From Midwest to Northeast - the new Mrs. America 2011

Congratulations are in order to Shelly Carbone, the new Mrs. America 2011.  Representing the beautiful state of Connecticut, this nurse, wife of John and mother of four wowed the audience.  According to reports she was awesome in her on stage question letting the judges know that she is "blessed and grateful" for all she has.     Not only beautiful, but sensible - Shelly competed on the national stage in the very same gown in which she won her state pageant, proving that it doesn't take THOUSANDS to reinvent yourself to capture the national crown.  Way to go Shelly, an inspiration for the frugal queen inside us all and a reminder "that if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

(photos from Mrs. America and Mrs. CT America websites)

Rounding up the 2011 court was 1st Runner Up, Mrs. Maryland Raquel Thomas - mother of two and  a former army captain, turned model, turned photographer.    Raquel, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Jack and Jill of America, Inc., spoke to the judges about the military and life.  As a former Mrs. MD United States, I am QUITE pleased with Raquel's placement ;-).    I can't find any record of Raquel competing prior to the Mrs. MD pageant, but I have a feeling this is not the last we will see of her.

2nd runner up was Illinois newscaster and mother of two, Amy Gregorio.  Amy, is very familiar with the national stage as she competed a few years ago in Vegas as Mrs. Illinois United States 2007.  This beauty is also an Emmy-nominated journalist with a soft spot for advocating for children.

The Mrs. America 2011 pageant also served as a great opportunity for a FB reunion with my class of '09 Mrs. America sisters!  It was so awesome to reminisce and delightfully talk about the 5-20 pounds we've gained since this time last year.   Okay, well it actually started after the top 10 were announced.

(Photo courtesy of Mrs. Oregon America 2009)

Back to my original point, Andrea was from the midwest (MO), Shelly's from the Northeast (CT), but this time next year it could be another region.  Regardless, women from all across the country will, once again get together - in person or virtually to reminisce about their time together - bonded by a special memory regardless of where they are from. And that my friends, in the end, is some of the wonderfulness of pageantry!

I can't wait to reconnect next April in West Virginia!  Carrie (Mrs. MD '09) pack up the ride!!!!!  Mrs. A 2012 here we come!