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.

Proud Mommy

I recently received a wonderful e-mail from a parent talking about her and her daughter's experiences so far in pageantry.  She also thanked me for putting pageants in a positive light :-) Unfortunately, she receives some negativity from family and friends at times for entering her daughter in pageants.  Fortunately, she knows the values and teachings children can gain if parents choose the right system.  It's nice to hear from a proud mommy!!!

Her beautiful 3 year old daughter, Gwendolyn, will be competing in the America's Girl Texas State/National pageant this weekend in Plano, TX. 

A little bit about Gwendolyn, she is currently the reigning Wee Miss Fire Fest 2010 - 2011 for Buda, Texas, the reigning 2010 Texas State Queen from Universal Royalty Pageant System - 3 year old division, the reigning 2011 Round Rock Queen of the 3 year old division for the America's Girl Pageant system and the reigning San Antonio Grand Supreme 2011 for the Pride of America, Inc. pageant system. And just recently on June 11, 2001 won the Grand Supreme title at the Universal Royalty Austin, TX pageant. 

Gwendolyn has recently entered a contest to be on the cover of Parent's Magazine and they have weekly winners, this week takes place from today ending June 26th at midnight. Here is a link where you can vote in the contest !!!   Good luck Gwendolyn, from Pageants & Pearls!

Fire Engine Red and Emerald Green

Congratulations to the new Miss USA 2011.......{folks on the west coast, close this post now)

..................................................................Allysa Campenella !!!

 

I am so excited and pleasantly surprised, that for a chance, I was wrong :-) !!  Once the top four were announced, I picked Allysa to win, but deduced (based upon the past few years of watching and following Miss USA pageants) that she was too intelligent to win and would instead be first runner up.  However, after her interesting answer to her on-stage question, I figured Miss Texas would move into the first runner-up spot, with the feisty Miss Tennessee capturing the crown, moving Miss CA to a undeserved 2nd Runner Up.  Miss Alabama in the final four was definitely a surprise, she just didn't seem to pop - not Miss Universe ready.

But if you want to talk about irony, I find it hilarious that I was concerned that Miss California was too intelligent to win, yet she and Miss Tennessee gave the WORST on stage answers tonight and were left standing as the final two to vie for the crown. LOL, I guess the phrase "any given Sunday" definitely applied here.

As far as I am concerned, Alyssa and my hometown favorite, Miss Maryland Allyn Rose, totally owned the evening gown competition - a total return to Hollywood glamor.  They were absolutely stunning and I loved seeing the deep, deep color.  In my opinion, Maryland should have been in the finals, but that's neither here nor there now.  The former Miss California is definitely an acceptable choice to were the beautiful crown.

I've always been a fan of red heads and Allysa definitely does them justice.  I am excited to see how they will outfit her for the Miss Universe pageant, how they will highlight her fire engine red hair and beautiful green eyes.  I sure hopes she makes a good showing.   She is definitely in for a fun adventure and year, as she gears up for Brazil!!!  

Now that the pageant is over, maybe someone can explain to us pageant heads, what was with the group announcements moving throughout the finals......that I didn't like!   What happened to the ladies having their moments of walking out after their name is announced.  Donald Trump, that practice should be fired!!!  Let's return to pageant norms next year please.

The Del-Mar-Va Triple Crown

Congratulations to the newest members of the Mrs. United States class of 2011.  The three beauties were crowned in a triple pageant on Sunday, June 12 in Dover Delaware.  The producer of the pageants, Crowns of Inspiration, is ran by none other than Mrs. Delaware United States 2001 Siouxzan Moore.

(photo courtesy of Crowns of Inspiration)

The new Mrs. Maryland United States is Tamika Hall from Caroline County.

(photo courtesy of Crowns of Inspiration)

Mrs. Delaware United States 2011 is Angie Hionis-Bell,the former "Mrs. Punkin Chunkin".

(photo courtesy of Studio RM / Crowns of Inspiration)

Mrs. Virginia United States 2011 is Katie Berry of Norfolk.

(Photo Courtesy of Charles Martin / Crowns of Inspiration)

Have a BLAST in Las Vegas this summer ladies!!!!

New MAO Queen in the First State

Congratulations to Maria Cahill, the new Miss Delaware America 2012.

Miss Cahill, whose platform is "Project 1626-Drive Safe, Drive Smart", performed an Irish dance and currently studies marketing at Wilmington University. She previously held the local title, Miss Rehoboth Beach.

The pageant took place at Dover Downs, in Dover, Delaware.

Relax, Relate, Release...then call your Director

I will tell you, I really needed a pageant break after all the foolishness with the "faux" botox mom, titleholders being dethroned and participating in activities to wish my friends well as they ventured off to compete in the Miss USA pageant.   Now that I've had a moment to relax, relate and release..... I can fully concentrate!

It's been a interesting past few weeks, I continue to encounter pageant title holders and directors who cause me anxiety as well as show me a glimmer of hope in this wonderful industry.....  I spent some time with a director friend of mine this past weekend doing a site visit at the property for her upcoming multi-state pageant.  On the same trip, I watched as another director of two state systems spent time and energy searching through mounds of trinkets, necessities and special items to put together gift bags and raffle items to celebrate/support her titleholders as they prepare for their national pageants.

Siouxzan Moore, Director - Mrs. Maryland, Virginia & Delaware United States pageants, with former titleholders.

 

It's quite possible that directors are as much, if not more invested in your reign and your success.  Think about it, when you've waved your last wave, signed your last autograph and sung your last song as Miss Turkey Leg International, your director is gearing up to do it all again for another beauty.  S/he's committed to making sure you have the best experience possible and of course - take home the coveted crown.   First hand experience is the best PR possible right?

When it's all said and done, your director could be your biggest support and best encouragement.  While your friends and family will tell you what you want to hear, your director will tell you what you NEED to hear.  Plus, who doesn't like appreciation gifts!

So the next time it gets a little tough, relax, relate, release and call your director!