Congrats to the New Miss Universe, Dayana Mendoza!

The Top 5 Awards and Crowning video

The Top 3


Miss Universe, 22 year old Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela

The Falls of Miss USA at Miss Universe

Miss USA 2008, Crystal Stewart

Miss USA 2007, Rachel Smith

Two years in a row? UN-FREAKING- BELIEVEABLE!!!

Miss Universe Scores

I didn't record the scores as I watched the pageant, but the Swimsuit and Gown scores below were posted on a message board by TNBoy, a reliable regular.

It has been noted that Russia was in the Top 5 even though the average of her Gown and Swimsuit scores were lower than USA and Spain's. Someone else stated that the Top five was NOT based on the average of their scores, but rather, just the Evening Gown scores. Miss Russia's Evening Gown score beat USA and Spain, but just for fun, I took the time to average the Top 10.

AVERAGES

Miss Universe - Venezuela – 9.512
1st RU - Columbia – 9.631
2nd RU - Dominican Republic – 9.0095
3rd RU - Mexico – 9.25
4th RU - Russia – 8.4425

Spain – 8.675
USA – 8.6285
Kosovo – 8.192
Australia – 7.6855
Italy – 7.7

SWIMSUIT

9.433 Colombia
9.327 Venezuela
9.207 USA
9.150 Spain
9.071 Mexico
8.983 Dominican Republic
8.414 Russia
8.120 Kosovo
7.814 Australia
7.671 Italy
7.386 Czech Republic
7.229 Hungary
7.133 South Africa
7.100 Japan
7.050 Vietnam

EVENING GOWN

9.829 Colombia
9.697 Venezuela
9.429 Mexico
9.036 Dominican Republic
8.471 Russia
8.264 Kosovo
8.200 Spain
8.050 USA
7.729 Italy
7.557 Australia

Miss Universe "Live" Blog - Official Results

Miss Universe – Venezuela

1^st RU – Columbia

2^nd RU – Dominican Republic

3^rd RU - Russia

4^th RU - Mexico

I loved that the outgoing Miss Universe, Riyo Mori, wore a tux to crown her successor! However, I hate the new Miss Universe crown, it looks like something you could buy on eBay.

Miss Universe "Live" Blog - My final guesses

I DON’T KNOW!!!

Mexico had the best answer, but I hate her gown and hair. Plus, a lot was probably lost in translation and frankly, I don’t think this question matters.

Russia also had a great question and is simply stunning, but will Trump crown another Russian after having to say “you’re fired” to the last one?

Here goes, I’m probably way off…

Miss Universe – Russia (because she’s gorgeous)

1^st RU – Venezuela (because she’s so charismatic)

2^nd RU – Dominican Republic (she’s this high because of her crazy dress)

3^rd RU – Mexico (she’s this low because of the gown and bad gown hair)

4^th RU – Columbia (because I keep forgetting her)

Miss Universe "Live" Blog - On-stage Question

Columbia – asked “If you could go back in time and change a moment in your past, what would it be and why?” by judge Jennifer Hawkins.

She basically said she wouldn’t change anything; she has a perfect life because her family is amazing.

Venezuela- asked “Do men or women have it easier in life, and why?” by Louis Licari.

She didn’t really answer the question, but said men think the fast way to a point is a straight line, but women take the curves... Or something like that.

Dominican Republic was asked “What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve ever had to make?” by Donald Trump Jr.

She spoke about her parent’s being divorced and sacrifices she made in her childhood and those her mother made… but that is was all worth it.

Mexico – Roberto Cavalli asked her “When is a woman truly satisfied?” in a disturbingly sexual tone!

Her answer was great – saying when there is balance in her life- mind and soul; and it is important to balance family, job and community.

Russia – Eesha Koppikhar asked “Is there still discrimination against women and what can be done about it?

She said women have become stronger and smarter and a women can have a successful career and raise wonderful children; in our time women can be even better.

Miss Universe "Live" Blog - Official Top 5

Columbia

Venezuela

Dominican Republic

Mexico

Russia

And look at that... four Latinas still end up at the top! I understand why all this ladies have made the cut, but I am surprised Kosovo didn't make it, or maybe even Australia.

Miss Universe "Live" Blog - Special Awards

Miss Congeniality – El Salvador

National Costume – Thailand

Miss Universe "Live" Blog - Evening Gown

Kosovo – I love her! Very Hollywood glam meets haute couture!

Australia – Also a beautiful gown, I like her.

Spain – Sill not a fan; brunettes should wear silver, not gold and she comes across as a total b*tch.

Mexico – Aw, I’m so disappointed, in prelims she wore a beautiful yellow gown, this white one with the illusion top is so five-years ago.

Columbia – Photos of this Grecian, printed gown were torn apart online, but I’m actually a fan; it’s different and she’s so likable.

USA – ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!?! She fell, just like Rachel Smith last year. She was obviously rushed because it seemed like there should have been a musical break or something. I am also disappointed that she’s wearing the same gown she wore for prelims – I expected her to switch to something unbelievable.

I wish I were really watching live so I could read what the message board regulars said, I'll bet the board crashed due to over posting!

Dominican Republic – OH MY! I had, or course, seen photos of this see-through, mirrored gown, but had forgotten who it was. I don’t love or hate it… it’s just so over-the-top, I don’t know what to think! That being said, I think she wore it well.

Russia – It's kind of unoriginal; I remember the first year I ever watched Miss Universe the winner was a Russian woman wrapped in what seemed to be a plain white sheet. This gown is more fitted and detailed and she is stunning!

Italy – Hate the scarf and necklace; like we say at so many MAO locals, it was very homecoming or prom - incredibly disappointing for an international pageant.

Venezuela – Stunning! Do you think that radiant smile has anything to do with USAs fall?

My favorites in gown: Kosovo, Australia, Columbia and Russia, Venezuela.

Miss Universe "Live" Blog - Official Top 10

Kosovo – I’m glad she made it despite her seriousness in Swimsuit.

Australia – She’s very pretty, I’m not surprised.

Spain – Huh?

Mexico – She will be one of the last standing.

Columbia

USA – Shocking! Yeah right.

Dominican Republic

Russia

Italy – My roommate’s right, she doesn’t look “Italian.” That’s not racist because my roommate is Italian, right?

Venezuela

Miss Universe "Live" Blog - Swimsuit Competition

Venezuela – I didn’t like her scarf around her neck.

Kosovo – She lacks personality – disappointing. :(

Mexico – Simply adorable!

Vietnam – Very “prancy.”

South Africa – What’s with the head bobbing?

Australia – Very pretty, but little “umph.”

Japan - Sorry, just not a fan.

Dominican Republic – I like her - maybe because someone said I resemble her. :)

Italy – Very nice. Although, my roommate, who is strongly of Italian heritage, was hoping she’s be a short legged, realistic women, “Damn, she’s a Milan supermodel,” she said.

Columbia – Almost too much personality.

Russia – My roommate thinks I look a bit like her. I’ll take it because she was great – very Victoria’s Secret model.

Hungary – Seductive!!!

Czech Republic – Distractingly out-dated hair.

USA – I’m not a huge Crystal fan, but I’m very impressed!

Spain – Overly seductive, was she licking the air?

My top Swimsuit choices – Venezuela, Mexico, Australia, Dominican Republic, Italy, Russia and USA

My roommate, a non-pageant person, noted the lack of blondes; she also thinks they all look the same.

Miss Universe "Live" Blog - Official Top 15

Venezuela – A strong favorite

Kosovo – She’s so beautiful, but what’s with that hair?

Mexico – A strong favorite

Vietnam – The hometown girl

South Africa

Australia

Japan – Hhmm.. she was not a fav of the Asian reps

Dominican Republic

Italy

Columbia

Russia

Hungary

Czech Republic

USA – Another strong favorite

Spain

Oh my, the absence of Miss Puerto Rico is quite surprising... Hmm, maybe she performs better when there's a little pepper spray involved!

Recent years have been dominated by Latina and Asian beauties, so it's refreshing to see so many European representatives.

Miss Universe "Live" Blog - National Costumes

I thought the opening number was weak; none of the contestants looked like they knew what to do and Jerry Springer riding in on a scooter was stupid. Mel B., however, looks great.

Here are the national costumes that struck me, either because they represented the country well, told me something about the country, or I just really liked something about the women. (I am usually not a fan of national costumes that just look like Vegas showgirl-wear, thus Miss USA's absence from my list.)

Albania - Wow, she's undeniably cool and mysterious.

Croatia - Super cute, like a naught Halloween costume!

Egypt - Exactly what I'd expect from this country.

Georgia - Lovely gown.

Korea - Fierce, I don't want to meet her in a dark alley with that sword!

Kosovo - This woman is GORGEOUS!

Mexico - I don't love it, but clearly showcases her countries heritage.

Poland - She's just darn likable.

Puerto Rico - Wow, that pose was crazy!

Serbia - Very cute.

Switzerland - Very Sound of Music. (I know that's Austria, but that's what it reminds me of.)

Venezuela - I give her props for having the courage to wear that thing in her nose.

I have the good weather, but you get the live broadcasts!

Well Midwest, you should be about a half hour into the Miss Universe pageant. I could go on the message boards and see who made the cut, but I'd rather wait until 9 p.m. California time to watch and form my own opinions. Look for my commentary then, or most of you will likely read it at work Monday morning.

Miss USA Montage - Will the initials C.S. be lucky again?

In the past thirteen years, the USA has had two Miss Universe winners, one being Chelsea Smith; like our current Miss USA, Crystal Stewart, Smith was from Texas and obviously they share the same initials! Superstitious pageant fans are very excited!

The video above was posted on the "bubble board" by X.

Miss Lake Festival's Celebrity Waitressing a Success...

In the opinion of my parent's stomachs anyway...

The Celina Daily Standard does a good job covering the pageant, but their website isn't very comprehensive, so I didn't read any monetary details, or even when it took place. I spoke to my mom tonight, who referred to attending the event at Bella's Italian Grill within the past week.

Bella's is a lovely restaurant overlooking Grand Lake St. Mary's, a perfect venue for the Miss Lake Festival contestants to serve as Celebrity Waitresses to raise funds for the June 21st pageant.

You can meet the eleven Mercer County women vying for the title by going to the Lake Festival website, then click on "schedule," then "Monday," then in the paragraph above Erica's picture click on "contestants." Or "Flyer Page 2" under Flyers and Forms.

Two side notes...

My mom said she felt like a celebrity - While going table-to-table greeting the costumers, outgoing Miss Lake Festival, Heather Waterman recognized her, saying "You're Abby's mom, right?" Apparently my mom sold Heather an extra Miss Ohio ticket outside the Renaissance theatre a couple years ago. My mom was just happy to get rid of an extra ticket and had no idea who the young lady was, let alone the fact that she had gone on to be her county's representative; she was very impressed that Heather remembered her.

On a more serious note, there have been negative message board rumblings, seemingly between the first two locals of the season... Like a page from a history book, two entities with a body of water in between just can't be friends! :) I asked my mom about a newspaper article regarding Lake Festival's scholarship committee, but she did not recall seeing it.

I will simply say this - I have held the title Miss Lake Festival and worked with folks from the West Central Ohio program on other talent contests and pageants; both groups of individuals are passionate about what they do. They each have their strengths and weaknesses and very different personalities; like any organization, there has been unfavorable buzz about both of them in the past few weeks or years. I never personally experienced or witnessed any of the alleged wrongdoing in either case.

The amount of scholarships each of these programs gives is wonderful; if you are not familiar with these programs, please base your opinions of them on the money they give and impressive attendance they garner - not message board posts.

Ohio's Outstanding Teen Wins the Lottery!

Okay, well, Miss Ohio's Outstanding Teen, Sarah Hider, didn't "win" money in the lottery; rather, it looks like she did very well in the contestant lottery, by which competition order is selected...

Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant will take place in Orlando, Florida in just over a month - August 12th the the 16th.

Sarah is contestant #14 (of 18) in the third flight (the blue group), making her the 48th contestant the judges will meet in the interview. Most will agree, being near the end of the flight is a more desirable position!

Her interview will take place on a Monday afternoon, and hopefully she will stay fresh in the judges minds for Tuesday evening's Sportswear competition, Talent on Wednesday and finally Gown and Onstage Question on Thursday night.

There are actually more dancers than singers in this pageant, so hopefully her vocal performance will stand out, especially considering she has intelligently placed herself after two tumblers. To view the entire Teen lineup, go to the Teen website and click on "watch it live" under a pink star on the homepage.

Attention Local E.D.s and Contestants - It's All About PR!

It is (obviously) my belief that quickly and accurately distributing information is one of the most important things you can do to develop and foster an organization.

I know there's never enough time in a day, but the right volunteer should be able to develop a relationship with local news outlets and get a story highlighting all the contestants prior to the pageant and then a follow-up introducing the winner to the community.

Contestants - when I was in your shoes I got several articles published on my own by sending press releases to my hometown media, college media and news sources for whatever community I was currently residing! Either help the PR person for your local, or do your own PR. How do you expect to get appearances and sponsorship if the community doesn't know who you are?

** If E.D.s would like website or PR help, contact Roger Sessor of the Miss Portsmouth/Scioto Valley program at rsessor@missportsmouth.org OR 740.876.9171. **

Also, CLICK HERE for "How to write a press release," HERE for "Press Release 101" and HERE for "Ten Tips..."

Congrats to Heather Wells, the Trumbull County Fair Queen

Monday night the big event was the Miss Trumbull County Fair Pageant and their were plenty of people to cheer these beautiful teens on. The pageant was open to any young lady between the ages of fourteen and eighteen in Trumbull County, and it was definitely an exciting night for those competing and their families.

Eleven contestants strutted their stuff and hoped for victory. All competing for the title and a one thousand dollar savings bond. The reigning queen of Trumbull County shares her thoughts on what it takes to be a winner.

Lindsay Humphrey, 2007 Trumbull Co. Fair Queen, explains,"You have to have a lot of self-confidence, a lot of family support and be you. There's no pride in winning something like this, unless you are yourself."

Judges also look for stage presence, poise, and evening gown among other criteria to name a winner. And as that moment nears, you can see the excitement building. In just a few moments, these lovely contestants will find out who will be crowned Ms. Trumbull County Fair.

The winner is eighteen year old Youngstown State University student Heather Wells.

"I just focused on being myself and I guess it worked and I'm really excited to be representing the Trumbull County Fair for this next year.", gushes, Heather Wells.

The new Queen of the Trumbull County Fair says if she could share anything with young teens it would be this, "Get involved, be active, you know be proactive in life, don't stand by and let it pass you by and she says always be yourself."

Photo and article from WYTV.

Note, this is not a preliminary to Miss Ohio. Since Heather competed a few weeks ago at Miss Ohio as Miss Maple City, fans are curious if this title is will prevent her from competing in upcoming prelims due to a clause in the Miss America contract, or if Heather will apply to Miss Ohio under the recent fair/homecoming/community pageant rule. I do not know the answer to either.

Miss Washington's Apology

CLICK HERE to watch Miss Washington, Elyse Umemto's apology. I recommend watching it, but you can also read it below.

A handful of unflattering and foolish photos of me have recently been posted in various places on the internet. I deeply regret the negative publicity that has fallen on the Miss Washington and Miss America Organizations. The dedicated volunteers who run these programs are above reproach and I am so proud to be associated with them. People have jumped to a lot of conclusions and and a great deal of misinformation circling.

The fact is that these pictures were stolen form me. This matter has been referred to law enforcement for investigation. And I want to be very clear about this. None of these pictures were taken during my year of service as Miss Washington. Most of these pictures were taken with my own camera and in setting that I considered to be private and when I was among friends I could trust. Clearly someone has violated that trust and I am deeply hurt by such an act of betrayal. I am not proud of the way I am depicted in these photographs and in my defense I can only say that being a role model and public figure is a full time job.

Everyone needs a brief respite from the need to be in top form at all times and these photos were taken when I was at ease and not expecting to be on duty. The photographs to not represent my true essence in anyway and they depict me clowning around. I have worked hard to represent the Miss Washington and Miss America organizations in a way that would make both programs proud.

I apologize for acting in a way that allowed this situation to occur. I will be a long time in a healing process both in my own wounds and in the pain that my poor judgment has caused my family, my friends and this organization. For those, and there are many, who have offered your support I am so grateful.

For those who have been appalled by what they have seen I ask that you open your hearts to ideals of the MAO and to not let this situation cloud your perception of the great work this organization does for on behalf of young women.

I've never represented to be someone that I am not. I have never claimed to be better than anyone. I have never claimed to be above anyone, at the end of the day I am a pretty genuine person. And this is me genuinely apologizing, genuinely admitting that I am only human.

A Statement from the Miss Washington Organization

This morning TMZ.com (ugh!) posted one of the questionable Miss Washington pictures, using the unoriginal heading "One Bad Apple." They also published a statement from the Miss Washington organization; CLICK HERE to read it.

Pageant Poll: Reactions to Miss Washington Pictures

CLICK HERE for the direct link.

Miss Washington's "Questionable" Photos and More Message Board Mayhem

My heart sank last night when I saw the photo below of Miss Washington, Elyse Umemoto, posted on the anonymous national Miss America message board.

She was a favorite for the Miss America crown back in January thanks to her vibrant personality. She placed Second Runner-up (due in part to a lacking wardrobe, in my opinion).

This weekend she will crown her successor, and for reasons I can only describe as malicious, someone has decided to cast a dark shadow over an otherwise great year by publicizing THIS photo album. It’s one thing to publish questionable photos after a woman is crowned because you feel strongly that she should be dethroned, but why a week before she’s done with her reign?

As for the photos… I think any one of them could singly be rationalized, but collectively, they give the fuddy-duddies a lot of rope with which to hang her. Have we all flipped the bird? Probably. While the oral sex sign (a peace sign with your tongue through it) may be offensive to some, I promise you, it really doesn’t mean anything when done jokingly among friends. I’ve read she was over 21 in the pictures, thus, the alcohol consumption was not illegal. The problem, of course, is that some of these undesirable acts were done while she was wearing a local crown!

I’ve read they were taken B.A. – Before Amy Polumbo; all current and future contestants living After Amy should most certainly KNOW BETTER! Even if you’re among friends, you simply can’t photograph yourself joking around and being “normal” because no matter how well you think you trust your friends in that moment, they may come back to haunt you. I am Facebook friends with Elyse and all her pictures there are "clean." These were clearly taken or collected by someone else who then spitefully created the photobucket album.

So, of course, the message board has erupted around the issue. Frankly, I think the anonymous ugliness is far worse than a 21 year old playing beer pong in a crown…

Everyone has loved Elyse’s personality; whether or not they thought she should have won Miss America, most agreed she embodies the new direction of the program. But now, anonymous posters are like Jekyll and Hyde! Suddenly, she’s a horrible, immoral b*tch and wh*re! I have to laugh at the people claiming “she was so fake.” Um. No, I think it’s the opposite. We liked her because she’s so real; these pictures simply show the fun personality that we embraced in a casual setting, around her friends.

I’m not condoning her actions, just pointing out that many pageant fans are crazed hypocrites. Of course, because I have watched and liked her over the past year, I am more forgiving… Perhaps these were taken during her first local reign, before she understood the program and fully committed to it… I know, I know, some of you will say it doesn’t matter because she had a crown on her head and was misrepresenting the integrity of the organization.

As I’ve expressed before, this is a difficult issue for me. Should pageant contestants be held to an unreasonably high standard (emulating that of 1950’s housewives and causing them to miss out on “normal” college experiences)? Or should pageant fans lighten-up and realize society and the norms of our youth are changing, possibly ending up with titleholders who have done less than desirable things prior to realizing their dreams of paying for college and representing their community, state and nation as the “ideal” IT girl of today? Many fans have no patience for the excuse that a picture captures “normal college behavior.” I’m still torn…

What I firmly believe, however, is that these pictures have nothing to do with the way Elyse was raised. My heart sank when I saw the pictures, but I was completely lit on fire when I read the ramblings of ignorant bigots on the message board claiming that Elyse’s “lack of morals” could be explained by the fact that her dad is gay! WHAT? Whether you think they’re forgivable or not, these ARE normal actions, regardless of being raised by nuns, gypsy’s or anyone in between!

Quite a while ago, my parents told me they were met with disbelief when they told some family members about the beautiful home my significant other and I shared in Ohio. "She lives with her boyfriend! We won't allow our kids to..." My forty-something cousin gasped. "She's 25 and he's wonderful!" My dad defended. I laughed. "I've seen a Facebook photo of their precious, underage angel with a forty of beer literally duct taped to their hand at a party. I could print it out if you'd like to share it...!" (And then I think I had to explain to my mom what a forty is.)

I'm disgusted by beer, let alone duct taping it to yourself; my point is that blaming the parents, let alone their sexuality, shows that you're socially inept.

The more I think about this... I think it's the most shocking case yet. No one really knew Amy Pulombo and her pictures were taken before she was a MAO contestant. Here in Ohio, the local titleholder dethroned for pictures of underage drinking was sort of known as a party girl. But Elyse was the most promising breath of fresh air seen on the Miss America stage in a while. She had all the beauty without any of the fussiness. The same personailty that was "inappropriately" captured in those pictures is exactly what we liked about her. I feel like I could write in circles about this issue for hours!

Perhaps there should be two Miss America pageants - one for the girls who don't drink, have sex or own cameras and then another for the rest of us. I'm sure someone just quipped, "I thought that was the difference between Miss America and Miss USA?!" Sorry, the internet is now proving that is not, and probably never was, the difference!

Congrats to this Weekend's State Winners

Miss Florida Sierra Minott

Age: 20
Talent: Jazz Dance to "I Can Cook, Too," from the Broadway musical On the Town
Platform: TrueLies: Teaching Teens to Love, Honor and Remain Pure
Awards: Evening Gown and Swimsuit

She won on her First try; she placed Third RU at Miss America's Outstanding Teen representing Florida in 2005.



Miss South Carolina Anna Perry

Age: 23
Talent: Piano "Rhapsody in Blue"
Platform: St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital
Awards: Talent and Swimsuit

She won on her Second try; she was Second RU last year.



Miss Texas Rebecca Robinson

Age: 24
Talent: Tap Dance "Hey Pachuco!"
Platform: Viva Texax! Building Bridges Through Bilingual Education
Awards: Talent and Swimsuit

She won on her Fourth attempt, having been Fourth RU back in 2005 and Texas Teen in 2000. *She is the second Miss Longview in a row to win the State crown.

Brunettes Had More Fun the Last Week of June

Miss California Jackie Geist

Age: 22
Talent: Ballet en Point
Platform: Saving for the Future
Awards: Talent, Swimsuit and Evening Gown

She won on her Second attempt, having placed in Miss California Teen USA.



Miss Connecticut Ashley Glenn

Age: 23
Talent: Ballet en Pointe "The Impossible Dream"
Platform: The Special Olympics
Awards: Talent and Swimsuit

She won on her First attempt, having been Massachusetts's Jr. Miss.



Miss Georgia Chasity Hardman

Age: 23
Talent: Vocal "Listen" from Dreamgirls
Platform: DREAM Through Music: Development, Reach, Educate
She did not win any preliminary awards.

She won on her Fourth attempt, having placed Second RU last year and as a Semifinalist the year before.


Miss Massachusetts Alicia Zitka

Age: 22
Talent: Lyrical Dance
Platform: The Importance of Self-Esteem
Awards: Swimsuit

She won on her Second attempt, having been Second RU last year.




Miss Mississippi Christine Kozlowski

Age: 19
Talent: Lyrical Dance "So Small"
Platform: DANCE: Diabetes Advocates Nourishing Children's Education
Awards: Swimsuit

She won on her Second trip to state.




Miss Oregon Danijela Krstic

Age: 24
Talent: Middle Eastern Belly Dance
Platform: Children's Global Health Crisis
Awards: Unknown

This was her Second attempt, having made the Top 10 in 2006.




Miss Virginia Tara Wheeler

Age: 24
Talent: Vocal "Since I Fell for You"
Platform: Breaking Stereotypes - Building Leaders
She did not win a prelim award.

She won on her Third attempt; she competed in Pennsylvania in 2006 and was a Virginia Semifinalist last year.

Weekend Three of June -Third-time was a charm for Blond Dancers *

Miss Arizona Erin Nurss

Age: 23
Talent: Gymnastics/Dance
Platform: Healthy Habits = Healthy Life
Awards: Swimsuit

She won on her third attempt at state, having previously been First and Third RU.



Miss Colorado Jamie Dukehart-Conti

Age: 23
Talent: Jazz Dance
Platform: Investing in Miracles: Changing Lives with Change
Awards: none

She won on her third attempt; she was a Semifinalist last year and Third RU in 2006.




Miss Illinois Katie Lorenz

Age: 24
Talent: Lyrical Dance
Platform: Volunteerism with Idealist.org
Awards: none

This was her first try in Illinois, but Third attempt at a state title, having placed in the Top 10 in Michigan last year; she is a former Michigan Outstanding Teen.


* Miss Maryland is not at dancer and is the only blond this weekend who doesn't fit the third-time profile.

Miss Maryland Louise Sclegel

Talent: Vocal "If I Had My Way"
Platform: Adoption is an option, not a last resort
Awards: Talent and Swimsuit

She won on her Second try.





Miss Michigan Ashley Barcay

Age: 23
Talent: Jazz Dance
Platform: Breast Cancer Awareness and Educaton
Awards: "Kristen Haglund Swimsuit Award" and "Kaey Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson Community Service Award."

This was her Third try, having been Second and Third RU.


* Miss Wisconsin is not a dancer, but did win on her third try.

Miss Wisconsin Briana Rose Lipor

Age: 22
Talent: Classical Vocal "Chi il Bel Sogno di Doretta
Platform: Save the Arts
Awards: Talent and Swimsuit

She won on her Third try; she'd been a Semifinalist the past two years.

Weekend Three of June - State Crowns Atop Brunette (ish) Heads

Miss Indiana Kate Stam

Talent: Classical Vocal "Art is Calling for Me"
Platform: Embracing the Basic
She did not win a prelim award.

She won on her first try, having been Indiana's Jr. Miss and America's Southern Teen 2002.



Miss Louisiana Blair Abene

Age: 21
Talent: Opera "Nessun Dorma"
Platform: TART: Tourette's Awareness Reaching Teens
Awards: Talent and MAO Academic

She won on her Fifth try, having been a Semifinalist and First and Second RU.




Miss Maine Adrienne Watkinson

Talent: Viola
Platform: The Healing Power of Music
Awards: Talent

She won on her Second attempt at state; she was Second RU last year.

** Miss Maine attends the Cleveland Institute of Music



Miss North Carolina Amanda Lauren Watson

Age: 21
Talent: Gospel Vocal "We Shall Behold Him"
Platform: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness
Awards: Swimsuit and Community Service

She won on her First try.



Miss Ohio Karissa Martin

Age: 20
Talent: Vocal "Girl in 14 G"
Platform: Skin Cancer Awareness for a Second Generation
Awards: Talent and Swimsuit

She won on her Second attempt, having been last years Second RU.



Miss Tennessee Ellen Carrington

Age: 21
Talent: Classical Vocal "Vole Mon Ange"
Platform: Promotion of Volunteerism
Awards: Talent and Swimsuit

She won on her Third attempt, having been Fourth RU last year.





Miss West Virginia Kayla Lynam

Age: 21
Talent: Piano
Platform: FITT Habits
Awards: Talent

She won on her First try, having been West Virginia's Jr. Miss in 2005.

Happy 4th 'O July!

Miss America, Kristen Haglund, is spending Independence Day at WSB-TV's Lenox Fireworks Presentation and Show in Atlanta.

According to the Monroe County Beacon, last night the newly crowned Miss Ohio, Karissa Martin, kicked off Woodsville's "freedom celebration" by singing the National Anthem. As a native of Monroe County, the event also served as a celebration of Karissa's crowning and gave locals a chance to meet her.
Her next publicized event is the Mechanicsburg's annual Summer Celebration on July 12th.

Last night Miss Ohio USA, Monica Day, was at Columbus' Red White and Boom.

Dress Like Miss Ohio - Literally!

If you are interested in any of the garments in the slide show above, leave your questions and contact information as a comment, or email me, and I will pass your contact info along to the seller. If you are Facebook friends with the seller, you can view the photos and contact her there.

The information below mostly came from tftj.com. The photos came from a variety of sources; I save them as the pageants happen, but it takes a bit more time to collect the info and format the posts, so the rest of June will be coming soon...

State Winners from the Second Weekend of June!

Miss Delaware Galen Giaccone
Talent: Classical Piano
Platform: Mental Health: Getting the Word Out
Awards: Talent

She won on her second attempt, placing Fourth RU last year; she is a former Delaware Junior Miss.




Miss Idaho Elise Davis
Platform: Helping People with Disabilities







Miss Iowa Olivia Myers
Age: 22
Talent: Tap Dance
Platform: It's Your Life - Character Counts
Awards: Talent, Swimsuit and Community Service

She won on her first attempt at the state title.




Miss Minnesota Angie McDermott
Age: 23
Talent: Vocal "Bridge Over Troubled Troubled Waters
Platform: Higher Education: Journey to Your Dreams
Awards: Talent

She won on her second attempt; having been Third RU in 2006.




Miss Montana Jennifer Hepner
Talent: Raqs Sharqi Dance
Platform: Beyond the Bell: After School Programs
Awards: Interview and Swimsuit

She won on her third attempt, having twice been Second RU.




Miss North Dakota Tessie Jones
Age: 21
Talent: Classical Piano, "Doctor Graddus ad Parnassum"
Platform: Life Awareness: Improving Mental Health & Preventing Suicide

She won on her fourth attempt, having been Second and Third RU.





New Jersey Ashley Fairfield
Age: 21
Talent: Jazz Dance "Man of LaMancha"
Platform: Habitat for Humanity
Awards: Evening Gown and Swimsuit

She won on her third attempt.





Miss Wyoming Courtney Gifford
Age: 19

She won on her first attempt, but was Fourth RU at Miss Wyoming USA and Miss Wyoming's Outstanding teen in 2005.

First or Fifth Attempts Won State Crowns in the First Weekend of June!

Miss Alabama: Amanda Tapley
Talent: "Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat Minor"
Platform: Music for a Cure
Awards: Swimsuit and Talent

She won on her first attempt (the last time a "newbie won Alabama was in 1988!)



Miss Kansas: Emily Deaver
Talent: vocal/piano “What Are You Doing For the Rest of Your Life?”
Platform: Promoting the Arts.
Awards: Talent, Swimsuit and Evening Gown

She won the state title on her first attempt.





Miss Missouri: Lacey Fitzgerald
Talent: vocal "Proud Mary"
Platform: Goal Setting and Mentoring
She was not a prelim winner.

She won on her fifth try, having never previously made the Top 10!



Miss Nebraska: Gretchen Bergquist
Talent: vocal "Feeling Good"
Platform: The Giving Habit; Bolstering Our Nation's Blood Supply
Awards: Overall Talent and tie for Interview

She won on her fifth attempt, having been 4th RU last year.




Miss New Mexico: Christine Olmni
Talent: vocal
Platform: DWI - The Aftermath
Awards: Talent and Swimsuit

She won on her first or second try (conflicting info found).




Miss Oklahoma: Kelsey Cartwright
Talent: Lyrical Dance "I Want You to Need Me"
Platform: Open Adoption
Awards: Swimsuit

She won on her first attempt.





Miss South Dakota: Alexandra Hoffman
Talent: vocal "Even Now"
Platform: Battling Obesity and Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Awards: Talent and Swimsuit

She won this state title on her first attempt, but was Miss SD Teen USA 2006

I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. ~Bill Cosby

“You can't please everyone, and you can't make everyone like you,” ~Katie Couric

One of the greatest lessons I learned over my years of pageantry was to deal with criticism and subjective judgment. As I competed I would joke, it's great practice for the rejection I'll receive as an actress! Behind the laugh though, not winning and being criticized in any way always hurts. Nonetheless, I am grateful for the thick skin I developed.

Of course most of you probably realize I am writing this in response to "bashers" on the anonymous Miss Ohio message board. I realize I don't have to respond, but I have a blog, so I can! This blog is often so informative that I think people sometimes forget what most blogs are - a place for personal commentary, opinions and whatever the hell the writer wants!

I'm always so confused when people say they're "sick of me." I'm not on a billboard that you have pass everyday on your way to work - this is a website that you choose to visit! The reality is that comments against me crop up every time I've signed my name to multiple message board posts in a short amount of time. News flash - it's all the same people over and over on the message boards; it's just highly noticeable when someone signs their name, since most don't.

I was amused to read, "I read it and laugh. Never saw anyone so full of herself." Again, you're complaining about something you choose to read and the funny thing is that I was just thinking about my blogger arrogance the other day... I will totally admit to a superiority complex, but it comes from a place of extreme frustration. I wish I weren't the best source of information, but the reality is that I am. I know I'm providing a service that most people appreciate; a friend recently pointed out the obvious, that if the official Miss Ohio website were at all what it should be, my blog would be irrelevant. If knowing that makes me full of myself, so be it; you'll be hard pressed to find defenders of the Miss Ohio website or another source that puts multiple information in one place.

I began blogging to gain better exposure when I was a contestant and it very organically grew into something more. I enjoy writing; blogging has become an outlet and a hobby. As time and distance separate me from the Miss Ohio program, I am clearly becoming more outspoken, but I will always be grateful for what I gained as a competitor and support the ideals of Miss America. Thus I am also confused by comments like "Turn a page Abby move on there's life outside of Ohio and the MOSP." Anytime a former contestant signs her name too much, or is opinionated on the message board, that is the feedback she gets. Then a month later there are complaints that the system has no new locals, no new blood and the question, "why don't more formers stay involved?" As I wrote in my message board response, we're damned if we do and damned if we don't! Why must continued interest in the system mean we don't have a life outside of it? That's such an ignorant assumption. I stay involved in part because I realize many of my post-pageant successes are thanks to skills I developed from pageants. Not to mention the fact that I still know and am good friends with some of the current competitors.

I realize that I don't need to justify any of this to those of you still reading at this point. lol! I'm sure my haters merely saw this posts title, laughed and are thinking they got under my skin, or fed my ego. Again, that just proves that they don't understand the nature of a blog. Thank you so much to those of you who stuck up for me, outnumbering the two negative commenters. I am humbled by all of my readers and your support keeps me going when I am frustrated with the system and most definitely in the face of anonymous criticism.

I'll end this with a narcissistic quotation from Billy Corgan, frontman for my favorite band, The Smashing Pumpkins:

"We've always done better with readers than with critics. Usually that means you've at least got people's hearts."