Vogue - Strike a pose

On November 18, a few state International queens joined Miss International 2011 Ciji Dodds at the inaugural Miss Largo High School pageant.   Miss Virginia International 2012 - Kristyn Admire and Miss Maryland International 2012 - Chardia Murray served as judges.  Ciji had the distinct honor of crowning the new Miss Largo!    The new queen, a graduating senior, will go on to compete in the Miss Maryland Collegiate America pageant next summer!

The ladies took some time after their busy evening to strike a pose with Mrs. Maryland International 2011, Sandra Bryan-Grier.

No Inspiration......but then, we give!

October has been a slow and busy month.  How is that possible?  Well for me, it's been pretty busy on a personal front - lots of work to keep me busy, football mom duties that are never ending and catching up on my new guilty pleasure - the television show "Revenge".   It's also been pretty slow in the pageant world, most systems are just getting into the revamp mode after summer national/international pageants.  Frankly, I've had absolutely no motivation to write anything positive or inspirational about pageantry.

But then something amazing happened!!!!  HOLIDAY SEASON fever snuck up on me!  I know what you're thinking, holidays - already!  Yep, it's hear folks.  In a few days, it will be Halloween.  Already the stores are a buzz with pumpkins and pretty fall decorations, which will soon turn to treats of Thanksgiving!  Soon after that (or during the same time) all the scents, feels, tastes and thoughts that we cherish about Hanukkah and Christmas will overtake us. 

You will begin to see tons of lovely ladies in crowns and sashes riding in parades, reading to children, visiting the elderly and manning tables as they pass out a wealth of information on various topics.  But what I love most about this time of year and how it relates to pageantry is the way women and girls from all types of systems start thinking of ways to give!!!

Whether is a toy drive, a canned food donation, gloves, hats and/or coats for needy children and families.  Pageant girls throughout the country make it a special point this time of year to find ways to give back and use the crown for good. 

I lost my mojo for a minute.  :-( But once again, I am inspired and look for and report on all the great things that pageant girls do with their titles and the wonderful examples they set.  Off we go...............to give!

Thanks alot "People"

Just when you think it's safe to step out again, something happens that can just set you back 30 miles.

Last week, People magazine ran a cover story, primarily focusing on the hit "reality" show 'Toddlers and Tiaras" and how it's most recent episodes are showcasing how pageants are damaging our girls. 

Always remember, Glam or Glitz pageants are not the only events for children to enter. You can often find events that don't require make-up or false hair pieces. This cover story by People magazine really gives pageantry some unfair scrutiny. 

For every one over the top glitz pageant you see on television, I guarantee there are at least three or four out there that are fun, educational and self-esteem building.  Off of the top of my head I can think of Cinderella Pageants, Beary Special and Winter Snow Queen.   

Want more, do a simple Google search.  Just because a young girl has a chance to win a very large crown, doesn't automatically make it an over the top pageant.

Finally, when it's all said and done, who's really to blame, the pageants, the kids or THE PARENTS!?  Children can't purchase this stuff for themselves.  Because OF COURSE, a 4 year old WANTS to dress up like the hooker in Pretty Woman.

Come on People!

RED HAUTE!!

This was my ABSOLUTE favorite look at the 63rd Prime time EMMY's.  Kerry Washington was the epitome of glamor on the red carpet.  I would LOVE to see a new Mrs. rock this!!!! The peek-a-boo bottom is a fabulous touch to spice up a classic look!

Momma Always Said

I thought I would try something different this go round with the recap of last night's Miss Universe pageant.  I asked one of my favorite "Pageant Moms" to write the recap from her perspective.   Today's author is Jennifer Horvath of Northern Virginia.  Her beautiful daughter, Kailee is a pageant queen, dancer and actress who has held titles in the National American Miss, Virginia International Pageants and most recently International Junior Miss! 

 
So it's safe to say that when it comes to pageant watching, Jennifer has a pretty good eye.   Here's what she had to say about the pageant.

As Miss Angola, Leila Lopes, was crowned Miss Universe 2012 in Sao Paolo, Brazil, two words came to my mind – genuine and stunning.  In her fitted evening gown covered with gold sequins and feathers she looked elegant and graceful and when she opened her mouth she showed an intelligence and inner beauty that wowed over the judges and me.  Miss Angola spoke of being “happy with the way God had created her” when the judges question asked her if there was physical trait she would change.  Any pageant girl knows you can look great, have the right dress, or make-up or swimsuit, but when it comes right down to it the interview or on-stage question is where the crown meets the head.  This was Leila’s time to show just how beautiful she was inside and her sweet smile and gentle laugh as she spoke of family principles and loving herself “as she was created “spoke volumes of her inner character.

During the swimsuit competition Miss Angola strutted across the stage in a bright yellow bikini that was pure perfection.  While evening gown is the favorite competition of many, the swimsuit competition is the one competition where true comparisons can be made.  Leila looked like a beautiful, poised gazelle.  And as to those bikinis – apparently the bottoms had to be sent back to have more fabric added.  

This 60^th Anniversary of Miss Universe was a fun evening with play by play by two commentators and fan voting shown on screen.  That fan voting was quite often in line with the judges, with the exception of fan favorites Venezuela, Columbia and USA not making the Top 10.  The contestants voted Montenegro as Miss Congeniality and Sweden captured the Photogenic title.  

 Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella, made it to the top 16

All in all, while the runners up could have been juggled and the contestants chosen for the Top 16 or Top 10 could have been different, I believe that given a different set of judges on a different day they still would have chosen Miss Angola.  She stood out and truly exemplifies the diversity of the Miss Universe title.  Personally,  I can’t wait to see what she does with the crown.  

 Thanks again Jennifer!!!  I hope you enjoy reading her recap as much as I did!!

Universally Speaking

Congratulations Leila Luliana da Costa Vieira Lopes, Miss Universe 2011!!!!

 

The 25 year old Cape Verdean beauty, represented her home country of Angola, to win the crown out of more than 80 contestants.

She made her way to the national Miss Angola crown, by winning the Miss Angola UK pageant.

This is the first Miss Universe title for Angola.  1999 was the last year that a beauty from an African nation captured the coveted title - with Miss Botswana winning the crown. 

  Miss Botswana 1999 Mpule Kwelagobe, 19 becomes Miss Universe 1999

Watch Leila's crowning announcement!


More on the Miss Universe pageant tomorrow - "Perspective from a Pageant Mom" !!

Fairest of the Fair

Well, I don't know about you, but I have had enough of Mother Nature to last a good while.   I was so glad that this weekend was very moderate weather wise.  Sunday was even pleasant enough to enjoy a pre-Labor Day cookout/bar-be-que at a great family friend's home.

 
While sitting there chatting with her and some other friends, I realized that I have met some of my best friends through pageantry!  Who would have thunk it :-)  LOL.  You enter these competitions with one, maybe two things in mind - Do your best and of course WIN!  It's pretty rare that you go into them thinking you'll make lifetime, true friends.

All I can say is I am pretty darn pleased that my pageant journeys have made me cross paths and become intertwined with some pretty cool people.

And on that note, congrats to the new Mrs. Missouri America 2012 Tina York!!!!!  Yep, another great friend I made at the Mrs. United States pageant back in 2005!

Who says the fairest of the fair can't be friends!!!

Hurricanes, Sunshine and Crowns!!!!!

As you can imagine, here in the Mid-Atlantic region, we are bracing for Hurricane Irene.  After an earthquake earlier this week, no one is really looking forward to yet another "mean" act of nature. But in scouring the internet to make sure that I am all prepared - reading about what Floridians do when the threat of hurricanes arise, imagine my surprise this morning when I realized that three of the major Mrs. crowns won in this year have all gone to women from the Sunshine state :-)  Coincidence???

No seriously! Clearly something is going on down there in beautiful Florida, the sun, the water, the beaches.  Look at the list below to see the lovely beauties.

Mrs. America 2011 - April Lufriu from Tampa, crowned at the national pageant in April (the irony right?) at the Greenbriar Resort in West Virginia.

Mrs. United States 2011 - Shannon Ford of Miami/South Florida, crowned August 4 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mrs. Galaxy International 2012 - Kellie Lightbourn, who competed as Mrs. North America Galaxy in the pageant although she is from Florida, won her title on August 6th in Chicago, Illinois.

I wonder if another state can pick up this dynasty and run with it.  Whatever works, pageant peeps, whatever works!

New Mid Atlantic Queens crowned

On Saturday, August 13th the Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey High School & Collegiate America organization crowned eight new 2012 queens.  The pageant system, which is the official state preliminaries to the national Miss High School America & Miss Collegiate pageants, also held a fundraiser to benefit the national organization’s charity of choice - “Operation Smile”.   Six of the winners crowned at the state level will go on to compete in the national pageants in March 2012 in San Antonio, Texas, the junior high titleholders will reign within their respective state only. 

 Jordyn Goddard, Miss Maryland Collegiate America 2012

The new queens are:  Miss Delaware Junior High America – Bianca Moore (Miss DuPont Middle School), Miss Delaware High School America – Kaitlin Reppella (Miss William Penn High School), Miss Maryland Collegiate America – Jordyn Goddard (Miss College Park), Miss New Jersey High School America – Alexandra Marschall, Miss New Jersey Collegiate America - Rebecca Furman (Miss Oak Ridge), Miss Pennsylvania Junior High America – Chandler Swift (Miss South Brandywine Middle School), Miss Pennsylvania High School America – Camille Schrier (Miss Newton), and Miss Pennsylvania Collegiate America – Amber Smith (Miss St. Francis University).  

 Alexandra Marschall, Miss New Jersey High School  America 2012, (l)

Kaitlin Reppella, Miss Delaware High School America 2012 (c)

Chelsea Spruance, Miss Delaware High School America 2011 (r)

Tracey Jamison, director of the state pageants says “I am quite pleased with the young ladies the judges chose to represent these states in March.  Throughout the weekend, the young ladies exhibited poise, charm and intelligence – everything this pageant system stands for.  I truly believe each of them had a chance to win the national title and the $10,000 scholarship prize.” 

 Chandler Swift, Miss Delaware Jr. High America 2012, Tracey Jamison - Director, 

Amber Smith, Miss Pennsylvania Collegiate 2012 & Camille Schrier, Miss Pennsylvania America 2012

In addition to the opportunity to represent the state, winners will also receive a scholarship of up to $1000. Throughout the weekend’s competition, the delegates were scored in three categories - an individual interview with judges comprises 40% of the score, with the Evening Gown (40%) and fun fashion portions (20%) as the remaining categories scored to determine the winner.

Mrs. United States...........Mrs. U.S.A.??

Congratulations to the new Mrs. United States 2011, Shannon Ford (Florida)

From the Mrs. United States Website:

"A graduate of Florida International University with a B.A. in Psychology, Mrs. Florida, Shannon Ford, is the Human Resources Manager for RBC Wealth Management. She also serves as a Miami Dolphins Ambassador (a select group of former Cheerleaders that represent the organization & advocate community service).

Two years ago Shannon was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, an illness that will require her to maintain a gluten-free diet for the rest of her life. Bringing more attention to this illness through her platform, “1 in 133 – Raising Awareness for Celiac Disease” and her website, www.mylifeglutenfree.com, is how Shannon advocates for better labeling of our nation’s food supply.
Last year Shannon married her best friend, Ray, fifteen years after they first met. Mr. & Mrs. Florida enjoy boating, travelling, visiting theme parks, or simply spending the day at the park with their pug, Honey Bear. Both are avid runners and Shannon has completed both a Half & Full Marathon!"

Ironically, Shannon is a former Miss Florida USA (2002). 

 

Does the crowning of a former Miss USA state titleholder as the new Mrs. United States give any validity to the rumors that Mr. Pageants himself - The Donald - will be acquiring the Mrs. US pageant to add it to the Miss Universe/Miss USA franchise?  I guess we will find out in due time.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

I love to read about pageant coincidences, especially when there's a really happy ending!   How cool is it to have a mother and daughter competing during the same week for two major titles :-)?  Well that happened just last week.  While Anedra Million, Mrs. Ohio was off in Las Vegas trying to become the next Mrs. United States, her beautiful daughter, Aunjanna, wowed the judges so much that she was crowned Miss Teen Galaxy 2012 in Chicago, Illinois!

 Aunjana Million, far left

 

Aunjana is no stranger to pageantry having already held the titles of Miss Ohio High School America and Miss Black Ohio USA Talented Teen. 

I bet there's a lot to talk about at that dinner table, congratulations Aunjana and Anedra!

A weekend fit for Queens

Wow!!!  What a whirlwind weekend!   This past weekend, 8 - count them EIGHT, international queens were crowned.   Between Vegas and Chicago, beautiful ladies were all over the stage competing for in the Belleza Latina, Galaxy International and Mrs. United States pageants!  

Today we congratulate pageant newcomer Alba Yuliza Encarnacion, the new Ms. Belleza Latina 2012!  This Dominican beauty represented the nation's capital, Washington, DC in the pageant.

 

Just Read!!!!! Miss International 2011

Congratulations to Ciji Dodds, Esq. the new Miss International 2011!!!!!  Competing in the pageant as the Maryland representative, Ciji wowed the judges with her beauty, composure and intelligence!!!

 Ciji after winning the title and her Executive Director, DeShawn Shepard

Ciji is an alum of Howard University School of Law, as well as the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, obtaining a degree in Journalism.  Her platform, which she will continue to promote as Miss International is "Just Read - Fighting Illiteracy Starts with your First Book"

 Ciji and her sister queen, Sandra Bryan-Grier, Mrs. Maryland International meet Nicole Ari Parker at the 2011 Heart and Soul Red Carpet Gala.

Ciji promotes reading and fighting youth illiteracy.

As Miss Maryland International, Ciji was named an official ambassador for First Book, a national non-profit organization providing books and grants to schools and organizations. As Miss International 2011, she will broaden these partnerships to bring books and reading rooms to children across the country. To date, in connection with First Book, she has organized a virtual book fair that has provided more than 500 preschool and elementary school children with their very own books.  She also partnered with Reach Out and Read to establish reading areas in local hospitals providing families with a fun diversion from the real purpose of the visit.       

When asked about her passion for reading, youth literacy and book ownership she explained, "At 13 years old, I lost a very close friend of mine.  She did not die, she did not move. Her mother unknowingly signed away her parental rights because she could not read.   Until that moment, I thought everyone was like me and read every night before going to bed.  I never knew there were people without access to books or a parent who could read them bedtime stories.  This tragedy taught me that literacy is an essential skill that can mean the difference between a life of poverty and dependence, prosperity and empowerment.  I'm so glad I received my First Book and developed a love of reading.   Now I plan to pass the importance of reading and my love for books on to others."

I would be remiss if I didn't note that Ciji is the first African-American woman to win this title in the pageant's history!!!!   Let's hear it for Beauty & Brains!!!!

Mrs. International 2012

Congratulations Janet Bolin, of North Carolina, for winning the Mrs. International crown last night in Skokie, Illinois!!  Here's to a great year.

More than High School Community Service Hours

 These days, almost every high school student has to complete community service hours before they can graduate.  They make them do it, and honestly many of them end up enjoying it.  But one thing I love about pageantry is it offers girls and young ladies many, many opportunities to do community service.  They do this because they WANT to, not because they have too.  

Danielle Mazzuchi, Miss Maryland High School America 2011, sent in this first hand account of her most recent community service and volunteer work.  As a National Voices for Equality, Education and Enlightenment (NVEEE) Teen Mentor and Peace Ambassador, this was a great opportunity for her to promote her platform Anti-Bullying.

On Thursday, June 23, 2011, I attended the Usama Young Youth Foundation food drive at Largo High School, benefiting the National Capitol Area Food Bank. I cannot begin to explain how much fun I had with Usama Young himself. It is so nice to meet someone who no matter how big his name is in society, he remembers where he came from. 

 Usama Young, New Orleans Saints, & Danielle Mazzucchi, Miss Maryland High School America 2011

He upholds such humbleness that even for the first time meeting him, I felt as if have known him for longer than expected.  Standing outside with all the volunteers, we were all talking and listening to music, getting ready to load the bus to take the donated goods to the warehouse in Washington DC.

I then heard that Delonte West of the Boston Celtics was there for his good friend Usama and I was introduced. 

 Delonte West, Boston Celtics, & Danielle Mazzucchi, Miss Maryland High School America 2011

These two men are the most down to earth people I have met, especially knowing that their name is in the limelight. We three spoke about topics that meant the most to us while instilling good moral values, and mine appropriately intertwined with Usama’s “Staying Focused” campaign. Mr. Young outlines all of the requirements that are necessary to succeed, especially coming from where he came from, whereas my platform of bullying is the reality within the classroom as well.   

In short, my experience was not only amazing to volunteer for those less fortunate than I, but also gave me reassurance as to why I am proud to be from Maryland, because it is people like us that do not forget of our upbringing.

****Editors Note:  Danielle also volunteered for Usama Young's 3rd Annual Stay Focused Weekend Football and Cheer Camp the following Saturday (June 25), assisting where needed and speaking to the cheerleaders during "Girl Talk" about bullying and diversity.  Mr. Young provides this camp free of charge to students between the ages of 12 - 15.  The camp was held at his alma mater, Largo High School, in Prince George's County, MD.    You can learn more about Usama Young, his foundation and his work at www.usamayoung28.org.

Way to go Danielle, a great way to be of service and spread a wonderful message!   Those who help others, don't bully, think about it.