Meet the Miss Ohio Class of 2011

Over the past couple weeks the Miss Ohio Facebook page has been functioning in lieu of a website and featuring two or three contestant every few days.  They have now all been posted, just in time for the first preliminary competition tonight.  Read below to get to know the ladies better (as featured on Facebook in random order): 

Name: Meggie Wittman
Title: Miss All-American City
Contestant #: 9
Flight Name: Cardinal
School: Graduate, Kent State University
Major (& minor): Musical Theatre
Platform Issue/Title: The Make-A-Wish Foundation
Talent: Vocal - "At Last"
Favorite phase of competition: A tie between Interview and Talent
Most memorable moment: Graduating cum laude from Kent State University!
Most embarrassing moment: Missing my entrance cue in the play "Perfect Wedding."
Favorite book: Tuesdays with Morrie
Favorite TV show: Glee
Favorite movie: Mystery Men
Favorite place to travel: Florida
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? Ireland. I've never been out of the country and since I'm 50% Irish I'd love to get back to my ethnic roots.
What's your secret dream or wish? To go skydiving!
What's one thing you can't live without? My iPhone. It's become my day planner, my e-mail, my alarm clock, and basically my personal assistant.
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? I could "cheat" and say a boat and a phone so I could get back, but to be simple I would choose an umbrella for shade and a water filter for clean drinking water.
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I've eaten octopus before.

Name: Jessica L. Nelson
Title: Miss Cuyahoga County
Contestant #: 2
Flight Name: Buckeye
School: University of Toledo
Major (& minor): Pre-Vet Biology, Minor in Chemistry
Platform Issue/Title: P.E.T.S. - Promoting Education, Training, and Safety
Talent: Dance
Favorite phase of competition: evening wear/talent
Most memorable moment: To hear how I have changed people’s lives and inspired them with my platform. It gives them hope that someone fights for our furry friends that can’t speak for themselves.
Most embarrassing moment: I was backing up into the driveway and I thought that I hit the brakes, I actually hit accelerate and I thought that I almost broke the sliding glass door when I actually broke the trashcan. So we had to throw the trash can away.
Favorite book: Twilight series, Harry Potter series, 1984
Favorite TV show: Glee, House, SpongeBob, How I Meet Your Mother, Primetime: What Would You Do?
Favorite movie: Spiderman, Easy A, The Proposal, Black Swan, Across the Universe
Favorite place to travel: My favorite place that I have traveled is when I went to Japan and I would love to return there one day!
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? Ireland/Scotland to see the beautiful scenery and see where my ancestry comes from.
What's your secret dream or wish? To be Gracie Lou Freebush!
What's one thing you can't live without? My pets…duh
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? My cell phone to call for help and Lady Gaga on my iPod so I can listen to something amazing while I wait for help to arrive!
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I’m not really sure…

Name: Heather Waterman
Title: Miss North Central Ohio
Contestant #: 1
Flight Name: Buckeye
School: Graduate, Wright State University
Major (& minor): Marketing
Platform Issue/Title: Ready, Set, Motivate!
Talent: Vocal
Favorite phase of competition: Interview
Most memorable moment: When I won my first preliminary crown
Most embarrassing moment: When I tripped going down stairs during swimsuit rehearsal
Favorite book: The Giver
Favorite TV show: Glee
Favorite movie: The Sound of Music
Favorite place to travel: France
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? Austria. I would like to tour the spots where The Sound of Music was filmed.
What's your secret dream or wish? To make a difference in the world
What's one thing you can't live without? My Family
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? Chocolate and the Bible
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I am a perfectionist.

Name: Janemarie Covel

Name: Ashley Bowman
Title: Miss Buckeye State
Contestant #: 18
Flight Name: Carnation
School: Kent State University
Major (& minor): Communications
Platform Issue/Title: Get Up! Get Out! Get Going! Teaching Today’s Youth the Importance of Physical Activity
Talent: Broadway Vocal
Favorite phase of competition: Swimsuit
Most memorable moment: Waiting 28 hours in the hospital for my first niece. Over a day of so many fun memories with my closest family, and not to mention one of the best people to ever come into my life, Miss Haley Jade!
Most embarrassing moment: Definitely peeing my white capri pants in the middle of the grocery from laughing too hard!
Favorite book: My Story, Marilyn Monroe’s Autobiography
Favorite TV show: The Nanny
Favorite movie: The Little Mermaid
Favorite place to travel: Sanibel Island
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? Main Street in Magic Kingdom during the 3 o’clock day parade! I have so many great memories from childhood and then actually getting to perform in it daily, it truly is the happiest place in the world.
What's your secret dream or wish? To choreograph music videos!
What's one thing you can't live without? My stuffed animal, Cuddles, ever since I was a baby.
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? I would take my toothpaste because there is nothing worse than morning breath! And definitely my ipod, if I’m going to be stranded I might as well have some of my favorite tunes for dancing!
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I can breakdance!

Title: Miss Greater Butler County
Contestant #: 10
Flight Name: Cardinals
School: Cedarville University
Major (& minor): Major: Finance, Minors: Organizational Communications & Bible
Platform Issue/Title: Education as a Means to Achieve Your Dreams
Talent: Ballet en Pointe
Favorite phase of competition: Talent
Most embarrassing moment: As my friend once told me, I “lead an awkward life.” I don’t think I can pick just one!
Favorite book: Pride & Prejudice
Favorite TV show: Gilmore Girls
Favorite movie: You’ve Got Mail
Favorite place to travel: Home
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? England, I love British literature and I want to see where many of my favorite books were set.
What's your secret dream or wish? I would love to sing professionally.
What's one thing you can't live without? Chocolate
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? A pilot and an airplane…
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I lived in 6 houses by the time I was 10 years old.

Name: Sarah Hider
Title: Miss Central Ohio
Contestant #: 19
Flight Name: Carnation
School: Ohio University
Major (& minor): Journalism with a minor in Fashion Merchandising
Platform Issue/Title: Food Fight: Keeping Stomachs Full and Food Pantries Stocked
Talent: Vocal
Favorite phase of competition: Evening Gown
Most memorable moment: Going to a Paul McCartney concert with my family when I was 11.
Most embarrassing moment: At Miss America 2009, I was star struck when I saw Miss America 2006, Jennifer Berry. She started waving in my direction and in my daze of disbelief I started waving back. Unfortunately, she was actually waving at the person behind me.
Favorite book: The Catcher in the Rye
Favorite TV show: Law and Order: SVU
Favorite movie: Say Anything
Favorite place to travel: France
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? I’ve always wanted to travel to Prince Edward Island after starring in Anne of Green Gables in an elementary school production.
What's your secret dream or wish? I would love to be the first lady of the United States!
What's one thing you can't live without? My fashion magazines! They inspire me to be creative with my wardrobe as well as motivate me to work hard in school so that I can get a great job writing for a fashion magazine in the future.
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? My hairbrush that has been passed down to me from my grandmother for sentimental purposes and to keep my mane tamed, as well as krazy glue, which has helped me out in many sticky situations.
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I love playing the video game NBA Live with my guy friends.!

Name: Courtney Monk
Title: Miss Northwestern Ohio
Contestant #: 3
Flight Name: Buckeye
School: Anderson University
Major (& minor): Music Education
Platform Issue/Title: “Touching Hearts through the Arts”
Talent: Vocal - “Astonishing” from Little Women
Favorite phase of competition: Talent
Most memorable moment: In pageantry, it was the pure thrill and honor of being crowned on my hometown stage! But by far, the most memorable moment for me has been Anderson University Chorale tours. We have traveled to both Florida and NYC and everywhere in between, singing and bonding with each other in a way that is nearly as close as family.
Most embarrassing moment: Kissing one of my very best guy friends for 15 seconds straight in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” dress rehearsal in front of our whooping and wolf-whistling peers. To make matters even worse, they left our microphones on. You can imagine the rest. Awkward!
Favorite book: Crazy Love by Francis Chan
Favorite TV show: CSI
Favorite movie: the Stars Wars Trilogy
Favorite place to travel: New York City
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? Anywhere in Europe- to see all of the history and architecture
What's your secret dream or wish? To work as Tinkerbell at Disney World
What's one thing you can't live without? Music
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? My smart phone & Ramen Noodles, because I can call for help with my smart phone, build a fire with my bare hands, and then eat my Ramen, all the while, playing Words with Friends while I wait.
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I’m a horrible cook, but I fantasize that I am good by watching Food Network.

Name: Allison Goodwin
Title: Miss Vacationland
Contestant #: 20
Flight Name: Carnation
School: Ohio University
Major (& minor): Dietetics
Platform Issue/Title: Prevention of Childhood Obesity
Talent: Jazz Dance
Favorite phase of competition: Talent
Most memorable moment: Meeting President George W. Bush. My family and I were VIP guests at an event that he attended in my hometown.
Most embarrassing moment: One day I was walking on campus with my friend and we were just talking about things when all of a sudden I had walked right into a parking meter! It was so surprising.
Favorite book: Cion
Favorite TV show: Cake Boss
Favorite movie: Legally Blonde
Favorite place to travel: Bonita Beach, Florida
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? I would love to go back to Barcelona, Spain. I went there in high school and it was beautiful and fun and the food was great. I would like to spend more time exploring the places I did not previously visit.
What's your secret dream or wish? I wish Buddy on Cake Boss would bake me a special cake!
What's one thing you can't live without? My mom.
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? A flare gun so I could signal to passing boats and planes, and my iPod so I could listen to my favorite music while I was waiting to be rescued!
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I love to play Bingo and play at local churches when I'm home from school on break.

Name: Jenna Fowls
Title: Miss Mohican Valley
Contestant #: 17
Flight Name: Cardinal
School: Mt. Vernon Nazarene University
Major (& minor): Major in Family and Consumer Sciences with a Minor in Business
Platform Issue/Title: Dating Violence
Talent: Vocal
Favorite phase of competition: Talent
Most memorable moment: When I was younger and my grandparents were at the house, Erin, my sister, and I were doing impressions for them. We dressed up as Sonny and Cher and entertained them.
Most embarrassing moment: In high school I fell down the stairs in front of a guy I liked during a class change, of course, so everyone saw!
Favorite book: Ferdinand
Favorite TV show: Seinfeld
Favorite movie: Tammy and The Bachelor
Favorite place to travel: The Biltmore
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? Auschwitz. World War II really interests me. I don’t think we know enough about it. By visiting there I could possibly get a better understanding of it.
What's your secret dream or wish? I would love to sing on the stage in Nashville at The Grand ole Opry.
What's one thing you can't live without? Food, I am a grazer. Lol.
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? Matches and my Bible. They are both for survival.
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I put my fruit in the microwave!I work on a berry farm and the fruit is always warm. I am used to it that way!

Name: Alyssa Nichole Waldman
Title: Miss Willard
Contestant #: 7
Flight Name: Buckeye
School: Otterbein University
Major (& minor): Vocal Performance
Platform Issue/Title: Silence Isn’t Golden: The It’s Abuse Campaign
Talent: Operatic Vocal
Favorite phase of competition: Talent
Most memorable moment: Being crowned Miss Northwestern Ohio 2010. It was such an honor to hold the title and represent my home town of Defiance. I will never forget Mary hugging me as I asked her, “Is there really a crown on my head?”
Most embarrassing moment: Tripping on stage during evening gown at sweeps this year. I felt just like Gracie Lou Freebush in “Miss Congeniality.”
Favorite book: Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Favorite TV show: Grey’s Anatomy & So You Think You Can Dance
Favorite movie: Center Stage
Favorite place to travel: China…so far.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? I would go to Italy for the culture, the food, and the wonderful music.
What's your secret dream or wish? To be a prima ballerina. I have always loved to dance!
What's one thing you can't live without? My toothbrush
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? My toothbrush and my pillow would be my two companions. I would never be able to fall asleep without clean teeth and a comfy pillow beneath my head!
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I’m no Tina Fey, but I give one heck of a Sarah Palin impression! 

Name: Ashley Warholic
Title: Miss Mansfield
Contestant #: 11
Flight Name: Cardinal
School: Baldwin-Wallace College Graduate
Major (& minor): Public Relations with a dual minor in Marketing and Leadership Studies
Platform Issue/Title: Creating Strong Leaders for Tomorrow
Talent: Ballet en Pointe
Favorite phase of competition: Interview
Most memorable moment: When I was graduating from college I gave the Baldwin-Wallace President a hug and he said, “We’re so proud of you, sweetheart.” That will always hold a special place in my heart.
Most embarrassing moment: In middle school I was a huge Avril Lavigne fan. Not only did I dress like her but also at our middle school dances I would stand on stage and lip-sync her songs into a microphone. I look back on those moments and ask myself, “What was I thinking?!”
Favorite book: It’s hard to pick just one but the book, Cradle to Cradle changed my life.
Favorite TV show: I’m addicted to HGTV and have seen just about every episode of House Hunters International.
Favorite movie: The Blind Side
Favorite place to travel: Home
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? I would love to travel to Africa and submerge myself in a culture so different than my own; I have a feeling I would learn a great deal about myself.
What's your secret dream or wish? I would love to play football for the Cleveland Browns but I would settle for being a sideline commentator.
What's one thing you can't live without? Chipotle! I could probably eat it for every meal.
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? I would bring a boat and an oar.
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? When I was younger I really wanted curly hair. So, one day when my mom wasn’t looking I found the only plug I could reach and tried to curl my hair with a kitchen mixer!

Name: Kylie Johnson
Title: Miss Muskingum Valley
Contestant #: 21
Flight Name: Carnation
School: Ohio University-Masters/ Muskingum University-B.S. in Conservation Science
Major (& minor): Masters of Science in Environmental Studies
Platform Issue/Title: Go Green! Think Globally, Act Locally
Talent: Violin - “Orange Minuet”
Favorite phase of competition: Talent
Most memorable moment: Working as an intern at the Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species in New Orleans, I had the opportunity to feed lions and exotic cats, raise endangered Mississippi Sandhill Cranes, and swim in a watering hole with elephants nearby. I had several close encounters with cottonmouth snakes, wild boars, and timber rattlers that summer (but don’t tell my mom)!
Most embarrassing moment: When I was in middle school I ran off the school bus because I thought it had caught on fire. Apparently the bus driver was joking, as I was the only one that ran off the bus when it stopped. My family still teases me about it to this day.
Favorite book: Eat Pray Love
Favorite TV show: The Office
Favorite movie: Avatar
Favorite place to travel: Bristol, England to visit my sister and brother-in-law
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? I’ve dreamed of traveling to Australia since the 2nd grade to scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef, and now that I have my scuba diving certification, I’m going to make it happen!
What's your secret dream or wish? To travel the world as an international spokesperson for the United Nations Environment Program and make a significant contribution to global sustainability.
What's one thing you can't live without? Vanilla Chai Tea. I call it my “happiness in a cup!”
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? I would bring my Ecohouse roommate Jim because he lived on an island for three years in the Peace Corps and would teach me how to survive. I’d also bring my violin because I would have an infinite amount of time to practice and become as good as my role model, David Garrett!
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I’m an adventure junkie! Scuba diving, rock climbing, kayaking, biking, you name it and I’ll try it! I’m most in my element getting down and dirty outside, whether it’s in my garden, wading in the creek, or just enjoying nature. 

Name: Alissa Brumbaugh
Title: Miss Miami Valley
Contestant #: 22
Flight Name: Carnations
School: University of Akron
Major (& minor): Family and Consumer Sciences Education
Platform Issue/Title: “Ready for Success! Promoting Educational Equality”
Talent: Vocal
Favorite phase of competition: Evening Gown
Most memorable moment: Singing in my very first performance at age 14. I was absolutely terrified. Let’s just say I’ve come a long way since then!
Most embarrassing moment: Getting my senior picture proofs back and realizing my photographer never told me I had lipstick on my teeth the entire shoot! Thank goodness for Photoshop!
Favorite book: Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne
Favorite TV show: The Office
Favorite movie: Wall-E
Favorite place to travel: Ireland
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? My grandparents are world travelers, so I hope to follow in their footsteps! I would love to go to Africa for either a camel ride in the Sahara or a safari in Kenya!
What's your secret dream or wish? To own an alpaca farm. I’m obsessed!
What's one thing you can't live without? Google.
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? My dog because I’d need a companion and my fishing pole so I could survive and keep myself entertained!
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I’m not a picky eater at all, but I would choose a meal of PB&J and mac & cheese over anything else!

Name: Chelsi Howman
Title: Miss North Coast
Contestant #: 4
Flight Name: Buckeye
School: University of Mount Union
Major (& minor): Middle Childhood Education (Communication)
Platform Issue/Title: Stop Bullying Now: Take a Stand! Lend a Hand!
Talent: Banjo
Favorite phase of competition: Evening wear / On-stage question
Most memorable moment: Getting the award “2011 Most Outstanding Cheerleader of the Year” alongside the four girls I’ve cheered with all throughout high school.
Most embarrassing moment: Getting “stuck” in a handstand in the middle of our hello cheer, unable to get out of it!
Favorite book: Tess of the D’Urbervilles
Favorite TV show: Law and Order: SVU
Favorite movie: Cinderella
Favorite place to travel: Tennessee
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? Australia! It seems like it would be so beautiful and filled with a ton of adventure!
What's your secret dream or wish? To play banjo with Cia Cherryholmes
What's one thing you can't live without? The love and support of my family.
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? A cell phone (to call for help) and a motor boat (to get off of the island)!
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I have a brother who is nationally ranked in boomerangs!

Name: Amber Bussa
Title: Miss Maple City
Contestant #: 5
Flight Name: Buckeyes
School: Graduate, The Ohio State University
Major (& minor): Nutrition
Platform Issue/Title: “Get into Gear to Volunteer”
Talent: Broadway vocal – “Roxie”
Favorite phase of competition: Talent (I imagine that I am performing on Broadway!)
Most memorable moment: The first time I became an aunt! Baby Judah was born on May 18, 2011! He is just a little ball of perfection and I am so in love with him!
Most embarrassing moment: It’s a long story about how I unknowingly posted a question about extra credit to an online class discussion board, without knowing we were not supposed to do this, and almost lost the extra credit opportunity for the WHOLE CLASS for the rest of the quarter! And names are attached to all posts so I was definitely not anonymous! Luckily the professor reconsidered once I pleaded my case!
Favorite book: The Time Traveler’s Wife (but I recently started listening to books on tape and I’m slightly obsessed.)
Favorite TV show: GLEE
Favorite movie: Chicago
Favorite place to travel: Anywhere with a beach
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? I would love to visit Italy to experience the culture and history, and eat the food! Italian is my favorite!
What's your secret dream or wish? To be a cast member on GLEE
What's one thing you can't live without? FAMILY! But in terms of material possessions, my iPhone! That thing does everything short of cooking me dinner; although it does give me recipes!
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? Since it pretty much does everything, my iPhone! It would probably direct me off the island and keep me entertained in the mean time (seriously, there’s an app for EVERYTHING!) I really wouldn’t even need a second item. Maybe a cordless charger so the battery never dies!
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I’m 23 years old and I still LOVE all things Barbie! I played with Barbies until I was in high school! I still get Barbie balloons and cards every year for my birthday!

Name: Alyssa Hanson
Title: Miss Fallen Timbers
Contestant #: 14
Flight Name: Cardinals
School: The Ohio State University
Major (& minor): Strategic Communication, Minor in Creative Writing, Music
Platform Issue/Title: Eating Disorder Awareness: Changing the Conversation
Talent: Vocal , “The Prayer”
Favorite phase of competition: Talent
Most memorable moment: Winning my first local as a red head.
Most embarrassing moment: Well, let's just say a girl can't always walk perfectly in a pair of heels...I've had a few "Sandra Bullock" moments in my time.
Favorite book: The Alchemist
Favorite TV show: Anything on the Food Network
Favorite movie: What Dreams May Come
Favorite place to travel: South Florida (My mom’s extended family lives there.)
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? France, to study the art of the French Macaroon and pastry making! (And because I can speak the language.)
What's your secret dream or wish? To someday open a French Macaroon and coffee shop in a big city. And to also do voice over’s for Disney (think “The Little Mermaid”).
What's one thing you can't live without? A pen and paper…does that count as one thing?
*The last question was accidentally omitted during copy-and-pasting. 

Name: Alyssa Phillips
Title: Miss Ohio River
Contestant #: 12
Flight Name: Cardinal
School: Bowling Green State University
Major (& minor): Apparel Merchandising/Product Development, Marketing minor
Platform Issue/Title: ‘Don’t Suffer for Love’ Ending Relationship Violence
Talent: Harp
Favorite phase of competition: Evening Gown
Most memorable moment: While it consists of many memories, the greatest thing in my life has been witnessing my sisters and brother grow up. Being much older than them I have such an appreciation for each of their personalities and have enjoyed molding them into wonderful kids.
Most embarrassing moment: This past semester I decided to take a little nap in our student union between my classes. When I woke up, to my surprise, I was sitting up with my eyes open staring at some guy and my alarm had been going off for 3 minutes. Lesson learned - I need more sleep at night!
Favorite book: The Shack
Favorite TV show: Say Yes to the Dress
Favorite movie: Finding Nemo
Favorite place to travel: My Aunt Jennifer’s cabin in the mountains of North Carolina
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? I would love to go to Alaska. While I hate the cold, I think it would be an amazing place to see and I want to stay the night in an Igloo hotel.
What's your secret dream or wish? Crazy I know, but I want to drive a street sweeper. I think they are so neat!
What's one thing you can't live without? Something sweet every day, usually chocolate
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? A boat and a map. Hopefully I wouldn’t be stranded for too long then!
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I live on a farm and raise cows, chickens and pigs. 

Name: Cayla Hellwarth
Title: Miss West Central Ohio
Contestant #: 24
Flight Name: Carnation
School: The Ohio State University
Major (& minor): Marketing and International Business
Platform Issue/Title: Help Sustain Life – The American Red Cross
Talent: Classical Vocal
Favorite phase of competition: Talent
Most memorable moment: Graduating high school with 12 varsity letters, knowing that very few have also had that accomplishment.
Most embarrassing moment: One day I was leaving the biggest library on OSU’s campus, and I thought I had walked down the last stair, but there were really 3 more! I completely fell face first. I instantly stood up, put my head down while laughing and walked out. It was hysterical!
Favorite book: The Bible
Favorite TV show: The Amazing Race
Favorite movie: The Blind Side
Favorite place to travel: The Bahamas
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? Italy because I hear it is gorgeous. I can also speak/sing in Italian, so I think it would be great to visit someday!
What's your secret dream or wish? To be on The Amazing Race or Survivor. I am determined to accomplish this wish one day.
What's one thing you can't live without? My family.
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? An unlimited supply of toilet paper because I wouldn’t want to use leaves! Also flint, so I could start a fire. Can I bring three? Because a toothbrush would be nice too.
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I am the sixth person in my immediate family to attend The Ohio State University. GO BUCKS!

Name: Shannon O’Neill
Title: Miss Crystal Lake
Contestant #: 6
Flight Name: Buckeye
School: Fordham University
Major (& minor): Communication and Media Studies / Philosophy
Platform Issue/Title: Combating Childhood Obesity with Veggie U
Talent: Vocal
Favorite phase of competition: Interview
Most memorable moment: Performing with the Lima Symphony Orchestra as their feature solo vocalist before 44,000 at the Fourth of July “Star Spangled Spectacular”
Most embarrassing moment: Nothing specific comes to mind…I try to laugh off embarrassing moments and use them as reminders to not take myself too seriously.
Favorite book: The Ladies’ Paradise by Emile Zola
Favorite TV show: Glee!
Favorite movie: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Favorite place to travel: I loved traveling all throughout Ireland while studying abroad for six months in 2009. Living, studying and working full-time in Dublin was the most incredible and interesting experience of my life.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? Paris or Rome. I studied both French and Italian for several years and would love the opportunity to put my skills to good use once again!
What's your secret dream or wish? To have Richard Carpenter write a song just for me!
What's one thing you can't live without? My blackberry. I’m constantly receiving and responding to calls, e-mails, texts and bbms.
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? Sunglasses and a pillow. As long as I’m stranded on the island, I may as well kick up my feet and relax!
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I used to do Elvis impressions when I was little. (I can’t believe I just admitted that!)

Name: Alicia Huyghe
Title: Miss Heart of Ohio
Contestant #: 13
Flight Name: Cardinals
School: Cleveland State University
Major (& minor): Exercise Science, Dance
Platform Issue/Title: Get Kids Active! The Fight Against Childhood Obesity!
Talent: Tap Dance
Favorite phase of competition: Talent
Most memorable moment: Becoming a member of the Cleveland State University Dance Company
Most embarrassing moment: I pretty much have a “most embarrassing moment” every day, because I am a total klutz. The most embarrassing I have ever had though, was at a dance performance. I was doing a cartwheel and my top fell off.
Favorite book: Breaking Dawn
Favorite TV show: The Biggest Loser
Favorite movie: 10 Things I Hate About You
Favorite place to travel: I love to go anywhere that has a beach.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? I would love to travel to Paris. I find the culture so interesting and I would love to put the 6 years of French class I took to use. I of course would also love to see the Eiffel Tower.
What's your secret dream or wish?  I want to become a personal trainer on the Biggest Loser.
What's one thing you can't live without? My tap shoes.
*The last question was accidentally omitted during copy-and-pasting. 

Name: Priya Sharma
Title: Miss Huron County
Contestant #: 26
Flight Name: Carnations
School: Cleveland State University
Major (& minor): Graduate, Occupational Therapy
Platform Issue/Title: Creating Positive Attitudes 101
Talent: Dance - Bollywood: Aaja Nachle
Favorite phase of competition: Evening gown and talent
Most memorable moment: Winning a speech competition and seeing tears in my dad’s eyes
Most embarrassing moment: Falling down a flight of stairs in high school!
Favorite book: The Harry Potter series!
Favorite TV show: I’m in love with Outsourced!
Favorite movie: Pirates of the Caribbean - love them all!
Favorite place to travel: New York City
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? Anywhere that’s warm and isolated so I can spend every moment with the people I love
What's your secret dream or wish? To one day become a successful occupational therapist, daughter, sister, and one day - a wife, and to become the first Miss Ohio of Indian decent!
What's one thing you can't live without? Thai food and baked goods (cornbread, casada cake, Starbuck’s birthday tiramisu pop to name a few)
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? My best friend, to help pass the time quicker, and makeup - got to look good at all times!
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I can wiggle my eyebrows really fast!

Name: Elissa McCracken
Title: Miss Lima Square Fair
Contestant #: 16
Flight Name: Cardinal
School: Ohio Northern University
Major (& minor): Pharmacy
Platform Issue/Title: Safe Cyber Space
Talent: Piano - “Cumina”
Favorite phase of competition: Interview
Most memorable moment: Winning the title of Miss Rain Day in my hometown. This pageant is a local tradition that is over three decades old. Growing up, Miss Rain Day was always my biggest role model. Since the age of 3 it was always my goal to win the pageant, and achieving your childhood dream is truly indescribable.
Most embarrassing moment: I was performing piano and singing at the same time and my microphone was cutting in and out. When I tried for a second time to perform, the microphone didn’t work at all! Even though I didn’t have much control over the situation, it was quite embarrassing.
Favorite book: 5th Horseman by James Patterson
Favorite TV show: NCIS and Pretty Little Liars
Favorite movie: The Harry Potter series and The Notebook
Favorite place to travel: Las Vegas
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? The island of Crete in Greece; I would love to experience my full Greek heritage!
What's your secret dream or wish? To work as a princess at Disney World
What's one thing you can't live without? Colgate Wisps!
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? My best friend, Annie, because we can have fun in any given situation and a piano because it is my way of expressing myself regardless of the emotion that I am feeling and would also keep me entertained.
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I was cyber bullied all through middle school and pageantry became my outlet to regain my self-esteem. 

Name: Ellen Bryan
Title: Miss Clayland
Contestant #: 8
Flight Name: Buckeye
School: Ball State University
Major (& minor): Telecommunications – Broadcast News
Platform Issue/Title: “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors” – Promoting Lightning Awareness
Talent: Vocal – “Circle of Life”
Favorite phase of competition: Interview
Most memorable moment: Meeting Jean Rony, a 20-year-old who lives in Haiti. His entire family depends on him to make money to support them, but he’s not even through the 8th grade. They barely have a house, but he was the most kind and diligent person I have ever met.
Most embarrassing moment: Walking into the men’s restroom by accident – with A LOT of people watching (and then laughing…).
Favorite book: Coming Back Stronger by Drew Breese
Favorite TV show: Dancing with the Stars
Favorite movie: White Christmas
Favorite place to travel: Wherever my family and friends live.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? Haiti. I was there recently for a mission trip and it changed my life. I am now so much more grateful for the opportunities and luxuries we have in America. I cannot wait to return to Haiti (fingers crossed that will happen in the next couple months) to visit all the friends I made there, and to hopefully continue to bring relief and joy to the people who live there.
What's your secret dream or wish? To someday work with Disney – either as a cartoon voice in an animated movie, on the Disney Channel or as a character at their theme parks.
What's one thing you can't live without? My faith.
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? A journal (to write in, as I have for 11 years) and Smart Water.
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? I’m practicing to be an auctioneer.

Name: Heather Wells
Title: Miss Maumee Valley
Contestant #: 23
Flight Name: Carnation
School: Kent State University
Major (& minor): Broadcast Journalism/Dance
Platform Issue/Title: 4-H Awareness
Talent: Jazz Dance
Favorite phase of competition: I love watching everyone’s talent, but my favorite phase of competition is interview.
Most memorable moment: Speech and Debate was a big part of my life all throughout high school and it was my dream to be able to compete on a national level. In my senior year, I was one of three students in the Youngstown District that qualified for the National Forensics League Tournament. The moment I was announced as a finalist my teammates picked me up and carried me around the room, just like in a movie!
Most embarrassing moment: I was a majorette in my high school marching band and every year we would tape a specific performance or half-time show to make DVDs for purchase. On the day of the taping, the weather was wet and rainy. In the majorette feature number, I would do an ariel flip (a cartwheel with no hands, for those of you that may not know). As I was doing my ariel, my foot slipped and I came crashing down on my head in front of thousands of people. To make matters worse, my bad flip was caught on tape, made in to DVDs and now everyone in my hometown has a clip of me falling on my face. Even my mom says that she plans on sending the clip to Funniest Home Videos!
Favorite book: Robin Meade’s Good Morning Sunshine and The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini
Favorite TV show: Lost
Favorite movie: The Insider and what kind of pageant girl would I be if I didn’t say Miss Congeniality.
Favorite place to travel: Disneyland in California
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why? I would love to see Paris, France. I’ve always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower in person. Plus, I’d be able to visit Euro Disney!
What's your secret dream or wish? To host on Saturday Night Live.
What's one thing you can't live without? I can’t live without Morris, my stuffed cat that I’ve had since Kindergarten. He goes everywhere with me, including Miss Ohio and all of the contestants say that he looks like road kill! I guess he’s got a face that only a mother could love….
If you were stranded on an island & only allowed to have two things with you, what two things would you take & why? I would bring Morris because he makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside, and without him I’d feel incomplete. And my running shoes because I can’t go more than 48 hours without getting in a good run or else I get cranky!
What's one thing we would be surprised to know about you? People are always shocked to find out that I am an avid World of Warcraft player! Let’s quest together, my name is Cudlybear.

*Note, Devon Stansbury and Marisa Buchheit were the first to be featured and I  did not copy and save  their information before they were removed.