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.