Today there is much buzz around the Miss America Pageant, as the contestants have arrived in Las Vegas!
Quality of Life Award:
The Miss America website explains, “The 52 finalists competing in Atlantic City for the title of Miss America are eligible for the award. Applicants must excel in their commitment to enhancing the quality of life for others through volunteerism and community service. Specific attention will be given to the depth of service, creativity of the project, and significant effects upon the lives of others.” The finalists this year are:
*Miss Alabama, Melinda Toole; her platform is Character Education.
*Miss Arizona, Hilary Griffith, she advocates “Strength Over Silence:” Rape Awareness And Recovery
*Miss Georgia, Amanda Kozak, who mentors with Big Brothers/ Big Sisters.
*Miss Indiana, Betsy Usckrat, her platform is “Fighting Hunger in our Communities with Heart and Soul.”
*Miss Michigan, Angela Corsi; she works with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.
*Miss Rhode Island, Allison Rogers, her platform is a personal favorite of mine, “Go Green! Global Warming Awareness.”
*Miss Virginia, Adrianna Sgarlata advocates Behaving Respectfully and Valuing Others.
Arrival Photos:
The following photos of the Miss America contestants’ arrival were taken by Associated Press photographer, Isaac Brekken.
Quality of Life Award:
The Miss America website explains, “The 52 finalists competing in Atlantic City for the title of Miss America are eligible for the award. Applicants must excel in their commitment to enhancing the quality of life for others through volunteerism and community service. Specific attention will be given to the depth of service, creativity of the project, and significant effects upon the lives of others.” The finalists this year are:
*Miss Alabama, Melinda Toole; her platform is Character Education.
*Miss Arizona, Hilary Griffith, she advocates “Strength Over Silence:” Rape Awareness And Recovery
*Miss Georgia, Amanda Kozak, who mentors with Big Brothers/ Big Sisters.
*Miss Indiana, Betsy Usckrat, her platform is “Fighting Hunger in our Communities with Heart and Soul.”
*Miss Michigan, Angela Corsi; she works with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.
*Miss Rhode Island, Allison Rogers, her platform is a personal favorite of mine, “Go Green! Global Warming Awareness.”
*Miss Virginia, Adrianna Sgarlata advocates Behaving Respectfully and Valuing Others.
Arrival Photos:
The following photos of the Miss America contestants’ arrival were taken by Associated Press photographer, Isaac Brekken.
Check out Melanie, just over Miss Nebraska's left shoulder!
Arrival Press:
First Look Photos of Miss America Beauties Arriving in Vegas
Miss America Pageant tries for a new image
A lift for the only thing sagging -- its ratings
The last article is about the new special, "Pageant School: Becoming Miss America," which I thought I missed tonight thanks to a random power outage. But, the article doesn't specify which Friday, and no one in pageantland is talking like they saw it, so I guess that means the premiere is next Friday. CLICK HERE for multiple show times.
Also, on Wednesday, Cleveland State University, which Miss Ohio, Melanie Murphy, attends published Student Represents Ohio, and Cleveland State, in Miss America Pageant.
Scene Stealing
In the weeks leading up to the Miss America Pageant, its “rival” pageant system, Miss USA/Universe has endured significant scandal. First Miss USA was nearly fired, but instead was checked into rehab and Rosie O’Donnell and Donald Trump began a media cat fight. Then seedy photos of Miss Nevada USA surfaced and she was dethroned. Most recently, Miss New Jersey USA announced she is pregnant and resigned. Oh, and lets not forget, Playboy Magazine wants Miss USA on it’s cover…
Amidst all this, some media outlets have realized and defined the differences in the two pageant systems. But, sadly, my opinion is that these scandals have confused the general public and will have negative ramifications for all pageants for years to come.
To make matters worse for the Miss America pageant, one event and one rumor may detract from the pageant finale on the 29th. Rumor has it, Miss USA will be released from rehab around the same date. More significantly, in a “fun sarcastic slap- at the rival Miss America organization” former Miss USA, Katie Rees will be crowned at some Vegas night club. CLICK HERE for an article.
You can't help but chuckle...
Ironically, the other day I was reviewing my work with FOX Toledo and on an episode of the Simpson’s in which Homer and his buddies get a short-lived TV talk show (which aired originally five years ago), the following was exchanged:
Homer: Miss America and Miss USA- what’s the difference?
Lenny: I think one’s elected and one’s appointed.
The last article is about the new special, "Pageant School: Becoming Miss America," which I thought I missed tonight thanks to a random power outage. But, the article doesn't specify which Friday, and no one in pageantland is talking like they saw it, so I guess that means the premiere is next Friday. CLICK HERE for multiple show times.
Also, on Wednesday, Cleveland State University, which Miss Ohio, Melanie Murphy, attends published Student Represents Ohio, and Cleveland State, in Miss America Pageant.
Scene Stealing
In the weeks leading up to the Miss America Pageant, its “rival” pageant system, Miss USA/Universe has endured significant scandal. First Miss USA was nearly fired, but instead was checked into rehab and Rosie O’Donnell and Donald Trump began a media cat fight. Then seedy photos of Miss Nevada USA surfaced and she was dethroned. Most recently, Miss New Jersey USA announced she is pregnant and resigned. Oh, and lets not forget, Playboy Magazine wants Miss USA on it’s cover…
Amidst all this, some media outlets have realized and defined the differences in the two pageant systems. But, sadly, my opinion is that these scandals have confused the general public and will have negative ramifications for all pageants for years to come.
To make matters worse for the Miss America pageant, one event and one rumor may detract from the pageant finale on the 29th. Rumor has it, Miss USA will be released from rehab around the same date. More significantly, in a “fun sarcastic slap- at the rival Miss America organization” former Miss USA, Katie Rees will be crowned at some Vegas night club. CLICK HERE for an article.
You can't help but chuckle...
Ironically, the other day I was reviewing my work with FOX Toledo and on an episode of the Simpson’s in which Homer and his buddies get a short-lived TV talk show (which aired originally five years ago), the following was exchanged:
Homer: Miss America and Miss USA- what’s the difference?
Lenny: I think one’s elected and one’s appointed.
Wonderful post, Abby. I have to say I don't understand why "former," to say it nicely, Miss Nevada USA would be poking fun at Miss America. I think it would make more sense if she was crowned on Miss USA's date. I don't understand what her beef is with Miss America, which makes me think it is just another publicity stunt.
ReplyDeleteI agree Amy, it doesn’t make sense to me either… especially considering that rumor has it a close relative of hers is a state MAO volunteer! And it’s not like her club appearance is going to effect Miss America’s ratings, and that’s the important part. Oh, the drama! *sigh*
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