!

I had an interview this afternoon with a reporter; she is writing an article about BG students' success in pageants, spurred by the following press release which I sent out Sunday. Her deadline is Tuesday, so depending who wins Miss Northwestern Ohio this Saturday, the article may include not three, but four Falcon women! We'll see...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2006

FALCON WOMEN REIGN SUPREME IN SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT

Bowling Green State University students Lauren Hogan and Kristen Haas both received preliminary titles in the Miss America Scholarship Saturday, November 4 in Maumee. Next summer they will compete in the Miss Ohio pageant held in Mansfield.

Hogan was crowned Miss All-American City and received a $1,000 scholarship. She is BG senior majoring in Interpersonal Communications. For the talent competition, which is worth thirty-five percent of the overall score, Hogan sang “I Could Have Danced All Night” from the musical My Fair Lady. In the Miss America system, contestants must advocate a community service platform; Hogan’s is “Risky Business: Preventing High Risk Behavior in Today’s Youth.” This will be Hogan’s first attempt for the Miss Ohio crown.

Out of the fourteen contestants from around the state, BGSU student Kristen Haas won the second title, Miss Maumee Valley. She is a Dance Performance major; for her talent she performed a jazz routine to “Dance With Somebody.” Haas also won the Outstanding Interview award. The twelve minute interview comprises twenty-five percent of the contestants score. During the interview Haas discussed her social platform issue, Preventing Heart Disease in Women, as well as current events and social issues. Miss Maumee Valley is Haas’ second local title, this past July she competed at Miss Ohio as Miss Chillicothe.

Hogan and Haas were both crowned by outgoing Miss Maumee Valley, Abby Bollenbacher. Bollenbacher is also a Falcon, having graduated BGSU with a Communications degree, specializing in Theatre. As Miss Maumee Valley, she was named to the Top 10 at Miss Ohio and she is now the second BG grad to become the Face of FOX Toledo.

Other BGSU contestants were second runner-up Becky Minger, Janelle Zindroski and alum Mellissa Marksberry.

My Final Farewell Letter....

2006-11-08T11:27:00.000-08:00

Below is the farewell letter that appeared in the pageant program book last weekend:

Our lives are shaped by the choices we make; when I chose to enter my first scholarship pageant in the Miss America system six years ago, I had no idea that my decision would afford me so many incredible opportunities and shape my future in such a positive way.

It’s hard to believe that Miss Maumee Valley is my last title in this pageant system and that I am done! While I am saddened that I have “aged out” and would love to keep competing, I am excited for the next phase in my life, a phase I know will be successful thanks to what I have learned from pageants.

Only three months after graduating with my Theatre degree, I have landed a job in the entertainment field as the Face of Fox Toledo. I was selected out of nearly a hundred hopefuls, after a three round elimination process. In my final interview, I sat in front of a panel of six interviewers and three camera people, all watching and waiting to be impressed by me. Thanks to pageants, this unnerving situation was one I had faced two dozen times before. I had heard many pageant women say it before me, and now I agree, my experience in pageant interviews made a real job interview a walk in the park! I am now an on air personality and station representative for hundreds of public events. I know I landed this job thanks to the public speaking, stage presence and interview skills I learned while competing in the Miss America Scholarship program.

I feel like I literally "grew up" within the Miss America system, learning how to succeed under pressure, maturely handle personality conflicts and present myself at an array of public events. As an aspiring actress, singer and model, I can not imagine any other way to gain such valuable stage experience. My journey through what I like to call “pageantland” was filled with joy, tears, glamour, hard work, heartbreak and maturing. Thank you to everyone who put up with me, and helped me through the various steps of this journey.

Especially all my local directors along the way: Melissa Hoying, Ron Hammons, Jerry Deitsch and the crew from Miss Lake Festival who dealt with me at my worst! Melissa and the late Donna Jenkins of Miss Lorain County who allowed me to learn from my mistakes. Ronda Morris and Debbie White Jones of Miss Miami Valley who filled me with confidence! Amy Shaw, Randy Schroeder, Shirley LeMaster and the Miss Northwestern Ohio committee who made me feel more prepared than an astronaut going to space!

To Eric and Linda Wagener of Miss Maumee Valley, it has been an honor to represent your pageant in my final year. You have been a supportive presence in my pageant career since the beginning and I thank you and your entirefamily. From “old lady” jokes to life sized posters of me you made my final year at Miss Ohio wonderful!

Also, special thanks to my friends and family who have supported me along the way: Brian, Monte, Schad, Gabriell, Aunt Marjie, Grandma and Grandpa, Nancy, Loren and Cecilia, Brandon, Allison, the BGSU Forensics team, Jeff, Montana, all my Miss Ohio roommates, all the Miss Ohio volunteers and my amazing Miss Ohio chaperone and hostess, Brenda and Ginny!

Finally, there aren’t words to adequately express my gratitude to the core of my support system. Thank you to Maria Jones for being a constant source of positive encouragement! Loren, thank you for not only sharing the joyous moments with me, but also being my sounding board and shoulder to cry on. I am so lucky to be in a committed relationship with someone who supports all of my dreams. To my mom and dad, six years ago when you allowed me to begin all this, I never imagined how close it would bring us! You have been with me every stiletto-clad step of the way and I could NOT have done it without your constant encouragement. Thank you!

I am proof that persistence in the pageant world pays off, but I could not have done it alone. Thank you to everyone who has been there along the way.

~Abby

More Photos from MMV, MAAC and MVOT!

2006-11-06T13:36:00.000-08:00

For those of you who couldn’t attend the show, the special cameo role I mentioned was my longtime beau, Loren, playing Howie Mendel for the “Deal or No Deal” theme. For having next to no stage experience and only a days notice, I thought he did amazing! He was also the official photographer. In balancing those two responsibilities, he was not able to capture every woman in every phase of competition. Nor was he able to get the settings on his fancy camera perfected. So the photos are not as wonderful as what he took at Miss Ohio, but they’re better than nothing! Check them out in my new Webshots albums by clicking below:

Competition Photos

Crowning Photos

Note, Webshots has changed some of its features, and I absolutely hate it! You can still save these photos to your own computer, but it takes a few more steps… When you first click on an album you want to view, all the photos will come up as thumbnails… Click on a specific photo to enlarge it… under each enlarged photo there will be several options in the form of icons… Click on the second icon from the left to “view the photo full size.” By doing that the photo should pop up in its own window. From there you can right click to “copy” or “save” it. These are high quality, large photos which do not forward easily via email. Also, some of them need to be brightness balanced and cropped, but to get them on the internet faster I did not do any such editing.

Enjoy!

--- Edit 8:50 p.m.---

To answer the person who commented below, yes, of course my wonderful parents were there to watch me give up my final title! I couldn't have done any of it without them.

Miss Maumee Valley and Miss All*American City Photos

2006-11-05T22:46:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the New Titleholders- Lauren Hogan, Kristen Haas and Kellie Kulka!

2006-11-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

I can not begin to express how tired I am right now!!!! So, yes there are wonderful photos of tonights pageant, but for now all you're getting from me are the results!

Congratulations to the new Miss All-America City, Lauren Hogan!

Congratulations to the new Miss Maumee Valley, Kristen Haas!

Congratulations to the new Maumee Valley Outstanding Teen, Kellie Kulka!

Miss 1st RU: Alyssa Speicher

Miss 2nd RU: Becky Minger

Teen 1st RU: Kali Savoca

Miss Outstanding Interview: Kristen Haas
Miss Outstanding Talent: Alyssa Speicher

Miss contestant order:
1. Alyssa Speicher

2. Brandi Herceg

3. Laura Estrada

4. Amy Allen

5 Rachel Maris

6. Janelle Zindroski

7. Heather Waterman

8. Mellissa Marksberry

9. Becky Minger

10. Kristen Haas

11. Jamie Burns

12. Jillian Dansko

13. absent

14. Lauren Hogan

15. Brianna Savoca

Teen contestant order:
1. Kali Savoca

2. absent

3. Haley Matuszynski

4. Haley Devers

5. Kellie Kulka

Come to Miss Maumee Valley, Miss All*American City and Maumee Valley's Outstanding Teen Pageant Tonight!

2006-11-04T02:06:00.000-08:00

Tonight at 7 p.m. I will give away my final MAO title! The pageant will be held in the Maumee High School Performing Arts Center. (Maumee is basically connected to Toledo.)

The Performing Arts Center is located on the back side of the school; look for the football stadium. There are no stairs either for the audience to enter the facility or the contestants to load their things into the dressing room. CLICK HERE to get directions.

Trust me, you don't want to miss this! Three women will be crowned and someone very special to me is participating in the show in an exciting cameo role!!!

Miss Maumee Valley/ Miss All*American City Venue

2006-11-02T11:45:00.000-08:00

Last week I went with Eric Wagener to the new location of Miss Maumee Valley/Miss All*American City and it is wonderful! This is the fourth year for this pageant, and the fourth location, but I think they have finally found a home.

The photos below are from Maumee High School's website and do not do this brand new space justice! [Click to enlarge]

The lobby is very open and beautiful.

Television monitors in the lobby will likely be on, so you won’t miss any of the pageant on your trip to and from the washroom! Concessions will also be sold.

2006-11-02T11:43:00.000-08:00

Both the house and stage in this theatre are HUGE! A large practice room located behind the stage is where the interviews will take place. I hope the ladies all look good in purple because that’s the color of all the walls in this room! Despite the color, I think this space will be great for interview because there will be absolutely no distractions for either the judges or contestants. In the photo there seem to be some scenery being stored in this room, but it will be cleared and the curtains will be pulled over the mirrors. I have also requested this room remain open after the interviews so the woman can warm up for Talent.

2006-11-02T11:42:00.000-08:00

Miss Mansfield Photos

2006-10-31T10:14:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to hear that Amy Allen won Miss Congeniality at Miss Mansfield. She is such a sweetheart and here’s a great example- below are her photos from Miss Mansfield:

Apparently there was some sort of costume party to celebrate the upcoming holiday. Top: Sophia Davis (Miss Mansfield 05/06), Amy Allen and Melanie Murphy (Miss Ohio). Bottom: Ashley Hartman and Katie Camp both as Dorothy.

I assume this was there opening number, but I’m not sure exactly what the ladies are supposed to be! Anyone want to fill us in? L-R: Amanda Hahn, Ashley Hartman, Kristen Haas, Emily Cousino, Alyssa Speicher, Katie Camp, Jillian Dansko and Amy Allen.

Above: L-R: Jillian Dansko, Amy Allen, Amanda Hahn, Kristen Haas, Emily Cousino, Alyssa Speicher, Katie Camp and Ashley Hartman.

Above: Amy Allen wins Miss Congeniality; 1st Runner-up Ali Speicher applauds.

Thanks Amy, and congrats again to everyone!

Pageant Press: Miss Mansfield: Michigan woman is winner of pageant

2006-10-29T14:55:00.000-08:00

The following is from the Mansfield News Journal.

[Photo submitted by Kara Russell- Here are some of the top winners Saturday night in the Miss Mansfield 2007 Scholarship Pageant. From left are Katie Camp (talent swimsuit winner), Miss Mansfield 2007 Emily Cousino, Alyssa Speicher (evening gown winner) and Kristen Haas, 3rd runnerup. ]

Miss Mansfield: Michigan woman is winner of pageant
News Journal staff report

MANSFIELD -- Emily Cousino, of Ottawa Lake, Mich., was crowned Miss Mansfield on Saturday night at the Mansfield Senior High School auditorium.

Cousino was one of eight young women competing for the local title.

She is a senior at Lourdes College, in Sylvania, Ohio, majoring in fine arts and pre-art therapy.

Cousino showcased her singing talent, and her platform was "Heart Start Education."

She will compete for the state title at the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program in June at the Renaissance Theatre.

The state winner advances to the Miss America Scholarship Program.

Originally published October 29, 2006

Congratulations to the New Miss Mansfield, Emily Cousino!

2006-10-28T22:52:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to one of my very favorite people, Maria Jones, who just called me with the results of Miss Mansfield:

Miss Mansfield: Emily Cousino
1st RU: Alyssa Speicher
2nd RU: Katie Camp
3rd RU: Kristen Haas
4th RU: Jillian Dansko

Interview: Emily Cousino
Talent: Katie Camp
Swimsuit: Katie Camp
Evening Gown: Alyssa Speicher

Miss Congeniality: Amy Allen

Huge congrats to Emily! She is a sweetheart who I met when she competed for Miss Northwestern Ohio. At Miss Miami Valley she sang “Hallelujah, I Love Him;” I’m not sure if that’s what she sang tonight, as she performs both jazz and country very well. I know that Emily competed in Michigan, but I don’t know if she ever made it to the state level there. Regardless, I wish her the best of luck as she competes for Miss Ohio for her first time as the hometown favorite.

Also, congratulations to all the ladies who competed tonight. It must have been a nail biter considering how the awards are spread out. Hopefully photos and press with become available soon.

Best of Luck to the Miss Mansfield Scholarship Program!

2006-10-28T02:26:00.000-07:00

Tonight in Mansfield the lovely Sophia Davis [left] will give up her first pageant title. Sophia, a dancer from Pickerington who works with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, has already earned a second trip to Miss Ohio, recently winning Miss Miami Valley!

The Miss Mansfield pageant will begin at 6:15 at the Mansfield Senior High School Auditorium. For more informations on the pageant, click here. The Miss Mansfield program is working on their own website.

Also, Sophia has recently launched a new website; it's wonderful, and I'm not just saying that because I'm in one of the photos. :) CLICK HERE to view Sophia's site.

Rumor has it the following women are competing:

Alyssa Speicher is a baton twirler. At this time, that is all I know about her. [No photo could be found.]

Amy Allen [left] is pursuing her Masters in Business at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. For her talent she will sing and she advocates Urban Renewal Through Habitat for Humanity.

Jillian Dansko [Right] is a tap dancer who promotes Artistic Involvement for the Disabled. She is studying Communications at John Carroll University. A crown would send Jillian back to Miss Ohio for a third time.

Emily Cousino [left] is studying Art Therapy, Business and Computer Systems at Lourdes College. She is a former Miss Junior America. Emily will sing a jazz vocal; her platform is Heart Start Education.

Ashley Hartman [right] is a Communications major at the University of Akron. She is a lyrical dancer who promotes Internet Safety. CLICK HERE for her platform website.

Amanda Hahn [left] is a vocalist who promotes Self Confidence in Teens. She studies Fashion Design and Merchandising at Kent State University.

Katie Camp [right] is a tap dancer pursuing Dance at Wright State University. Katie’s platform is Mentoring Through the Arts.

Kristen Haas [left] is a Bowling Green State University student studying Dance and Exercise. She performs a jazz dance and advocates Preventing Heart Disease in Women. This past July Kristen made her first appearance at Miss Ohio as Miss Chillicothe.

I wish Laura and Sophia a great show, and best of luck to all the contestants! While this would be my last chance to be a "visiting titleholder," I don't think I'll be attending. Rather, I'll anxiously await the results and post them as soon as I can.

(The photos above came from a variety of sources; as always updates, additions and corrections are welcome. Simply email me or leave a comment.)

Sad News...

2006-10-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

Nicole Kukwa was a Miss Ohio local contestant who was diagnosed with cancer about a year ago. While I never met Nikki, I believe she competed in the Miss Greater Cleveland program and I know she is in the hearts of many in the pageant community. Sadly, this morning she passed away. The following was written on her website:

Hi everyone - I am writing to inform you that Nikki lost her battle with Leukemia this morning at 11:11am. She was a smart, caring, brave, beautiful girl who loved life and will truly be missed by everyone. She fought this battle with her chin held high right to the end. Her family would like to thank everyone who was a part of her life and who supported her through her ordeal. She touched many people in her short life and was an inspiration to all. Funeral arrangements will be at Vodrazka Funeral Home, 6505Brecksville Road, Independance on Wednesday 7-9 pm and Thursday 2-4pm and 7-9pm with mass held on Friday at St. Matthias Church, 1200 W. Sprague Road, Parma at 10am. Please see Wednesdays Plain Dealer for additional information. To honor Nikki's wishes, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to "Friends of Nikki" at Huntington Bank. The funds are intended to be used to establish an aviation scholarship to benefit future female pilots.

Yours truly her Aunt Audrey

[The photo of Nikki above was copied from a newly formed Facebook memorial group.]

Fundraising Pageant Deadlines Extended

2006-10-23T16:38:00.000-07:00

I just received the following email from Roberta concerning deadlines for fundraising pageants in conjunction with the Miss Portsmouth/Miss Scioto Valley Scholarship programs:

THE DEADLINE FOR THE TINY MISS (2-5 YRS)- JUNIOR MISS(6-12 YRS)- AND LITTLE MR. (2-10) PORTSMOUTH/SCIOTO VALLEY PAGEANTS WILL BE EXTENDED UNTIL NOV. 7. ALL THREE OF THESE PAGEANTS WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY NOV. 18 AT 1:00 P.M. IN THE VERN RIFFE CENTER FOR THE ARTS - (YES, THIS IS OSU/MICHIGAN DAY - BUT THE FOOTBALL GAME DOES NOT START UNTIL 3:30 P.M. SO EVERYTHING WILL BE DONE HOPEFULLY BY 2:45-3:00) THESE PAGEANTS BENEFIT THE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS OF THE MISS PORTSMOUTH / MISS SCIOTO VALLEY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.

THE ENTRY FEE IS 50.00 MADE PAYABLE TO THE MISS PORTSMOUTH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. THE WINNERS WILL REPRESENT THE PORTSMOUTH AREA IN PARADES, FESTIVALS AND OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR! APPLICATIONS CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE RITZ IN PORTSMOUTH AND AT THE SOUTHERN OHIO CRAFT MALL IN WHEELERSBURG OR BY CONTACTING PAGEANT DIRECTOR GREG DAVIS AT 740-981-2948 (CELL) 1-800-482-1921 (WORK) OR VIA EMAIL @ gsd1971oh@yahoo.com

******THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THE MISS PORTSMOUTH/MISS SCIOTO VALLEY AND MISS PORTSMOUTH OUTSTANDING TEEN PROGRAMS
ARE STILL NOVEMBER 1******

Greg Davis

I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS! 20,000 HITS IN LESS THAN A YEAR!!!

2006-10-21T23:58:00.000-07:00

Check-out Melanie's New Travel Log!

2006-10-19T21:49:00.000-07:00

While our Miss Ohio, Melanie Murphy gave blogging a try, I've known for a few weeks that she is instead going to devote her time to a travel log to show everone what she's been up to. Thus far she only has a month compiled, but I know she is working hard to get it up to date.

CLICK HERE to view her photos and event summaries.

Miss Clayland Photos!

2006-10-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

The first photo is from Amy Allen, and the rest from Allie Krucek's Facebook accounts. Thanks ladies!

Congratulations to the New Miss Clayland, Allie Krucek!

2006-10-15T03:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight Kasey Wilson crowned Allie Krucek the new Miss Clayland! Allie will make her third appearance on the Miss Ohio stage next summer, having recently been the second runner-up as Miss Buckeye State. [The photo on the left is from The Times-Reporter.]

Originally from North Canton, she studies Exercise Science at the University of Toledo. In addition to the crown, Allie received a Community Service Award for her platform, Serving Children with Disabilities. For the talent portion, she performs a jazz dance; I would venture to guess it was the same as what she performed at Miss Ohio, that being “Mambo Italiano.” I am very excited for Allie, as she is one of the sweetest young women in the Miss Ohio system right now. I had no doubt she would make it back to Miss Ohio, and I’m quite sure several other local directors, mine included, are envious that Martha Campbell “got her first!”

[*Note* The photo above was NOT taken at Miss Clayland, ironically, these are the correct women standing together after Miss Buckeye State last spring. L-R: Lauren Hogan, Karissa Martin and Allie Krucek.]

I am also so proud of First Runner-up, Lauren Hogan! Like me, she is a Bowling Green State University Falcon; Lauren is studying Interpersonal Communications. She also won the Outstanding Interview Award! Lauren’s platform is Risky Business: High Risk Behaviors in Today’s Youth and she sang “I Could Have Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady.

The Second Runner-up was the beautiful Karissa Martin. She attends West Liberty State College; for her platform she advocates Skin Cancer Awareness for a Second Generation. Karissa also won the Outstanding Talent Award! I am unsure what she sang, but in pageants past she has performed “I Feel Pretty” from West Side Story.

Congratulations to all the participants! Hopefully I’ll find some photos floating around the web and share them here soon.

I apologize this post was not timely, I was busy playing, and winning :), a poker game tonight!

Best of Luck to the Miss Clayland Scholarship Program!

2006-10-14T01:39:00.000-07:00

Well… What can I say about Miss Kasey Wilson… In addition to being a preliminary Talent winner and Top 10 Finalist back in July at Miss Ohio, Kasey is one of those people who makes any event more fun, just by being who she is. This weekend in Uhrichsville she’ll be giving up her second local title, Miss Clayland. Click Here for directions and such.

The Miss Clayland program is known for the strong support of the “Clayland Crew,” ample scholarships and successful Miss’ at the state level. Thus, there’s no surprise fifteen women are competing for Kasey’s crown.

They are:

-Brittany Zion, 20, New Philadelphia, Kent State University, vocal, Share Beauty, Spread Hope, Believe: Fighting for a Breast Cancer Cure. [No photo found.]

– Laura Estrada, 21, The Woodlands, Texas, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, vocal, Teenage Driving Safety and Awareness. [Photo on the left.]

– Jillian Dansko, 21, Seven Hills, O., John Carroll University, dance, Artistic Involvement for the Disabled. [Photo on the right.]

– Rose Kovach, 19, Steubenville, Seton Hill University, vocal, A Global Future: Increasing Foreign Language Studies Among Youth. [No photo found.]

– Brianna Savoca, 18, North Royalton, Ohio University, vocal, The Importance of Reading to Our Youth. [Photo on the left.]

– Katie Camp, 19, Newark, Wright State University, dance, Mentoring Through the Arts. [Photo on the right.]

– Allison Bencar, 21, Concord, O., Cleveland State University, vocal, Supporting Breast Cancer Patients and their Families. [No photo found.]

– Allie Krucek, 21, North Canton, University of Toledo, dance, Serving Children with Disabilities. [Photo on the left.]

– Brandi Herceg, 17, Steubenville, Franciscan University, dance, Healthy Hearts are Happy Hearts. [Photo on the right.]

– Amanda Hahn, 19, Bellbrook, Kent State University, vocal, Promoting Self Confidence in Teens. [Photo on the left.]

– Amy Allen, 22, Akron, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, vocal, Urban Renewal Through Habitat for Humanity. [Photo on the right.]

– Ashley Hartman, 18, Canton, The University of Akron, dance, “Don’t Believe the Hype!” – The Importance of Internet Safety. [Photo on the left.]

– Karissa Martin, 18, Woodsfield, West Liberty State College, vocal, Skin Cancer Awareness for a Second Generation. [Photo on the right.]

– Lauren Hogan, 21, Napoleon, Bowling Green State University, vocal, Risky Business: High Risk Behaviors in Today’s Youth. [Photo on the left.]

– Kara Neike, 20, Pickerington, Wittenberg University, dance, Girl Talk: Girls Inspiring Girls. [No photo found.]

(The above contestant information is from the The Times-Reporter. The photos came from a variety of sources; as always updates, additions and corrections are welcome. Simply email me or leave a comment.)

Best of luck to everyone! I won't be there, but I'll post the results as soon as I get the call!

Pageant Updates Galore!

2006-10-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

Just like my directors, local pageant director Greg Davis will not only be giving away two Miss titles (Miss Portsmouth and Miss Scioto Valley) at his pageant on November 18, but he’ll also be awarding complimentary Teen titles. Great job Greg!

Speaking of my directors, Eric and Linda Wagener, there’s still time to enter their fabulous program. Ladies, I’ll admit it, I was the queen of getting pageant paperwork postmarked on the day it was due, a minute before the post office closed! You can do it!

Next, congratulations to Irene Smallwood, Executive Director for the Miss Greater Dayton Scholarship pageant, who recently joined the wonderful world of blogging with her two blogs, Miss Greater Dayton and Miss Greater Dayton 2007.

(Thanks to the fabulous Roberta Camp for the above scoop!)

Also joining the internet in a new way, Elyse Healey has started an official website as a class project, in addition to her blog. I’m so jealous!

You can read on Elyse's Blog how former Miss Ohio contestants, Katelyn Koval (Miss Open City 2006) recently won a local title in Pennsylvania. She’s the new Miss Allegheny Valley 2007; congrats Katelyn! [Below, Katelyn poses with Emily Wills, Miss Pennsylvania; copied from Katelyn's Facebook account.]

The Great American Dream Queen Show Lineup

2006-10-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

I recently received an email about the Dream Queen show, letting me know when it will air. Those in the Lima area should tune in, starting October 29. Episodes air on WLIO (Channel 35, NBC) on Sunday nights/Monday mornings at Midnight. The participants are as follows:

October 29:
Host: Kaye Lani Rae Rafko
Contestants: Daleena Bailey (unknown talent), Heidi Meade (belly dancer) and Nichole Barker (unknown talent)

November 5:
Host: Kaye Lani Rae Rafko
Contestants: Amie Moore (unknown talent), Jennifer Thompson (vocalist) and Christina Bush (line dancer)

November 12:
Host: Heather French-Henry
Contestants: Holley Workman (vocalist, I think) , Kathy Placie (belly dancer) and Tracy Leigh (vocalist)

November 19:
Host: Heather French-Henry
Contestants: Amanda Shaffer, Kim Moden and Abby Bollenbacher (all vocalists)

November 26:
Host: Heather French-Henry
Contestants: Trudy Yeatts (tap dancer), Grace Breaston (vocalist) and Jeanee Stamman (vocalist)

December 3:
Host: Heather French-Henry
Contestants: Jeana Jones (pianist), Hope White(vocalist) and Nikki Rambin (vocalist)

***SPOILER ALERT: The winners were: Jeana Jones, me (Abby Bollenbacher), Trudy Yeatts, Holley Workman and Christina Bush. I’m not sure who won the first episode.

If anyone can help me, I know it’s you!

2006-10-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

Call me a hypocrite…! I’ll go on and on about the faulty political elections in this country recently, but I really, really need your help to swing a vote!

As part of my job, I have to tailgate at a local football game with FOX Toledo each week. An online viewer poll determines which game we’ll go to, and this week a school 45 minutes away is way out in the lead!

Please help me out by CLICKING HERE and voting for the first option, Southview at Northview!!! (Look for the logo below on the right side of the page.)

We have until the 10 o’clock news on Wednesday night to help my gas tank and sanity, I know we can do it!

Face of FOX Toledo Update

2006-10-07T13:18:00.000-07:00

I was right, I got sick with an awful head cold and have been pretty miserable all week, but I still had to coach BG's Forensics team and I’m in the middle of a three event weekend for FOX Toledo.

CLICK HERE to check out my appearances and Face of FOX Blog.

CALL FOR MISS & TEEN CONTESTANTS!

2006-10-05T00:45:00.000-07:00

As most of my readers know, I have held five titles in the Miss America system and I truly feel like I’m ending my experience on a high note, as Miss Maumee Valley. Directors Eric and Linda Wagener offer a no-fuss one day pageant, years of pageant experience and an excellent prize package.

Eric and Linda are very supportive directors, having been “pageant parents” for several years, and directors for the past three years. In addition to a $1,000 scholarship, the winners of their program receive a photo shoot with Kyle Baugh of Gallippo’s photography!

On November 4, I will be crowning not only a new Miss Maumee Valley, but also a Miss All-America City. In one night, a contestant has double the opportunity to grace the Miss Ohio stage! Ladies, if you have not already applied, CLICK HERE for Wagener’s contact information and official forms. (Contestants must be age 17 to 24, naturally born unmarried women without children, who live, work, or attend school in Ohio. Click Here to read the complete contract.)

HURRY! THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 14!

Also, Eric and Linda are working to propel the Miss America system forward by hosting a Teen pageant. I believe it will happen in tandem with the Miss pageant on November 4. Regardless, this is a wonderful opportunity for teens to begin to cultivate their abilities, gain self confidence, meet new friends and mature into beautiful young women.

The Teens will compete in Interview, Sportswear, Talent, Evening Gown and likely an On-stage Question. This pageant has a very reasonably entry fee and the winner will compete to become Ohio’s Outstanding Teen next Spring. I believe like both Miss titles, this is open to Teens from anywhere in Ohio. (Contestants must be age 13 to 17; click here for more information.) If you, your daughter, sister, niece or friend are interested in becoming Miss Maumee Valley's Outstanding Teen, click above to contact Eric and Linda Wagener!

Do not let these wonderful opportunities pass you by!

2006-10-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

Wow, if this blog were a child, I should hope social services would have taken it away from me! I have been neglectful! In my defense, I’ve been out of town a lot lately and now I think I’m getting sick. Great! It seemed like I was awake every hour on the hour last night battling what felt like knives in my throat. I was so scared I’d wake up without a voice and not be able to do my Face of Fox TV shoot this morning. Thankfully I got through it, and now I’m going to go take some medicine and sleep!

I promise in-depth posts about Miss Ohio USA and Las Vegas are coming soon… until then, three pageant press posts are below…

Congratulations Mary Krouse, Miss America Pyramid Award Winner!

2006-10-03T14:45:00.000-07:00

Each year the Miss America program gives away prestigious scholarships for women specifically pursuing medicine, the performing arts and marketing and public relations. These awards are open to the thousands of women who compete at the local, state and national levels of competition. Impressively, a Miss Ohio contestant, former Miss Marion Popcorn Festival, Mary Krouse, earned the $2,500 Pyramid Award for marketing and public relations.

I know Mary was very devoted to her Miss Ohio preparation and is also in a demanding and prestigious marketing/pr program at Ohio University; thus, she is very deserving of this award and I am so happy for her! Congratulations Mary!

Click Here to read about her accomplishment in Mary's own words.

Pageant Press: Fifteen to compete Oct. 14 for 2007 Miss Clayland title

2006-10-03T14:36:00.000-07:00

The following article was copied from The Times-Reporter.

Fifteen to compete Oct. 14 for 2007 Miss Clayland title

UHRICHSVILLE – The 51st Miss Clayland Scholarship Program will be held Oct. 14 at 7 in Claymont High.

Fifteen contestants will vie for the title of Miss Clayland 2007 and the chance to compete for Miss Ohio in June.

Contestants, their ages, hometowns, schools, talents and platform issues, are as follows:

– Brittany Zion, 20, New Philadelphia, Kent State University, vocal, Share Beauty, Spread Hope, Believe: Fighting for a Breast Cancer Cure.

– Laura Estrada, 21, The Woodlands, Texas, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, vocal, Teenage Driving Safety and Awareness.

– Jillian Dansko, 21, Seven Hills, O., John Carroll University, dance, Artistic Involvement for the Disabled.

– Rose Kovach, 19, Steubenville, Seton Hill University, vocal, A Global Future: Increasing Foreign Language Studies Among Youth.

– Brianna Savoca, 18, North Royalton, Ohio University, vocal, The Importance of Reading to Our Youth.

– Katie Camp, 19, Newark, Wright State University, dance, Mentoring Through the Arts.

– Allison Bencar, 21, Concord, O., Cleveland State University, vocal, Supporting Breast Cancer Patients and their Families.

– Allie Krucek, 21, North Canton, University of Toledo, dance, Serving Children with Disabilities.

– Brandi Herceg, 17, Steubenville, Franciscan University, dance, Healthy Hearts are Happy Hearts.

– Amanda Hahn, 19, Bellbrook, Kent State University, vocal, Promoting Self Confidence in Teens.

– Amy Allen, 22, Akron, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, vocal, Urban Renewal Through Habitat for Humanity.

– Ashley Hartman, 18, Canton, The University of Akron, dance, “Don’t Believe the Hype!” – The Importance of Internet Safety.

– Karissa Martin, 18, Woodsfield, West Liberty State College, vocal, Skin Cancer Awareness for a Second Generation.

– Lauren Hogan, 21, Napoleon, Bowling Green State University, vocal, Risky Business: High Risk Behaviors in Today’s Youth.

– Kara Neike, 20, Pickerington, Wittenberg University, dance, Girl Talk: Girls Inspiring Girls.

Master of ceremonies is Chad Roberts, music instructor at New Philadelphia Schools. Kasey Wilson, Miss Clayland 2007 and Miss Ohio Preliminary Talent Award Winner will perform. The Schoenbrunn Valley Barbershop Chorus will be the featured entertainment.

The 15 young women will compete in interview, talent, eveningwear and swimsuit categories for more than $4,700 in scholarships.

Advance sale tickets are available at Twin City Pharmacy at Dennison for $8. Tickets also will be available at the door.

For more information contact Martha Campbell at (740) 922-1644 or campbell_1027@sbcglobal.net.

Pageant Press: Miss Mansfield hopefuls learn rules of the game

2006-10-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

The following article and photo were copied from The Mansfield News Journal.

[Above photo by Jason J. Molyet/News Journal]

Miss Mansfield hopefuls learn rules of the gameBy Lisa Miller News Journal

MANSFIELD -- Turn off the cell phones and turn on the smiles.

Seven young women hoping to capture the Miss Mansfield Scholarship Program crown got that advice and plenty of encouragement at a contestants' forum Sunday.

"We are there for you. We are your number one support group, right after your parents," program director Laura Russell told the applicants during the afternoon session at Picture Perfect Studios on Lexington Avenue. She introduced other members of the team who will be putting on the program and urged the contestants to, "smile, support each other."

Three of the 10 women who have submitted their applications were unable to attend Sunday's get-together. Friday is the deadline to enter the Miss Ohio preliminary competition.

The Oct. 28 scholarship event at Mansfield Senior High School will take the theme "Masquerade." In keeping with the Halloween motif, the applicants got their numbers for the program in bags of candy Sunday.

Noting that she hasn't competed in any pageants since high school, Angela Lauren Speece at first appeared a little uneasy about getting the first spot, but said it would be OK. The 23-year-old, who majored in general fine arts and art education at Youngstown State University, said she is hoping to win money for graduate school.

Emily Cousino, 22, will also be making her first appearance in the Mansfield program. She is a former Miss Junior Michigan who went on to become Miss Junior America. A student at Lords College, Sylvania, she plans to sing a jazz number.

The candidates also heard a plea from the reigning Miss Mansfield, Sophia Davis.

"You have to give back to the community of Mansfield," she said, acknowledging that can be "really, really hard" when living in another city. Davis urged her potential successors to acknowledge the program's many volunteers and to, when asked, "Just say, 'Yeah, sure, I'll do it.' "

2006-09-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas was amazing!!! More to come about my trip soon!...

Melanie has a New Blog!

2006-09-27T02:09:00.000-07:00

I’ve been quite busy lately, and I apologize for my lack of blogging and failure to return phone calls, emails and Facebook messages. It feels like I just got back from Portsmouth and Miss Ohio USA, yet, later this morning I’ll be jetting off to Las Vegas for a few days with Loren for a Honda something-or-other for his job!

I have several things I want to blog about upon my return, until then though, check out Melanie’s new blog: A Day & A Life With Miss Ohio. That’s right, our Miss Ohio, Melanie Murphy has started a blog! Obviously I think blogging is a great way for titleholders at any level to connect with the public. Melanie emailed me her new link earlier today; I think her first post is wonderful and I hope she doesn't mind me sharing it. I look forward to reading more as she finds the time in the business of being Miss Ohio to blog about it!

The differences between Miss Ohio USA and Miss Ohio ( America)

2006-09-25T21:48:00.000-07:00

I had a general idea what the differences in Miss Ohio (America) and Miss Ohio USA were, now that I’ve competed in both, I’ve compiled a list:

Location:
Miss Ohio USA : Portsmouth , Ohio
Miss Ohio America : Mansfield , Ohio

Time in host city:
MO USA : 3 days
MOA: 9 days

Activities:
MO USA :
Rehearsals
Private welcome dinner
Presentation Show (prelims)
Final show

MOA:
Rehearsals
Parade
Festivals(s)
Celebrity Waitressing
Luncheons
3 nights of preliminaries
Final show
Coronation ball

Scoring:
MO USA :
Swimsuit- 1/3
Evening Gown- 1/3
Interview- 1/3

MOA:
Swimsuit- 15%
Evening Gown- 20%
Interview- 25%
Talent- 35%
Onstage Question- 5%

The interview:
MO USA : The 5 judges are divided and sat at two tables in one room; contestants enter in pairs spending 2 minutes with one table, then swapping and spending 2 minutes with the second table. Contestants sit during the interviews. Questions were based mostly off a questioner each contestant submitted. Contestants wear a variety of fashion-forward attire, from skirts and sweaters to dresses and pant suits, most with trendy accessories.

MOA: The panels consist of 5 to 7 judges; contestants interview one at a time and give a 45 second introduction, we are asked questions for 10 minutes, then can give a 45 second conclusion. Contestants stand behind a clear podium. Questions are based off of a resume and platform sheet each contestant submits and often also include current events, political and social issues. Contestants usually wear professional/pageantish skirt or pant suits.

The Judges:
MO USA : One panel judges the Presentation Show and Interviews; a new, separate panel judges the Top 15 during the Final Show.

MOA: The same judging panel judges everything.

Contestants:
MO USA : 73 women age 18 to 26
MOA: 24 women age 17 to 24

Entry:
MO USA : $989 entry fee; titles are irrelevant and given based on residency.

MOA: Contestants must earn their title by winning a “local” preliminary pageant, which usually has 9-20 contestants.

Lodging:
MO USA : In a hotel, 2 contestants per room.
MOA: With a host family, 2 contestants per home.

Chaperones:
MO USA : 1 chaperone per group of 15 contestants; contestants are transported by bus.
MOA: 1 chaperone for every 2 contestants; chaperones transport contestants in their cars.

Family Visitation:
MO USA : Briefly during hotel checkout, families may load a contestant’s belongings that they do not need for the Final Show, but cannot enter their hotel room.

MOA: Briefly after each preliminary night, during some rehearsals and some events, but always with a chaperone present.

Electronic Devices

MO USA: Cell phones can be carried to rehearsals, but are to be turned off, however, chaperones are flexible and allow women to use them during breaks and on the bus to and from the hotel. Unfortunately no ones phones would work at the hotel, so it was wonderful that chaperones respected our need to use them in the dressing rooms and no contestant ruined this by using them during rehearsals.

MOA: Cell phones, pagers, laptops, etc. were explicitly to be used only at the host home and were not even to be carried to rehearsal and events. We constantly “smuggle” them and secretly use them in bathrooms. At Miss Ohio this year, when someone’s phone alarm went off, a volunteer dug through her things to find it and everyone received a stern lecture as a result. Both contestants and officials feel disrespected about the situation, as contestants are adults and it is difficult to be treated like a child for a week, while officials feel adults should be able to follow rules that come with a job.

Onstage production:
MO USA : The outgoing Miss and Teen titleholders emcee the Presentation Show; news anchors emcee the Final Show. Contestants performed an opening number routine and introduced themselves during the Final Show only. No additional entertainment is needed from singers or dancers.

MOA: The outgoing Miss and additional performer(s) emcee all four nights. Contestants perform an opening number dance and introduce themselves all four nights; contestants dance in at least two additional production numbers each night. Ample amounts of singing and dancing occurs between phases of competition.

In the theatre:
MO USA : Contestants never leave anything at the theatre; for the Presentation Show we do our hair and make up in our hotel room and carrying only our swimsuit, evening gown, shoes and jewelry to the theatre. Silver strappy heels were required for swimsuit and opening number, many women also wore them for their gown. For the Final Show, contestants had to get ready at the theatre, but could only bring what hair and makeup supplies fit in a provided tote bag, or in the bottom of their garment bags.

MOA: Contestants “move into” the theatre early in the week, leaving all our pageant belongings, including swimsuit, talent outfit, competition evening gown, two “walk on” evening gowns, shoes, hairs supplies, makeup, and many, many extras. Most women carry their things in large Rubbermaid tubs or plastic drawers on wheels.

Pageant emphasis:
MO USA : Modeling- being a fashion model and a role model.
MOA: Education, community service and talent.

Walking Patterns

Click the pictures to the right to enlarge each. Note, at Miss Ohio USA we were constantly encouraged to “swoop,” so the right angles you see are a result of my lacking computer skills; all the turns we actually curves. Also, the Miss Ohio ( America ) swimsuit pattern was a “figure 8.”

The winner goes on to:
MO USA : Miss USA
MOA: Miss America

There were aspects of this weekend that my family and I prefer to our five years in Mansfield, while there are also things about Miss Ohio America that we missed this weekend. I don’t think we would ever say one is better or worse than the other, just different.

*Note, this post was done hastily and will likely be redone soon; this post provides factual information and an opinion post will be added soon as well.

From the Scioto Valley to the Maumee Valley...

2006-09-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

I’m back in Holland- one of Ohio’s northern most cities, from Portsmouth- one of the most southern, and host of the Miss Ohio USA pageant. While I did not make the Top 15, I had a great time.

Huge congratulations to current Miss Ohio (America) titleholders who did make the Top 15- Kasey Wilson, Erin Jeffery and Roberta Camp, and former titleholder Kristen Swinehart. Also, congrats to Miss Ohio (America) local contestants Meredith Driscoll and Amanda Holzen who placed in the Top 5 this weekend.

Much more about this pageant experience soon.

Pageant Press: Miss Ohio USA and MIss Ohio Teen USA

2006-09-24T18:46:00.000-07:00

The following two articles and photos are from the Portsmouth Daily Times :

[Scott Osborne/For the Daily Times Miss Richmond Heights Anna Melomud reacts after hearing her name announced as Miss Ohio USA 2007 at the conclusion of the competition at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts Saturday night.]

Melomud crowned
Albrecht named semi-finalist in Miss Ohio competition

By RYAN SCOTT OTTNEYPDT Staff Writer
Saturday, September 23, 2006 11:11 PM EDT

Anna Melomud, of Richmond Heights, became Miss Ohio USA 2007 on Saturday night at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts at Shawnee State University.

The event began at 6:30 p.m., following the Miss Ohio Teen USA pageant. The two events sold a combined 1,774 tickets, nearly doubling Friday night's sales.

The Miss Ohio pageant followed a similar format to that of its junior counterpart, beginning with a dance number led by Miss Ohio USA 2006 Stacy Offenberger.

Co-host Rob Williams, of Channel 6 News in Cincinnati, said Offenberger shares a special honor with actress Halle Berry, in that Offenberger is the first Miss Ohio since Berry to make her way to Miss USA's top five finalists. Berry was the Miss USA first runner-up in 1986, and Offenberger finished third, exactly 20 years later in 2006.

After Offenberger was introduced, the judges handed in their votes based on Friday night's performance, intending to narrow the 70 prospective candidates down to 15. However, there was a tie in the judges' voting, resulting in 16 semi-finalists. According to Wayne Allen, of the Portsmouth-Scioto County Visitors Bureau Special Events Committee, this is the first year in Portsmouth's five-year history of hosting the event that a tie has occurred.

The 16 semi-finalists were: Sarah Blanton, of Cleveland; Erin Jeffery, of Southwest Ohio; Kristen Swinehart, of Miami County; Roberta Camp, of Pickaway County; Alexis Semach, of Delaware; Meredith Driscoll, of Erie County; Leah Huhn, of Central Ohio; Angelique Verbarg, of Greater Cincinnati; Stephanie Albrecht, of West Portsmouth; Meghan Leak, of New Albany; Missy Kohut, of Canfield; Melomud; Brittany Jordan, of Chesapeake; Amanda Holzen, of Mason; Kasey Wilson, of Granville; and Chelsea Ballint, of Martins Ferry.

Following a second round of swimsuit and evening gown competitions, the judges narrowed the list to five, selecting Semach, Driscoll, Leak, Melomud and Holzen.

“I was hoping for more, but there's a reason for everything, and I was ready for that,” said Albrecht of not making the top five. “It's been surreal. I've had an amazing experience this weekend. I've had a lot of fun.”

The five finalists were challenged in the interview portion of the pageant, with questions such as “What do you consider to be a woman's top priority?” and “What is the importance of winning Miss Ohio USA?”

Before the winners were announced, judges awarded two other titles, which are open to all 70 contestants: Miss Congeniality (Meghan Leak, of New Albany) and Most Photogenic (Brittany Jordan, of Chesapeake).

With the final challenge complete, the judges left to tally their votes and returned nearly 15 minutes later, with the women's fate in their hands.

Fourth runner-up is Leak; Driscoll is third runner-up; Holzen is second runner-up; Semach is first runner-up; and Melomud took the crown as Miss Ohio USA 2007.

“Honestly, I don't remember any of it,” said Melomud of the shock of winning the pageant. “I was just so excited, and so many feelings going through your body. It's definitely exhilarating!”

This is Melomud's second pageant, and with her title as Miss Ohio USA she will work to promote breast cancer awareness while she continues to complete her degree in biology.

Melomud will now represent the state of Ohio at the 2007 Miss USA competition, which will be televised live on NBC.

[Lindsay Niegelberg/Daily Times Rachel Epperly, of Gahanna, was crowned Miss Ohio Teen USA 2007 on Saturday at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.]

Epperly named Miss Ohio Teen
Miss Portsmouth Meagan Cyrus named third runner-up

By RYAN SCOTT OTTNEYPDT Staff Writer
Saturday, September 23, 2006 11:12 PM EDT

The Miss Ohio Teen USA pageant concluded Saturday at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts as Rachel Epperly, of Gahanna, was crowned Miss Ohio Teen USA 2007.

The event began at 2:30 p.m. with a dance number featuring all 69 teen contestants, led by Miss Ohio Teen USA 2006 Peyton McCormick, of West Chester.

Hosts Sheila Gray and Rob Williams, of Channel 6 News in Cincinnati, introduced all the contestants, and welcomed McCormick out to offer her advice to the winner.

“To the girl who wins, work it,” said McCormick. “And to her family, let her work it, don't hold her back because she only gets this opportunity once.”

After McCormick's speech, the judges announced the 15 semi-finalists, based on judging scores from Friday night's Presentation Show.

The 15 semi-finalists were: Meagan Cyrus, of Portsmouth; Epperly; Katherine Dials, of North Bexley; Elizabeth Babicke, of Solon; Kayla Shanahan, of Perrysburg; Rachel Lee, of Anderson Township; Menaka Apana, of Indian Hill; Anna Ursu, of Sylvania; Lauren Gessner, of Canfield; Brittany Haddock, of Hilliard; Lindsay Hanson, of Dayton; Courtney Terbovich, of Trumbull County; Victoria Miller, of Delphos; Samantha Fay, of Bay Village; and Carley Schweet, of Cincinnati.

Following a second-round of swimsuits and evening gowns, the judges were dismissed to tally their voting. They retuurned to announce the top five: Cyrus, Epperly, Babicke, Hanson and Terbovich.

The five finalists were then judged in the interview portion of the pageant, with questions such as “At what age should kids be allowed to date?” and “What does success mean to you?”

Cyrus was asked by host Rob Williams, “Within the state of Ohio, where do you like to vacation, and why?”

“I like to vacation in Columbus because most of my family lives up there, and all of the shopping. I love to shop,” she replied.

After the interview portion of the show, hosts awarded two other titles, for which all 69 contestants were eligible. The awards were given for Miss Congeniality (Victoria Mihalich, of East Palestine) and Most Photogenic (Rachel Lee, of Anderson Township).

McCormick took the stage in tears once more to walk her last steps as Miss Ohio Teen 2006. Then it was time to name Miss Ohio Teen USA 2007 - Rachel Epperly claimed the crown handed down to her by McCormick.

“There are so many gorgeous girls here tonight, so when they called me for 15, I was just elated,” said Epperly, who added that it began getting “nerve-racking” when she heard her name called for the top five.

“I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, this may be a reality for me',” she continued. “Standing there waiting, holding the girl next to you's hand, it was very exciting.”

Babicke was named fourth runner-up; Cyrus was third runner-up; Terbovich was second runner-up; and Hanson was first runner-up.

“I can't even describe it, even after 15 I thought, ‘Oh, even if I don't make five, it's still great where I am right now,'” said Cyrus. “Starting out from 69 and going from 15 and then five ... and third runner-up ... it's just amazing. Especially (with this) being my first time ever being in a pageant.”

The 16-year old Cyrus says she plans to return again next year to the teen competition, but says she hasn't yet thought about competing for Miss Ohio USA when she's old enough.

Epperly's parents, Larry Epperly and Becky Cooper Epperly, of Gahanna, said they are proud of their daughter's success.

“She worked so hard. She worked out five days a week. She practiced her walking. She did everything under the sun to make it happen,” said Larry Epperly. “We're thrilled - proud and thrilled!”

Becky Cooper Epperly is a native of the Portsmouth area, where she graduated from Portsmouth High School and then from Scioto County Joint Vocational School, before she moved away in 1978.

Rachel Epperly has previously been working with the Abstinence 'Till Marriage organization, speaking to school children about the importance of remaining abstinent, and plans to use her title to expand her work with the organization.

She will now go on to represent Ohio in the Miss Teen USA competition in 2007.

I Wore Miss America’s Gown, Continued…

2006-09-19T16:44:00.000-07:00

Wow- what a crappy day! I’ve been up since 6:30, was at the TV studio for several hours this morning, it's overcast and cold and I just found out my cat has FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disorder). Tomorrow morning I have to do an interview with a radio show, then shoot something else at the Fox station, before heading to my parent’s home to pick up my evening gown and swimsuit from the seamstress, then it’s on to Portsmouth tomorrow night (since it’s a four to five hour drive and check in for Miss Ohio USA is Thursday morning.)

So basically I have the rest of today to do my least two favorite things in the world- clean and pack… and schedule Fuzzy an appointment to get treatment from a different vet… and get a nail fixed that just had to break at quite an inopportune time… and procrastinate (as usual) by blogging instead of doing all those things I should be doing!

Last week I was at my parent’s home to film the Dream Queen contest/show/pageant/whatever… The six preliminary episodes were filmed over three nights (two shows per night) with former Miss Americas as the hosts. The first night was with Kaye Lani Rae Rafko as host, the second and third with Heather Renee French. Again, the phases of competition were Sportswear, Talent, Gown and Quiz Show; there were three diverse contestants each show with three judges. The judges for all six preliminary shows were theatre owner/pageant producer Leslie Norris Townsend, pageant judge and guru Smith Runyan and dance instructor Maeva Nailer. Like Star Search, each judge awarded a theoretical crown to the women they scored highest in each phase.

I was in the fourth show, and competed against Mrs. West Central Ohio Amanda Shaffer and Dream Big contestant Kim Moden. I really commend Kim for coming out at the last minute and competing with a great attitude, after the original contestant cancelled. In the end, Amanda dominated the quiz show, Leslie gave me her Sportswear “crown” and Amanda her Talent and Gown “crowns.” Smith gave me all three of his, and Maeva gave me her Talent and Gown, giving Sportswear to Amanda. Winning six of the ten “crowns,” I won overall and advanced to the finals, to be filmed November 14.

While Heather was the emcee, the woman who won the previous show crowned me. This aspect had not been announced prior, so I had to rearrange my schedule a bit and stay at my parent’s house a second night, to be there to crown the winner of the fifth show. I didn’t mind because it meant spending more time around a former Miss America, getting more local air time that my family can see and catching up with another former Miss Ohio contestant also competing in this show. Who? The lovely Jeana Jones!

Jeana crowned me Miss Maumee Valley, and I immediately thought how fun it would be if I were also able to crown her… but she was competing in the second show of the night, and I was there to crown the winner of the first. However, the woman who I crowned couldn’t inconvenience herself an extra two hours to stick around to crown the next winner! Since I was there, they asked me to do it. Be on this show three weeks in a row? Okay!

The thing was, I only had one evening gown with me, and considering I own several and like to get use out of them, that was just annoying. When I asked how it would look if I wore my red talent dress, Heather said I could borrow one of her gowns!

Heather is one of the most genuine and generous people I’ve ever met! Just like my show, one of the competitors in Jeana’s show saved the day by participating at the last minute because someone backed out. Heather was also letting her borrow a gown. My parents and Loren were there the night I competed, but not the next night, so called them going on and on about how “I’m standing in Miss America’s gown right now!” Not that it’s the one she won Miss America in, but still!

Unlike the night I competed, both shows on the third and final night of preliminary taping were much better because “crowns” went to all three women. During the final taping, Dream Big performers Hope White and Nikki Ramblin each received three “crowns;” Jeana received four and I did indeed get to crown her; we’ll now compete against each other at the finale!

The shows begin airing on WLIO Lima on October 29 at 11:35 p.m. Therefore, I believe the show I compete in will air November 19, and Jeana’s should air December 3. Again, the finals are being filmed November 14; the preliminary winners include three vocalist, a tap dancer, a line dancer and a pianist, ranging in age from 24 to 50 something; I believe Jeana and I are the only finalist who are unmarried and without children.

PHOTOS COMING SOON!… for now, I have to get a fingernail fixed, tan, buy my cat some canned food with which to take his antibiotic and make one of those pricy, last minute pageant-stuff stops at a CVS or Walgreen’s.

I Wore Miss America’s Evening Gown!!!

2006-09-15T21:36:00.000-07:00

I have had an exciting but very exhausting few days…

The Dream Queen show went great! I ended up having to stay at my parent’s home an extra night; while it forced me to rearrange my life a bit, being at a second Dream Queen taping allowed me to catch up with one of everyone’s favorite former Miss Ohio contestants who is also in the show. I drove home way too late last night, got up way too early this morning and had a fiasco of a tailgating event with Fox tonight!

So sorry to leave you all hanging, but I’m crashing for the night!

Did I make it to the Dream Queen finals???... Who’s the other Miss Ohio former???... How did I get to wear Miss America’s Evening Gown???

To Be Continued...

*insert sigh of disappointment here*

Pageant Press: Miss Ohio has greater goals

2006-09-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

Miss Ohio has greater goals

By Lou Whitmire

Mansfield News Journal

MANSFIELD -- Miss Ohio 2006 Melanie Murphy wants to be the next Miss America.

She just returned to Ohio from Los Angeles where she met the other 51 contestants destined for the Miss America stage in January.

In town Wednesday for a mock interview to prepare for Miss America judges, the 20-year-old discovered common ground with the other Miss America hopefuls. "We were able to bond," she said.

The 2007 Miss America Pageant will take place at the Aladdin Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Jan. 29.

While in Los Angeles, Murphy and the other contestants filmed a two-hour special. The week-long CMT filming showed the contestants as they met and interacted. The special will be part of CMT's expanded programming that will complement the live 2007 Miss America Pageant and will be shown on CMT and its sister networks, VH1, MTV and Logo.

Murphy, a Cleveland Cavaliers dancer from Brook Park, said contestants traveled to Hollywood and met former Miss Americas Lee Merriweather and Phyllis George.

"We actually have a reality show of which I can't say anything. It's all hush-hush," Murphy said. "We went through pageant school. So this is all taped, all of our conversations, all our private interviews, things we were feeling, behind the scenes stuff. It's going to be really exciting that way, so America will be able to relate to not just their state girl but maybe falling in love with another girl as well."

Her favorite part of the competition is talent.

"It's the phase of competition where you get to be yourself, do what you love what you do, what your strength is, have fun and show your personality, which is great," she said.

During her interview at the Eric and Teri Tinsman house on W. Second St., Murphy answered questions about current events and her platform.

She also talked about volunteerism.

Originally published September 14, 2006

Busy… busy… busy…

2006-09-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

Today I’m hitting the road to my parent’s house, as I’ll be competing in the Great American Dream Queen TV show, filmed at the St. Mary's Theatre tonight. For the talent competition I’m singing “Funny Honey,” my Miss Ohio talent for my last two years and I’ll be wearing my blue velvet evening gown. Instead of swimsuit, I’ll be competing in “sportswear” which has proven to be more annoying than when Miss America thought “casual wear” was a good idea! The past week I shopped my heart out for some cute workout outfit to match my Asics running shoes, the whole time thinking “this is so stupid… this should not be this difficult!” You see, I workout at home, not at a gym, so the price tags on attractive workout wear were outrageous to me! In the end, I found something that I think will look good onstage, but didn’t break the bank… and I even worked out in it last night, so it’s legitimate!

Then, tomorrow morning I’ll be taking my *new* evening gown for Miss Ohio USA to a family friend and seamstress for some minor alterations! I’ll share more about that very soon…

Finally, if you’re sick of hearing about my new job as the Face of Fox Toledo, you can breath a sigh of relief because I now have a separate Face of Fox Blog! This was started last year for Leah, but she was busy with Grad school and other commitments and never really took to the wonderful world of blogging. I, on the other hand, manipulated the question “what do you do for fun” during my final interview, telling the judges I am an avid blogger and would use blogging as a tool to connect with the Fox Toledo audience. Yesterday I was finally given my log-in information and I’ve already made two entries.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MY FACE OF FOX HOMEPAGE AND BLOG!

Giving Back with Words

2006-09-11T17:22:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked to write an endorsement for the Miss America system, for a brand new Miss Ohio local to use in their quest for sponsorship. I wrote the following:

Our lives are shaped by the choices we make; when I chose to enter my first scholarship pageant in the Miss America system six years ago, I had no idea that my decision would afford me so many incredible opportunities and shape my future in such a positive way.

During my years of competing in the Miss America Scholarship program, I won five local titles, meaning I competed to become Miss Ohio five times. In addition to the crowns, I earned nearly thirteen thousand dollars to finance my education. I now hold a Bachelors of Arts in Communications degree, specializing in Theatre from Bowling Green State University. My academic achievements could not have been possible without the financial assistance of pageant scholarships.

There is another commodity offered through pageant competition that a price tag can not be put on- personal development. I feel like I literally "grew up" within the Miss America system, learning how to succeed under pressure, maturely handle personality conflicts and present myself at an array of public events. As an aspiring actress, singer and model, I can not imagine any other way to gain such valuable stage experience.

Only three months after graduating with my Theatre degree, I have landed a job in the entertainment field as the Face of Fox Toledo. I was selected out of nearly a hundred hopefuls, after a three round elimination process. In my final interview, I sat in front of a panel of six interviewers and three camera people, all watching and waiting to be impressed by me. Thanks to pageants, this unnerving situation was one I had faced two dozen times before. I had heard many pageant women say it before me, and now I agree, my experience in pageant interviews made a real job interview a walk in the park! I am now an on air personality and station representative for hundreds of public events. I know I landed this job thanks to the public speaking, stage presence and interview skills I learned while competing in the Miss America Scholarship program.

I believe pageants can give young women in America the skills to accomplish whatever it is they set their minds to. We are a diverse group of young women who do not let pageantry define us, but allow it to refine us, so that we may better serve the world around us. ~Abby

I have to give credit where credit is due… The best line, about being refined not defined by pageantry, is not my own. During Miss Ohio week this year, producer John Kunkel allowed a few former contestants to share words of wisdom with the contestants during our rehearsals. One of whom was the daughter of volunteer Karen Lash and granddaughter of interview award scholarship donor Rosalie McAtee. (I do not recall this former contestant’s first name and would be grateful if someone could leave it as a comment.) Anyway… she gave a powerful impromptu speech which included the line I “borrowed” above.

Miss America VS. Miss Popular

2006-09-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

I just found this article, and I absolutely love it! It illustrates the classic fight between good and evil… someone who should be more famous because she is intelligent and talented and wants people to do the right thing, verses someone who is famous for being famous and people love her because she always does the wrong thing!

MISS AMERICA SLAMS PARIS HILTON FOR DUI ARREST

Reigning Miss America JENNIFER BERRY, who is the national spokesperson for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), has slammed PARIS HILTON for driving while intoxicated and insists the socialite needs to take responsibility for her actions.

Hilton was arrested Thursday (07SEPT06) after Los Angeles police pulled her over for driving erratically and found she was legally over the limit.

Berry says, "We're always very disappointed when we hear about any alcohol related DUI's. We're very thankful no one was injured or killed. "However, I'm very disappointed, because even at .08, her judgment was impaired. "Her inhibitions were impaired and she needed to take responsibility for the fact she had consumed that much alcohol."

Hilton has come under fire from safety groups who insist she is setting the wrong example for young drivers after being caught behind the wheel while intoxicated.

Pageant women tend to never publicly speak ill of anything, to maintain decorum and appease sponsors, etc… So I applaud Jennifer for speaking out and not being intimidated by Paris Hilton’s celebrity status and fan following.

More from Miss Miami Valley…

2006-09-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

More Photos:

Photos courtesy of the lovely Amy Allen (click each to enlarge).

[Above on the Left: Lauren Hogan, Sophia Davis, Mellissa Marksberry, Samantha Maxwell and Nanciann Strosnider; Above on the Right: Nicole Budzinski, Ashley Brown, Ashley Hartmen, Amy Allen, Allison Bencar, Emily Cousino, Lauren Hogan, Samantha Maxwell and Amee Everman.]

[Above on the Left: Sophia and Mellissa; Above on the Right: Ashley H. and Amy A.]

The Contestants:

#1. Amee Everman; Amee sang “Till There Was You” from The Music Man. She advocates Youth Self Esteem.
#2. Emily Cousino; Emily sang the jazzy number, “Halleluiah, I Love Him,” her platform is Heart Start Educations.
#3. Ashley Brown; Ashley sang “I Am Changing” from Dream Girls.” She promotes Arts Education.
#4. Nanciann Strosnider; Nanciann sang “Once Upon A Time” from Brooklyn; her platform is Arts Education.
#5. Samantha Maxwell; Samantha sang the Alicia Keys ballad, “If I Ain’t Got You.” Her platform is Arts Education.
#6. Amy Allen; Amy sang “I’ll Forget You” from The Scarlet Pimpernel; she works with Habitat for Humanity.
#7. Sophia Davis; Sophia performed a jazz dance to “Hit Me with a Hot Note.” Her platform is the Big Brothers/ Big Sisters organization.
#8. Mellissa Marksberry; Mellissa sang “Alexander’s Ragtime Band;” she advocates Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness.
#9. Ashley Hartman; Ashley performed a lyrical dance to “How Does it Feel” by Avril Lavigne. Her platform is Internet Safety Education.
#10. Nicole Budzinski; Nicole performed a pom pom routine to a music medley titled “Girls, Girls, Girls;” she promotes Childhood Safety.
#11. Allison Bencar; Allison performed “Tonight” from West Side Story as Maria. Her platform is Breast Cancer Awareness.
#12. Lauren Hogan; Lauren sang “I Could Have Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady; she advocates positive decision making through her platform, “Risky Business.”

The Show

It was an absolutely miserable night! Miss Miami Valley is held during the Montgomery County Fair, outside, under a tent. The past three years it’s been ridiculously hot; this year it was cold, windy and rainy. I’m sure all the contestants were scored higher than normal in swimsuit, out of pure sympathy! I guess it must not have been that bad onstage, because every single one of the contestants were noticeably longwinded in answering their onstage questions. Nonetheless, it was a very close competition, and I try not to say that too often, as it becomes cliché.

As for the production, all the entertaining and emceeing was done by Miss Ohio Melanie Murphy (the first Miss Miami Valley to win the state crown) and E.D. Ronda Morris’ daughter, Leslie. Leslie is a former titleholder and aspiring country artist, whose married name I can’t recall… Melanie gave a heartfelt thank you to Ronda and spoke about receiving the keys to the city of Dayton; the mayor named Friday September 1 Miss Ohio Melanie Murphy Day!

[In the photo below, Amy Nicole and Lauren take in the charm of the fair by posing in front of live wild animals. Click to enlarge.]

2006-09-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

Best of Luck to Miss Ohio Melanie Murphy in Hollywood!

2006-09-06T13:27:00.000-07:00

Miss Ohio, Melanie Murphy left yesterday for Los Angeles, California to film a two-hour television special that will air on CMT prior to the pageant in January. [Photo on the left from the Miss Ohio website.]

Originally, a reality show was going to be filmed and the Miss America contestants would have been competing in preliminary competition this week. However, that was changed; this week the contestants will be filming getting-to-know-you interviews and such.

During the recent Miss Miami Valley pageant, Melanie told the audience that a bit of reality will still be infused into the program, as contestants will be constantly recorded- from their rehearsals to their private phone calls!

CLICK HERE to read the Miss America press release titled, “52 MISS AMERICA CONTESTANTS ARE HOLLYWOOD BOUND; CMT BEGINS FILMING FOR PAGEANT SPECIAL.”

Pageant Press: DON MISCHER PRODUCTIONS TAPPED TO PRODUCE 2007 MISS AMERICA TELECAST FOR CMT

2006-09-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

DON MISCHER PRODUCTIONS TAPPED TO PRODUCE 2007 MISS AMERICA TELECAST FOR CMT

2007 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT to Premiere Live From the Aladdin Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Monday, January 29 on CMT

NASHVILLE – September 6, 2006 – CMT has signed highly-acclaimed, Emmy Award-winning producer Don Mischer and his production company, Don Mischer Productions, to produce the 2007 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT, it was announced today by Sarah Brock, vice president production, music and events, CMT. Mischer, whose credits include the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies, the Rolling Stones Super Bowl XL Halftime Show and the Kennedy Center Honors, will oversee production of the live, two-hour Miss America Pageant telecast from the Aladdin Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Mischer and Charlie Haykel will serve as executive producers and Juliane Hare as producer.

"Everyone in the television business wants to work with Don and we're very fortunate to have him and his team at the helm of this year's Pageant," said Brock. "Don's passion for television and Miss America promises to bring a dynamic perspective to such a historic franchise."

"The Miss America Pageant is deeply rooted in the history and tradition of our country," said Mischer. "We're very excited to be working with CMT on this landmark television event."

Sam Haskell, III, chairman of the board, Miss America Organization stated: "We are incredibly proud and honored to have a producer of Don's caliber joining us this year. Having produced hundreds of hours of quality, award-winning television, Don's innovative approach and creative vision will set the standard for the Miss America Pageant for years to come."

Don Mischer is a leading television events producer and director. His notable work includes Barbra Streisand's Millennium television event in Las Vegas, the Emmy Awards, the Ceremonies of the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, and specials with Willie Nelson, Bob Hope, Cher, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, Gregory Hines and Mikhail Baryshnikov. He also produced and directed the Super Bowl XXXIX Halftime Show starring Paul McCartney. Mischer has won 13 Primetime Emmy Awards for directing and producing.

The 2006 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT premiered on CMT last January and ranks as the most-watched telecast in CMT's history with total viewers. Since its premiere, re-airings of the Pageant have been seen by more than 27 million different viewers.

For the first time in its 85 year history, the MISS AMERICA PAGEANT took place outside of Atlantic City and debuted in Las Vegas. Jennifer Berry, of Oklahoma, is the current Miss America. The 2007 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT will take place at the Aladdin Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

CMT, America's No. 1 country music network, carries original programming, specials, and live concerts and events, as well as a mix of videos by established country music artists and new cutting-edge acts, including world premiere exclusive videos. Founded March 6, 1983, CMT, owned and operated by MTV Networks, reaches 83 million households in the United States. Go to country music's biggest web site at www.CMT.com.

The Miss America Organization is one of the nation's leading achievement programs and the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance. For more information, go to www.missamerica.org.

# # #

Sharon Pearce

Miss America Organization

609.345.7571

sharon@missamerica.org

National Sweethaert

2006-09-05T01:34:00.000-07:00

This year's National Sweetheart crown went to Kelly Bradshaw of Georgia! Check out Turn For The Judges for complete results and Sweetheart trivia. Although Ohio's Elyse Healey was not a finalist, I'm sure she represented our state well. I imagine Elyse's Blog will be updated after she catches up on her sleep and such.

Miss Miami Valley Photos

2006-09-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

Click each thumbnail to enlarge:

[Above Left: visiting titleholders Becky Minger, Miss Greater Dayton and I; Right: Miss Miami Valley Sophia Davis and Miss Ohio Melanie Murphy.]

[Above Left: First Runner-up/ Miss Portsmouth Nanciann Strosnder in comfy clothes after the pageant with Becky and I; Right: Becky and I with Second Runner-up, Lauren Hogan.]

[Above Left: Becky, Sophia, Melanie, me and Lauren; Right: Nicole, Samantha and Lauren before the pageant in their country themed opening number outfits.]

Two things should be obvious from these photos- First, that Becky and I like to bombard the stage and be in pictures with our friends, who we wish we could have spent the day competing with. :) Second, that the contestants haven’t yet uploaded their fun backstage shots to Facebook for me to steal and post here! Don’t worry ladies, I only post what meets my standards as appropriate and flattering.

Finally, for some annoying reason the two photos below wouldn't enlarge when included in the posts with any text, so they get a special place on my blog all by themselves... Click on it below to enlarge!

[Top: Melanie busy being Miss Ohio; Bottom: group photo from Left to Right: Samantha Maxwell, Nanciann Strosnider, Lauren Hogan, Sophia Davis, Sophia's cousin, Emily Cousino, Nicole Budzinski, Melanie Murphy, Allison Bencar, Mellissa Marksberry and Ashley Hartman.]

2006-09-03T18:35:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the New Miss Miami Valley, Sophia Davis!

2006-09-03T02:39:00.000-07:00

Tonight at the Montgomery County Fair Miss Ohio Melanie Murphy emceed, entertained the crowd and gave away her local title of Miss Maumee Valley. [Left, Miss Miami Valley’s old and new: Melanie and Sophia Davis. Click to enlarge.]

Miami University of Ohio Communications major, Sophia Davis won awards for Outstanding Swimsuit, Talent and Interview in addition to the title Miss Miami Valley! For talent she performed an energetic dance to “Hit Me With a Hot Note” and her platform is the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. Next summer she will try for the title of Miss Ohio a second time; this past July she competed as Miss Mansfield.

First Runner-up Nanciann Strosnider was also at Miss Ohio this past July as Miss Portsmouth. Tonight for her talent she sang “Once Upon a Time” from the musical Brooklyn; this was the song she performed her first year at Miss Ohio, when she was Miss South Central Ohio. Nanciann advocated Arts Education and is studying Musical Theatre at Elon University.

The Second Runner-up was Lauren Hogan. She sang “I Could Have Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady. Lauren’s platform is “Risky Business: Preventing High Risk Behaviors in Today’s Youth.” Like me, Lauren is a Bowling Green Falcon; she studies Interpersonal Communications.

The contestant order was as follows:

#1. Amee Everman
#2. Emily Cousino
#3. Ashley Brown
#4. Nanciann Strosnider
#5. Samantha Maxwell
#6. Amy Allen
#7. Sophia Davis
#8. Mellissa Marksberry
#9. Ashley Hartman
#10. Nicole Budzinski
#11. Allison Bencar
#12. Lauren Hogan

It was a very cold, rainy night outside in a tent and a very long day… I am so tired! More commentary and photos will be added later.

Congratulations again to Sophia, all the contestants and E.D. Ronda Morris and her crew!

Best of Luck to the Miss Miami Valley Scholarship Program!

2006-09-02T11:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight at the Montgomery County fairgrounds in Dayton a new Miss Miami Valley will be crowned! This program has a special place in my heart, as I am a former Miss Miami Valley and director Ronda Morris is one of the sweetest people I have ever had the joy of working with.

Despite the unique circumstance of being in an entertainment tent at a county fair, Ronda and her crew always do a great job. Clearly, since the outgoing Miss Miami Valley, Melanie Murphy, was crowned Miss Ohio in July! I believe Melanie was the first of Ronda’s contestants to accomplish that. [Above left, Melanie and I after she won this title last year.]

I cannot wait to see Melanie and all the contestants! The rumor mills are rolling with possible contestants for this pageant, but I can confirm with certainty that the following women are vying for Melanie’s local crown: Lauren Hogan, Nancianne Strosnider, Ashley Hartman, Amy Allen, Sophia Davis and Mellissa Marksberry.

Best of luck to all the contestants!

The pageant begins at 7 p.m. This one’s a bargain, only $4 gets you into the fair and the pageant. I’m headed south right now to do some Miss Ohio USA gown shopping prior to the pageant, so cross your fingers for me as well as your favorite contestant!

…personal rant…

2006-09-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

Right now I should be almost done with an 8K… obviously I’m sitting at a computer instead…

The Ryan Serber 8K Classic was this morning at the University of Toledo. Ryan worked at both Fox Toledo and I believe the Toledo NBC affiliate; sadly, he fell victim to cancer. This was not a paid Face of Fox “gig;” but I wanted to participate nonetheless.

Why am I not there? Well, last night it was realized that my beloved orange tabby, Fuzzy, wasn’t urinating. He made a point to try to go in front of me this morning in the shower stall of all places, but was clearly having no luck. Rather than running a race, I had to make a run to the vet. I DO NOT LIKE FUZZY’S VET! I’ll not say where I take him, out of civility.

My “Fuzziers” was declawed and neutered at a vet near my home town without problem, when I lived in BG he visited a vet there for his kitten shots and always did fine. When I moved north, Fuzzy got a new vet, but it has not worked out at all! He goes crazy the minute you carry him into the exam room, growling like a lion and attacking anything that comes within a foot of his carrier. The doctor this morning had the audacity to tell me “some cats just aren’t civilized!!!” I realize that although he was fine as a kitten, this could be something he grew into as an adult cat, but I believe it has everything to do with that exam room, because he’s fine in the waiting room. And though they cautioned me he might bite me when I got him home, he was also fine the moment we got back in the car!

The situation is upsetting because his reaction to the exam room means that they have to “put him in the box” and knock him to examine him. I don’t like the risk of anesthetics and I hate the attitude of this doctor. In the end, it’s likely an infection and luckily not a blockage; my poor kitty is now on antibiotics.

The ironic part is the involvement of my Face of Fox predecessor, Leah. She and I were going to run together this morning; when I called to tell her I probably wouldn’t make it I also asked if she had her own animals, because she was bad luck for mine! Back in December I was about to walk out the door to go to Leah’s holiday party when Loren got the call that his longtime buddy, Reggie the Doberman pincher, had died- under the care of the above mentioned vet! That’s a whole other situation, but I still think I need to do some vet scouting.

Okay, I’m done with my rant…or quite literally a hissy fit... back to regularly scheduled pageant blogging…

Best of Luck to Ohio’s Sweetheart!

2006-09-01T22:16:00.000-07:00

The National Sweetheart pageant is going on this weekend; best of luck to Ohio’s participant, Elyse Healey.

Although this pageant is not officially affiliated with Miss America in any way, it was created for state runners-up to experience national competition. Many Sweetheart participants go on to win their states and five Sweetheart winners have even gone on to become Miss America. Every year about thirty states accept the invitation from the Jaycee’s of Hoopeston, Illinois to participate. If the first runner-up cannot attend, the opportunity is passed down; in Ohio’s case, our third runner-up, Elyse Healey, accepted.

The pageant consists of two preliminary nights (tonight and Saturday), followed by a finale on Sunday in which the Top 10 competes. Phases of competition and scoring are the same as Miss America. Tonight Elyse competed in Onstage question, Swimsuit and Evening Gown; tomorrow night she will perform her talent, a vocal presentation of "I, Don Quixote" from the musical Man of La Mancha.

Tonight's preliminary Talent award winner was South Carolina's Sweetheart. The Swimsuit preliminary was a tie between Florida and Virginia.

Elyse and her mom are keeping her blog updated with photos and commentary.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW HER BLOG

Best of luck to Elyse!

Face of Fox Press

2006-08-31T11:38:00.000-07:00

The following was published last night on the Parkway Independent and Knapp's News.

This is so odd and exciting- I had nothing to do with this press release! I usually do all my own pageant press and Forensics team press, but now it’s done for me, sweet! (Although, it’s basically the bio I submitted at my final interview. I guess that fact that Fox didn’t completely rewrite it tells me my self-taught PR skills are sufficient.)

Abby Bollenbacher Crowned the New Face of FOX Toledo

Toledo, OH – August 30th, 2006 – FOX Toledo announces that the search is over for the New Face of FOX Toledo. Abby Bollenbacher has been chosen to represent FOX Toledo as the New Face of FOX Toledo and has won the job for a year.

Abby Bollenbacher is originally from Rockford, Ohio (Mercer County) and has resided in the Toledo area for the past six and a half years, pursuing her education. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Communications Degree in Theatre from Bowling Green State University. She performed in many university productions including “A Christmas Carol”, for which she earned a Joe E. Award nomination, and was twice a monologist for the V-Day movement. Abby was a “VJ” for the music show “Video Bank”, has acted in several student films and appeared in numerous BGSU promotional videos. She also enjoys directing and children’s theatre, having worked with the Chance for Change program at Collingwood Arts Center and interned with Horizon Youth Theatre.

Abby is especially proud to have been a member of BGSU’s Forensics (Speech, Debate and Competitive Performance) team. In her graduating season, she helped lead the team to the Ohio State Championship as well as the Collegiate Forensics Association National Championship and the Pi Kappa Delta National Championship. Individually, Abby earned National Championships twice in Dramatic Duo Interpretation and once in the Communication Analysis. She was secretary and public relations chair of BGSU’s Pi Kappa Delta Forensics Honorary and continues to assist the team as a coach and judge. Abby plans to continue her academic career at BGSU by pursuing a Masters degree from their exclusive Popular Culture department, beginning in the fall of 2007.

The Miss America program has afforded Abby wonderful opportunities to positively impact her community and earn scholarships to finance her education. Her current title, Miss Maumee Valley, is her fifth; meaning she owns five crowns and competed for the title of Miss Ohio five times. At Miss Ohio, she was a Top 10 Semifinalist and Interview Award Winner. At the local level, she earned several Talent Awards for her skills as a vocalist.

She enjoys singing everything from opera to popular music. Abby auditioned for Fox’s “American Idol”, once in Detroit and once in Atlanta. Within Ohio, she has made several television appearances on the vocal talent search “Dream Big”. Abby studied voice privately for twelve years and was a member of Ohio’s All-State Choir.

In her spare time; Abby enjoys blogging, bird watching and playing Texas Holdem’ poker. In addition to her aspiration to be a successful actress, she hopes to be the first woman to win the Main Event of the World Series of Poker.

FOX Toledo is very excited to welcome Abby to the FOX Toledo team. She will begin her duties as the New Face of FOX Toledo in early September taking over the job from our current Face of FOX Toledo Leah D’Emilio. Leah has been an outstanding representative of FOX Toledo and has set the bar extremely high for all who follow her. Abby will take on Leah’s responsibilities as on-air personality and station representative.

I’M THE NEW FACE OF FOX TOLEDO!!!

2006-08-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

I am so excited- I have been selected the new Face of Fox Toledo- a job in the entertainment field only three months after receiving my Theatre degree! Thank you so much to everyone who wished me well during the interview/audition process for this position; your support was very encouraging!

I have a confession to make though, I’ve known I was the winner since Monday morning. Fox Toledo’s website isn’t updated yet, but I know that press releases have gone out, so I can finally blog about it! It’s been so hard not to share the news with you, my loyal blog readers; I did continue writing, just not posting. Read below for my experiences over the past two days:

Monday, August 28, 2006

This morning I awoke to a wonderful phone call from Betsey Russell (Creative Services Director at Fox Toledo) telling me that I had been selected the new Face of Fox Toledo! I immediately called Loren and my parents and sent text messages to four of my closest friends. However, with a 2:30 meeting scheduled, I didn’t blog because I wanted to make sure the job and its requirements were indeed what I expected and wanted.

My non-blogging instinct was a good one, as I was asked not to broadcast the results until the website was updated and promos aired on Wednesday. Similarly, the other two competitors in the Top Three weren’t given their disappointing news until after I accepted the position at the meeting.

Throughout my years of pageant competition, I learned the importance of taking ownership of a title during the interview. At first I was so shy about my desires and my answers in the interview room had an oddly apologetic tone, it was as if I didn’t think the judging panel would believe me. In retrospect I clearly didn’t believe in myself. My last two years at Miss Ohio I was finally not afraid to tell the judges that I wanted the job and the crown. The ability to take ownership is exactly what landed me this job with Fox.

In my meeting this morning, Ray Maselli (General Manager of Fox Toledo), told me that one of the other finalists was neck and neck with me; we both possessed different, but fantastic attributes. In the end, I won thanks to my passion for the job. Just like in my last few pageant interviews, I stated several times in my final Face of Fox Toledo interview that I WANT THIS JOB!

I spoke about my pageant experience in both the first round and my final interview and I feel that much of what I’ve learned from pageant competition helped me secure this position. It’s funny though, that pageantry is also tied to the one concern they have with me- that my pageant polish and “classy” and “Hollywood” image (Ray’s words, not mine) may be intimidating and people may feel I’m unapproachable at public events. That’s a common pageant stereotype that some women sadly uphold- that we’re plastic Barbie dolls protected in a bright pink box. (Talent sold separately.) I always strive to break that stereotype by being approachable; I love public appearances and I assured Ray that he has no cause for concern.

After our meeting Ray showed me around the entire (very large) studio and introduced me to all the staff that was buzzing about. Everyone was very welcoming; some even remembered me from last year. I noticed as we went from office to office that everyone had little yellow school buses made from stress ball material sitting on their desks and in the hall was a large banner that said “get on the bus.” Ray explained that one morning he surprised his staff with a school bus; he asked everyone to pile on, sit with someone they don’t normally work with and get to know them. From the day long seminar/retreat came the “get on the bus” slogan, a Fox Toledo simile for team work and pulling your weight.

Ray’s positive attitude and innovative solutions are no surprise considering he is associated with Dale Carnegie Training. In fact, two of my final interview judges run the northwestern Ohio branch and in addition to being the new Face of Fox Toledo, I also won a $1,600 scholarship to the course! For those unfamiliar with this, Dale Carnegie wrote a series of incredibly popular books, including How to Win Friends and Influence People (1936), on public speaking and personal development. The course I will be in runs for twelve weeks and is held right in Maumee. I could have jumped in the session which just started, but I’d have to miss two weeks in a row due to prior engagements, so I’m waiting to begin that training in November.

Tuesday August 29, 2006

This morning I did my first paid work as the new Face of Fox Toledo! Tuesday mornings are the in-studio shoot for the weekly spots. I went in and observed Leah for a while, just to see how things are done.

Basically, the Face of Fox Toledo does a ten second promo for each of the sitcoms in the “comedy block;” this includes shows like The Simpson’s and Malcolm in the Middle which air from 5-7 p.m. on weekdays. There are six shows, so every Tuesday I’ll be recording thirty ten second promos, plus other five second station ids and sometimes promos for other community events. I watch many Fox shows, but I had never realized that Leah was on six times a day; and now I will be!

After Leah was done with her weekly spots, I hopped in and we did a few together, in which she introduced and welcomed me. In the promo for this weekend she asked what I was going to do now that I’m the new Face of Fox Toledo, I replied “I’m going to spend Labor Day watching the Comedy Block on Fox Toledo, of course!” In a more generic promo that will run after Labor Day I answered with “I’m going to take over your job!” Leah and Hailey, the producer, thought it would be really funny if I pushed Leah out of the camera frame! But as to not have my debut come off as extremely rude and offensive, we played it jovially and even recorded a third “safe” version.

These promos are filmed on a “green screen” which is what weather forecasters also stand in front of. Computer graphics are added behind the person. (So your favorite weather person is actually pointing to a plain green wall and watching themselves on a monitor with the map imposed behind them.) The technology is very nondiscriminatory, meaning if you wear green or even teal blue on the green screen, you’ll become a floating head! For the Face of Fox spots a white background is usually added. I never realized how much of my wardrobe is comprised of green, bluish green and white until I was told I couldn’t wear those colors! And Leah would usually change five times per shoot, so the viewers see a different outfit each weekday…. Oh darn, a reason to expand my wardrobe!

Thursday morning I’ll film a few more promos and Friday night will be my first public appearance at the Hardcore Sports high school football tailgating party sponsored by BW3 and Jim White Honda. Leah will be at this, and most of the public appearances throughout September showing me the ropes. Our in studio work was great, and I can’t wait to hang out with her even more as the Faces of Fox Toledo!

Keep up with Melanie at the Rising Star Talent Competition!

2006-08-29T15:02:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, September 16th, Miss Ohio Melanie Murphy will be hosting the Rising Star Talent competition at the Playhouse Square Center in Cleveland. Her co-host will be American Idol finalist Scott Savol; both will perform. Contestant registration is past due, but for more information about attending, click HERE. Congrats to Mel, this sounds like a great gig!

Face of Fox Toledo Update

2006-08-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

The winner will be announced and the Fox Toledo website will be updated this Wednesday!

Still Miss Maumee Valley!

2006-08-27T23:13:00.000-07:00

As I announced a few posts ago, I’ll be competing in the Miss Ohio USA pageant (September 21-23 in Portsmouth Ohio). Several aspects of this competition are different than Miss Ohio (America).

These pageant systems are both three tier competitions; whereas the Miss America system goes from Miss Local to Miss State to Miss America, the system I am now competing in goes from Miss State to Miss USA to Miss Universe.

Even though contestants enter directly into Miss Ohio USA, we are still identified by a local title, based on the area in which we live. In our paperwork we are asked to submit the name of our city, county, community, township and our area’s nickname. (The reason for submitting a variety of names is in case multiple women from the same area are competing.) I submitted Holland, Lucas County, Springfield Township, Maumee Valley and Strawberry Acres.

I just found out that I will be competing at Miss Ohio USA as Miss Maumee Valley, just as I did at Miss Ohio (America). I think my fans will appreciate the continuity; especially Mom, Dad, and Loren who will be in attendance, and will now not have to remember a new title!

(P.S... Still no word from Fox Toledo, I hope to get a call Monday!)

Face of Fox Toledo Final Interview!

2006-08-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

Since everyone has been so supportive, I figure I should let you know how my final interview for the job of the Face of Fox Toledo went this morning- in a word- amazing! My reaction is the complete opposite of the apprehension I came out of the second round with.

I was the first of the three finalists, with a 10 a.m. interview. My good friends know I’m perpetually ten minutes late, but my determination for this job had me there early and actually, a few of the judges were the tardy ones. As I waited I had a nice chat with the receptionist who shared that last year was quite a fiasco with the misinterpretation that a vote affected the outcome (which it did not). She had to field calls from people who did not own computers, but still wanted to vote. As a result, this year there was far less advertising. I’ve been watching Fox religiously to see what snippet of my first round interview they used in the promos. Frustratingly, in a week and a half of watching, I didn’t see myself! The promos include not only the Top 11, but also non finalist auditionees who were witty, or just plain strange, thus the odds of catching a certain person were decreased. Finally, this morning as I got ready, I saw myself on one of the promos! I heard the commercial start, and I was the first person on it, so as I rushed to the TV I didn’t actually hear what I said, but at least I could finally say I saw myself, and I felt like that was a really good sign!

Back to the interview… it felt a great deal like a pageant interview, which was obviously good for me! It was held in the news studio and I sat on a stool in front of the green screen. In front of me on the right was the main news anchors desk, on the left was a secondary desk/set piece and directly in front of me was a large teleprompter camera. The “judges” sitting at the desks were Leah D’Emilio (the first Face of Fox) , lead news anchor Laura Emerson, Fox reporter Tiffany Tarpley and three other executive types who I don’t recall being introduced. Three more people were behind the camera and did not ask questions. Much like a pageant interview, there were lots of people in a big room, waiting to be impressed by little ole me! We joked about which judge at each desk was going to be the mean one like Simon Cowell!

Many pageant women before me have said this, and I will agree wholeheartedly that my experience in the pageant interview room made this so much easier! I honestly don’t know where non pageant people receive the interview practice and skill set required to be successful in that situation!?! For the first fifteen to twenty minutes the judges took turns asking me a variety of questions, from job specific topics like “What research have you done on Fox Toledo?” “What do you expect out of this position?” and “What is your availability?” To more general, and dare I say pageantesq questions like “Tell us about a defining moment in your life,” “What is your worst quality” and “How do you spend your free time?”

After that I was asked to improv some situations that I would find myself in at public appearances as the Face of Fox. First I had act as if I were at the entertainment pavilion of the Toledo Zoo and “warm up” the crowd for a Hootie and the Blowfish concert. Then I had to pretend to be at the downtown Rib-off fest, benefiting the MS society and I had to sell this bright pink glittering ink pen with feather on the top (proceeds benefiting the charity).Finally, I had to practice a live one minute cut in, on location with an advertiser. Here’s the funny part… Fox Toledo is sponsored by Jim White Honda… my boyfriend Loren is a manager at Brown Honda… One of the Fox staff stepped in to role play with me, as if he were the manager at the dealership. I was to quickly interview him and then “go live.” Of course, he knew nothing about the cars and couldn’t really answer any of my questions; I proceeded to spout of specifications about the Ridgeline, Odyssey and other Honda automobiles being sold at this pretend auto clearance. Everyone rolled with laughter at my car sales abilities.

To conclude we had a bit more of a question and answer session and they were rather curious about my Honda knowledge. My first round audition actually took place at Jim White Honda, so I explained that the sales manager there actually used to work for my boyfriend at Brown Honda and that gossip among car dealerships is worse than that in a beauty salon! At my first audition everyone at Jim White knew “Loren’s girlfriend” would be there and everyone at Brown razzed me about being at the “wrong dealership!” In the end, I told the judges it’s a good thing my boyfriends dealership isn’t the sponsor; if they were I wouldn’t be able to apply for the job.

I don’t know if it’s that their questions were amazing, or if I have simply honed the ability to fit in what I think is important no matter what questions, but by the time they asked me to give a final statement of why I should get the job, I felt like a broken record. I have no doubt I left them knowing I am capable, confident and committed. There’s nothing I would have said or done differently and having that kind of personal solace is all you can ask for no matter what the interview or competition. Now all I can do is wait… and unfortunately I forgot to ask when they’d be announcing the results… so I’m more nervous now than I was this morning!

I’m also very tired, I couldn’t sleep last night, so I apologize if this entry is less clear or less professional than I usually try to make them. I’m going to go try to relax and probably fall asleep staring at the phone! :)

Pageant Press: Viva Las Vegas!

2006-08-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

The following press release and picture are from the Miss America website.

VIVA LAS VEGAS! CMT AND MISS AMERICA RETURN TO THE ALADDIN RESORT & CASINO FOR THE 2007 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT

TWO-HOUR PAGEANT TO AIR LIVE ON CMT, MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2007 AT 8 P.M. ET/PT

[The Planet Hollywood in Orlando, FL hosted the Miss America Contestants that were in town to support the MAOTeen Pageant. Photo courtesy of: Bruce Boyajian]

NASHVILLE, TN, ATLANTIC CITY, NJ and LAS VEGAS, NV – August 24 2006 – The 2007 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT will return to the Aladdin Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, it was announced today by Sarah Brock, vice president production, music and events, CMT; Art McMaster, president and CEO of the Miss America Organization; and Michael Mecca, president and CEO for the Aladdin Resort and Casino. The two-hour telecast will air live on CMT, Monday, January 29, 2007 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

“The Miss America Organization could not be happier to return to the host hotel, the Aladdin Resort & Casino, which exceeded our expectations in January with the debut of our Las Vegas show,” said McMaster. “We are thrilled that the city of Las Vegas has embraced our Organization again and our legendary Pageant. This venue will be the perfect compliment to our 2007 show which will introduce a growing audience to the tradition, rich in history, of Miss America.”

“Last year’s Pageant was a huge success for CMT and we’re pleased to be in business again with Mike Mecca’s team at the Aladdin,” said Brock, executive producer for CMT. “Their first class facilities will once again provide the framework for what promises to be another landmark achievement for the network and Miss America.”

“We are delighted that CMT and the Miss America Pageant are returning to the Aladdin as we transition into the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino,” said Mecca. “Las Vegas embraced this event last year and it is only fitting that it is returning to our city and to this property. We are home to the most beautiful theatre in Las Vegas, which will be newly renovated when the pageant comes back in January, and our transformation into Planet Hollywood will be very close to complete for the weekend of events.”

Miss America’s activities at the Aladdin begin with the Pageant Preliminaries, which include swimsuit, talent and evening wear competitions, on Thursday, January 25 and continue through Saturday, January 27 at the newly-remodeled Theatre for the Performing Arts. Tickets to the preliminaries and the Pageant Finals will be available to the public at www.ticketmaster.com.

Last month, CMT announced an expanded programming strategy to support the 2007 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT, which includes some nine hours of television devoted to Miss America. This programming features a two-hour contestant special, which will air on CMT and its sister networks, VH1, MTV and Logo; a one-hour special on Miss America 2006, Jennifer Berry; a one-hour look at GREATEST MISS AMERICA MOMENTS; and Miss America features on the popular CMT TOP 20 COUNTDOWN and CMT INSIDER. Additional programming will be available exclusively on the CMT LOADED, VOD, CMT.com, CMT Radio and CMT Mobile.

The 2006 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT premiered on CMT last January and ranks as the most-watched telecast in CMT’s history with total viewers*. Since its premiere, re-airings of the Pageant have been seen by more than 22 million different viewers.

For the first time in its 85 year history, the MISS AMERICA PAGEANT took place outside of Atlantic City and debuted in Las Vegas at the Aladdin Resort & Casino. Jennifer Berry, of Oklahoma, is the current Miss America.

CMT, America’s No. 1 country music network, carries original programming, specials, and live concerts and events, as well as a mix of videos by established country music artists and new cutting-edge acts, including world premiere exclusive videos. Founded March 6, 1983, CMT, owned and operated by MTV Networks, reaches 83 million households in the United States. Go to country music’s biggest web site at www.CMT.com.

The Miss America Organization is one of the nation’s leading achievement programs and the world’s largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance. For more information, go to www.missamerica.org.

The Aladdin Resort & Casino, the future home of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, is a joint venture partnership involving Robert Earl, founder and CEO of Planet Hollywood International, Inc., Bay Harbour Management LC and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. The property will continue to operate as the Aladdin Resort & Casino during the renovation process which is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2007. Upon completion of renovations the property will be re-branded and renamed the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, a Sheraton hotel. For more information, go to www.aladdincasino.com.

PRESS CONTACTS:

CMT
Lisa Chader
615-335-8405
lisa.chader@cmt.com

Miss America Organization
Sharon Pearce
609-345-7571
sharon@missamerica.org

Aladdin Resort & Casino
Amy Sadowsky
702-785-9155
asadowsky@aladdincasino.com

# # #

Back to Vegas, Baby, Vegas!

2006-08-25T01:11:00.000-07:00

Most fans suspected this, and today several news sources confirmed that the Miss America pageant will again be held in Las Vegas this January. Miss America has not updated their website with a press release, but click HERE for a USA Today/AP article.

Dear Abby Q & A: Pageant, Professional and Personal

2006-08-24T05:05:00.000-07:00

(Well, I feel like a bit of a hypocrite, having recently stated that this blog had become less about me and more of an information source, yet since that post it’s been all about me!… Nevertheless, the responses I’m about to give are far over due. This is a long one, but you asked for it…)

I always welcome comments and questions to my blog, so thank you to the anonymous readers who asked the following questions as comments to a few recent posts:

Your blog is so informative! I was wondering if you are planning on giving the USA system a go or are you done with pageants so that you can get married (I see a lot on here about your long-term bf)? -OH fan
Yeah, I was wondering about that too? Do you plan to go on to USA? I didn’t know you were engaged?!

Best of Luck! If by chance this doesn't work out, are you looking for jobs in your current area or out-of-state?

Congrats! Will you also be competing in Ohio USA?

Pageant

Anyone who read THIS article carefully knows I was “considering” competing in Miss Ohio USA. I am now willing to announce that, yes, with the approval of my Miss Maumee Valley directors, I have submitted paperwork and will compete for that title in late September.

You’d think after six years I’d be ready to hang up my stilettos, but I’m just not. Competing has always been in my blood; from entering talent contests as a pre-teen to winning national collegiate Forensics tournaments, a competitor is who I am.

More importantly, I believe in the value of a titleholder. No matter what pageant system it is, I think the bearer of the crown has a great responsibility and opportunity to positively impact a community. Just as I told the Miss Ohio judges in July, “anyone can be impressive from afar, but you have to be up-close to be impactful.” I still want that opportunity to impact Ohioans as an active state titleholder.

Of course, there’s no denying pageants have great potential to open doors for me in the entertainment industry as well, especially the Miss USA/Universe system.

I am very excited, and my apprehensions about competing in a new pageant system are eased by the fact that more Miss Ohio (America) contestants than normal will be “crossing over” this year. Of course, I’m not at liberty to share who I know is competing, but I will say I can’t wait to hang out with them again!

Professional

If the fact that I’m competing in Miss Ohio USA surprised you, then you may want to brace yourself for this next part…

My ultimate professional goal has always been to act and sing successfully in a major market, meaning, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago or even abroad. If you had asked me three months ago, I would have said that move would be happening sooner rather than later, but something else has come up…

Those who know me well know that my undergraduate career was not easy. I took a semester off, took semesters part time, had serious relationship woes, changing my major was like an identity crisis, etc…etc… (Thus, helping other students avoid my fate became my pageant platform.) Now, when I entered college (a million years ago) I had grandiose plans of getting a Doctorate in vocal performance, but even obtaining a Masters quickly became an impossible reality for me.

Recently, a wonderful professor and friend has challenged me to believe in myself again and my scholastic dreams. All through college, advisors encouraged me to take Popular Culture classes as an elective, but I could never fit them in. Finally, in my last semester I took Popular Entertainment with Montana Miller, PhD. I could not believe what I had been missing!

Dr. Miller is researching Facebook and its implications; our class became part of her study. She asked us to keep weekly journals documenting our Facebook use. If we didn’t use Facebook much, or at all, we were allowed to select another online community.

I can’t believe I’m about to admit this, but instead of Facebook, I documented the weekly happenings of pageant message boards. Yes, I said it, anonymous, online, pageant message boards! I know they exist, as do most contestants, executive directors, parents and volunteers. However, within the pageant community, it’s taboo to make that admission. I like to compare the treatment of these boards to most high school sexual and substance education classes… You know, how they explain things like a great mystery, but say “never speak of this again, and if you try it your doomed!” And then of course everyone wants to know more and try it! Every now and again in pageantland someone official will say to the parents and contestants, “now, I don’t know if you’ve heard of this… but there are these online discussion forums, but never read them and never ever write anything on them!”

I guarantee, if someone hadn’t heard of them already, the first thing they do is go find them! I was hesitant to bring this up here, because I don’t want to be the reason someone learns of them, in fact, when I call this blog an “informational source” what I really mean is “a better place for people to get the good information without having to also read the trash that gets posted on anonymous boards!” However, I have to believe that if you’re a pageant fan who’s internet savvy enough to be reading this blog, you probably already know about these infamous boards.

I digress… although it’s not exactly her field of study, Dr. Miller has become very interested in pageantry’s place in popular culture; she even attended Miss Northwestern Ohio when I gave up my crown last year and the finale of Miss Ohio last month. Between my backstage perspective and her audience perspective, we hope to produce some writing that could be submitted to scholarly journals. She has also encouraged me to apply to Bowling Green’s Popular Culture Masters program, where my thesis would likely concentrate on internet communities, specifically the social commentary pageant message boards provide.

What I love about Popular Culture, more than any other academic department I ever studied in, is that it does not pass judgment; rather, it asks “Why?” and “How?” something is impacting our society. I am very excited to begin studying for the GRE, then I will apply to the program in the spring and *hopefully* begin next fall. I used to think that I should head off to pursue my acting career as soon as possible, because I could go back to school anytime. However, now I feel it would be foolish to pass up an opportunity to earn a Masters degree from the only Popular Culture department in the country, one which offers full tuition plus a stipend and has a distinguished professor who wants to work with me.

Again, a few months ago I would have never fathomed I’d be in Ohio for another three years, but this feels like the right thing to do. In addition, it allows me to get some much needed cosmetic dentistry done. Obviously, the one year job as the Face of Fox Toledo will be a perfect pre-graduate school fit, giving me plenty of time to study for the GRE and such. Of course, I have yet to secure the position at Fox and begin my grad school application, but I feel really great about this plan of action.

Personal

Now, about that boyfriend of mine that many of you have come to know and also love … I’m constantly told “don’t let that one get away.” I know, I KNOW! Loren is an amazing man and I am so grateful to have him in my life. However, this is one area that I’m less than conventional in.

*WARNING: Do not read beyond this point unless you are open minded enough to respect opinions which may not match your own.*

[Above, Loren and I at Maumee Bay State Park, in front of Lake Erie, after a friends wedding last summer.]

Those who know me well know I always say that I’m not getting married until ALL of my family and friends can. It disgusts and confuses me that our government continues to discriminate against people based on sexuality; that is no different than racism. It is simply not acceptable. I do not feel that my love for someone needs to be legally documented; especially by a government that is trying “define” it with hateful laws.

I know what some of you are thinking, “but Abby, you shouldn’t let political motivations run your love life.” I realize that I’m not single handedly changing anything, but this is still how I feel. There are many other aspects of the origin of marriage that I am not comfortable with. That’s just me. I completely respect those in marriages around me. Both Loren and I have parents who have been married for over thirty years; we realize how fortunate we are. I have seen the happiness that marriage brings to many people, but I can’t stand the patriarchal expectation that still exist is our society that being married is a women’s ultimate goal, or even that it’s a pageant contestants automatic next step in life when she’s too old to compete anymore! I don’t mean to come down on the individuals who asked me the question, it’s a question I get all the time, and I always say these same things.

Just a few weeks ago when I was a bridesmaid in my friends wedding we were outside the elevator of the hotel and a little girl walked by with her family and said something cute to the effect of “mommy, can I be a bride someday?” Everyone “ahhhed,” but it made me reflect, I don’t think I was ever like that. I used to draw wedding gowns when I was in my I-want-to-be-a-fashion-designer phase, but I didn’t dream of being a bride, I dreamed of being on television or being a singing sensation! Now I’m not saying you can’t dream about having it all; many women do. What I will assert is that many women see their wedding as their day in the spotlight, their day as Cinderella. (Well, don’t even get me started on Cinderella and how women today do NOT need a man to rescue her…) I want a career that puts me in the spotlight; I’ve had six yeas of being one of the pretty girls on the stage in the pretty gown and “glass slipper” with a crown on my head. I do not need or want a wedding day to feel like a princess. I’ve had pageants.

After I’m asked about this, I’ve had a lot of people give me that look as if they want to pat me on the head and say “it’s a phase you’ll grow out of, darling.” Well, no, it’s not a phase, it’s how I believe. Disagreeing with me does not mean you have to disrespect me by assuming I’ll “come around.” I believe in the adages “to each his own” and “agree to disagree.”

At Miss Ohio I was sitting in the make up room with several chaperones during some down time. Someone asked how long Loren and I had dated, because I said two and a half years the question of marriage immediately followed. I hesitated for a moment because I knew the group of older women in front of me had values different than my own. I respected and enjoyed my time with those women so much that I did not want to say anything that would make them think less of me. Yet, what I value even more about my own character is my candid nature and honesty. I refuse to hold my own beliefs back because they may displease someone else. A conversation transpired similar to the text above and I could see the dismay in some of their faces and their disapproval of homosexuality. I’ll never know if I lost some of their respect, but I gained respect in myself for not giving into the social pressure of the moment.

I know I didn’t have to explain any of this.

I could have just said “yes I’m competing in Ohio USA, I’m hopefully going to grad school and no, I’m not getting married.” But I like my opinions and I’m not afraid to share them or answer anything that is asked of me.

During pageant interviews contestants are expected to have strong views on everything, yet outside of that room we have to be all-pleasing to our public. I think there can be middle ground. I hope I presented my opinions in a firm but non offensive way, just as I would to a pageant judge. I know not all my readers will see eye to eye with my political views, but lets all agree that the beautiful thing about living in this country is our freedom to respectfully disagree.

FACE OF FOX TOLEDO TOP THREE!!!

2006-08-23T15:08:00.000-07:00

I AM SO EXCITED RIGHT NOW!!!

I just got the call that I made the cut to the Top Three for the year long position as the "Face of Fox Toledo!"

As you may have read in my post from last Friday, I was not overly confident about my second audition and waiting for this call has made for an anxious few days! Despite my personal criticisms, apparently I did well enough. Their website isn’t updated yet, but I’m sure it will soon show the other two finalists.

We will have a final interview this Friday morning; it will be much more professional, as opposed to the casual audition format of the first two rounds.

So for the next day and a half I’ll be studying up on all things Fox Toledo and deciding which suit to wear!

The Great American Dream Queen

2006-08-22T02:44:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon Loren and I ventured southerly to my hometown area; I had to attend a rehearsal for a pageantesq television show I’m participating in.

Let me explain… comedian/business woman Leslie Norris Townsend and her sound engineer/producer husband Tim both have notable showbiz experience, but have settled back in Tim’s home area of St. Marys to raise their boys. Of course their entertainment love remains and they’re attempting to restore St. Marys to its Branson Missouri-like glory days through their ownership of the Grand Opera House and Theatre. I’ve participated in a few seasons of their vocal competition, Dream Big, which is televised across a third of the state. Given Leslie’s experience in Southern pageantry, it’s no surprise the Theatre also became the site of the resurrected Miss West Central Ohio pageant. Leslie even held a Mrs. West Central Ohio, the winner of which competed at Mrs. Ohio International.

Their latest idea is to combine pageantry, talent competition and reality television series; the result is The Great American Dream Queen. It will be an eight episode series, aired in the Lima area, searching for “America’s Dream Queen” out of eighteen contestants ranging in age from twenty-four to fifty-some. Only three contestants will compete during each of the first six episodes. Of those three, a winner will be selected to advance, and then six women will compete again during the two episode finale.

One of the best parts are the hostesses! Somehow Leslie has managed to get former Miss Americas! Kaye Lani Rae Rafko will be definitely be hosting the first few episodes, Heather Renee French will be hosting a few as well and Kellye Cash has signed on to host the two episode finale. Kim Akin has also been contacted, in case Heather has to drop a show to help with her husband’s campaign for Kentucky’s governor. I’m scheduled to film on September 13; the first six episodes will air throughout October and November with the finale being taped November 14.

The phases of competition are Aerobics Wear, Talent, Evening Gown and a dreaded Quiz Show. Each judge will rank each contestant from 1 – 10 for Aerobics Wear, Talent and Evening Gown then at the end of the competition they must announce their winner in each phase, possibly having to break their own tie, by giving out a theoretical crown. This idea was inspired by the giving of stars on Star Search. The first six shows will have three judges giving crowns for three phases; thus, the first woman to receive five crowns will obviously be the winner. However, ties will potentially be created or broken based on which contestant does the best in the objectively scored Quiz Show.

Much like Miss America pageants, the Dream Big show never revealed scores. Contestants will agree, that’s very frustrating because you never know where you stand. Given the amount of Dream Big contestant who have complained about this, and the fact that it makes for excellent television, Leslie has decided on this participatory judging format. However, during our rehearsal one of the contestants voiced concern over the realization that a contestant may embarrassingly receive zero crowns. “I’m three months pregnant,” she said, “I’ll cry!” While receiving zero crowns will be as humiliating as criticism from Simon Cowell, or that other British knock-off on America’s Got Talent, most of the contestants, myself included, realize that the viewing audience is more important than we are and they’ll absolutely love it.

Well, maybe they’ll love it… Loren thinks it sounds corny, but I think the prizes and the hostesses make up for it. The winner from each of the first six shows gets a mini DVD player, a silver tray from a local jeweler, a crown and of course, advancement to the finals. The Grand Prize “Dream Queen” will receive a thousand dollar cash and some gigantic crown. Leslie dotes on the size of the crown as a major selling point, but when it comes to crowns and tiaras, I don’t necessarily agree that bigger is better! I think it sounds frightening to balance so much atop your head; although, I hope that challenge is mine at the conclusion of this competition.

This may sound conceited, but I think just getting to the finals will be more difficult for me than winning the whole thing once I get there! One of the women I’ll be competing against in the “preliminary” competition is an amazing vocalist and grand prize winners of one of the Dream Big seasons. The other is Mrs. West Central Ohio. However, the Dream Big winner didn’t make it to the rehearsal. She is one of a few women that Leslie fears may drop out… so if this sounds like something you may want to compete in, leave a comment and I’ll share some contact info with you.

(The contestants are comprised of all sorts of women! I’m the youngest and one of only two singles without children. The others are homemakers, educators and businesswomen; some love singing in their churches and local nursing homes while others are mortified that they’ve agreed to be on stage and on TV! Several participated in Mrs. West Central Ohio and/or Dream Big. Many said they have like four or five children and I think this competition is serving as some much needed “me-time for mommy!”)

Regardless of the outcome of this competition, I always enjoy the thrill of competing and getting even more use out of my competition wardrobe. While I’ve already met Kay Lani, Heather and Kellye, I am definitely looking forward to working with one, or hopefully two of them!

Most of all, this is a great opportunity to show several members of my family what I’ve been doing all these years at Miss Ohio. My Grandma and Grandpa G. have seen me in ONE pageant- Miss Lake Festival, six years ago! They’ll get to watch this competition on one of their local television channels from the comfort of their living room, along with several other family members and family friends that could never make it to Mansfield.

Over 15,000 Views!

2006-08-21T14:34:00.000-07:00

15,000 HITS!!!

Thanks to all my readers who make this obsession of mine seem worthwhile!

This blog really has become less about me and more about offering an informative service that isn’t found anywhere else for Ohio pageant contestants and fans .

[Image above from the Electronic Frontier Foundation,
defending freedom in the digital world.]

At this rate, I think we’ll hit 20,000 by the time I crown a new Miss Maumee Valley (and Miss All American City) in November. That’s five times the readership my last blog received!
Thank you all so much!

The cartoon above is from THIS website.
It’s funny because I have an orange cat…

[Above: my Fuzzers in a trash can batting at the camera string!]

Congratulations to Miss America's New Outstanding Teen, Maria DeSantis!

2006-08-20T01:22:00.000-07:00

Miss America's Outstanding Teen:
preliminary Talent winner, Maria DeSantis of New York.

First Runner-up:
preliminary Evening Gown winner, Nina Davuluri of Michigan.

Second Runner-up:
preliminary Talent winner, Brittany Young of Virginia.

Third Runner-up:
preliminary Sportswear winner, Leah Bolton of Tennessee.

Fourth Runner-up:
preliminary Evening Gown and Sportwear winner, Dorothy Shepard of Arkansas.

The remaining Top Ten:
Oklahoma's Outstanding Teen, South Carolina's Outstanding Teen (preliminary Talent winner), Massachusetts' Outstanding Teen , Alabama's Outstanding Teen and Wisconsin's Outstanding Teen.

Click on underlined names and titles for photos and bios.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE CROWNING PHOTOS!

Miss Mouseketeer!

2006-08-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

Miss Ohio Melanie Murphy is one of several Miss America contestants in Orlando Florida this week attending the Miss America Outstanding Teen pageant. Looks like she’s having a great time visiting Disneyland… or World… I don’t know which is which, I’ve never been to either. Nice ears Mel!

[These images are courtesy of Miss New York, CLICK HERE for more.

Above, left to right: Miss OH, Miss MI, Miss MO, Miss IL and Miss KY; below left to right: Miss CO, Miss CT, Miss ID, Miss NY, Miss NC, Miss OH, Miss NM, and Miss NV. ]

The finale of Miss America’s Outstanding Teen will take place tonight. Best of luck to Ohio’s Outstanding Teen, Kelsey Ballew!

I will be at a friend’s apartment warming party, but check the MAO Teen website for results.

Face of Fox Toledo: Audition Two

2006-08-18T16:46:00.000-07:00

Well, this morning I had my second Face of Fox Toledo audition and it was…. alright, I guess. Nothing went particularly wrong, yet I don’t feel overly confident either.

I had six short prompts to memorize and deliver in ten seconds each. The memorizing was easy; getting it out in ten seconds with gestures, with personality, with enthusiasm and with a “signature move” was not! To complicate matters, the scripts were worded very similarly, yet the differences directly impacted the timing of each of them. So it was a very bad thing when lines like “I wonder why…?” and “Now why would she do that…?” started getting crossed in my mind!

Unlike the first audition there were no cue cards, you really had to have memorized it. The evil in me wonders if any of my competition had counted on the cards and majorly screwed up without them! :)

While I had everything memorized, in retrospect, of course, I wish I would have practiced even more. I did manage to catch a break thanks to technical difficulties. When we thought we were done, they realized the tape had stopped near the end of my audition. So I got another stab at the hardest prompts. You try memorizing this and saying it in ten seconds- it's not possible without sounding like that guy who used to do the Matchbox car commercials:

The day after Thanksgiving, please take time out of your busy shopping day at Westfield Franklin Park to join Tower 98-3 and FOX Toledo in donating to the Salvation Army to help local families in need.
Come on …you’ll be shopping anyway.

I believe my best attempt at the script above was 10.4 seconds. Betsy, the Fox personnel running the auditions, said only two of the eleven contestants got it in time. She also said we all made the same mistakes, like wanting to replace “busy shopping day” with “busy schedule.”

And here’s a fun one for all my readers- we also had to do an improvisational five second station ID to show our fun and creativity. You could do or say whatever you wanted, but it had to include “Fox Toledo,” preferably even “Just You Watch Fox Toledo” with your signature move if you could get it all out in time, and the following holiday: National Underwear Day.

No joke! National Underwear Day was actually August 9, but for the purpose of the improv exercise, I was told to say it’s this Saturday.

I’d rather not share what I did, as I wasn’t sure if it was even appropriate this morning. But, Betsy told me to go for it and I could redo it if need be; no redo necessary, she said it was one of the funniest! She and her assistant joked about what other employees around the station said they would have done with it.

Take a moment… ponder… laugh… What would your five second National Underwear Day station ID have been? Post it as a comment!

And now, just like after a pageant interview, I’m rehashing every thing that happened this morning. I don’t know if my less than confident reaction is legitimate, or if I’m just being extremely hard on myself because I really want and need this. The judges will be reviewing what was taped this morning over the next few days and they’ll let us know on Wednesday who made the Top Three.

This is going to be a LONG five days!

BB Custom Jewelry

2006-08-18T02:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight Loren and I had sushi and watched the movie RV with our friends Karen and Dan. RV (with Cheryl Hines of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Jeff Daniels of Dumb and Dumber, Kristin Chenoweth of Wicked and a former pageant contestant, pop singer JoJo and Robin Williams of… wait, if I have to tell you who Robin Williams is, then I apologize for disturbing you, please, put your head back in the sand…) was good, but the predictable plot and script was not at the same caliber as the talented cast. It was cute funny, but not brilliant funny, thankfully it wasn’t stupid funny like most summer comedies.

I digress… being at Dan and Karen’s home reminded me that I had meant to post a much deserved plug for Karen about the earrings she made for my Miss Ohio swimsuit.

I could have never found the style and color I wanted, so Karen custom designed a pair for me. xxxx[Click the thumbnails to enlarge.]
She could do the same for you! She and her business associate spend hours working on their pieces, a few of which are on sale on Ebay.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THEIR EBAY STORE

Pageant Press: Miss South Carolina's Outstanding Teen, Miss Arkansas' Outstanding Teen and Miss Michigan's Outstanding Teen Win Preliminary Awards

2006-08-18T01:52:00.000-07:00

Miss South Carolina's Outstanding Teen, Miss Arkansas' Outstanding Teen and Miss Michigan's Outstanding Teen win preliminary awards

Miss South Carolina's Outstanding Teen Maggie Hill was named Thursday night's preliminary talent winner at the Linda Chapin Theater in the Orange County Convention Center during the third night of competition. Also in the spotlight were Miss Arkansas' Outstanding Teen Dorothy Shepherd and Miss Michigan's Outstanding Teen Nina Davuluri, who won the preliminary awards for Sportswear and Evening Wear, respectively.

Follow the competition online by viewing photos on the Miss America's Outstanding Teen website, www.MAOTEEN.org.

About Miss America's Outstanding Teen

A sister company to the Miss America Organization, Miss America's Outstanding Teen promotes scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living and community involvement for America's teens. For further information about MAOT or to obtain press credentials or tickets to the week long event, log onto www.maoteen.org or contact Kristi Gomen at 407-810-0839. MAOTeen and Miss America's Outstanding Teen and all related titles, characters, and logos are trademarks of Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organization, Inc. a 501 c 3, Not for Profit Corporation.

About the Linda W. Chapin Theater
Offering aesthetic and technical perfection, the Orange County Convention Center's 2,643-seat Linda W. Chapin Theater is an ideal venue for all types of theatrical and musical performances, award presentations and corporate events. The Chapin Theater is located in the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center, the second-largest convention center in the country. For more information about the Chapin Theater and Convention Center visit occc.net.

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Miss America's Outstanding Teen: Preliminary Night Three

2006-08-18T01:41:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the winners of the final night of preliminary competition at the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen pageant:

Maggie Hill of South Carolina won talent with her vocal, “Think of Me” from Phantom of the Opera. This was the song I sang to win my very first local title! Just like Miss Ohio this year, all of MAO Teen’s talent awards went to classicalesq singers.

Michigan’s Outstanding Teen, Nina Davuluri, won Evening Gown.

Dorothy Shepherd of Arkansas won Fitness wear, making her a double preliminary winner. Note, Teen Arkansas and Teen Texas were the only double prelim winners, both winning Fitness and Gown.

I’ve not heard how Ohio’s Teen, Kelsey Ballew is doing; hopefully it has been a great experience for her. It will be a long wait until tomorrow night when she will *hopefully* be named a finalist and maybe even the next National Outstanding Teen!

Help! I need a “Signature Move”

2006-08-17T16:54:00.000-07:00

I received a script of several short promos to memorize for tomorrows Face of Fox green screen audition. One of them asks for a “signature move.” Leah always pointed, which makes sense with the tagline “Just YOU watch.” Pointing feels really natural, but I think I should come up with something different. Any suggestion? Please!?

For those who don’t get Fox Toledo, the script is as follows, to give you a better idea of what the Face of Fox does on air:

Title: Fox Toledo IDs
Time :05 each
Energy and Enthusiasm with a signature move

Now Everybody Love Raymond… Then My Wife and Kids. Just You Watch FOX Toledo!
The verdict is in… Just You Watch the Court Block weekdays on FOX Toledo!

Breaking News in the Pageant Murder Mystery of the Decade

2006-08-17T04:08:00.000-07:00

For ten years now, the tragic death of a child has been wrongly synonymous with “pageant,” among the many misconceptions pageants and their contestants endure. The JonBenet Ramsey case has recently resurfaced and in breaking news, a suspect has confessed, notably, a non-family member.
Click below for news coverage:

CNN
MSNBC

This murder mystery created heated debates about the appropriateness of children’s pageants (I, for the record, do not care for pre pubescent pageantry); I hope that the confession proving that the pageant mom and/or pageant dad are not guilty will help clear some of the negativity that this case shrouded all pageants in. Most importantly, of course, is that this case can soon be closed, finally giving the family some solace.

Pageant Press: Miss Virginia's Outstanding Teen, Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen and Miss Arkansas' Outstanding Teen Dorothy Shepherd win Preliminary Awa

2006-08-17T03:38:00.000-07:00

MISS VIRGINIA'S OUTSTANDING TEEN, MISS TEXAS' OUTSTANDING TEEN AND MISS ARKANSAS' OUTSTANDING TEEN WIN PRELIMINARY

Miss Virginia's Outstanding Teen Brittany Young was named Wednesday night's preliminary talent winner at the Linda Chapin Theater in the Orange County Convention Center during the second night of competition. Also in the spotlight were Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen Kendall Morris and Miss Arkansas' Outstanding Teen Dorothy Shepherd, who won the preliminary awards for Sportswear and Evening Wear, respectively.

Follow the competition online by viewing photos on the Miss America's Outstanding Teen website, www.MAOTEEN.org.

About Miss America's Outstanding Teen
A sister company to the Miss America Organization, Miss America's Outstanding Teen promotes scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living and community involvement for America's teens. For further information about MAOT or to obtain press credentials or tickets to the week long event, log onto www.maoteen.org or contact Kristi Gomen at 407-810-0839. MAO Teen and Miss America's Outstanding Teen and all related titles, characters, and logos are trademarks of Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organization, Inc. a 501 c 3, Not for Profit Corporation.

About the Linda W. Chapin Theater
Offering aesthetic and technical perfection, the Orange County Convention Center's 2,643-seat Linda W. Chapin Theater is an ideal venue for all types of theatrical and musical performances, award presentations and corporate events. The Chapin Theater is located in the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center, the second-largest convention center in the country. For more information about the Chapin Theater and Convention Center visit occc.net.

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Miss America's Outstanding Teen: Preliminary Night Two

2006-08-16T23:32:00.000-07:00

The unofficial internet word is as follows:

Brittany Young, a classical vocalist from Virginia won tonight’s talent preliminary by singing the aria "Con Te Partirò" (Time to Say Goodbye). It was popularized by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman and if you're trying to remember which Miss Ohio contestant always sings it... that would be Kasey Wilson.

The Evening Gown award went to Dorothy Shepard of Arkansas.

For a second night in a row Kendall Morris of Texas won preliminary honors, tonight in physical Fitness.

Pageant Press: Miss New York's Outstanding Teen, Miss Tennessee's Outstanding Teen and Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen Win Preliminary Awards

2006-08-16T23:13:00.000-07:00

MISS NEW YORK'S OUTSTANDING TEEN, MISS TENNESSEE'S OUTSTANDING TEEN AND MISS TEXAS' OUTSTANDING TEEN WIN PRELIMINARY AWARDS

Miss New York's Outstanding Teen Maria De Santis was named Tuesday night's preliminary talent winner at the Linda Chapin Theater in the Orange County Convention Center during the first night of competition. Also in the spotlight were Miss Tennessee's Outstanding Teen Leah Beth Bolton and Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen Kendall Morris, who won the preliminary awards for Sportswear and Evening Wear, respectively.

Follow the competition online by viewing photos on the Miss America's Outstanding Teen website: http://www.maoteen.org/pageant2006/index.html

About Miss America's Outstanding Teen

A sister company to the Miss America Organization, Miss America's Outstanding Teen promotes scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living and community involvement for America's teens. For further information about MAOT or to obtain press credentials or tickets to the week long event, log onto www.maoteen.org or contact Kristi Gomen at 407-810-0839. MAOTeen and Miss America's Outstanding Teen and all related titles, characters, and logos are trademarks of Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organization, Inc. a 501 c 3, Not for Profit Corporation.

About the Linda W. Chapin Theater

Offering aesthetic and technical perfection, the Orange County Convention Center's 2,643-seat Linda W. Chapin Theater is an ideal venue for all types of theatrical and musical performances, award presentations and corporate events. The Chapin Theater is located in the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center, the second-largest convention center in the country. For more information about the Chapin Theater and Convention Center visit occc.net.

###

The press release above is from the official MAO’s Teen website. I am still disappointed because it doesn't tell you anything about the contestants, not even the talent winners talent (she sang "Quando m'en vo," by the way.) My complaint isn’t futile; check out one of last years press releases for comparison, CLICK HERE.

2006-08-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

Well I have to admit… I’m really confused and disappointed… Last year the results of the MAO Teen pageant prelims were in press release form, with photos within an hour or two of each shows conclusion. In my internet addicted opinion, there’s no reason it should even take that long!

Thus far the only update to the official website is THIS picture slideshow of the winners (the photos can be printed, but not saved or copied). Only one of the preliminary winners has received local news coverage and I’ve seen nothing from national media sources.

Maybe if Face of Fox doesn’t work out, I should try to become a pageant organization’s webmaster and PR consultant and get things done the way I think they should be!

Miss America's Outstanding Teen: Preliminary Night One

2006-08-16T01:40:00.000-07:00

The unofficial internet word is as follows:

Maria DeSantis of New York won tonight's Talent preliminary; she sang the "pageant popular" aria "Quando m'en vo" from Puccini's La Boheme. (Don't mind my sarcasm, I’m guilty of performing this piece to win most of my local titles, Miss Ohio Amanda Beagle performed it and a local contestant here in Ohio has already done it this pageant season. It’s on the overdone list, but an undeniably great song nonetheless.)

Kendall Morris of Texas had the highest scored gown tonight.

Finally, Leah Beth Bolton of Tennessee won the "Fitness" competition. Note, these teens model fitness wear, not swimsuits.

Hopefully the MAO's Teen website will be updated soon with an official press release and photos.

Face of Fox Toledo Finalist!

2006-08-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

I just got the call! I am one of eleven finalists for Leah’s job as the Face of Fox Toledo! CLICK HERE to view my competition. I will have a second interview Friday morning, in which I’ll do in studio green screen work.

As it turns out, this “contest” was never an audience vote. I had thought my success last year was thanks to my promotional skills and all the people who sent in emails on my behalf. I was told today that last year they asked for “viewer feedback” and absolutely everyone misinterpreted that as meaning a “vote.” Though it’s presented as a contest, the TV station views it more as an interview process, because the winner becomes a legitimate employee.

At first I was disappointed, because I had felt certain my PR skills could get me into the Top Three or Four again this year. But it’s actually an encouraging revelation, showing that I did well last year on my own merit and based on the skills the job requires. I still have a hunch that my supporters’ emails helped last year, because they took it from a Top Sixteen to Top Four without an interview like I’ll be having Friday.

So while I guess I won’t need your emails which I so thankful for last year, I’d still greatly appreciate your thoughts this year!

Keep Ken and Anne in Your Thoughts

2006-08-14T16:22:00.000-07:00

Sadly, I just received an email from Miss Ohio volunteer Gloria Buwala stating that Miss Stark County director, Ken Hablitzel is in ICU and not doing well. Elyse's Blog has more details and mailing addresses to send cards.

Best of Luck to Ohio's Outstanding Teen, Kelsey Ballew!

2006-08-14T02:41:00.000-07:00

This week Miss Ohio’s Outstanding Teen, Kelsey Ballew, is in Orlando Florida competing at Miss America’s Teen pageant. Kelsey is a vocalist from Chillicothe Ohio. CLICK HERE to learn more about her.

She is contestant twelve (of seventeen, great placement!) in the first grouping. Thus, she will have her private interview this morning, preliminary Evening Wear competition tomorrow night, preliminary Onstage Question and Sportswear competition on Wednesday night and conclude preliminary competition with Talent on Thursday. The finale will take place Saturday. For the Teen's complete, and very busy schedule of events, CLICK HERE.

You can send Kelsey words of encouragement to the following address, but get them in the mail quickly!

Kelsey Ballew - MOOT
Rosen Centre Hotel
9840 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819-8122
407-996-9840

Pageant Press: Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant

2006-08-14T02:19:00.000-07:00

The following press releases are from the MAO Teen website:

August 14, 2006 - 52 Outstanding Teen Women Arrive in Central Florida and Begin To Embark On A Week Long Journey of Fun, Adventure and Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kristi Gomen / Miss America Outstanding Teen 407-810-0838 kgomen@clf.rr.com

52 Outstanding Teen Women Arrive in Central Florida and Begin To Embark On A Week Long Journey of Fun, Adventure and Competition. Miss America 2006 Jennifer Berry and *NSYNC Singer, Joey Fatone Host The Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2007 Competition.Over $175,000 In Scholarship Grants To Be Awarded Amongst All Contestants.

Orlando, FL - 52 of America's outstanding young teen women arrived in Central Florida on Friday, August 11th, setting the stage for what is yet to be a week they will never forget.

The teens, arrived in Orlando to compete in the 2007 Miss America's Outstanding Teen scholarship competition with the final winner being crowned August 19th, at the Orange County Convention Center, Linda Chapin Theatre.

With the fine hospitality of many local attractions, including Cypress Gardens, Wet and Wild, Medieval Times, not to mention makeovers at Bloomingdale's and the chance to visit the Give Kids the World campus, these teens will have memories to last a lifetime.The final competition, on Saturday, August 19th, in Orlando, Florida, at the lavish Linda Chapin Theater, at the Orange County Convention Center, is hosted by Miss America 2006 Jennifer Berry and *NSYNC singer, Joey Fatone.

Over $175,000 in scholarship grants will be distributed amongst the 52 contestants with a $30,000 scholarship being awarded to the winner. All 50 states will be represented as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington D.C.

The teens have already visited Cypress Gardens, and Wet and Wild, and will head to Bloomingdale's, Give Kids the World, and many other destinations along with their jam packed week of rehearsals, and interviews.

In addition to their scholastic achievements and talents, these bright young women have also put forth their time and effort to promote and support the U.S. Dream Academy. An organization that is highlighted this year among the week's events.

"With the guidance of the U.S. Dream Academy, these young women have combined their efforts to help young and at risk children battle illiteracy. Their love and hard work will raise awareness for the thousands of children across the country who do not know how to read," said Donna Bozarth, Chairman, Miss America's Outstanding Teen.

In addition to seeing the show live on August 19th in Central Florida (tickets available through Ticketmaster), The N, nighttime network for teens, a, programming arm of MTV Networks will be airing the competition on Oct.. 28th, 2006. The N, is currently available in 50 million households via cable, digital cable and satellite television. The N's mission is to be the authentic voice for teens and help them figure out their lives with relevant, topical programming on-air and online at the network's web site www.the-n.com. The N airs everyday from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. (ET). The N and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

MAOTeen and Miss America's Outstanding Teen and all related titles, characters, and logos are trademarks of Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organization, Inc. a 501 c 3, Not for Profit Corporation.For further information about MAOT or to obtain press credentials or tickets to the week long event, log onto www.maoteen.org or contact Kristi Gomen at 407-810-0839.

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August 11, 2006 - MISS AMERICA'S OUTSTANDING TEEN PREMIERES ITS FIRST-EVER TELEVISED PAGEANT COMPETITION

CONTACT: Kristi Gomen / Miss America Outstanding Teen 407-810-0838 kgomen@clf.rr.com

52 YOUNG WOMEN VIE FOR THE CROWN AS MISS AMERICA'S OUTSTANDING TEEN 2007PREMIERES ITS FIRST-EVER TELEVISED PAGEANT COMPETITION SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 AT 79:00 PM (ET) ON THE N

Miss America 2006 Jennifer Berry and *NSYNC Singer, Joey Fatone Host The Two-Hour SpecialOver $175,000 In Scholarship Grants To Be Awarded Amongst All Contestants

August 11, 2006 - It's a night of glitz, glamour and tiara madness when 52 young women vie for the chance to be crowned Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2007. The competition will premiere its very first televised event on The N, the nighttime network for teens, with a two-hour special on Saturday, October 28 at 9:00 p.m. (ET).The telecast which will be recorded on Saturday, August 19 in Orlando, Florida at the lavish Linda Chapin Theater and is hosted by Miss America 2006 Jennifer Berry and *NSYNC singer, Joey Fatone. Over $175,000 in scholarship grants will be distributed amongst the 52 contestants with a $30,000 scholarship being awarded to the winner. All 50 states will be represented as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington D.C.

For over 85 years, the Miss America Organization has been helping young women achieve their goals and dreams. Emmy Award winning Producer, John Best exclaimed, “We are excited that The N, a network that reaches our key demographic of teens, will be the first network to broadcast the competition,” he said. “These young women are our future leaders who have excelled in academics, community involvement and true talent!”

The pageant includes four preliminary stages of judging:
Evening Wear - Contestant will model an evening gown for the audience and judges
Life Style & Fitness - Contestants will demonstrate athletic ability and fitness
Talent - Contestants will sing, dance orplay an instrument
Q & A - Contestants will answer questions from the select group of judges

Additionally, viewers will have exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to interviews, activities and special moments from the 10 days leading up to the big night. Further details about Miss America's Outstanding Teen can be found online at www.maoteen.org. “With the guidance of the U.S. Dream Academy, these young women have combined their efforts to help young and at risk children battle illiteracy. Their love and hard work will raise awareness for the thousands of children across the country who do not know how to read,” said Donna Bozarth, Chairman, Miss America's Outstanding Teen.

The N, the nighttime network for teens, is a programming arm of MTV Networks and is currently available in 50 million households via cable, digital cable and satellite television. The N's mission is to be the authentic voice for teens and help them figure out their lives with relevant, topical programming on-air and online at the network's web site www.the-n.com. The N airs everyday from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. (ET). The N and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

MAOTeen and Miss America's Outstanding Teen and all related titles, characters, and logos are trademarks of Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organization, Inc. a 501 c 3, Not for Profit Corporation.

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Cross Your Fingers for Me!

2006-08-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

This morning I auditioned to become the second “Face of Fox Toledo.” It is a year long contracted position to be a personality/spokesperson both on air and at tons of local events.

Last year I was named to the Top 16 and thanks to my supporters “voting” for me via email I was asked back to a second interview as part of a Top 4. However, that call back took place while I was at Miss Ohio; because I couldn’t leave Mansfield I was disqualified from the Face of Fox competition. I threw all my support behind my friend and former Forensics teammate Leah, who went on to win.

Just like last year, this morning’s audition consisted of two parts. First I had a short filmed interview in front of three judges, during which the most important thing was showing them lots of personality. We spoke quite a bit about my pageant experience. Next, I delivered lines in front a second camera and panel of judges. It couldn’t have been easier, considering it’s what I’ve seen Leah do during every other commercial break for the past year… “The Simpson’s are up next… Just you watch Fox Toledo!...”

I am very hopeful for this opportunity. I definitely need the job, and I know that it has opened lots of other doors for Leah! Honestly, I feel like what Leah has done is much closer to what a local and state pageant titleholder should be doing... and everyone in this area knows who she is because she’s on TV all the time. CLICK HERE to view her recent schedule.

Hopefully I will be a finalist again this year, at which point you can bet I’ll be sharing how everyone can vote and help me attain this position.

BREAKING PAGEANT NEWS: Miss Maumee Valley AND Miss All American City will be November 4!

2006-08-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

YOU READ IT HERE FIRST- I just received the official word from my local director, Eric Wagener, that he and his wife Linda have been approved by the Miss Ohio board to give away two crowns and hold a teen pageant all on the same night! Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 4, 2006; venue yet to be determined.

I’ll be doing double the work, crowning both a Miss Maumee Valley and a Miss All American City. (I do not know what the teen’s title will be.)

Contestants, I know you all want my crown(s) :) so don't delay, send your paperwork to 7530 Yawberg Road Whitehouse, Ohio 43571. For more contact information view the Miss Maumee Valley website.

Keep up with Melanie on the web and TV...

2006-08-10T14:16:00.000-07:00

I just received the following via email:

Hi!!!

Here is the weblink from the Erie County Fair Queen Pageant.....
you can hear me sing =)

http://spotted.funcoast.com

-the first link should be video footage from the fair.... then at the bottom of the page is the 2 video links, one of my song, and the other my Miss Ohio talent.

Also, tonight, 8/10/06, I will be live at the Cuyahoga County Fair on Adelphia (Time Warner) Cable, Channel 15 from 7:00-8:00PM on the SMARTS program. Make sure you tune in!!!

Thanks!

Love,

Melanie
Miss Ohio
xoxoxoxoxo

The photo above is from the site Melanie linked; I found it easiest to just search for "Miss Ohio." It pulls up photos of Marlia from last year as well as the clips Mel mentioned, but I couldn't get them to play...

I’d also like to point out to everyone that this photo exemplifies how glamorous being a titleholder ISN’T! I find that non-pageant people think that “beauty queens” all have an entourage to do everything for them. That could not be farther from the truth. Notice that Melanie’s hands are full- she has a suitcase, crown box and bag over her shoulder and we all know it’s been about 90 degrees lately! With all that, she still looks wonderful; keep up the good work Mel!

Sad News...

2006-08-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

Click Here.

Congratulations to Ohio's participants in America's National Miss

2006-08-09T15:39:00.000-07:00

I was just catching up on my blog reading and ran across some exciting pageant news courtesy of Kara Roberts' Blog.

Meredith Driscoll and Amanda Holzen were recently successful in the America's National Miss Pageant. I had never before heard of this pageant, but according to their website, many former participants and winners have gone on to hold state titles in the Miss America and Miss USA systems. In fact, they claim to have been “created for contestants who are runners-up, or those planning to compete, in the USA state pageants.” Contestants are judged equally on Swimsuit, Evening Gown, Runway modeling and Interview. The pageant took place July 30 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Special congratulations to Meredith Driscoll [left] who won Swimsuit, Gown, Directors Choice and the Director's Award of Appreciation; in the end Meredith was First Runner-up. This is a fate all too familiar to Meredith, she was often a runner up at Miss Ohio locals prior to aging out two years ago. I don’t believe I ever competed with her, but always heard wonderful things. [Photo from Facebook.]

Amanda Holzen [right] also competed in a few Miss Ohio locals last year. At America’s National Miss she was named ‘Top Model of the USA.’ This award is given to the women with the overall highest score in runway, fitness, and photogenic. Amanda will now have the opportunity to represent the United States in the Top Model of the World contest. Last year it took place in China! [Photo from her website.]

Thanks to Kara for sharing this information and congrats to Meredith and Amanda!