Pageant Happenings…

Again, I apologize for my lack of posting lately… I’ve been outside a lot enjoying the beautiful spring weather, and, frankly there’s not been a whole lot going on! But, here are a few exciting pageant happenings…

First, congratulations to the Miss Ohio Class of 2007 college graduates, Lauren Hogan and Allie Krucek.













Lauren Hogan [above left] is now a Bowling Green State University Falcon Alumni, like me! She borrowed my cap and gown and received a degree in Interpersonal Communications!

Allie Krucek [above right] graduated from our I-75 rival, the University of Toledo. She has been accepted to OSU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

If there are other grads, please let me know!

Second, congrats to the “Beauty Queen” team of Kandice Pelletier and Dustin-Leigh Konzelman, who placed second in The Amazing Race All-Stars. These two met and became friends as they competed at Miss America 2005 as Miss New York and Miss California, respectively. While neither cracked the Top 10 at Miss America, Kandice won the National Sweetheart pageant prior to her state title and both women have experience far more exposure through the Amazing Race than any recent Miss America I can think of. I didn’t follow the show the first time they were on it, but I enjoyed the All-Star Race. Due to their competitive nature, other teams didn’t really like them and unfortunately, I’m guessing they only perpetuated pageant stereotypes for a lot of viewers. Despite that, I couldn’t help but notice how well spoken they were; even in the finale as they had a disagreement, they communicated articulately instead of fighting, screaming and crying like most teams. I thought they were fantastic and I was really pulling for them to win.

Next, best of luck to former Miss Ohio contestants, Leslie Ondrey [right], who will be competing for the title Miss Ohio International in just over a week. The pageant is right here in the Toledo area, at Lourdes College May 18th and 19th. The Ohio International pageant prides itself on "Showcasing the accomplishments of Ohio's misses." Like the Miss America system, it heavily promotes community service and the winner must have a platform issue, however contestants do not compete in Talent or Swimsuit. Director Susan Botek is a popular name in Ohio and national pageantry and former Miss Ohio International, Kelly Carmen and Mrs. Ohio International Carrie Layne are both former Miss Ohio (America) contestants.

Finally, it’s almost time to crown a new Miss Universe! The delegates from around the globe have arrived in Mexico City for the pageant, including Miss USA, Rachel Smith. Considering Donald Trump owns both Miss USA and Miss Universe, Rachel is pretty much guaranteed a top spot in the pageant, but thanks to her versatile beauty and ethnicity, there is a lot of buzz that she’ll be the winner.

The pageant will air on NBC on Monday, May 28th and the Miss Universe website is already full of photos and videos. Fadil Berisha is a photographer who always takes official swimsuit and evening gown shots for both Miss USA and Miss Universe. His work is usually amazing, but this year it’s causing quite a stir, as the swimsuit photos are rather risqué. Rachel’s is above on the left; click on the link above and check out the others. I especially like Albania, Serbia and Slovenia. Many pageant fans are calling the swimsuit photos tacky, but I can see most of the photos as fashion editorials with the exception of: Angola, Columbia, New Zealand, Panama, Poland, Puerto Rico and Singapore. Those seven ladies are not being represented well, especially poor Miss New Zealand. What do you think?