Free for all Friday!!!!!

It's my blog and I'll do what I wanna.......... (okay, this is just a nice way of saying I couldn't come up with a snazzy title for today's blog).  In any event, this blog is dedicated to ALL things pageantry, not just report and recapping pageant winners.  So today is a little free for all - a hodge podge of pageant thoughts if you will.

So first up - I received an note from a mom in the Mid West asking for advice on her 14 year-old outgoing daughter, who wants to enter pageants - she has a strong personality, but doesn't have a performing arts "talent".  I figured, since she was kind enough to ask my opinion, I should be as thorough as possible.  I am sure there are others who probably have the same question, so I will share some of the contents of my response here.....hopefully, it's helpful to you or someone you know!  Keep in mind, this is just my semi-PROFESSIONAL/UNBIASED opinion and not an endorsement of ANY pageant.

For your daughter 14 year old, I would start with your state's High School America pageant.  It's less structured than National American Miss (N.A.M.).  They don't have a non-compete clause nor will you need a local title to compete in the state system. There is no swimsuit or talent competition. The national competition is in Orlando, Florida.   Also, if she is interested in doing community service, you could try the Miss Teen International pageant. This system is heavily based in having a platform that you promote throughout the year.  It's pretty intense, having a significant interview portion. The other categories are fun fashion, evening gown and fitness. 

Other pageants you could try are International Junior Miss or National American Miss.  It looks like NAM, in which your younger daughter could also participate, will be having competitions in your state in August.  Like I mentioned earlier, I would first take her to see one in person to get a feel for the atmosphere.

I am not sure what other systems have state competitions in your area, but doing a Google search is a good place to start.  Sites like this are useful.  Just to give you an idea of beginning expenses and preparation - you'll need to invest in a quality formal gown, perhaps fun fashion (which could range), and interview suit or dress, a few good pair of shoes, great hair maintenance and overall age-appropriate glam.  Don't worry about having the best of anything. I tell my clients all the time, judges aren't looking for the best - everyone is going to look great.  We are looking for who we can mark OFF.  It gives us less to judge and a smaller pool to pick winners from.  With that said, cut, proper fit, good coloring and age appropriateness are more important that what anything cost or from where you brought it.

 She seemed pleased with these little tidbits, and I think I got her pointed in the right direction....perhaps she will follow up with me with GREAT NEWS in the coming months!!

In other news, did ANYONE see how fabulous Jennifer Lopez looked as she received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!  Talk about orientation/prelim viewing or contestant dinner GLAM!!! 

Finally!   Good luck to all the 2013 Miss Maryland America contestants who will have their finals tomorrow night to decide who will go to Atlantic City.  Unashamedly, I have a favorite (who's already won a prelim competition) but....you know my theory - it can go anyway with the judges. So ladies of the Mu and Delta groups, I hope you brought it this week!  I know I will be eagerly waiting to learn who will represent the Free State in September.

2013 Miss Maryland America Contestants

Have a PEARLFECT weekend dear friends!!!!!

From the Cowboy State......

A big congratulations to Atana Velasquez, the new Mrs. Wyoming America 2013!!!

The stunning beauty was crowned at the Central High Performing Arts Center in Cheyenne on Saturday, June 2 in front of friends and family, including her husband of seven years, Nathaniel.  Entering the pageant representing Douglass, she also won the Best in Evening Gown and Most Photogenic awards. Now she moves on to compete in the Mrs. America pageant this August in Tucson, Arizona.

Other finalists and award winners were: Mrs. Laramie - 1st RU and Best in Swimsuit award winner, Best in Interview award winner and Mrs. Congeniality winner;  Mrs Gillette - 2nd RU and also Director's Choice award winner and Mrs. Casper - Marriage Longevity Award who has been married for 20 years.

Also on hand to congratulate and celebrate with the newest member of Wyoming's royalty were her predecessors and Mrs. Wyoming sisters:

From left to right - Amy Moon(2007), Lauren Deluca(2010), MRS. WYOMING 2013, Heather Clemens(2012), Sheree Lynch(2002) Joanna {Hamilton} Dobos (2009) and LaKell Archer(2011).

Photo Credit: Jeff Johnson Portraits

Congratulations Atana and welcome to the Mrs. America family!!!!  For more information on the Mrs. Wyoming America pageant visit http://www.mrswyomingamerica.com/index.html.

** Photos courtesy of Mrs. Wyoming America pageant

Muy Linda !!!!!

Congratulations to Miss República Dominicana Global 2013 Marilyn Batista, and Miss T.E.E.N. República Dominicana 2013 Ana Matias, on winning their titles Saturday, May 25, 2013.

Newly crowned winners of the Miss República Dominicana Global and Miss T.E.E.N. República Dominicana 2013 and outgoing Republica Dominicana Global Queen. (Courtesy of www.tumedio.net)

 

 

Miss República Dominicana Global 2013 and Miss T.E.E.N. República Dominicana 2013 with event producers.

The winners will represent the Dominican Republic at the Miss Global International Pageant, which will be held in Nigeria, Africa and the Miss T.E.E.N. Pageant 2013  in Houston, Texas.

To learn more about both pageant systems, visit their websites!!

Miss Global International - http://missglobalinternational.com/html/

Miss T.E.E.N.  - http://www.teenwc.com/

Miss America & Championship Football !!!!!

Hello Friends, Happy New Year!!!!

Yes, I know it's been a while, but we're back.....just in time for MISS AMERICA WEEK!!

This Saturday, January 12th, a new Miss America will be crowned!  I know that Laura Kaeppeler has had an amazing, not stop past 12 months!

Who will be next??  Perhaps my home state of Maryland can take the crown?  (Let's go Joanna!!!!)

What are your predictions and who are your favorites for this year?  What talent will we see?

Caressa Cameron, Miss America 2010

 

More importantly will tonight's National Championship Bowl game have ANY bearing on who wins the crown??

Anna Laura Bryan, Miss Alabama 2012

MerrieBeth Cox, Miss Indiana 2013

I don't know about you, but I'm very excited to watch the pageant and see the results!  @MadisonDonovan will be Tweeting live during the pageant, join in!!!

Congratulations - The new Miss High School and Collegiate America

On Saturday, March 10th two new national titleholders entered the very select group.  Congratulations to the new 2012 titleholders, Miss Collegiate America, Haley O' Brien & Miss High School America, Bianca Vierra.

Haley, the former Miss Minnesota Collegiate, was also Miss Minnesota Teen USA 2010.

Haley is crowned by Shannon Folsom,  Miss Collegiate America 2011

Haley,  Miss Minnesota Teen USA 2010

Bianca Vierra, ironically came to the pageant as Miss Teenage California  2011, not Miss California High.  However she arrived, I am pleased by the things I've read about this lovely brunette.  

According to the Miss Teenage California website, Bianca is a Sophomore at James Logan High School. She stands 5'8'' tall with brown hair and brown eyes, and is an honors student, Interact Club member, Volunteer coach for the Special Olympics, and has performed as a classical ballerina in the Nutcracker and Cinderella.

Here's to a great year ladies!

Breaking news - The 2013 High School and Collegiate America pageants will be held in Orlando, Florida - that's right Home to Disney World in next August!!!!!

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!

How do I choose THE ONE?

One of the great things about pageantry is you have the opportunity to meet women and girls from all over the world, literally!  Pageantry is also one of those industries where the reach is "six degrees of separation".  A month ago, I received an e-mail from one of my sorority sisters asking if she could put me in touch with another sorority sister who is now living in the Virgin Islands and will be competing for Mrs. Virgin Islands United States in a few weeks. 

Since connecting, one of the things that we've discussed is "how do I choose the right evening gown?"  The biggest challenge for her is that she has to search for her evening gown primarily online with very little time between purchasing it and the pageant to try it on and get any alterations made.  Because evening gowns are a tricky thing and you have to be very, very careful.   The fact that she is having a hard time finding something in person and is now looking online makes it even more stress.  There are so many things to take into account and think about when making the selection.  What looks good on your friend may not look the same on you.  For women of color, it's even more challenging because most designer evening gown models are don't "look like us", so we have to take extra steps to envision ourselves in a gown.  Most of all, you have to remember that the evening gown should be perfect for YOU, regardless of how the model or another contestant may have looked in it.  

Sampling of evening gowns from the Miss Universe 2007 pageant

Sampling of evening gowns from the Miss Universe 2008 pageant

Sampling of evening gowns from the Miss USA 2008 pageant

There are tons of tutorials out there that instruct on how to choose an evening gown.  But I'd like to add, that when considering your dress, there are few "out of the ordinary" things you should take into consideration like color, weight of the dress, your height, stage set up for your pageant, ease of movement and the peek a boo factor.  Now I know you may be wondering what I mean by peek a boo factor.  Have you ever seen someone on stage in a beautiful plunging gown or a backless gown and they look completely uncomfortable?  Perhaps they didn't purchase the correct double sided tape, or they didn't realize the backless bra they purchased wouldn't truly hold them.

Sassybax: Very Bare Backless Bra by Bare Necessities

These factors, when thought about separately may not be a big deal, but when you combine them - if not addressed properly, they could spell disaster.   If you're a size 2, weighing 99 pounds - that gorgeously adorned Tony Bowls may be too much for your frame.  Instead of gliding and showcasing your gown beautifully, you could wind up looking weighted and worried.

One Shoulder Beaded Tony Bowls Collection Pageant Dress 110C02

You may have dreamed of wearing a orange, lavender, blue or pink gown for your evening gown competition in your pageant.  However, if you plan on tanning (lotion, spray, tanning bed or natural) be sure to take how colors look with different shades of skin into account when selecting your dress.  Will the pale yellow tint you envisioned work if you are three shades darker in early spring as opposed to late summer?

  Spray tanning prevents one from the ill and harmful effects of the ultra violet rays of the sun.

What works in the selection of an evening gown is as unique as the pattern of a snow flake.  As long as you are picking something that works for your body, your comfort level, enhances your confidence and makes you feel like the best you on stage - you can be sure you've chosen the right one!

Remember the Alamo

This year marks the 175th anniversary of the "Battle of the Alamo" in San Antonio, Texas.

Just when you thought schools weren't paying enough attention to history and how far we've come as a country, something special happens to tie it all together!   Now perhaps it wasn't by design, but it sure makes for good public relations!  High School girls from around the country converged "Deep in the Heart" of Texas this and will compete for the title of Miss High School America 2011!!!!!  
There are still a few days to go until the final competition, but so far, it looks like they are having a BLAST!

 

 
In honor of Pee-Wee Herman, I wonder if anyone asked to see the basement?

Pretty Boy Swag

If you're like me, you are one step away from choking someone if you hear that song or Pretty Girl Rock ever again.  However, I PROMISE it has a point today.  There's a VERY BIG misconception that if you're a guy/boy doing pageants, there must be something wrong with you, that you're dare I say...........gay.  Why does that have to be case, gay or straight, why can't guys in pageant just have a little "swag".

Here's the reality.....
        A) every pageant isn't a BEAUTY pageant.
        B) By definition, a pageant can also refer to: 1) a procession or ceremony in elaborate costume, 2) nativity play or 3) a competitive event with multiple categories ending in one definitive titled winner.

In September, the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at Shaw University crowned Mr. Alpha Rho. To open up the pageant, contestants presented the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated, the audience, and judges with a quote that they apply to their everyday life.  The pageant also included an "Express Yourself" segment, where the contestants had the opportunity to entertain the audience with a talent. To conclude the competition part of the ceremony, contestants randomly choose a question to answer from the questionnaire jar.  After tallying the scores, the new Mr. Alpha Rho 2010-2011, Malik Devoy-Herring, was crowned in the event that raises funds to support the community service mission of the chapter.

 

Contestants pose with two members of Alpha Rho before the opening act.

The Mr. UK Pageant is an annual all men's pageant presented by the Delta Zeta Chapter (Alpha Theta) at the University of Kentucky.  Much like the Mr. Alpha Rho pageant, men from all different organizations on campus compete for the crown by participating in dance, swim wear, talent, and final question rounds.  The pageant raises money for the organization's speech & hearing philanthropy effort, including more than $9,000 in 2009.   

 Marcus Hicks, Mr. UK 2009

And after all, who can forget the most favorite "pageant" man of all - The Terminator, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mr. Universe 1967 & Mr. Olympia 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974 & 1975!  

So the next time you hear about a boy/man in a pageant, don't be so quick to judge - it could be for a great cause or the beginning of a multi-million dollar career.

Grammy Inspired

So as I was looking through the post coverage of last nights Grammy photos, imagine my surprise when I saw that the pageant world is on the tongue of today's hippest, hottest, most in the know and creative photojournalists and commentators.  This photo of singer, Jordin Sparks garnered comments saying, "she needed to return to the pageant.." Nice to know they were thinking about us..

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!

Show me the money!

I have said it before and I will say it again.  Pageantry is about so much more than just "looking pretty".  Successful competition in a pageant can open doors for a young lady that could lead to endless opportunities.  The confidence built by stepping out on a stage in front of hundreds of people to the people skills learned by spending a week or more with teenagers from all walks of life are skills taught in few places but required in many arenas.  On top of that, the money that can be earned through scholarships and scholastic awards rival any athletic scholarship program.

Lacy Russ, Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2011

Last month, one beautiful and talented young lady from Oklahoma earned a $30,000 scholarship.   Lacy Russ, a rising senior at Cordell High School in Cordell, Oklahoma was crowned Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2011.  Her talent in the competition was piano and she reportedly played an amazing "piece that was a combination of Bach's Prelude XXI  and Beethoven's Sonata Pathetique and spoke of her platform P.U.R.E Excellence". (MAOT website).   

  

Other winners in the pageant including the court (1st - 4th runners up) and top 10 finalists won awards ranging from $1,500 - $15,000.   There were several other cash prizes such as: Scholastics Excellence Award (Highest GPA), Outstanding Achievement in Academic Life (GPA + Resume), B. Don Magness Spirit of America Award (Provided by the MAOT Sorority) and Non-finalist Interview Award $500 to name a few. 

Another opportunity exists for young ladies, high school aged, to earn approximately $10,000 in scholarship funds.   Earlier this year Carlina Romero of Columbia, SC was crowned Miss High School America 2010.  The pageant, which is held in Branson, Missouri offers "exists for the purpose of providing personal and professional opportunities for high school girls. It is our goal to provide outstanding high school girls the opportunity to compete in a pageant system that has the highest of moral values." (Miss High School America website).    Unlike the MAOTeen pageant, there is no talent requirement with contestants instead Miss High School America contestants compete in: Opening Number,” “Fun Fashion,” “Evening Gown,” and the “Interview.” 

Whether it's through main stream channels like Miss America's Outstanding Teen (and it's local and state competitions) & Miss High School America or smaller avenues like Miss Elks Lodge or Little Miss Flower Bed, always remember one benefit of participating and succeeding in pageantry could be "show me the money".  If you're not sure where to start there are goo-gabs of consultants, coaches, make-up artists, directors, etc. that can definitely help put you on the right path, just ask one of them.

World.....Universe....GALAXY!!

Congratulations to Yolanda Makle.....Ms. Galaxy 2011!!!!

 (Yolanda Makle, 2011 Ms. Galaxy Photogenic Winner)

(2011 Galaxy Pageants Queens.  Clockwise from top right - Teen, Ms, Mrs, Miss)

No stranger to pageantry, Yolanda is an amazing competitor who has won or placed runner up in several national pageants. 

  (4th runner up to Miss Galaxy 2005)

 

 (Ms. Belleza Latina 2009)

More than just a pretty face, this engineer &; businesswoman is a proud alum of the University of North Carolina and President of Yolanda Makle Photography!!!  Perhaps you're now thinking, "I've seen her somewhere before.  No, not at an appearance".  Well you're absolutely right.  In the summer of 2009, Yolanda beat a bevy of contestants, ultimately two other finalists, for the job of the Washington Nationals In-Game Co-Host!!!

Despite all her titles and placements, Yolanda's most notable contribution to the industry was the founding of the Ethnic World Pageant System in 2005.  Her vision for establishing the pageant was "to give ALL women of color the opportunity to help educate the world on cultural diversity".   With all that Yolanda has done through her time in pageantry and considering her very first Ethnic World teen queen has gone on to become Miss America her vision was dead on and has moved beyond women of color.

Continued success Yolanda as you move forward in showing the world what ANY woman can do a little tenacity, faith, preparation, hard work and motivation.