What the...?!

Turn on Tyra on the CW RIGHT NOW to see a former 1st RU to Miss Ohio!!!

Ew, now Heidi and Spencer are on offering a role on their new reality show...


*Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone*

Pageant Press: Miss Mansfield

Click here for a Mansfield News Journal article
and HERE for a video from www.wmfd.com of the three newest titleholders at their first appearance!

Pageant Press Release: Miss America Judges

2010 Miss America Pageant Puts the Spotlight

On National Judges

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Live from Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas, on TLC

Linwood, N.J., December 7, 2009 – The 2010 Miss America Pageant promises to be an exciting event with the announcement of the strikingly diverse panel of national judges. This year's panel of seven esteemed judges includes a Miss America turned opera singer and philanthropist; an accomplished actress; an Olympic gold medalist; a six-time Grammy nominee; the most listened-to radio talk show host in America; a successful comedian, and an American Idol finalist. They will evaluate the contestants from the preliminaries through the final night of competition, which will be premiering live from Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 8:00PM ET live/PT tape-delayed, exclusively on TLC.

The judges were announced by Sam Haskell, III, Chairman of the Board for the Miss America Organization (MAO), Art McMaster, President and CEO of MAO, and Anthony Eaton, Producer of the 2010 Miss America Pageant. This year's panel of judges is comprised of experts in each of the fields that a young woman must excel in, in order to be named Miss America. Miss America must be talented, intelligent and well-spoken, a leader, have a commitment to her community, be contemporary in her style and fashion - a relatable and individual ‘it girl' who can connect with today's modern woman, as well as being physically fit. To determine who will be Miss America 2010 the following panel of judges has been selected:

From the Field of Beauty - Vivica A. Fox – Fox is an accomplished actress and producer that has appeared on both the small and big screens in every type of genre. She is currently the host of the new reality series, "The Cougar,” and returned for the 2009 season of Larry David's HBO hit comedy, Curb Your Enthusiasm as the feisty "Loretta Black.” She is the recipient of numerous awards including the NAACP Spirit Award, the NAACP Image Award and Prism Award, the Trumpet Award for Outstanding Career Achievements in Film, the Lady of Soul Lena Horne Career Achievement Award and an MTV Movie Award. She was also named as one of People Magazine's fifty most beautiful people.

From the Field of Community Service - Miss America 2002 Katie Harman – Since her year, Harman tours nationally and internationally as an acclaimed classical and operatic vocalist with a myriad of opera and musical theater companies, symphony orchestras, and special events. Also a recording artist and television personality, she can next be seen in a principal role as a singer on HBO's Big Love (airing March 2010). An active cancer advocate, she serves on numerous boards of cancer organizations and hospitals and is the National Spokesperson for the Touched by Cancer Organization. Additionally, her philanthropic efforts target women's issues, homelessness, and arts education.

From the Field of Fitness - Shawn Johnson – Johnson is an 2008 Olympic gold medalist for gymnastics. She was named the 79th Amateur Athletic Union Sullivan Award recipient, one of the most prestigious honors in amateur sports and became the youngest ever contestant and season eight champion on ABC's Dancing with the Stars. Johnson is also involved in programs that promote healthy nutrition and exercise and help build good character amongst youth across the country.

From the Field of Talent – Dave Koz - Koz is a six-time Grammy nominee, multi platinum pop instrumentalist. Recently honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Koz hosts an afternoon radio show that's nationally distributed on the Smooth Jazz Radio Network as well as the syndicated Dave Koz Radio Show, now in its 15th year and airing on weekends in approximately 120 markets. He has served for 17 years as global ambassador for the Starlight Children's Foundation and is an ongoing member of the Board Of Governors for the Grammy® Foundation.

From the Field of Communications/Interview - Rush Limbaugh - Limbaugh is the outspoken, conservative and ultra-popular host of The Rush Limbaugh Show, an AM/FM radio show about American politics with an audience of 20 million. Limbaugh is involved in charities including the Marine Corps – Law Enforcement Foundation and the Leukemia Lymphoma Foundation. He is a best-selling author and was nominated in 2007 for the Nobel Peace Prize.

From the Field of Entertainment - Paul Rodriguez – Rodriguez is an actor and comedian whose career spans more than two decades and includes starring roles and featured appearances in over 40 films and countless television series and specials. Throughout his career Paul has remained involved with various charitable, civic and educational organizations including the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. As Chairman of the California Latino Water Coalition, Rodriguez was recently honored with a Humanitarian of the Year Award for his work on behalf of water conservation.

From the Field of Creating America's Rising Talent - Brooke White – White is a singer and songwriter who is most known for her appearance as a finalist on season seven of American Idol. She recently released her debut album, High Hopes & Heartbreak, in which she shares with the world, her love for the music that has shaped her.

I'm really impressed with the first four judges! I've seen Dave Koz live; he's fantastic and can certainly assess any type of music and performance. Shawn Johnson is a great choice because she is a young woman who had to handle the media, just like Miss America. However, I laughed out loud at the idea that "Creating America's Rising Talent" is a field. What do you think of this years judges?

Tune-in Alert: The Amazing Race

This season Miss America 2004, Ericka Dunlap, and her husband Brian Kleinschmidt have been contestants on The Amazing Race. At first, I was skeptical, but I have watched every episode and now love Brian and Erica. On tonight's finale they're the underdogs, but anything could happen at 8 p.m. on CBS! Good luck team yellow, yellow, yellow!

Pageant Press: Miss Mansfield Pageant: Three crowned Saturday night

CLICK HERE for a Miss competition photos from Daniel Melograna and here for Teen. Timothy Russell will have his shots on the Miss Mansfield website soon.

Miss Mansfield Pageant: Three crowned Saturday Night

Mansfield News Journal

By Lou Whitmir

MANSFIELD -- Heather Wells, a vibrant dancer from Howland, and Amber Bussa, a petite singer from Wheelersburg, are both on their way to the Miss Ohio stage this summer at the Renaissance Theatre.

Crestview High School junior Chelsi Howman was also named Miss Mansfield Outstanding Teen after a rousing dance routine to "Let's Get Loud" at Mansfield Senior High School.

Wells was crowned Miss Mansfield, besting 14 contestants by dancing her way across the stage to "Baby I'm A Star" from the "Purple Rain" soundtrack.

Pageant-goers were treated to more than three hours of entertainment and favorite holiday songs performed by featured performers Miss Ohio Roberta Camp Albert and outgoing Miss Mansfield Nanciann Strosnider.

Wells is a junior at Kent State University. Her platform is youth development through 4-H. She wants to obtain a degree in broadcast journalism and become a news anchorwoman.

Bussa, crowned Miss North Central Ohio, attends The Ohio State University and plans to pursue a career as a nutritionist after graduation. She sang the Broadway song "Popular."

Strosnider, in an emotional farewell speech, said her reign was the best year of her life as she held a Miss America coloring book she received at age 4, when it cost 59 cents.

During the evening's awards, Lexington's Drena McCurdy was named Volunteer of the Year. McCurdy is director of the Miss Ohio Outstanding Teen Program and a member of the Miss Ohio Board. She and members of her family assists Laura Russell, director the two preliminary pageants, each year to make the December pageant a success.

Little Miss Snowflake winners were Isabella Willacker, Sofie Swartzmiller and Cady Watkins.

lwhitmire@nncogannett.com 419-521-7223

Congrats to the New Miss Mansfield, Heather Wells, Miss NCO, Amber Bussa and Teen, Chelsi Howman!

Miss Mansfield: Heather Wells

Miss North Central Ohio: Amber Bussa

1st RU: Alyssa Phillips

2nd RU: Sasha Eby

Interview: Amber Bussa

Talent Marisa Buchheit

Swimsuit: Heather Wells

Gown: Heather Wells

Congeniality: Melissa Stevens

Mansfield's Outstanding Teen: Chelsi Howman

1st RU: Courtney Fraley

Photos are from Timothy Russell and the program's Twitter account. Love it's logo!

Best of Luck to Miss Mansfield, Miss North Central Ohio and Mansfield's Teen Pageant Tonight!

Tonight at the Mansfield Senior High auditorium, the last three crowns of 2009 will be given, Miss Mansfield, Miss North Central Ohio and Mansfield's Outstanding Teen! Miss Mansfield 2009, Nanciann Strosnider, Miss Ohio 2007, Roberta Camp, Miss Ohio's Outstanding Teen 2009, Veronica Wende and Miss Mansfield 2007, Emily Cousino, will all take the stage during the "I Believe" themed program. The preshow begins at 6:30 p.m.; be sure to take extra cash for the silent auction and program books. For more information, check out Miss Mansfield's unbeatable WEBSITE; you can now follow them on Twitter too!

The outgoing Miss Mansfield is the fabulous Nanciann Strosnider. I can tell you from experience, Nanciann is a riot backstage; people who only see her poise and polish onstage don't realize what a fun personality she also has. She's a vocalist who earned her undergrad at Elon University in Journalism and Musical Theatre. Nanciann is now taking graduate classes online in Broadcast Meteorology through Mississippi State University. Miss Mansfield was her fifth trip to Miss Ohio; she placed 2nd Runner-up. In 2008 she made the Top 10 as Miss Northern Ohio, in '07 as Miss Lake Erie she was 4th Runner-up. In 2006 as Miss Portsmouth she was in the Top 10 and was 4th Runner-up her first try, as Miss South Central in 2005! There were some Talent awards in there somewhere, too; suffice it to say, she is a fierce competitor. Her biography says Miss Mansfield was her final attempt at Miss Ohio. If that is indeed true, she will be missed and likely go on many fans "coulda, woulda, shoulda been Miss Ohio" list.

The following women will compete for Nanciann's crown and the new title, Miss North Central Ohio, in this order:

Emily Pheils is no longer competing.

Alyssa Phillips

Education: Bowling Green State University / Fashion Merchandising

Talent: Sign Language / Vocal?

Platform: A "Sign" of the times

Pageant Past: 2nd RU recently at both Vacationland and Northwestern Ohio.

Lauren Talaga

Education: University Of Utah / Biology & Pre-Med

Talent: Flute

Platform: Promoting Literacy Where We Live

Pageant Past:

Heather Wells

Education: Kent State University / Broadcast Journalist & Mass Communication

Talent: Dance / Lyrical or jazz

Platform: "Groomed 4 Success" raising 4-H awareness among youth

Pageant Past: Swimsuit winner this season at North Coast; Top 10 at Miss Ohio '09 as Ohio River and competed in '08 as Maple City; former Top 5 at Miss Ohio Teen USA.

Amber Bussa

Education: Ohio State University / Nutrition
Talent: Vocal

Platform: Get Into Gear To Volunteer
Pageant Past: Non-semifinalist Talent award at Miss Ohio '09 as Portsmouth.

Jade Davis

Education: Pioneer Career and Technology Center / Nursing

Talent: Dance

Platform Issue: Helping Underprivileged Children

Pageant Past:

Mary Cousino

Education: Mercy College Of Northwest Ohio / Nursing

Talent: Piano

Platform: Heart Start Education

Pageant Past:

Sasha Eby

Education: Muskingum College/ Neuroscience

Talent: Vocal

Platform: "Worth The Wait" Promoting Abstinence To Today's Teens

Pageant Past: Top 10 at Miss Ohio as Miss North Coast; recently competed at Portsmouth.

Marisa Buchheit

Education: Cleveland Institute of Music / Vocal Performance

Talent: Classical Vocal

Platform: Reaching Out With Music

Pageant Past: Non-finalist Talent award at Miss Illinois '09 as West Cook County and finalist at Miss Illinois Teen USA and Illinois Junior Miss.

Christina Muha

Education: University of Toledo / Nursing

Talent: French Horn

Platform: Heart To Heart: Be Smart

Pageant Past: Has competed in a few locals.

Jessica Nelson

Education: University of Toledo / Veterinary & Biology

Talent: Dance

Platform: "P.E.T.S." Promoting Education, Training & Safety

Pageant Past: 3rd RU recently at Miss Northwestern Ohio; second year local contestant.

Brandi Herceg

Education: Franciscan University of Stubenville / Early Childhood Education

Talent: Dance

Platform: "Learn The Truth": Heart Disease Awareness & Education

Pageant Past: Competed at Miss Ohio in '08 as Miss Ohio Valley.

Haripriya 'Priya' Sharma

Education: Cleveland State / Health Sciences

Talent: Dance

Platform: Promoting Cancer Research & Awareness

Pageant Past: Talent winner at Vacationland and competed recently at MV/AAC/FT

Melissa Stevens

Education: Owens Community College / Math, Science & Spanish

Talent: Vocal

Platform: "Food For Thought" - Curing Local Hunger

Pageant Past: competed at MV/AAC/FT.

Katie Camp

Education: Wright State University / Business Marketing

Talent: Tap Dance

Platform: Choose Children: Volunteer!

Pageant Past: Top 10 and Swimsuit winner at Miss Ohio '09 as Miami Valley and Top 11 at Miss Ohio '08 as Portsmouth.

***

The following five women will compete to be Miss Mansfield's Outstanding Teen, in this order:

Kirsten Fennig

Education: Celina High School / 11th Grade

Talent: Piano

Platform: The Importance Of The Adam Walsh Act
Pageant Past: Second year local MOOT competitor.

Amanda Sabourin

Education: Ontario High School / 11th Grade

Talent:

Platform: Feeding The Hungry

Chelsi Howman

Education: Crestview High School / 11th Grade

Talent: Dance

Platform: Stop Bullying Now: Take A Stand! Lend A Hand!

Pageant Past: Competed at both MOOT and Ohio Teen USA.

Courtney Fraley

Education: Ontario High School / 11th Grade
Talent:

Platform: Make Life Your Natural High

Alexandra Bernowski

Education: Canal Winchester Middle School / 8th Grade

Talent:

Platform: Family Mealtime: Reconnecting

Pageant Past: Competed in National American Miss.

***

A Little Snowflake competition will take place in the afternoon. Best of luck to everyone! As always, please send me updates and corrections.

On a personal note, I am currently in Ohio and was hoping to attend this pageant. However, my guy broke his ankle Thursday night playing basketball. I'll likely opt to keep him out of more trouble instead! Please send healing thoughts his way.

The Final Ballot

There's been a bit of talk about obvious winners and the role of the final ballot in pageants, so I thought I'd dig up an old post. First, after all phases of competition are over the five highest scoring women are randomly listed for the judges. Each judge then ranks them from winner to 4th runner-up. It is my understanding that the woman who has made the best overall impression and proven herself most capable of doing the job of Miss So-and-So should be ranked first, and so on down to fifth. The judges don't know how the women scored, so theoretically the woman who was fifth before the final ballot could win and the woman with the highest competition score could end up 3rd or 4th runner-up!

Based on the use of the final ballot, I find it particularly annoying to think that anyone "has it in the bag." To prove that point I dug up an entry from a couple years ago in which I used some of my favorite TV characters to illustrate how a final ballot can work:

Judge #1######### Judge #2 ##### Judge #3
1. Samantha ##### 1. Ms. Big #### 1. Ms. Big

2. Charlotte ##### 2. Carrie ###### 2. Miranda

3. Carrie ####### 3. Charlotte # ## 3. Carrie

4. Miranda ##### 4. Miranda ##### 4. Charlotte

5. Ms. Big ###### 5. Samantha ### 5. Samantha

Judge #4 ##### Judge #5 ###### Judge #6
1. Carrie ##### 1. Charlotte ### 1. Samantha

2. Ms. Big #### 2. Carrie ###### 2. Carrie

3. Charlotte ## 3. Samantha ### 3. Charlotte

4. Samantha ## 4. Miranda #### 4. Miranda

5. Miranda #### 5. Ms. Big #### 5. Ms. Big

After the judges rank the women on the final ballot, the auditor's tabulate the result using this key: 1 = 10 points, 2 = 5 points, 3 = 3 points, 4 = 2 points and 5= 1 point.

The ladies would score as follows:

Carrie: 31
Ms. Big: 28
Samantha: 27
Charlotte: 26
Miranda: 14

So, Carrie takes the crown (she is the star of the show) even though only one judged deemed her the winner. Judges either loved or hated Samantha and Ms. Big, while Carrie stayed in the middle and garnered the most points. Note, Samantha and Ms. Big were both first by two judges and Ms. Big was last three times to Samantha's two; yet, Ms. Big placed higher than Samantha because Judge #4 placed her second. Poor Miranda was only “last” according to one judge, but ended in 4th place anyway.

You see, when you are perplexed by pageant results, it’s the Top 5 balloting system that you should fight to eliminate, rather than accosting the winner, judges or auditors. Unless of course you don't think the woman had any business being in the Top 5...!

I think maybe I am “okay” with all of this thanks to my Forensics (competitive speech) experience. Sometimes the judges would know what they were doing, other times they were faculty from the Communications or Theatre department who merely owed a favor to the Director of Forensics who was hosting the tournament. In Forensics, you’re divided into groups of 4 to 7 competitors and you do your event 2 or 3 times, for a different judge each time, usually with a different mix of competitors. You’re given both a score and ranked against the others in your group. In the end, the top 6 compete in a final round. Our coach always stressed that you had to be the best in each round. Forensics speak goes like this: “You have to get the one. If you go one, one, six, someone with straight threes WILL beat you.”

Meet the women competing for Miss Mansfield and Miss North Central Ohio by CLICKING HERE!

The Teens are HERE and there will also be a Little Miss Snowflake contest.

Pageant Pictures: Miss Vacationland

Check out http://jess-nelson.blogspot.com/ for talent selections and judges.

These photos are courtesy of Miss Ohio's Teen, Veronica Wende, and April O'Brien's facebook. Thanks ladies!










*Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone*

Congrats to the New Miss Vacationland, Jacquelyn Nichols

The following photos of Jacquelyn are from the Miss Ohio USA 2009 pageant (meaning it took place in November of 2008):



*Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone*

According to my sources...

Miss Vacationland: Jacquelyn Nichols

1st RU: April O'Brien
2nd RU: Alyssa Phillips

Talent: Haripriya Sharma
Interview: April O'Brien
Swimsuit: Jacquelyn Nichols


*Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone*

Confirmed

I've received word that the Miss Vacationland contestant list posted on a message board is correct. Their information and photos are below in alphabetical order; competition order is: April O'Brien, Sherry El sakr, Maria Minnick, Jacquelyn Nichols, Jessica Nelson, Christina Muha, Danielle Henry, Emily Pheils, Haripriya Sharma, Kirsten Samples, Hope Smalls, Alyssa Phillips and MarLana Ricci.

*Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone*

Best of Luck to the Miss Vacationland Program

Prior to being crowned Miss Ohio 1962 and Miss America 1963, Jacquelyn Mayer was the very first Miss Vacationland. While I am unsure how long Miss Vacationland originally ran, it is returning tonight to the Playmakers Civic Theatre in Port Clinton. The pageant begins at 7:30 p.m. and will feature Toledo news anchor Lauren Lowrey as the emcee; joining her onstage will be reigning Miss Ohio, Erica Gelhaus, former Miss Ohio, Melanie Murphy Miller and Miss Junior America, Emily Coursin.

According to the Miss Vacationland website they plan to award $3000 in scholarships, half of which will go to the winner. The following women are RUMORED to be competing. I must stress, this is an unconfirmed list found on a message board!

Sherry El sakr

Education: Graduate of Cleveland State University / Biology

Talent: Piano

Platform: Heart 101: Promoting Heart Healthy Lifestyles in Our Children

Pageant Past: 2nd RU recently at Miss Clayland; second year local contestant.

Danielle Henry

Education: Kent State University / Nursing

Talent: Dance

Platform: Being a Cancer Advocate: Speak Up!

Pageant Past: Community Service award winner recently at Miss Clayland; second year local contestant.

Maria Minnick

Education: University of Toledo

Talent: Dance

Platform: Getting Youth Involved within the 4-H

Community

Pageant Past: Third year local contestant.

Christina Muha

Education: University of Toledo

Talent: French Horn

Platform:

Pageant Past: Has competed in a few locals.

Jessica Nelson

Education: University of Toledo / Veterinary & Biology

Talent: dance

Platform: Promoting Pet Health and Safety

Pageant Past: 3rd RU recently at Miss Northwestern Ohio; second year local contestant.

Jacquelyn Nichols

Education: University of Akron

Talent: vocal
Platform:
Pageant Past: Top 15 at Miss Ohio USA

April O'Brien

Education: Bethany College / Communication-Electronic Media & Spanish

Talent: Vocal

Platform: Donate Life: The importance of blood donation
Pageant Past: veteran contestant

Emily Pheils

Education: Bowling Green State University /Pop Culture & Marketing

Talent: vocal

Platform: Dove Campaign for Real Beauty

Pageant Past: Recent 1st RU at Miss Northwestern Ohio and Miss MV/AAC/FT; competed at Miss Ohio '09 as Bay Village.

Alyssa Phillips

Education: Bowling Green State University / Fashion Merchandising

Talent: sign language

Platform:

Pageant Past: 2nd RU recently at Miss Northwestern Ohio.

MarLana Ricci

Education: Bowling Green State University / Special Education

Talent: vocal
Platform:
Pageant Past:

Haripriya 'Priya' Sharma

Education: Cleveland State / Pre-Med?

Talent: dance

Platform:

Pageant Past: competed recently at Miss MV/AAC/FT

Kirsten Samples

Education: Xavier University / Health Care Administration

Talent: Vocal

Platform: Pump it up! Giving Self esteem a boost

Pageant Past: 3rd RU and On-stage Interview winner at Miss Lake Festival

Hope Smalls

Education: University of Dayton
Talent: Piano

Platform:
Pageant Past: 2nd RU & Interview last year at Miss Greater Butler County

Best of luck to everyone! Please comment or email with results, photos, corrections and updates.

Celebrating the Season!

Crazy shop-a-holics have been standing in line since 4 a.m., while the rest of us are rolling out of bed and into our fat pants, having eaten too much yesterday! All that means that the holiday season is in full swing!

Tis the right time for these festive new photos of Miss Ohio, Erica Gelhaus, taken by Christine Walsh Newton. Beautiful! Be sure to check out the latest Facebook fan page On to Miss AmERICA.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Be sure to tune in to NBC at 9 a.m. to see Miss America's return to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

For the first time in nearly 8 years, Miss America 2009 Katie Stam has been invited to participate in one of America's most beloved traditions, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Katie will be riding aboard the Statue of Liberty float. Joining her on the float will be the ING New York City Marathon 2009 men's champion, Meb Keflezighi, the first American men's winner of the race since Alberto Salazar in 1982.

Witness the excitement as Macy's presents their 83rd Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, Nov. 26, live on NBC from 9 a.m. - Noon EST*. This year, the parade will move from its traditional march down Broadway to a new route along 7th Avenue in New York City. The parade will feature 1,500 dancers, cheerleaders, singers and performers; 15 giant character balloons; 800 clowns; 35 novelty or ornament balloons, balloonheads and balloonicles; 24 floats; 10 marching bands; and a slew of celebrity performers.

Along with Katie, other performers in the parade include: Bello, Andrea Bocelli, Keke Palmer, Grandma and the cast of the Big Apple Circus, the cast of Hair, Boys Like Girls, DJ Lance Rock and the cast of Yo Gabba Gabba!, Kermit the Frog

and Tiffany Thornton, the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots, the cast of Billy Elliot, Sarah Hughes, Jane Krakowski, the cast of Bye Bye Birdie, Ziggy Marley with Judah Marley, the Radio City Rockettes, Katharine McPhee, Mitchel Musso, The Pizzarelli Quartet, the cast of Shrek the Musical, and Jay Sean.

For more info please visit the Macy's Day Parade Website.

Former Miss USA, Tara Conner will also be in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Miss USA, Kristen Dalton will spend the day with the USO.

MISS USA 2009 KRISTEN DALTON GETS CALLED TO DUTY BY THE USO

ServiceNation Announces Miss USA will be an Ambassador

New York, NY – November 11, 2009 – On Veterans Day, Kristen Dalton, Miss USA 2009, visited the historic Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum where she announced that she has been called to duty by the USO and will spend the Thanksgiving holiday by giving back to military men, women and their families at Fort Drum Installation Base, home of the 10th Light Infantry Division. The mission of the 10th Mountain Division is to train and make ready for deployment of almost 80,000 army troops annually.

With over 30,000 military men, women, staff members and their families who are based in this New York State camp, Kristen will serve up holiday meals, visit with enlisted soldiers and their families as well as host a movie night.

“I can’t think of anything I want to do more this Thanksgiving than visit our troops. These men and women have given so much for this country and I am honored to be spending this very special holiday with them,” said Kristen Dalton. “I urge all Americans to find a way to volunteer and give back in their honor.”

ServiceNation, the groundbreaking nationwide campaign to advance service and volunteerism also announced today that Miss USA will be an Ambassador for their organization. Miss USA will travel the nation encouraging Americans to volunteer and champion service as a core element of citizenship. To find out how you can serve, visit www.servicenation.org

Applause Newsletter

Back by popular demand, Miss Ohio has issued a newsletter, "Applause."

I received it via email; if you would also like to be on the mailing list, send a message to GloriaB@missohio.org.

In the newsletter you'll find an updated list of the Miss Ohio board and their email addresses. A page is dedicated to Erica and she she shares highlights of her year thus far and upcoming events. There are also order forms for Erica's Miss America send off party and O*H*I*O totes and tees.

Erica's Send off party

January 10th

2 p.m.

Romer's Catering, St. Henry

$10.00/person or $30.00/family

Subscribe to the Applause for all the information and order forms. Click here to view it on Megan's blog.

Pageant Pictures: Miss Northwestern Ohio

More photos hopefully coming soon...

Congrats to the New Miss Northwestern Ohio Alyssa Waldman!

Miss Northwestern Ohio: Alyssa Waldman

1st RU: Emily Pheils

2nd RU: Alyssa Phillips

3rd RU: Jessica Nelson

4th RU: Samantha Hartings

Talent: Alyssa Waldman

Interview: Alyssa Waldman

My sources tell me Alyssa's talent was untouchable,
Emily was *on* tonight, Samantha excelled in Swimsuit and Jessica had a great On-stage Question.

Alyssa Waldman sang "Someone Like You." Last year she was 2nd Runner-up and the Talent winner at this pageant and she competed in Miss Maple City. This is her first local title.

Look for more information and hopefully pictures in the
Defiance Crescent News Sunday or Monday. Reporter Darlene Prince usually gives the pageant great coverage.

Best of Luck to the Miss Northwestern Ohio Program

Tomorrow night at the Defiance Community Auditorium Heather Waterman will crown a new Miss Northwestern Ohio! The pageant begins at 7:30 p.m.

As Miss Northwestern, this Wright State University grad won a preliminary award at Miss Ohio for her stellar swimsuit presentation. Heather, a vocalist, has already secured her third trip back to Mansfield as Miss Clayland.

Heather was the fourth Mercer County woman in five years to hold the Miss NWO title. Only one contestant has the ability to keep the Mercer County streak alive; however, all the contestants are from the Northwest area, despite this long time "closed" pageant now being open to whole state. They are:

Alyssa Waldman

Education: Defiance College
Talent: vocal
Platform: Encouraging healthy self-esteem among women of all ages
Pageant Past: 2nd RU and Talent winner at this pageant last year.



Lluvia Martinez

Education: Hicksville High School

Talent:
Platform:
Pageant Past: 1st RU at Miss Hicksville (non-MAO)

Macy Weatherhead

Education: Hicksville High School

Talent:
Platform:
Pageant Past: Reigning Miss Hicksville (non-MAO)

Halie Gonwick

Education: University of St. Francis / Nursing

Talent:
Platform:Pageant Past: Competed in this pageant last year.

Haley Piper

No information available.

Christina Drake

Education: Defiance College / Education
Talent:
Platform: Possibly Rock for Autism
Pageant Past: Competed in this pageant last year.

Kelsey Buettner

Education: Delphos St. Johns High School

Talent: likely baton

Platform:
Pageant Past: 1st RU at Delphos Canal Days (non-MAO)

Samantha Hartings

Education: Coldwater High School

Talent: dance

Platform: Child Literacy Awareness

Pageant Past: Recently competed at Miss Clayland and Miss Ohio Teen USA last year.

Jessica Nelson

Education: University of Toledo / Veterinary & Biology

Talent: vocal

Platform: Promoting Pet Health and Safety

Pageant Past: Second year local competitor.

Katie Ulrich unfortunately had to withdrawal because of a funeral.

Alyssa Phillips

Education: Bowling Green State University / Fashion Merchandising
Talent:
Platform:
Pageant Past: None found, but super cute modeling shots!

Emily Pheils

Education: Bowling Green State University /Pop Culture & Marketing

Talent: vocal

Platform: Dove Campaign for Real Beauty

Pageant Past: Recent 1st RU at Miss MV/AAC/FT; competed at Miss Ohio '09 as Bay Village.

CLICK HERE for the competition order.

You know the drill, email me or comment with updated contestant information or headshots. Best of luck to all the ladies!