Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler from Kenosha, Wisconsin was crowned Miss America 2012 at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The final night of the 2012 Miss America Pageant was broadcast live from Las Vegas on ABC.

Laura's triumphant walk across the stage was just the beginning of a journey that will take her to every corner of the country during her year of service as Miss America 2012. Miss America 2012 will spend her year touring the country to encourage all young women to pursue a college education, and will focus on driving interest in the arts, as well as science, technology, engineering and math (also known as STEM) education. The Miss America Organization will work with national and community partners to create an unconventional approach to driving young women’s interest in STEM. Their efforts coincide with the national momentum to target female students who are currently underrepresented in STEM professions.

 

In addition, she will travel approximately 20,000 miles each month speaking to audiences about her platform Circles of Support - Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents and acting as the official National Goodwill Ambassador for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals, is the national platform partner of the Miss America Organization.

Laura is a graduate of Carthage College. Her scholastic ambition is to obtain a Master's degree in Speech and Language Pathology and she ultimately hopes to become a speech therapist. Along with the title of Miss America 2012, Laura won a $50,000 scholarship to continue her education. For the talent portion of the competition, Laura performed an operatic rendition of "Il Bacio."

The first runner-up was Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson who earned a $25,000 scholarship. For her talent, she performed an Irish Step Dance to "Warriors" and her personal platform is MILK, It Really Does a Body Good! Betty was also the winner of ABC's America's Choice an online competition where viewers got the opportunity to vote for their favorite Miss America contestant. The contestant was announced at the beginning of the Miss America broadcast and became the 1st finalist to compete in the live finale.

Second runner-up honors and a $20,000 scholarship were awarded to Miss New York Kaitlin Monte. Her talent was a vocal performance of "Disneyland," and her personal platform is "That's Enough! Coming Together to End Bullying."

Miss America 2012

• Miss Wisconsin, Laura Kaeppeler

Top 5

• Miss Oklahoma, Betty Thompson
• Miss New York, Kaitlin Monte
• Miss Arizona, Jennifer Sedler
• Miss California, Noelle Freeman

Top 10 (In Random Order)

• Miss Arizona, Jennifer Sedler
• Miss Illinois, Hannah Smith
• Miss Oklahoma, Betty Thompson
• Miss Texas, Kendall Morris
• Miss Wisconsin, Laura Kaeppeler
• Miss New York, Kaitlin Monte
• Miss Louisiana, Hope Anderson
• Miss Tennessee, Erin Hatley
• Miss Iowa, Jessica Pray
• Miss California, Noelle Freeman

Top 13 (In Random Order)

• Miss Louisiana, Hope Anderson
• Miss Iowa, Jessica Pray
• Miss Illinois, Hannah Smith
• Miss South Carolina, Bree Boyce
• Miss New York, Kaitlin Monte
• Miss Wisconsin, Laura Kaeppeler
• Miss Florida, Kristina Janolo
• Miss Tennessee, Erin Hatley
• Miss Arizona, Jennifer Sedler
• Miss Texas, Kendall Morris
• Miss California, Noelle Freeman
• Miss Oklahoma, Betty Thompson
• Miss Alabama, Courtney Porter

Semi Finalists (In Random Order)

• Miss Oklahoma, Betty Thompson
• Miss South Carolina, Bree Boyce
• Miss Florida, Kristina Janolo
• Miss New York, Kaitlin Monte
• Miss Iowa, Jessica Pray
• Miss Texas, Kendall Morris
• Miss Virginia, Elizabeth Crot
• Miss Illinois, Hannah Smith
• Miss Arizona, Jennifer Sedler
• Miss Alabama, Courtney Porter
• Miss Tennessee, Erin Hatley
• Miss Wisconsin, Laura Kaeppeler
• Miss North Carolina, Hailey Best
• Miss California, Noelle Freeman
• Miss Louisiana, Hope Anderson

From left: 2012 Quality of Life Award Winners:
Miss Michigan Elizabeth Wertenberger,
Miss New Hampshire Regan Hartley,
Miss Kentucky Ann Blair Thornton

This year's Quality of Life Award winner is Miss Kentucky Ann Blair Thornton. Ann Blair was recognized for her work on her platform, "Alzheimer's Awareness and Research" and she will receive a $6,000 scholarship. The announcement was made at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino during Friday's Miss America press conference and marks the last day of preliminary competition for the 2012 Miss America Pageant.

Ann Blair has had the opportunity to call to action tens of thousands of Kentuckians this year with her platform work. As a teenager, in 2006 struggling with a beloved grandfather suffering from the disease, she discovered the need for Alzheimer's support groups for a younger generation and founded a teenage support group: ALZ Teens. In 2009, Ann Blair established a memorial fund honoring her grandfather, with an online donation component. She has lobbied Kentucky State Legislature to pass multiple bills promoting the Alzheimer's Association's efforts, teamed up with college students to raise over $25,000 for research, and organized her hometown Alzheimer's Memory Walk, which raised over $172,000 for the Alzheimer's Association. As Miss Kentucky, she has gathered the names of people she has met this year who are currently battling the disease and those who have already lost the fight. One by one, she has sewn them to the back of her sash so that she will be continually reminded of her purpose.

The first-runner up is Miss New Hampshire Regan Hartley whose personal platform issue is "Stand Up: Bullying Awareness in Our Community." During the past three years, Regan has spent more than 2,000 hours working to combat bullying: by educating others on the subject of bullying, encouraging open discussion between educators, parents and children, and serving as the spokesperson for numerous anti-bullying efforts. She has lobbied for passage of New Hampshire's first modern bullying law, House Bill 1523 in June of 2010. She has also spoken to children about the importance of treating yourself and others with respect.

The second runner-up is Miss Michigan Elizabeth Wertenberger, whose personal platform is "Continue to Dream - Giving Hope to Children with Chronic Illness. Being diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis inspired Elizabeth to make her platform a life-long mission to inspire other children dealing with the disease. Elizabeth has encouraged people to join her at the Annual Arthritis Walk, bringing over 100 people to walk with her. She has spoken to the Juvenile Arthritis Association, telling her personal story to groups, so that children who suffer from the disease do not feel that it defines how they should grow up or develop.

The Quality of Life Awards were introduced in 1988 to recognize contestants who excel in their commitment to community service. The awards are available to each of the 53 contestants competing for the title of Miss America 2012. In order to be considered for the Quality of Life Award, contestants must have submitted an application describing their involvement with Children's Miracle Network, the national platform of the Miss America Organization, and their own personal platform issue.

An honorable mention goes to the remaining five finalists: Miss Arkansas Kristen Glover, whose platform is "Second Chances Through Mentoring;" Miss Hawaii Lauren Cheape, whose platform is "C.A.R.E.: Collegiate Athletes Reaching Everyone;" Miss Minnesota Natalie Davis, whose platform is "Autism Awareness: The Missing Piece;" Miss New York Kaitlin Monte, whose platform is "Anti-Bullying Through Youth Leadership;" and Miss Ohio Ellen Bryan, whose platform is When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors: Promoting Lightning Awareness."

fourpoints Scholarship Award winner,
Miss Idaho Genevieve Nutting
and MAO President and CEO Art McMaster

The fourpoints Scholarship Award is a $2,000 award offered to all of the 53 contestants. Each of the contestants had to write an essay describing how THEY represent the Four Points of the Crown which are Service, Scholarship, Success and Style. The winner of this award is Miss Idaho Genevieve Nutting.

Below is the list of the what the 53 contestants did for talent.

Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler was named Tuesday night's preliminary Talent winner for her Operatic Vocal performance of "Il Bacio," during the first night of competition of the 2012 Miss America Pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Laura will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Also in the spotlight was Miss Utah Danica Olsen, who was the preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness winner in a Deaville Kompliqué swimsuit with 18K gold and Swarovski crystal accents. Danica will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Laura started singing in the 4th grade. Once she got into high school and college, she decided it was something she wanted to pursue as a career. She studied music in college as an undergraduate and currently teaches private piano and voice lessons.
When asked what was the most important thing Danica did to prepare herself to be up on stage in a swimsuit and to promote a healthy lifestyle, she said it is all about discipline, getting up early in the morning and pushing yourself further than you think you can go. Eating right is important and knowing that presentation is everything when you walk into a room.

Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson was named Wednesday night's preliminary Talent winner for her Irish Step Dance performance to "Warriors," during the second night of competition. Betty will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Betty has been dancing Irish Step Dance for 12 years.

Also in the spotlight was Miss Texas Kendall Morris, who was the preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness winner in a Monte Carlo Kompliqué swimsuit. Kendall will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Kendall stated this was the first time has won a swimsuit award and she really had to work for it. She encouraged girls to go with your body type and be the best you can be. Her healthy diet consists of high protein and low carbs, which is very typical of the Miss America contestants. Every day she does some form of exercise

 

Miss Hawaii Lauren Cheape was named Thursday night's preliminary Talent winner for her jump rope routine performance to "Hawaii Five-O," during the third night of competition of the 2012 Miss America Pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Lauren will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Also in the spotlight was Miss New York Kaitlin Monte, who was the preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness winner in a Monte Carlo Kompliqué swimsuit. Kaitlin will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
In an interview with Chairman of the Board, Sam Haskell, Kaitlin shared that a year ago she found out she had a gluten allergy and this led to a major lifestyle change. She didn’t work with a trainer for the Miss America pageant. She did her fitness herself because she wanted to develop a lifestyle program she could do year after year for long term results.
Lauren has been jumping rope since age 5. A demonstration team from the American Heart Association came to her school and she wanted to be just like them. For Miss America, Lauren worked with René Bibaud, a 5 time World Rope Jumping Champion and works for Cirque Du Soleil, to develop her routine.
All photos and information is courtesy of the Miss America Organization. To see videos from the awards ceremony and behind-the-scenes visit www.facebook.com/missamericaorganization.
http://missamerica.org
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA74E3DBA6164388F&feature=plcp

Pageant Preparation Special for the Pageant Princess or Queen in your life for $59 (+$12 S&H). Only 55 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:</ p>

• 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)
while supplies last

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.

What does Miss America 2011Teresa Scanlan, Mary Hart, Vanna White, Oprah, and Sarah Palin all have in common? All these women competed in pageants. The degree of how far they went in pageants varies, but no one can deny that all these women are successful in their own fields.

Mary Hart competed in the Miss America pageant in 1970 as Miss South Dakota, and finished in the top ten. She later became an Entertainment Tonight correspondent. Vanna White of Wheel of Fortune was the fourth runner-up in the 1978 Miss Georgia Universe Beauty Pageant. Sarah Palin came in second in the Miss Alaska Pageant in 1984. And even Oprah was in pageants. At 16, she was the first black Miss Fire Prevention for Nashville.

There are countless women who have launched their careers by entering pageants. And many of them never won the title they were seeking.

Sometimes, the title we THINK we need to be successful isn't where our greatest success will come from. Participating in pageants means you'll come in contact with pageant judges, pageant sponsors, and audience members who are connected in the community. People are the doors to opportunity. It's a myth to think that only the titleholder is the "winner” and the only one who was successful the evening of the pageant. In fact, many of the runners up tend to achieve greater success in life than the queen.

The self discovering and skills that pageant contestants develop through competition make them more desirable in the market place.

So I'll ask you to question your definition of success. What would need to happen at a pageant for you to feel successful? What opportunities are you hoping the physical crown will lead to? Do you need a crown to follow your dreams? What benefits are you getting as a person from participating in pageants?
If you're ready to explore these questions further, contact me and let's get started on putting together your plan for success.

Night One - Miss Hawaii - Jalee Fuselier, Lifestyle & Fitness Winner

Night One -Miss North Carolina - Adrienne Core, Talent- clogging performance to "Soul Man"

Night Two- Miss Alabama - Ashley Davis, Lifestyle & Fitness

Night Two- Miss Rhode Island - Deborah Saint-Vil, Talent -vocal performance of "Smile"

Night Three-Miss Nebraska - Teresa Scanlan, Talent -piano performance of ”White Water Chopped Sticks”

Night Three-Miss Oklahoma - Emoly West, Lifestyle & Fitness

Miss America will travel approximately 20,000 miles each month speaking to audiences about her platform of Eating Disorders: A Generation at Risk, and acting as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals, is the national platform partner of the Miss America Organization.

In addition, Miss America 2011 will be the official spokesperson for Joseph Ribkoff International Clothing Company, who will provide Teresa with a full wardrobe for the year.

Teresa, age 17, will be a student at Patrick Henry College. Her scholastic ambition is to attend law school and she ultimately hopes to become a judge and eventually a politician. Along with the title of Miss America 2011, Teresa won a $50,000 scholarship sponsored by Artistry exclusively by Amway to continue her education. For the talent portion of the competition, Teresa performed "White Water Chopped Sticks" on the piano.

 

The first runner-up was Miss Arkansas Alyse Eady who earned a $25,000 scholarship. Her talent performance was Vocal-Ventriloquism to "I want to be a Cowboy's Sweetheart" and her personal platform is Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Second runner-up honors and a $20,000 scholarship were awarded to Miss Hawaii Jalee Fuselier. Her talent was a vocal performance to "Feelin' Good," and her personal platform is "Ready for the Real World."

Additional information about the Miss America Organization can be found at www.MissAmerica.org.

All photos courtesy of the Miss America Organization.

Miss America 2011

• Miss Nebraska - Teresa Scanlan

Runners Up

• Miss Arkansas - Alyse Eady (1st Runner Up)
• Miss Hawaii - Jalee Fuselier (2nd Runner Up)
• Miss Washington - Jacquie Brown (3rd Runner Up)
• Miss Oklahoma - Emoly West (4th Runner Up)

Top 5 (In Random Order)

• Miss Hawaii - Jalee Fuselier
• Miss Washington - Jacquie Brown
• Miss Nebraska - Teresa Scanlan
• Miss Oklahoma - Emoly West
• Miss Arkansas - Alyse Eady

Top 10 (In Random Order)

• Miss Nebraska - Teresa Scanlan
• Miss Washington - Jacquie Brown
• Miss Arizona - Kathryn Bulkley
• Miss California - Arianna Afsar
• Miss Oklahoma - Emoly West
• Miss Hawaii - Jalee Fuselier
• Miss Delaware - Kayla Martell
• Miss Virginia - Caitlin Uze
• Miss Arkansas - Alyse Eady
• Miss Kentucky - Djuan Trent

Top 12 (In Random Order)

• Miss Texas - Ashley Melnick
• Miss Arkansas - Alyse Eady
• Miss Delaware - Kayla Martell
• Miss Arizona - Kathryn Bulkley
• Miss Hawaii - Jalee Fuselier
• Miss Washington - Jacquie Brown
• Miss Kentucky - Djuan Trent
• Miss California - Arianna Afsar
• Miss Oklahoma - Emoly West
• Miss Virginia - Caitlin Uze
• Miss New York - Claire Buffie
• Miss Nebraska - Teresa Scanlan

Semi Finalists (In Random Order)

• Miss Oklahoma - Emoly West
• Miss Nebraska - Teresa Scanlan
• Miss Texas - Ashley Melnick
• Miss Rhode Island - Deborah Saint-Vil
• Miss Utah - Christina Lowe
• Miss Washington - Jacquie Brown
• Miss Arizona - Kathryn Bulkley
• Miss Hawaii - Jalee Fuselier
• Miss Virginia - Caitlin Uze
• Miss Arkansas - Alyse Eady
• Miss California - Arianna Afsar
• Miss New York - Claire Buffie (America's Choice)
• Miss Delaware - Kayla Martell (America's Choice)
• Miss Kentucky - Djuan Trent (Contestant's Choice)
• Miss Oregon - Stephenie Steers (Contestant's Choice)

Request my free special report, 10 Insider Secrets to Winning, and receive  my free award winning newsletter weekly. Just click here or at the top of this page 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 a member of the International Coach Federation. 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 21 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. 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 .

March Makeover: Your Pageant Wardrobe

Spring is just around the corner! Do you know what that means? The snow will melt and there will be proms, weddings, graduations and pageants!

Now’s the time to start shopping in order to get the best selection of dresses.

This past weekend, my three daughters and I had the pleasure of not only meeting Heather French Henry, fashion designer and Miss America 2000, but she graciously spent time helping my three daughters select their gowns.

http://www.heatherfrenchhenry.info

Even though I was wearing the MOM CAP during this fun adventure, I learned some valuable information from Heather that I felt you might benefit from as well.

Is there a difference between pageant and prom dresses? Yes!

• To accommodate the 4-5” heels that pageant contestants wear, the pageant line of dresses are constructed several inches longer than the prom line of dresses. So petite ladies, look in the prom line of dresses, too. That way you might not have to cut off a decorative bottom to make your dress the correct length.

• There is more fine detail in the construction of a pageant dress than a prom dress. In a pageant dress, there are usually multiple layers throughout, particularly in the bodice to provide proper support and ensure a snug, smooth fit. Higher quality crystals are usually added to pageant dresses so they really sparkle under the stage lights. The quality of the fabric between the two lines is different as well. For example, pageant dresses will be made of real silk where the prom line of dresses won’t. The quality and weight of the material used determines how the gown will fit and flow with your body when walking on stage. This is why pageant gowns are more expensive than prom gowns.

• Every designer uses different measurements to create their dresses so don’t get hung up on what size the tag says. You need to try on every dress because a Heather French Henry size 2 may be different from a Sherri Hill or Johnathan Kayne size 2. Forget the numbers. It’s all in the fit.

• 

  Avoid cutting your body in half with the line of the dress. As a guide, think of the body in thirds. Notice in this Heather French Henry pageant gown, about 1/3 of the dress is focused on the waist up and 2/3 from the waist down, thus creating a longer line. The 2/3 to 1/3 ration is a great guide for petite ladies. For petite ladies,it’s better to wear one color from head to toe to create length and be very careful not to have too much volume in the skirt as this will shorten you and look too overwhelming on your frame.

• To have a custom made gown, expect to spend $3000- $5000 and allow plenty of time for the gown to be created.

• Try on a number of different colors and different shades of the same color. Your perfect shade is the color that makes your skin look radiant, healthy and glowing when you put it on. For all three of my daughters, the colors we went into the store THINKING we wanted to buy were not the colors we walked out with. You have to be open to trying on a lot of dresses. When you find the perfect one, you’ll feel it and know it!

• Try on different necklines to see which one brings emphasis not only to your chest and shoulders, but draws the eyes up to focus on your face. Halter, sweetheart, scoop, off the shoulder, v-neck, straight…try them all on. See which neckline accentuates your positive assets.

• Be open to trying on different cuts of gowns to see which style line creates proportion, symmetry and curve for your body type. Empire waist, mermaid, Grecian, wrap around, gowns with a drop waist… designers are having so much fun, you have fun too. Try on everything to see how your body looks in it. Take pictures of yourself in the gowns and look at them later. After awhile, you can lose perspective and get burnt out trying things on. Expect to go out several times and allow at least 3 hours per shopping trip.

Size doesn’t matter, shape does.

The silhouette, or outline, of your body doesn’t change with diet or exercise because it is based on your skeleton and genes. Your weight may fluctuate throughout the years, but your basic body line cannot be altered. In the book, Color Me Confident by Veronique Henderson, they explain there are basically seven different body shapes. It’s important to know your body type so you can shop for clothes that emphasize or diminish certain physical features. See if you can identify yours.

1. Hourglass
   • Wear the same size top and bottoms.
   • Have a clearly defined waist.
   • Have a curved bottom.

2. Full Hourglass
   • Buy a slightly larger top for your bust.
   • Waistbands are often too large.
   • Straight skirts rise up on you.
   • Feel most comfortable in more fluid fabrics.

3. Triangle (pear shaped)
   • Wear a larger size on your top half than your bottom.
   • Have a clearly defined waist.
   • Have narrower shoulders than hips.
   • Carry weight on your hips and thighs.

4. Inverted Triangle
   • Wear a larger size on your top half than your bottom.
   • Have wider shoulders than your hips.
   • Have a straight ribcage.
   • Prefer an uncluttered look.

5. Lean Column
   • Wear the same size on your top and bottom halves.
   • Have a minimal bust
   • Little waist definition.
   • Flat hips and bottom.

6. Rectangle
   • Shoulders and hips in line.
   • No waist definition.
   • Flat hips and bottom.
   • Extra weight around your middle.

7. Round (apple shaped)
   • Rounded shoulders.
   • Fullness in the tummy area.
   • Wonderful shapely legs.
   • Feel uncomfortable when clothes are tucked in.

The aim in choosing clothing is to create the illusion of having a neat hourglass figure and look proportional. That means:

• Shoulders and hips in line

• A defined bust

• A waist (even with a softly curved tummy)

• A curved bottom

To emphasize a physical trait you like, look for a gown, or clothing, with stones, a style or a special feature to bring attention to that part of your body.

Heather French Henry is one of my favorite Miss America’s. I vividly remember watching the 2000 pageant and falling in love with her personality and style on the TV. Ten years later when I finally met her in person, I can see how she won the hearts of the judges. She’s every bit as energetic, gracious, humble and service oriented now as she was then. The woman makes the title, not the other way around. She continues to walk the talk she spoke on national TV ten years ago. There were neither TV crews nor news reporters around the day we met her in the dress shop. She was just being herself.

This week, be aware of what you do when no one is watching. Are your actions consistent with your words? If there is a difference between how you are acting, and who you want to be, you have the ability to bring these things into alignment. Perhaps you’d like a little help. Feel free to contact me and we can explore this area of your life.

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Rhonda Shappert is a pageant coach and a professionally trained personal development life coach through iPEC.  She created Winning Through Pageantry™, to help her clients achieve winning results in pageants, and help 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 three 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.

 

When I was growing up, watching the Miss America Pageant was an annual tradition for my mom and me. Likewise, I have carried on this tradition with my three daughters. We have a great time sitting around the TV admiring the dresses, evaluating the talent, and analyzing the on-stage questions. Once again, I found myself explaining to them the differences between the Miss America Pageant and the Miss USA/Universe Pageants. There are hundreds of different pageant systems out there, but these are the three televised ones that we watch each year.

So let’s start with talking about the Miss America system. Knowing how time consuming and frustrating it can be to find information on the web, I’ve done all the work for you. This week’s article contains everything you want to know about this year’s results and the Miss America Pageant in general. For the most up to date information regarding the Miss America Pageant and the scholarships available, please visit their website at http://www.missamerica.org. All photos included in this article are property of the Miss America Organization.

Contact the state director of your home state for the specifics of your state pageant system before you enter. The information provided below is for educational and informative purposes only, and provided to give you an overview of this prestigious pageant. As things have a tendency to change over time, please get the most up to date information from the website and the appropriate people at the time you’re entering the pageant.

I do want to take a moment to mention a couple important facts you won’t find on the website.

• First, the talent number MUST BE ENTERTAINING. Contestants must make an emotional connection with the judges and the audience. You could be a virtuoso in your given field. But if you choose some technical piece that only a highly skilled professional in that area would appreciate, you’re going to miss the mark. So the good news is you don’t have to be extremely gifted in order to have a winning talent number. On a scale of 1-10, you still need to be at least an 8 in your talent ability. It’s more about showmanship and being entertaining. Your energy must project off the stage.

 

• Secondly, Miss America does not spend her year performing her talent. She will have occasions, depending on what her talent is, to perform; but it is a year of public speaking and service. Miss America titleholders must, first and foremost, be intelligent, articulate speakers. The ability to answer any questions asked of them, easily and naturally, is critical. At the same time, Miss America must be approachable and humble.

 

• Although there is no registration fee to enter, you will have expenses with this elite pageant. Your hair, makeup, clothing, talent and speaking skills must be impeccable which means hiring professionals to help you on your journey. Research your state pageant wardrobe requirements, and figure out your budget before hand so you’re not caught off guard. Some women prepare a lifetime for this opportunity, and others just a few years.

 

Meet Miss America 2010

Caressa Cameron-Miss Virginia
Fredricksburg, Virginia
Age: 22

Education:
Massaponax High School
Virginia Commonwealth University-

Platform Issue: Real Talk: AIDS in America

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's degree in Mass Communications

Talent: Vocal Pop-Listen from Dreamgirls

Scholastic Honors: Deans List, Academic Honors

Career Ambition: To work as an anchor for a television news station.

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Arlington Pageant

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Virginia Organization,Inc.

 

Preliminary Results

Night One Preliminary Winners

Miss Puerto Rico - Mimi Pabon, Lifestyle & Fitness and Miss Virginia - Caressa Cameron, Talent

 

Night Two Preliminary Winners

Miss New York - Alyse Zwick, Lifestyle & Fitness and Miss California - Kristy Cavinder

 

Night Three Preliminary Winners

Miss Michigan - Nicole Blaszczyk, Talent and Miss Oregon - CC Barber, Lifestyle & Fitness

 

For those of you who want to know the talent for all 53 contestants, I have included the preliminary break down as well.

MU GROUP Monday (AM) – Interview Tuesday – On Stage Question Wednesday – Swimsuit/Evening Wear Thursday - Talent ALPHA GROUP Monday (PM) – Interview Tuesday - Talent Wednesday - On Stage Question Thursday - Swimsuit/Evening Wear SIGMA GROUP Tuesday (AM) - Interview Tuesday - Swimsuit/Evening Wear Wednesday - Talent Thursday - On Stage Question Nevada - Ballet en Pointe West Virginia - Vocal Texas - Vocal North Dakota - Vocal Maine - Vocal Kansas - Trumpet New Hampshire - Vocal/Piano Louisiana - Piano Montana - Vocal Vermont - Jazz Dance Rhode Island - Vocal Missouri - Tap Kentucky - Vocal Wyoming - Jazz Dance California - Ballet en Pointe Massachusetts - Broadway Vocal Virginia - Vocal Pennsylvania - Tap Dance District of Columbia - Opera Vocal Washington - Piano Solo Puerto Rico - Vocal Virgin Islands - Monologue Georgia - Oboe Florida - Irish Step Dance Idaho - Viola Alaska - Opera Iowa - Violin South Carolina - Vocal Colorado - Contemporary Lyrical Dance Delaware - Classical Vocal New York - Ballet en Pointe South Dakota - Broadway Vocal Alabama - Jazz Dance Mississippi - Vocal Oregon - Dance Ohio - Vocal Nebraska - Dance Wisconsin - Dance en Pointe Minnesota - Vocal Oklahoma - Ballet en Pointe Illinois - Ballet en Pointe Tennessee - Vocal New Mexico - Vocal Arizona - Baton Dance Twirl Hawaii - Hula Michigan - Lyrical Dance New Jersey - Classical Vocal Connecticut - Tap Dance Arkansas - Vocal Utah - Piano North Carolina - Ballet en Pointe   Indiana - Vocal Maryland – Vocal

 

Miss America 2010

· Miss Virginia, Caressa Cameron

Top 5

· Miss Virginia, Caressa Cameron, Miss America

· Miss California, Kristy Cavinder, 1^st Runner-Up

· Miss Tennessee, Stefanie Wittler,2^nd Runner-Up

· Miss Louisiana, Katherine Putnam, 3^rd Runner-Up

· Miss Kentucky, Mallory Ervin, 4^th Runner-Up

Top 7 (In Random Order)

· Miss Kentucky, Mallory Ervin

· Miss Tennessee, Stefanie Wittler

· Miss California, Kristy Cavinder

· Miss Hawaii, Raeceen Woolford

· Miss Louisiana, Katherine Putnam

· Miss New Mexico, Nicole Miner

· Miss Virginia, Caressa Cameron

Top 10 (In Random Order)

· Miss Kentucky, Mallory Ervin

· Miss Tennessee, Stefanie Wittler

· Miss California, Kristy Cavinder

· Miss Hawaii, Raeceen Woolford

· Miss Louisiana, Katherine Putnam

· Miss District of Columbia, Jen Corey

· Miss New Mexico, Nicole Miner

· Miss Virginia, Caressa Cameron

· Miss Texas, Kristen Blair

· Miss Nebraska, Brittany Jeffers

Top 12 (In Random Order)

· Miss Oklahoma, Taylor Treat

· Miss Kentucky, Mallory Ervin

· Miss Tennessee, Stefanie Wittler

· Miss Colorado, Katie Layman

· Miss California, Kristy Cavinder

· Miss Hawaii, Raeceen Woolford

· Miss Louisiana, Katherine Putnam

· Miss District of Columbia, Jen Corey

· Miss New Mexico, Nicole Miner

· Miss Virginia, Caressa Cameron

· Miss Texas, Kristen Blair

· Miss Nebraska, Brittany Jeffers

Semi Finalists (In Random Order)

· Miss Oklahoma, Taylor Treat

· Miss Arkansas, Sarah Slocum

· Miss Kentucky, Mallory Ervin

· Miss Tennessee, Stefanie Wittler

· Miss Colorado, Katie Layman

· Miss California, Kristy Cavinder

· Miss Indiana, Nicole Pollard

· Miss Hawaii, Raeceen Woolford

· Miss Louisiana, Katherine Putnam

· Miss District of Columbia, Jen Corey

· Miss New Mexico, Nicole Miner

· Miss Virginia, Caressa Cameron

· Miss Texas, Kristen Blair

· Miss Nebraska, Brittany Jeffers

· Miss Oregon, CC Barber

Miss America History

Today, Miss America travels approximately 20,000 miles a month, changing her location every 24 to 48 hours. She tours the nation reaching out to support her ideals, committed to helping others. Miss America is more than just a title. She is a woman who reflects a tradition of style, sophistication and service.

National Judging Process 2008

Miss America is both a business and a culturally specific brand that transcends being just a beauty pageant. Miss America herself is a critical member of the Miss America Organization marketing team and works to advance the business of scholarship and community service for women. The Miss America judging system distinguishes Miss America via a form of Olympic scoring where each contestant competes against ONLY herself.

Preliminary Competitions Scoring

The Miss America Preliminary Competitions and their weighted score values are:

· Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit - 15%

· Evening Wear - 20%

· Talent - 35%

· Private Interview - 25%

· On-Stage Question – 5%

Finals Competition Scoring

The scoring for the Miss America Finals Competition is weighted accordingly:

· Composite Score - 30% (Top 16)

· Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit - 20% (Top 16)

· Evening Wear - 20% (Top 10)

· Talent - 30%  (Top 8)

· On-Stage Question (Top 8)

· Final Ballot – Each judge ranks the top 5 contestants in the order he/she believes they should each finish.  The outcome of the pageant is based solely on the point totals resulting from the final ballot.

2008 Miss America Competition: Scholarships

Miss America	$50,000
First Runner-Up	25,000
Second Runner-Up	20,000
Third Runner-Up	15,000
Fourth Runner-Up	10,000
Three Finalists ($7,000 each, contestants 6-8)	21,000
Two Finalists ($6,000 each, contestants 9-10).	12,000
Six Semi-Finalists ($4,000 each, contestants 11-16).	24,000
36 Non-Finalists ($3,000 each).	108,000
3 Preliminary Talent Winners ($2,000 each)	6,000
3 Preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit Winners ($1,000 each)	3,000
7 Non-Finalist Talent ($1,000 each)	7,000
Miss Congeniality	2,000
Quality of Life Winner	6,000
Quality of Life First Runner-Up	4,000
Quality of Life Second Runner-Up.	2,000
Charles and Theresa Brown Scholarships	25,000
Total Scholarships Awarded At National Level	$340,000

· The Quality of Life scholarship is given to women who excel in their commitment to enhance the quality of life for others through volunteerism and community service, the Miss America Organization funds three Quality of Life awards with special attention to depth of service, creativity of the project and the significant effects upon the lives of others.

· The Charles and Theresa Brown Scholarship Trust Fund was established in 1992.  The will of Ervin Brown directed that a trust fund be created for the purpose of awarding ten $2,500 scholarships annually to specific contestants who compete in the national finals of the Miss America Pageant.

· SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO ALL STATE COMPETITORS

· $52,000   Miss America Academic Scholarship* (Total of 52 Awards, 1 per state) – awarded to the contestant competing at the state level for academic excellence.

· $52,000   Miss America Community Service Scholarship* (Total of 52 awards, 1 per state) – awarded to the contestant demonstrating exemplary community service initiatives.

· *Scholarship Administered by Scholarship America & funded by the Miss America Organization.

·

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO ALL COMPETITORS

· Scholarships available to anyone that has competed since 1998 at any level, local, state or national regardless of whether they have won a title or not.  These awards vary in number and amount awarded.

· Dr. David B. Allman Medical Scholarship  - In memory of Dr. David B. Allman, a past President of the American Medical Association, and later by Mrs. Allman, and funded by their estate, this scholarship is available to contestants wishing to enter the field of medicine.

· Eugenia Vellner-Fischer Award for the Performing Arts - This award sponsored by the family of Mrs. Fischer is for contestants wishing to pursue a career in the performing arts.  This includes dance, instrumental, monologue and vocal.

· Pyramid Scholarship for Public Relations and Marketing – The Pyramid scholarship is for women pursuing a career (undergraduate, master or higher) in marketing or public relations.

· The Miss America Organization is one of the nation’s leading achievement programs and the world’s largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women.  Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance.  For more information, go to http://www.missamerica.org.

Key Facts and Figures

Overview

· Developed by the Miss America Organization, the Miss America program exists to provide personal and professional opportunities for young women and to promote their voices in culture, politics and the community. The program provides a forum for today's young women to express their viewpoints, talents and accomplishments to audiences during the telecast and to the public-at-large during the ensuing year. Almost all contestants have either received, or are in the process of earning, college or postgraduate degrees and utilize Miss America scholarship grants to further their educations.

· To become Miss America, a contestant must first win a local competition and then compete to represent her state, a process requiring personal commitment, hard work and talent. A woman may compete at the state level more than once, but may only compete in the national Miss America competition one time. More than twelve thousand women participate each year in the local and state events, culminating in the selection of 52 national finalists who vie for the Miss America title. Tens of thousands of volunteers organize the local and state preliminary competitions, promoting community involvement throughout the United States and furthering scholarship and achievement among young women in their communities.

· Miss America and the state titleholders partner with numerous corporate sponsors to raise funds for civic and charitable organizations tied to their platform issues. These corporate sponsors become involved with the Miss America program not only on a financial level, but also on both philosophical and personal levels.

General Background

· Rich in history and social significance, the Miss America Organization is a not-for-profit organization that has maintained a tradition for many decades of empowering American women to achieve their personal and professional goals, while providing a forum in which to express their opinions, talent and intelligence.

· The Miss America Organization is one of the nation's leading achievement programs and the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance.

Community Service

· In the 1940s, the Organization enlisted the support of the national Jaycees Organization to assist with state and local competitions, giving them a decidedly community-service oriented focus.

· In 1989, the Miss America Organization founded the platform concept, which requires each contestant to choose an issue about which she cares deeply and that is of relevance to our society. Once chosen, Miss America and the state titleholders use their stature to address community-service organizations, business and civic leaders, the media and others about their platform issues. Since 1989, Miss America titleholders have appeared at thousands of public speaking engagements and charitable events to generate awareness for a variety of causes, including homelessness, HIV/AIDS prevention, domestic violence, diabetes awareness, character education, and literacy.

· In 1994, the Organization provided its first National Community-Service Award of $5,000. All community-service winners at the state level may apply for this national grant even if they have not won their state titles. Scholarship America (formerly known as Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation of America) administers the National Community Service Award.

· Since 1997, Miss America participants nationwide have taken part in Make a Difference Day. Local and state titleholders, volunteers and Miss America make a difference through community service initiatives in conjunction with the Points of Light Foundation and USA Weekend.

· In 2000, state and local contestants collectively participated in 12,384 community-service projects, dedicating a total of 571,177 hours and raising millions of dollars for worthy causes.

Telecast

· In 1954, during the golden era of television, the Miss America competition was broadcast live for the first time. That broadcast broke viewership records of the day with 39 percent of the television audience (27 million viewers) watching the Miss America telecast.

· The Miss America telecast is the fourth longest-running live event in television history. It has been broadcast live at one time or another by all three of the country's major television networks.

Important Dates in Miss America History

1921		First Miss America competition is held.
1935		Talent is added to the competition.
1945		First scholarship grant ($5,000) is awarded to Bess Myerson, the first college graduate to serve as Miss America.
1950s		The Miss America Scholarship Fund reaches over $250,000.
1954		First nationally televised Miss America telecast kicks off one of the longest-running live events in television history.
1955		Bert Parks begins his 25-year tenure as Master of Ceremonies, introducing the program’s theme song, "There She Is, Miss America."
1966		Miss America is broadcast for the first time in color.
1989		Focus on achievement comes of age, as the platform program is introduced.
1994		Heather Whitestone, who is profoundly deaf, is the first woman with a disability to become Miss America.
1995		By the 75th Anniversary of Miss America and 50th Anniversary of the Miss America Scholarship Fund, the Organization has become the world's largest provider of scholarships for young women in the world.
1996		The Miss America Organization conducts its first-ever National Day of Service by staging nearly 100 events throughout the country featuring Miss America Organization titleholders and community, government, business and education leaders.
1997		The Miss America telecast appears on ABC television for the first time since the 1950s.
2000		Miss America Organization celebrates its 80th Anniversary.
2001		The judging system at the national level is revamped in order to better reflect the goals of the Miss America Organization. In doing so, the organization is able to provide nearly $50,000 more in scholarship money at the national level.
2004		Miss America celebrates 50 years on television
2006		Pageant moves out of Atlantic City for the first time in its 85 year history. Las Vegas hosts the Miss America Pageant which is held in January.
2007		Miss America Organization and TLC sign a multi-year deal for telecast rights to the Miss America Pageant

What is the Platform?
In 1989, the Miss America Organization founded the platform concept, which requires each contestant to choose an issue about which she cares deeply and that is of relevance to our country. Once chosen, Miss America and the state titleholders use their stature to address community service organizations, business and civic leaders, the media and others about their platform issues. Since 1989, Miss America titleholders have appeared at thousands of public speaking engagements and charitable events to generate awareness for a variety of causes, including homelessness, HIV/AIDS prevention, domestic violence, diabetes awareness, character education, literacy, etc.

What does Miss America do after she is selected?
After Miss America is selected she embarks on a year-long national speaking tour. As a national spokesperson and advocate, Miss America travels approximately 20,000 miles a month, to a different city every other day, addressing diverse audiences, increasing awareness and promoting her chosen platform.

Can I represent my state at the national Miss America Competition more than once?
To become Miss America, a contestant must first win a local competition and then compete to represent her state, a process requiring personal commitment, hard work and talent. A woman may compete at the state level more than once, but may only represent her state in the national Miss America competition one time.

Is there an entry fee to compete in the Miss America system?
No, there is not an entry fee to compete in the Miss America system.

Is the Miss America program different than Miss USA?
Yes. In 1952, Catalina Swimsuits founded the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants as product promotion tools. Developed by the Miss America Organization, the Miss America program exists to provide personal and professional opportunities for young women to promote their voices in culture, politics and the community. Almost all contestants have either received, or are in the process of earning college or postgraduate degrees and utilize Miss America scholarship grants to further their educations. The Miss America Organization is the leading provider of scholarships for young women in the world. Although some young women compete in both Miss America and Miss USA, the two systems are completely separate.

Are scholarships available for those who are not awarded a title?
Yes. There are all types of scholarships available at the local, state and national levels of competition. Even if you do not win a title you are still eligible for scholarship assistance. The Miss America Organization is the leading provider of scholarships for young women in the world. Each year, the organization makes available more than $40 million in cash and tuition scholarship assistance.

Becoming a Contestant Fast Facts:

To compete you must

· Be between the ages of 17 and 24.

· Be a United States citizen.

· Meet residency requirements for competing in a certain town or state.

· Meet character criteria as set forth by the Miss America Organization.

· Be in reasonably good health to meet the job requirements.

· Be able to meet the time commitment and job responsibilities as set forth by the local program in which you compete.

For more information, visit their website.  http://www.missamerica.org