As most of you know, my abilities in the kitchen are quite limited so I decided to take my daughters out to eat. Five minutes after we had been seated, a large man and his four children were seated at the table beside us. Within minutes, the father started chastising his son about the “C” he had received in band on his report card. In a very loud and aggressive voice, the man was going on and on about how this would affect his son’s overall GPA, eligibility to play sports, keep him out to the Jr. National Honors Society, etc.

He continued to talk about competition and how you’re either a winner or loser in this world; and being a loser is unacceptable. The father was being verbally disrespectful to his son, the teachers, and the other students his son was involved with at school; not to mention those of us in the restaurant who had to listen to his “stinkin thinkin.”

If this wasn’t already uncomfortable and awkward, when the father told his son to physically hit anyone who gets in his way or was distracting and annoying him, my blood started to boil. At this point the server approached him and the father shifted gears; but I was still upset inside.

I felt I needed to say something; but what could I say to an angry 300 pound bully? I was at a total loss. What struck me odd was that his children didn’t seem shaken by his actions. I grieved at the thought of what type of adults those four children would grow up to be being subjected to that type of behavior.

So I did the only thing within my power. I turned it into a teaching moment for my three daughters about little boys in men’s bodies, attitude, and how to view competition in life.

Competition can be viewed as either constructive or destruction. It’s entirely up to you as to which attitude you choose to adopt. Your attitude is formed through your association with coaches, family, friends, and the people with whom you compete. Notice I did not say “people you compete against.”

When you compete with people, the environment is positive, healthy, constructive and encourages cooperation. Friendly relationships are created and there is mutual respect. Care, empathy, and consideration are present. You are self-reflective and focused on learning and improving yourself. You are in competition only with yourself and are striving for individual excellence. Your success is not defined by the end result (who is crowned).

When you compete against others, you immediately start focusing on the other contestants. Your energy shifts to a negative, unhealthy, or destructive space. Taking out the competition either through mental games or verbal confrontations is typical. Fear, hostility, anger, jealousy, envy, and unethical behaviors are present in environments where the only focus is on winning the overall title. The lasting effects from a negative attitude of competition are a lack of respect for people and poor character development. The father we encountered in the restaurant is a perfect example of negative competition. Unfortunately, I see it all too often on sports fields, cheer and dance competitions, and in pageantry.

Competition, in and of itself, is neither good nor bad. It is a vehicle for potential growth and success. Everyone needs to learn how to handle success and failure. The younger, the better. As a matter of fact, we learn more from our “failures” than we do from when things are always going our way and we are “winning.”

It all starts with you. Every word that comes from your mouth; and every action you do or fail to do sets an example for everyone around you. Consciously make a decision to focus on constructive thoughts, words and action.

As a very goal oriented, competitive and driven person, I frequently “check in” with my attitude. I wish I could say it was perfect, but it is not. One great thing about aging is that it is easier for me to keep the big picture in mind and to focus on constructive ways of getting better. My key is I never stop growing and learning. I use competition to bring out the best in me; and I have a very good time doing it.

“Live daringly, boldly, fearlessly. Taste the relish to be found in competition - in having put forth the best within you”
Henry J. Kaiser

Request my free special report, 10 Insider Secrets to Winning, and receive my free award winning newsletter weekly. Just click here to GET YOUR FREE REPORT.Then fill out your name and email address in the boxes.

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).
She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®.
She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.
Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 23 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the board of two non-profit organizations. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com.

 

As tempting as it may be to copy someone, an original is always more valuable than a copy.

It’s important for you to watch what the top five contestants are doing at a pageant to see what styles and trends the system is following; but don’t be a copycat.

To truly stand out, you want to let the “real” you come through in everything you do. How you style your hair, what you wear, how you walk, and how you talk all make a statement about your originality.

Often, I will find there is one contestant going to the extreme in some area of her outer presentation to stand out. Perhaps it’s a risky gown choice, or an unconventional style of wearing her hair or makeup. If it is within her personality, that’s fine. But all too often, it’s very clear that she is just trying to separate herself from the others and she falls short.

Here is a copy of the priceless painting of the Mona Lisa. When you look at this copy, you may be thinking, “What is the big deal with this painting? I don’t even think she’s that pretty.” But I’ve seen the original at the Louvre museum in Paris. When you look at this painting in person, the eyes appear to follow you wherever you walk in the room. It’s very intriguing and magnetic. It’s funny because trying to hide from her gaze people will bump into each other moving around while they are staring at the painting.

You are the same. There are qualities about you that no one can copy or duplicate. Acknowledge and accept them as your gifts. Once you appreciate your value, you’ll immediately understand why you’re priceless in this world. That is how you will begin to stand out from the other contestants.

Paperwork Review Session

If you want a different set of eyes to look over your paperwork, I’ve created a Paperwork Review Session. Consider this a “second opinion” session. It is not a detailed development session. It consists of two private mini-coaching sessions over the phone. This is perfect for the experienced contestant who wants a professional eye to look things over.

On the first call, I will share with you my first impressions about your paperwork; conduct a 5-minute mock interview based on the paperwork you have provided to me; tips on how to improve your paperwork; and a second mini-call after you have made corrections from our first call.

This will be a great investment to strengthening your first impression and to building a solid foundation for your interview. To get the most from our time together, have the exact forms your pageant system uses filled out to the best you can. Then,click here to purchase your session. Once payment has been received, you will receive an email to schedule your private telephone session with me.

 

WTP Pageant Bootcamp In
Columbus, Ohio

This two-hour bootcamp is for you if you're preparing for a pageant andyou want to take your skills to the next level. I will provide face-to-face training to strengthen your abilities in the following areas:

• Interview
• Modeling Technique
• Personal Introduction
• Answering Onstage Questions
• Mental Attitude

By working in a small group of 10 people, you’ll benefit by listening and watching each other; expanding your knowledge of pageantry; mastering your own skills; and receiving personal feedback at an affordable price. Space is limited so reserve your time now.

There must be a minimum number of five people for the workshop to take place and
all fees must be paid in full one week prior to the workshop. No exceptions. I will not be accepting payment the day of the event.

COMING TO A LOCATION NEAR YOU

• Sunday, March 4, 2012: 1-3 PM (Last Day to Sign Up is February 24, 2012)

• Sunday, March 25, 1012: 1-3 PM (Last Day to Sign Up is March 16, 2012)

• Saturday, Apri 28, 2012 : 1-3PM (Last day to sign up is April 20, 2012)

• Sunday, May 20, 2012: 1-3 PM (Last Day to Sign Up is May 11, 2012)

• Saturday, June 16, 2012: 1-3 PM (Last Day to Sign Up is June 8, 2012)

• Saturday, July 21, 2012: 1-3 PM (Last Day to Sign Up is July 13, 2012)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

Pageant Preparation Special for the Pageant Princess or Queen in your life for $59 (+$12 S&H). Only 45 left at this price!

To celebrate the launch of my new 60 minute training DVD, Take The Stage, I am offering the 60 minute training DVD, the Pageant Planner and a set of 12 interview cards for $59 (+$12 S&H). Individually, these items would cost $89.

This is an affordable training kit for the pageant princess or queen in your life.

WTP Take The Stage Training DVD

The Winning Through Pageantry Take The Stage™ training DVD is a must have training tool for natural beauty pageants. The depth of information shared in this video will further polish your on stage presence.

Remember, the judges cast their final vote when you are on stage in your evening gown. Your overall stage presence and appearance will determine your final placement.

In this 60-minute DVD, you will learn:

• proper posture and alignment,
• foot positioning,
• timing of your turns,
• multiple walking patterns,
• stage presence,
• microphone etiquette,
• Numerous tips as Rhonda demonstrates all of these techniques.

The modeling style taught in this video will work for those contestants competing in the following natural pageant systems:

• Miss American Coed (MAC),
• National American Miss (NaMiss),
• Miss America,
• America's Outstanding Teen,
• Miss Teen USA,
• Miss USA,
• Mrs. America,
• Mrs. United States,
• Teen, Miss and Mrs. International,
• America's National Teenager (Antso),
• Any of the numerous systems that follow the standards of a natural pageant.

Contestants who are brand new to pageantry or have done a couple pageants in the past; and those who do not have pageant preparation resources close to them will benefit most from this DVD. Even if you feel confident in your modeling skills, the numerous tips shared in this DVD will take your onstage presence to the next level.
Please allow up to 14 days to receive your DVD. This is being shipped from a separate vendor. The DVD is readable in all countries around the world but should you receive a defective DVD, a replacement one will be sent.

Rhonda Shappert, is both an iPEC and ICF certified expert pageant coach. In addition to holding multiple titles herself, her clients have won titles at local, state, national and internationals pageants. Her award winning newsletter is received weekly by thousands internationally. She has helped her clients win local, state, national and international titles.

With over 30 years experience in the pageant industry as a contestant, titleholder, judge, emcee, staff member, coach and mother of daughters who compete, there isn't an area of pageantry she doesn't fully understand.

The WTP Pageant Planner

The Winning Through Pageantry Pageant Planner from Holdon contains organizational pages for logging and tracking 100 pageant related events. Each form records Event Details, Contact Info, Event Expenses, and Post-Event Info. There is also an Income Management Section to record payment details.
Now logging & tracking your pageant-related event details is easy!

• High-quality product
• 8.5" x 11"
• Finished coil-bound spine
• Vinyl front and back covers for durability

What's Inside...
Contact Page

• Your contact information
• Important pageant contacts (i.e. - coach, director, salon, etc.)
• Other contact information

Live Performance Forms

• Logging & tracking forms to track up to 100 pageant-related events (i.e. - consultations, media events, autograph signings, etc.)
• Log event requirements (i.e. - crown & banner, opening number wardrobe, script, etc.)
• Record all of your event expenses and mileage for tax purposes
• Post Event area (i.e. - what you wore, who you met, guests, etc.)

Income & Reimbursement Management
Record income & reimbursement details (Pageant/Event Name, Event Date, Payment, etc.)

Pageant Target List
Target Pageants, know special requirements, competition, categories, entry fees, etc.

Pageant Contacts
A section dedicated to Pageant Industry professionals you wish to keep in contact with

Notes Section

• Keep your notes handy and accessible
• Add any thoughts, suggestions or ideas

Calendar Section

• 12-month, day-by-day, fill-in calendar section (non-time sensitive, fill-in as you go)
• 24-month quick-view calendar section

Storage Pockets

• Promo Material Pocket to hold self-promotional material that you can pass around (i.e. - promo postcards, headshots, flyers, etc.)
• Notes Pocket to store any speeches, top-5 question notes, etc.

The WTP Interview Card Set

What kind of questions will the judges ask me in interview?
What if I don't have an answer?

The ability to answer questions about you, your family, platform, goals, community and pop culture in a clear way is an important life skill. The more practice you have in conversing with people, the better your speaking skills will become.
Over 1000 contestants from ages 7 to 80 around the world have used these cards and reported back to me that they were confident and prepared for their pageant interview. Many of my clients receive the highest interview scores.
As a contestant and judge, these are real questions that I have asked, been asked, or heard other judges ask in the interview room. I know they are effective and relevant because my clients and pageant family on Facebook have told me several times that they have experienced other pageant coaches and judges using my cards. By the way, I take this as a compliment, not a threat :).
Outstanding features of this 12 card set includes:

• Over 200 questions covering 12 diverse subjects. Each card has questions dedicated to one topic. For example, there are 56 questions on the "favorites" card.
• The back side is blank so you can jot down your ideas for answers.
• Being the size of a recipe card, they are easy to carry and you can practice anywhere.
  The DVD will arrive separately from the planner and the interview cards. With the holiday mail delivery, please allow up to 14 days for delivery.

$89 $59 (+$12 S&H)
45 left

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).
She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®.
She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.
Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 22 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com.

Oh, that's gotta hurt! My whole body ached as I watched the Olympic skiers, one after another, get tossed around like rag dolls on the slopes the other night. Inspired by the winter Olympics and the record levels of snowfall this month, I've been talking about the blocks that get in the way of your pageant success.

Some of my favorite Olympic moments are when they do the human interest stories. I love hearing stories about how these elite athletes faced incredible challenges; and against the odds, overcame them to reach their dream. Sometimes the blocks were external; and other times there was an inner war raging. The element that seems to separate the Olympians from other great athletes is their mental approach and reaction towards the obstacles that are presented.

Two weeks ago I spoke about the outer blocks. Last week, I shared one of the four inner blocks. This week I'll cover the remaining three insiders that can get between you and success.

• Only tall, thin blondes win the crown.
• You must have expensive designer clothing in order to win.
• There's only one perfect answer to the onstage question.

These statements are examples of beliefs that some people perceive to be facts because they've heard them from friends, the media, or the allusive group of "they". These limiting beliefs, when left unchallenged, can hold you back.

Daniel Daza/Columbia Pictures

From left, Forest Whitaker, Dennis Quaid and Matthew Fox in the thriller "Vantage Point." 2008

The third inner block is our interpretation of a situation. A movie that well illustrates this is Vantage Point. It's about an assassination attempt seen differently through the eyes of the main characters. In pageantry, you may think a judge dislikes you because of the expression on his face during the interview. As a result, you avoid eye contact with that judge for the rest of the pageant. Maybe the lights in the room were giving the judge a headache and that was the reason he was squinting. You just don't know.

The fourth block is the inner critic, or the Gremlin. In the 1984 movie, Gremlins, Gizmo is an intelligent and loving mogwi as long as you don't get him wet, expose him to sunlight, or feed him after midnight.

Then one day by accident, a friend of the family spills water on Gizmo and after a painful scene several fur balls pop from his back and turn into more mogwi. These mogwi seem cute and loveable like Gizmo but they have a mean streak that only Gizmo sees. After tricking Billy into feeding them after midnight, the evil mogwi turn into cocoons overnight and later hatch out as the scaly skinned green Gremlins, led by Stripe, that become chaotic, destructive creatures.

 

Our inner critic can have a similar effect on us,tearing us down in a debilitating way that leaves us feeling defeated. It tells us that we're not good enough, so why bother.
Comments such as:

• I'm not pretty enough, or thin enough, or tall enough.

• My breasts aren't big enough.

• The other contestants have more experience than me.

• I'm not good enough to be a national queen.

• I've been first runner-up so many times. I just don't have what it takes.

One negative self-talk statement leads to another and another and before you know it, you have triggered an emotional avalanche capable of destroying and burying all the positive energy you had.

How many times have you seen a pageant contestant that seems to have it all, not win the crown? Chances are that it's due to one of the four inner blocks. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance; eagerness and desperation; and, enthusiasm and abrasiveness.

So when your inner voice is talking to you, is it Gizmo or Stripe? If it's Stripe, give me a call so we can work through that block to help you move forward.

 

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Blocks can affect every aspect of our lives. "I can't change careers because I'm too old", "I'm walking away from this relationship because there's nothing I can do", and "Why bother exercising. I'm so overweight; I'll never be physically fit again". Which gremlin, assumption, interpretation and limiting belief is holding you back? Get started today moving these blocks from your path.

Rhonda Shappert is a pageant coach, personal development life coach, and owner of Winning ThroughPageantry™, a business she created that not only helps her clients achieve winning results in pageants, but helps them Succeed From The Inside Out™ in their lives. In the pageant world she has held multiple local, state and national titles. Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three,who home educates her children, has been married 20 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and is on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. Their music CD entitled Cana is available through www.cdbaby.com/cd/shappert or on her website. For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com.

You want to have a winning experience at the pageant and yet something prevents you from achieving the results you want. In last week’s article, I addressed outside blocks that may be in your way. This week, we’ll turn our attention to the “insiders”. Most inner blocks fall into one of four major types: gremlins, assumptions, interpretations and limiting beliefs.
Have you heard the old saying “when you assume something, you make an ASS out of U and ME”? LOL. Although assumptions don’t always lead to a negative outcome, they have the potential of limiting our possibilities and holding us back because we’re afraid.
An assumption is believing that because something happened to us in the past, it’s going to happen again.
Some typical pageant assumptions may be:

• I’m clumsy and can’t walk in heels (after you tripped on stage).

• The on-stage questions they ask in pageants are too hard (your mind went blank).
• The pageant judges are too critical (one judge had a sour look on her face the whole time).
• Pageants are fixed, so why bother (you didn’t win).
• Pageant contestants are unfriendly and too competitive (the girls didn’t talk to you).
• Pageants are unorganized and a waste of my time (it was a logistical nightmare).

Because an assumption is based on a personal experience, it may be harder to detach from the emotions associated with that event. However, holding onto an assumption without separating the fact from the fiction could hold you back from experiencing things that may benefit you. Just because it happened once, what makes you think that it will be like that every time?

 
Assumptions can come in big or little forms. For example, the first time I tried a particular self-tanning product, I didn’t like the results. I was streaky and the color wasn’t right, so I called the company to ask for a refund. The customer representative was very nice and asked me two questions.

 
The first she asked was if I had watched the instructional video that came with the product. No, I hadn’t watched the video. I assumed all I had to do was apply the lotion to my skin. The sales representative gently encouraged me to try the product one more time after watching the video. If I still wanted a refund after trying it a second time, she’d be happy to do so. Although I was open to trying it again, that still didn’t solve the problem of the color not being right. Then she asked me the second question.

Would I like to try one of the other tanners that her company made? Why would I want to do that? After all, I assumed that all products from that company would have the same affect on my skin. No, I had made up my mind that not only would this company’s products not work for me, I reasoned that all self-tanners were faulty and I would need to look elsewhere to achieve a natural looking tan.

 
To make a long story short, within a few moments, the new product was on the way and I had agreed to give it a second try. This time, I watched the video, followed the directions and voila- the beautiful tan I’d been wanting appeared. Had I held on tightly to my first assumptions regarding this product, I would have lost a wonderful product that saved me a lot of time and money over a five-year period.

So what are you assuming in pageantry that may be holding you back? Ask yourself, just because it happened in the past, why must it happen again? If you do pageants for any length of time, you’ll occasionally encounter the unpleasant judge or contestant; a few pageants are unorganized and questionable; and yes you may stumble a couple times. These are single, isolated events. Learn from them and move on.

How many opportunities have you missed because of assumptions you have made in your life? When you have identified an assumption that is holding you back, ask yourself, just because it happened in the past, why must it happen again? Separate fact from the fiction.

Rhonda Shappert is a pageant coach and expert, personal development life coach, and owner of Winning ThroughPageantry™, a business she created that not only helps her clients achieve winning results in pageants, but helps them Succeed From The Inside Out™ in their lives. In the pageant world she has held multiple local, state and national titles. Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three who has been married 20 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and is on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. Their music CD entitled Cana is available through www.cdbaby.com/cd/shappert or on her website. For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com.

Have every article I write delivered directly to your email. Sign up for my free weekly newsletter. Just click the GET YOUR FREE REPORT button at the top of this page. Then fill out your name and email address in the boxes.

 

 

Have every article I write delivered directly to your email. Sign up for my free weekly newsletter. Just click the GET YOUR FREE REPORT button at the top of this page. Then fill out your name and email address in the boxes.

What's Blocking Your Pageant Success? The OUTSIDERS.

• I haven't found the perfect dress yet.
• My hair and makeup choices were wrong.
• The judges didn't like me.
• I'm just not cut out for pageants.

Have you made any of these statements at the end of a pageant when you didn't get the results you were anticipating? I have. What additional comments would you add to the list? It's normal to feel some disappointment when you've looked forward to an event for so long. It may be especially frustrating if you feel your expectations weren't met. This brings me to an important question that few people take the time to ask themselves before the pageant.

What are you expecting to receive from participating in the pageant? In any endeavor you choose to follow, it's important to know what your expectations are; and how will you know when those desires are met? In other words, how do you define success? Take a moment to write down your thoughts. It doesn't have to be a novel, but list in very clear statements what you want to walk away with at the end of the pageant.

What needs to happen for you to feel successful? Making the top 15 may be a goal of yours. Maybe you want a feeling of confidence while you walk and model in 4" heels. Perhaps your aspiration is to just enjoy the pageant without feeling like a nervous wreck the whole time. Or, finishing the pageant, knowing you'd done your best and there's nothing you would have changed about the experience. Whatever your list is, write it down.

Now ask yourself, what would get in the way of having those results? Typically, the blocks will be external, internal or both. External blocks tend to be the quickest to identify so let's start there. Financial issues, sickness, a lack of proper training and time are a few examples of things outside of you that can quickly appear to get in your way. Write out your list of external blocks.

To illustrate how an external block can have differing effects on people, let's use the blizzard we had this past weekend as an example. The weather made the roads difficult, if not impossible, to drive to scheduled activities. Tasks such as cooking meals, working on the computer, doing the laundry and watching your favorite TV shows were blocked because some people didn't have electricity. Shoveling the snow not only took up time that was meant to be spent elsewhere; but, also, created a physical discomfort for some in the way of body aches and pains. How did the events of this past weekend affect your thoughts, attitudes and emotions?

For some people who didn't have shovels or snowblowers, electricity or heat, this event could have really created some stress. But, those people who had their equipment ready in the garage, had at least a week's supply of food and a backup generator, the feelings and attitude towards the storm might have be quite different. In fact, they may have enjoyed it.

What affects are your external blocks having on you in your pageant life? Are you viewing them as excuses for not getting what you want, or are they forcing you to look at the results of the choices you've been making? The blocks are neutral.How they make us feel and react will determine if we remain stuck or move forward. So, take a look at your list of external blocks and ask yourself, how are these affecting my pageant success?

If you don't have enough money to do pageants, what could you do to remove that barrier?

How important is it for you to remove this block? Rate it on a scale of 1-10, with one being "I could care less about it" and ten being "I will make this happen no matter what". Go through each of your outer blocks and rate them. What did you find? One of the advantages of working with me is once we identify your blocks; together we create a step-by-step plan that will eliminate these blocks from your path so you can move forward. It's no longer necessary to feel like you're being stopped by perceived obstacles. You do have a choice.

Next week we'll begin to explore The Insiders.

Blocks can show up in any area of your life at any time. Recognizing that the block is neutral can have a liberating affect on a person. I know it did for me. My first reaction to a block use to be a fear-based, "Oh no, what now?" The moment I really understood that all events are just that, EVENTS- neither negative nor positive, I felt immediately lighter. It was instead my reactions and feelings surrounding the events that I needed to go head to head with. What do you think about the idea that events are neither negative nor positive? Hold that thought until next week.

Congratulations Amanda Shepard- Mrs. Delaware America 2010

On the snowy evening of Saturday, January 30, 2010, Amanda Shepard was crowned Mrs. Delaware 2010 at the Rehoboth Beach Theater of The Arts, and will represent The First State at the Mrs. America Pageant in September.

With the threat of a blizzard due at any time, the 13 contestants agreed they all wanted to still move forward with the pageant and it went off without a hitch, having nearly a full theater! There were some die-hard fans there to support the ladies!

The runners-up included: Shana Williams of Newark, Tracy Friswell-Jacobs of Bear, Erin Tierney of Middletown and Francine Edwards of Townsend.

This was Amanda's second attempt at the title, having competed in 2008.
She resides in Middletown with her husband of seven years, Ben, and their two children. She holds a bachelors degree in musical theater and received her master’s in special education the day after the pageant, where she also presented the commencement speech.

To read her complete bio and see more photos of this amazing woman, follow the provided link: http://www.mrsdelawareamerica.com/mrsde.html

Rhonda Shappert is a pageant expert, personal development life coach, and owner of Winning ThroughPageantry™, a business she created that not only helps her clients achieve winning results in pageants, but helps them Succeed From The Inside Out™ in their lives. In the pageant world she has held multiple local, state and national titles. Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three who has been married 20 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and is on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. Their music CD entitled Cana is available through www.cdbaby.com/cd/shappert or on her website. For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com.