Attention Hometown Readers

Parkway High School senior and recently crowned Van Wert Peony Queen, Hannah Ford, has set up her Children’s Miracle Network webpage. Her current goal is $100 dollars so that she can compete in her first Miss Ohio preliminary, Miss Lake Festival.

CLICK HERE to SUPPORT HANNAH

Welcome to the Blogosphere… Rachel Maris!

Miss Ohio News has updated its information about the Miss Ohio contestants under its “Who Are They?” tab; it was on that site that I realized Miss Buckeye State, Rachel Maris started a blog.



Check it out:
Miss Buckeye State





After her win, I emailed Rachel a few questions, in hopes of publishing a more journalistic post about the pageant she won. Sadly that was promptly followed by the Virginia Tech tragedy: I took a blogging hiatus and never ended up writing what I had wanted to about the Sweeps pageant.

I really appreciate that she took the time to email me back, and so here is her Q & A:

You have won the last pageant you were eligible for; how many did you compete in?How did it feel to have all of your hard work realized?

Over the past three years I have competed in many preliminaries, placing in some and others not at all. With every pageant I learned something new which I tried to apply to the next. Winning Miss Buckeye State was a dream come true.

You are an amazing role model for perseverance, what made you keep going?

One of my favorite quotes kept me going whenever I felt like the odds were against me.. “Victory lies just past the point where most people quit.. never quit.”

What is your favorite part of competing or favorite phase of competition?

My favorite part of competing is that it makes me stay at the top of my game in all areas of competition. I get such a good feeling knowing that I’m prepared. I also love being surrounded by so many amazing young ladies whom all share the same dream.

What are you looking forward to the most about Miss Ohio ?

I’m looking forward to every minute being a new experience, and I want to embrace them and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Get to know Rachel even better by checking out her blog!

Ohio International Photos

The Ohio International titleholders, above left to right: Alexandra Desantis, Kecia Pringle and Britany Jordan.

Above, the Miss contestants: Leslie Ondrey in white, Nicole Catazaro in periwinkle and Britany Jordan in black.
[Click to enlarge all photos.]

Above, Jackie Adams is named Third Runner-up.
















Above left, Brittany Jordan is crowned Miss Ohio International; above on the right, Alexandra Desantis takes her first walk as Miss Teen Ohio International. On the left Kecia Pringle is crowned Mrs. Ohio International by her husband and Cay Stout.

On the left, I pose after the pageant with former Mrs. Ohio International and local MOA titleholder, Carrie Layne.

CLICK HERE for more photos. Note, most need red eye reduction and brightness adjustments.

(No need to purchase any of my photos from Webshotes, rather, click on the thumbnail you desire, when the larger photo appears click on the "view full size" icon right below it. The photo should then open in a seperate internet page; at that point right click and save it or copy it. Not that I'm a pro photographer, but if you repost it anywhere, do give me photo credit!)

Miss Ohio Community Service Weekend

**Scroll to the next post for Ohio International results!**

This weekend the Miss Ohio contestants were in Mansfield for a variety of activities! First, they met Friday night to get to know one another, specifically their roommates for Miss Ohio week, and chat with Miss Ohio Melanie Murphy. Then Saturday morning the contestants were split into groups and taken to various community service events around town. The weekend concluded with the Miss Ohio Bowl-a-Thon.

Huge thanks to Miss Ohio Official Photographer, Paul Krajnyak, for the following photos:

Above: Nanciann Strosnider, Miss Lake Erie, Andrea Andryscik, Miss North Coast, Melanie Murphy, Miss Ohio, Rachel Maris, Miss Buckeye State and Kasey Wilson, Miss Central Ohio entertained and helped serve lunch at Wedgewood Estates.

Above: Allison West, Miss Ohio Valley, Roberta Camp, Miss Maple City, Melanie Murphy, Miss Ohio, Christie Youssef, Miss Portsmouth and Jessica Barrett, Miss West Central Ohio entertained and visited at Dayspring.

Above: Erica Gelhaus, Miss Lake Festival, Sophia Davis, Miss Miami Valley, Melanie Murphy, Miss Ohio, Heather Lindsay, Miss Hamilton and Becky Minger, Miss Northwestern Ohio work with the kids at Friendly House.

Above: Jillian Dansko, Miss Greater Dayton, Elyse Healey, Miss Greater Cleveland, Melanie Murphy, Miss Ohio, Allie Krucek, Miss Clayland and Lauren Hogan, Miss All American City help at the Richland Newhope Special Olympics.

Above: Lauren Shatlock, Miss Stark County, Emily Cousino, Miss Mansfield, Melanie Murphy, Miss Ohio, Kristen Haas, Miss Maumee Valley and Alyssa Hanson, Miss Heart of Ohio visit Elmcroft Assisted Living.

More photos will be coming soon to Paul’s sites, Miss Ohio News and PKS Innovations.
Also, check out the contestant's blogs listed on the sidebar for their photos and commentary.

Ohio International Results

**Photos coming soon!**

Tonight I attended the Ohio International Pageant, where about three dozen women competed in fashion wear, active wear, private and onstage interview and, of course, evening gown. Three hours later a new Teen, Miss and Mrs. Ohio International were crowned.

The results are as follows:

Mrs. Ohio International: Mrs. Cincinnati, Kecia Pringle
1st RU: Mrs. Perrysburg, Gerri Walczak
2nd RU: Mrs. Centerville, Bridgitte Hatfield

3rd RU: Mrs. Miami Valley, Lindsey Gregg
4th RU: Mrs. Plain City, Lisa Beaty

Miss Ohio International: Miss Columbus, Britany Jordan
1st RU: Miss North Olmstead, Leslie Ondrey
2nd RU: Miss Massillon, Nicole Catazaro

Miss Teen Ohio International: Miss Teen Cincinnati, Alexandra Desantis
1st RU: Miss Teen Rossford, Emily Pheils
2nd RU: Miss Teen Aurora, Brittani Williamson
3rd RU: Miss Teen Cleveland, Jackie Adams
4th RU: Miss Teen Columbus, Taylor Stump

Community Service Awards:
Mrs. Miami Valley, Linsdey Gregg
Miss Massillon, Nicole Catazaro
Miss Teen Parma, Leanna Bihua

Health and Fitness Awards:

Mrs. Cincinatti, Kecia Pringle
Miss Columbus, Britany Jordan
Miss Teen Cincinnati, Alexandra Desantis

Photogenic Awards:
Mrs. West Central Ohio, Amanda Shaffer
Miss Columbus, Britany Jordan
Miss Teen Sylvania, Danielle Dale

People’s Choice Awards:

Mrs. Twinsburg, Vicky Depiore
Miss North Olmstead, Leslie Ondrey
Miss Teen Sylvania, Danielle Dale

Mrs. Contestants, in order:

Mrs. Mid-western Ohio, Amy Andriacco

Mrs Troy, Sandy Dwyer

Mrs. Springboro, Angel Johnson

Mrs. Centerville, Bridgitte Hatfield

Mrs. Twinsburg, Vicky Depiore

Mrs. Powell, Susan Deprisco

Mrs. Plain City, Lisa Beaty

Mrs. Cincinnati, Kecia Pringle

Mrs. Miami Valley, Lindsay Gregg

Mrs. Columbus, Ocipare McKinley

Mrs. Circleville, Karie Kohl

Mrs. Perrysburg, Gerri Walczak

Mrs. West Central Ohio, Amanda Shaffer

Mrs. Cleveland, Melanie Au

Mrs. Oxford, Melissa Decello

Mrs. Massillon, Kathy Catazaro-Perry

Mrs. East Lake, Lori Kolar

Miss. Contestants, in order:
Miss Massillon, Nicole Catazaro
Miss North Olmstead, Leslie Ondrey
Miss Miss Columbus, Britany Jordan

Teen Contestants, in order:

Miss Teen Cleveland, Jackie Adams

Miss Teen Sylvania, Danielle Dale

Miss Teen Port Clinton, Ashley Brown

Miss Teen Hudson, Maggie Kopnisky

Miss Teen Aurora, Brittani Williamson

Miss Teen Parma, Leanna Bihun

Miss Teen Rossford, Emily Pheils

Miss Teen Findlay, Marie Walker

Miss Teen Worthington, Athena Hunter

Miss Teen Vermilon, Jillian Tomko

Miss Teen Dalton, Emily Briceland

Miss Teen Massillon, Brook Catazaro

Miss Teen Columbus, Taylor Stamp

Miss Teen Cincinnati, Alexandra Desantis

Miss Teen Paulding County, Brittny Stahl

The Judges:

Cami Spencer-Gooding, Mrs. Ohio 2003
Jodi Cessna, Mrs. Pennsylvania 2003 and pageant director
Angie Scott, esthetician
Scott Cessna, Jodi’s husband
Britany Belczak, Miss Teen Ohio and Teen International 2004

The Ohio International Pageant

Tonight Ohio’s International pageant system will crown a new Teen, Miss and Mrs. The event is taking place at 7:30 at the Franciscan Theatre on the campus of Lourdes College in Sylvania (a suburb of Toledo).

A few of the contestants are...



The talented Leslie Ondery [right]. After placing in the Top 5 three times at Miss Ohio (America), like me she has aged-out. Leslie studies Music at Cleveland State University.






The second is Brittany Jordan. I don’t know Brittany well, but rather I know who she is, as we competed together this past Fall at Miss Ohio USA where she placed in the Top 15. Brittany is studying Economics at Ohio State University. On Facebook she captioned the photo on the left with “my ad page for Miss Ohio International this year!”

As it turns out there are only three Miss contestants; I don't know the third. Wow! Why didn't I enter this? :) Just kidding, I would have had to clear it with FOX Toledo and with other things on the horizon for me, it wouldn't have been worth the headache.

A final familiar name is Jacquelyn Adams [right]. She competed at a few Miss Ohio local pageants this season and will be competing for the Teen title tonight. She plans to attend the University of Dayton for a degree in Physical Therapy.

Check back tonight for results!

Overexposure!

I was in front of cameras all day Tuesday! It was both wonderful and exhausting!

I started Tuesday morning with my weekly shoot for FOX Toledo. Usually I film a week’s worth of commercials, which is 25 to 30, each Tuesday morning. Because my producer is planning a vacation, we filmed two weeks worth, which meant 52 commercials and ten changes of clothing. The majority of them are only 10 seconds long, but it usually takes me a few takes to get each of them between 9.4 to 9.8 seconds. I love the opportunities my job is creating, but shooting "doubles" is extremely tiring.

After a late lunch with Loren we had to swing by the DMV to renew my driver’s license, which meant a new driver’s license photo. We walked into a line with about fifteen people! Luckily, despite its horrible reputation, our DMV is actually really nice. The line moved quickly and while waiting laugher rang through the office. Yes! Laugher at a DMV! All the employees were very pleasant and I was also pleasantly satisfied with the new photo, which will hopefully help get me out of future speeding tickets!

A few hours later Loren and I braved a thunderstorm to go to yet another photo shoot! Tuesday night I had new theatrical headshots taken, which is always a fun, but nerve racking experience. Later this summer I’ll be taking some steps to pursue my career; I’ll share more specifics about that soon. The photo shoot is part of that pursuit, and similar to having a local pageant director, someone is guiding me. I did my own makeup, but it was per their suggestion; I took several of my own shirts, but they and their photographer selected what I wore…

Unlike a pageant headshot, headshots for the entertainment industry need to be very natural. The photos I’ve used over the years for Miss Ohio all have too much makeup and look like “pageant pictures” to an eye from the entertainment industry. I am used to wearing liquid eye liner on a daily basis and fun lipstick; being captured in a photo wearing minimal pencil liner, light eye shadow and a neutral lip was odd and difficult for me, to say the least.

I am confident in my appearance, but we all get used to seeing ourselves a certain way; it’s hard when you’re asked to change, especially when that change is captured in a photo. Furthermore, I never feel like I look as pretty in a photo as what I see in the mirror… I don’t know if I’m just not as photogenic as I’d like to be, or if I’m just to hypercritical. I imagine it’s a bit of both.

As for the clothing, I ended up feeling a bit disappointed by what I was put in, and I drove home thinking, why did I even take that as an option for them!?!?!

Now it’s out of my hands and I can only hope I like the finished product when I see it.

Needless to say, after Tuesday’s TV shoot and photo shoot I was very tired and felt overexposed. Oh, and let’s not forget the driver’s license! Haha.

I am reminded of the strife I felt as a Miss Ohio contestant. It is expensive to have good photos taken and even if you’re lucky enough to win a photo package like I did as Miss Maumee Valley, it is not easy to style yourself and then select which picture to use. Every year pageant fans like to scrutinize the contestant’s photos and try to pick the winner based on them. It’s easy, and even fun to do… To say we don’t all have favorites and least favorites among the contestants headshots would be a lie. But, keep in mind that it is in no way as easy as America’s Next Top Model makes it look!

Keep in mind most pageant women do their own hair and makeup; they’re not professionals and what looks good in person does not necessarily work in a photograph. I’ve noticed that photographers tend to be more concerned with composition, whereas the subject and scrutinizers of the photo focus on facial features. Also, bear in mind that everyone has many looks and personality traits; it’s hard to choose which to feature in a single photo with your facial expression and clothing. Not to mention that sometimes when you love your smile, you hate your hair… then in the next shot, your body position looks amazing, but eyes are “dead.” I could go on and on about how difficult and frustrating it really can be...

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

Loren and I spent Saturday night and Sunday visiting our parents and my grandparents. And as my long-time readers know, that means I was in the "mythical land of no cable, internet and horrid cell reception," thus, the belated wishes.

I wanted to post a photo of my Grandma, Mom and I, but unfortunately we didn't all look good in a single picture! Instead, here is one of my Mom and my baby...

[My Fuzzy was offering her some very unwanted help in the pantry (yes, it's a whole room in old farm houses, not just a closet), I believe at Thanksgiving.]

Guess the Silhouette!

Who remembers last year’s Miss Ohio set? It included three sliding doors covered by sheer screens; prior to the swimsuit competition each contestant would pose behind the screen and a backlight would reveal her silhouette to the audience.

The website Miss Ohio News has created a “Guess the Silhouette Game” featuring five of last years contestants. I know one for sure (hint, hint) and I have an idea about another... how many can you guess?

Miss Ohio Contestants: New Headshot and Talent Selections!

As Miss Ohio approaches, there are always two things that fans and contestants alike look forward to: seeing new headshots and learning the contestants talent selections.

Note, contestants can submit up to four different photos; when I competed last year contestants were asked to submit photos for the website, judge’s book, program book and sign-in board. Some women submit four different photos, while other use the same one for everything.

Also, I have tried to provide commentary about the Talent selections, but I am unsure of some of them.


Jessica Barrett, will sing “Popular” from the Broadway musical Wicked. Jessica won the Outstanding Talent Award at her local pageant, Miss West Central Ohio. with this selection.





Miss Clayland, Allie Krucek, will dance to “It’s Oh So Quiet.” This is a new selection for Allie; she danced to "Mambo Italiano" last year and at her local.





The recently crowned Rachel Maris will sing that same song with which she won her local, Miss Buckeye State, "On My Own" from the Broadway musical Les Miserable.

Miss Mansfield, Emily Cousino, will sing “Mr. Melody.” I am not sure what Emily sang at her local.





Also recently crowned, Alyssa Hanson, Miss Heart of Ohio, will sing that same song she sang at her local, “Think of Me” from the Broadway musical Phantom of the Opera.





Miss Maumee Valley, Kristen Haas, will perform a dance to “Go The Distance.” In the past Kristen has done a jazz dance to Whitney Houston’s “Dance with Somebody.”





Roberta Camp, will sing “Blessed.” This is the song she sang her first year at Miss Ohio; she sang “Gold” last year, but went back to “Blessed” to win the Outstanding Talent Award and the title at her local, Miss Maple City.





Miss Northwestern Ohio, Becky Minger, will sing “We’re Young and Beautiful,” a song by Carrie Underwood. Last year at Miss Ohio, and to win the Talent Award and title at her local, she sang a different Underwood song, “Whenever You Remember.”





Erica Gelhaus will perform the operatic selection, "Saper Vorreste." This aria from The Masked Ball by Verdi also won her the Outstanding Talent Award at her local pageant, Miss Lake Festival.





Sophia Davis, Miss Miami Valley, will dance to “Higher Ground.” Last year at Miss Ohio she danced to “Big Spender” and to win her local title she performed “Hit me with a Hot Note,” with which she won the Outstanding Talent Award.





Miss Scioto Valley, Karrissa Martin, will sing “I Feel Pretty” from the Broadway musical West Side Story. She has consistently and successfully performed this piece.





Miss Hamilton, Heather LInsday, will sing “Stand Up for Love.” At her local this selection won her the Outstanding Talent Award and the title.





Christie Youssef will play “Baroque Flamenco” on the harp. This is the same piece she performed to win the title Miss Portsmouth; while competing in pageants in California Christie would also perform monologues for the talent competition.



Kasey Wilson, Miss Central Ohio, will sing “Dome e’pais” or “Flower Duet” from the opera Lakme by Leo Delibes. This is an exciting change from Kasey, who has always performed “Con te partiro” or “Time to Say Goodbye.” With the later piece she won the Outstanding Talent Award at her local as well as a Talent Preliminary last year at Miss Ohio.





Miss Ohio Valley, Allson West, will dance to “She’s A Lady.” I have no idea what Allison performed at her local, or if additional awards were given.





Elyse Healey, Miss Greater Cleveland, will sing “Once Upon a Time.” This is a new selection from her, having sang “Don Quixote” from the Broadway musical Man of La Mancha last year at Miss Ohio and to win the Outstanding Talent Award at her local.





Jillian Dansko, Miss Greater Dayton, is another returning contestants who has changed her talent. This year she will dance to “Ramalama Bang Bang,” as opposed to “Drums.”





Miss All-American City, Lauren Hogan, will sing “My Strongest Suit” from the Broadway musical Aida. This is an exciting change for Lauren, who performed “I Could Have Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady in previous pageants.





Andrea Andryscik, Miss North Coast, will sing “I Want More.” I did not attend this pageant, and am uncertain what Andrea sang to with her title.





Miss Stark County, Lauren Shatlock, will sing “Astonishing.” This is another pageant which I didn’t attend or get much info about; I don’t know what Lauren sang.




Finally… Nanciann “Fancy-pants” Strosnider will sing “Happy Days are here Again.” This is another new selection from a veteran contestant. Last year at Miss Ohio she sang “Let Yourself Go” and she won her the Outstanding Talent Award at her local with likely either that song, or “Once Upon A Time.”


So, in review, the following women won Outstanding Talent Awards along with their local titles: Nanciann Strosnider, Elyse Healey, Kasey Wilson, Heather Lindsay, Sophia Davis, Erica Gelhaus, Becky Minger, Roberta Camp and Jessica Barrett. However, not all locals revealed these awards and some women may have won this award at other pageants, at which they did not win the title…

Also, the following women have changed their talent selections: Allie Krucek, Kristen Haas, Becky Minger, Sophia Davis, Kasey Wilson, Elyse Healey, Jillian Dasnko, Lauren Hogan and Nanciann Strosnider. I am unsure about Emily Cousino, Allsion West, Andrea Andryscik and Lauren Shatlock,

As usual, feel free to leave a comment with corrections. The photos and new talent selections were found HERE.

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?

Here's just a quick note to say thank you to everyone who left me comments about my banquet. It went well… by no means ideal, but well enough. I kept reminding myself it was the FIRST Annual BGSU Forensics Alumni Banquet, and considering that, I guess I should be proud of myself and Anna, my co-chair. Special thanks to my parents who came up for the weekend and Loren; without the three of them I could not have handled it!

To recuperate, I spent the entire day working in the flowerbed… and now I have a sunburn…lol!