MISScellanea - Press & Pics

Miss Lake Festival 2010 Farewell

2011-07-19T01:24:00.000-07:00

Below is Miss Lake Festival 2010, Devon Stansbury's lovely farewell letter. I am honored that my parents and I were listed, but my favorite line is that her mom's boyfriend's RV has been turned into "the pageant mobile!'

I believe that everything happens for a reason in life and that God’s timing is everything. This year, it was my time to be your Miss Lake Festival and this journey that I embarked on a year ago today could not have been any more amazing. Perhaps the greatest factor that made this experience so wonderful for me was the people were on this journey with me. I would like to thank those of you who were there every step of the way. Melissa, I met you in 2008 when I did my first pageant, which was Miss Lake Festival. While I was very pleased with being 2^nd runner up that year, I cannot express to you how happy it made me to come back two years later and be crowned Miss Lake Festival 2010. Thank you so much for having this program that offers so many opportunities, experiences, and scholarship money. It’s a wonderful program that helps young women grow in one way or another. Thank you for believing in me and giving me the encouragement along the way.

To the lake festival committee, this program really would not be possible without each and every one of you. It has been such a pleasure to work with all of you over the past year and I cannot thank you enough for all that you did for me during Lake Fest week, and for the continued support you gave to me throughout the year.

A special thank you to Dan Dailey and Aaron’s Rentals, for sponsoring me to be in the Miss Lake Festival Pageant. Without you, I would not have been able to participate in this program. Thank you so much for your support and for allowing me to have this amazing opportunity.

To Abby, Tim, and Vicki Bollenbacher, you three have been with me from the beginning when I was first interested in doing a pageant. From letting me borrow swimsuits, to traveling to almost all of my prelims and to Miss Ohio both years, you have been so supportive, encouraging, and helpful. Thank you so much for having faith in me and treating me like another pageant daughter.

Lisa, Michelle, and Ashley, you are my best friends and have been there for me through everything in life, and you were no different when it came to me competing in pageants. You came to every one I participated in, along with events surrounding the pageants. Lisa, a.k.a “Coach” you have given me the confidence that I needed to be the best that I can be. Thanks for telling me the truth even when it wasn’t always what I wanted to hear, critiquing my dance routines, and making me run miles with you in the snow. You push me to be the best that I can be, and I truly feel that I am the best me. I cannot thank you enough for all that you and your family have done for me. I hope I’ve been you proud and I love you MOST.

Whether the pageant was15 minutes or 2 hours away you always came to support and to be there for me. Not only were you just in attendance at pageants, but parades, festivals, celebrity waitressing, and any other event that I made an appearance too. You always say that you look up to me, but I look to you for advice, suggestions, support, and inspiration. Thank you for being there for me through everything, I love you.

Ashley, not only have you given me wonderful support, but have given me wonderful photos to persever these memories. Thank you so much for taking such beautiful photos of me for headshots, signs, buttons, advertisements, and autograph pads. It’s awesome to be working with such a talented photographer and graphic designer who is also my best friend. Love you big sis.

To my mentors Susie, Deb, Shelby, and Libby from my trip to Miss Ohio last year, your job didn’t stop there, you have continued to support me and follow me on my journey back to Miss Ohio. We have formed a bond that goes much deeper then the scholarship program, but is a relationship that we will always have. I love you all and will always be your “DiVine Devon.” Thank you for everything.

To Miss Ohio 2010, Becky Minger, thank you for all of you advice, tips, and help you’ve given me this past year. I’ve gotten so close to you and am so thankful for our friendship. You are such a fabulous and beautiful woman and I look to you as a role model and a sisters. Love you!

To my Pi Beta Phi sisters, thanks for making me always feel like a Miss America and I hope that I make all of you and our organization proud. Pi Phi Love.

To the people that make all of this as fabulous as it is: my hometown community, friends, and family. I can’t express how much better this experience has been because I have had your support, love, and kind wishes. Since moving to Cincinnati 3 years ago, I didn’t realize how lucky I was to come from such a wonderful community, where people care about me and all that I do. I am forever grateful for all of you and all of the kindness you have shown me. I did my best, and will continue to do the best that I can to represent our community to make a difference in each of your lives.

My most important thank you goes to the most influential person in my life. Mom you have been there for me through everything. You’ve shown me an endless amount of love, support, encouragement, and discipline that has shaped me into the person I am today. Without you, I would not be who I am nor would I be as successful as I am. Thank you for putting up with me when I know I wasn’t the most pleasant to be around, but always know how appreciative I am of you and everything that you do for me. I’m so fortunate as you have given me the world and at the same time, have shown me how to be selfless and humble. In my eyes you are the most amazing, classy, beautiful, hardworking, and incredible person I have ever known. I hope I make you proud and I also aspire to one day be as wonderful of a person as you are inside and out. Thank you so much, I love you.

Mark, I know when you began dating mom your RV was used for traveling to Nascar races. Well now I have officially made it into the pageant mobile. You do so much for me and I can’t thank you enough. I hope that I have enhanced your life just as much as you have mine. Thank you for everything, I love you.

I give my final thanks to God, as none of this would be possible without him. He has blessed me with this amazing opportunity among many others. Although life isn’t always what I want it to be, everything happens for a reason and I’m grateful to him that I can grow as a person from some events and rejoice in his name in others. I know that through you, all things are possible, and never would you give me something that I couldn’t handle. Thank you for letting this be my time.

Miss America 2011: Preliminary Winners!

2011-01-14T00:06:00.000-08:00

This year at Miss America, there were no double preliminary winners and I have a feeling not all six of these ladies will be making the cut to the Top 15! Not surprisingly, all of the winners came from the later half of their groups. Take a look at all their phases of competition and tell me what you think! *Note, a few gown and talent photos came from rehearsals.

SWIMSUIT WINNERS!

Miss Hawaii

Jalee Fuselier

11th of 18 in Sigma group

Watch her talent rehearsal HERE!

Miss Alabama

Ashley Davis

15th of 17 in the Mu group

Watch her talent performance at 17:30 HERE!

Miss Oklahoma

Emoly West

12th of 18 in Alpha group

Watch her talent performance at 27:45 HERE!

TALENT WINNERS!

I love that the judges selected three different types of talents this year.

Miss North Carolina

Adrienne Core

17th of 18 in the Alpha group

Watch her talent rehearsal HERE!

Still looking for a better gown photo and a swimsuit photo! Message me a link!

Miss Rhode Island

Deborah Saint-Vil

12th of 18 in the Sigma group

Watch her talent rehearsal HERE!

Miss Nebraska

Teresa Scanlan

10th of 19 in the Mu group

Watch her performance at the 6 minute mark HERE!

Pageant Press: Miss Ohio pageant not coming to Zanesville

2010-11-12T22:21:00.000-08:00

Miss Ohio pageant not coming to Zanesville
Kathy Thompson / Zanesville Times Recorder
November 12, 2010

ZANESVILLE -- Zanesville Mayor Butch Zwelling was visibly upset when he announced the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program will remain in Mansfield.

"I've worked on getting the pageant here for three years," Zwelling said Thursday. "I don't think I'll do it again unless there's a strong indication they would come."

Zwelling said he gave pageant board members a verbal commitment of three years and offered them almost $400,000 in hopes of luring them to Zanesville.

"$81,000 of that was in-kind money and the rest was cash from about 30 businesses in the community," Zwelling said. "They would have filled up our motels and restaurants and brought in millions of dollars to the community."

Zwelling said the in-kind money would have been for items such as a $5,000 break on renting Secrest Auditorium, which usually is rented for $10,000, and for at least $5,000 in security provided by the Zanesville Police Department.

While Lee Tasseff, director of the Mansfield-Richland County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said there was no written contract presented by Zwelling and that Zwelling had never taken the proposal to Zanesville City Council for approval, Zwelling said he didn't need to get council approval for his proposals.

"I don't need council approval to give someone a break on renting the auditorium," Zwelling said.

The pageant has been hosted in Mansfield for the past 36 years. Zwelling said he knew there was a strong pull for the pageant to stay in Mansfield, but he was hoping he could have swayed the board members into trying a new location.

Kim Kanary, program spokesperson for the pageant issued a press release stating "that remaining in Mansfield would be in the best interest of the program at this time."

Miss Ohio board members could not be reached for comment.

Mansfield community leaders met with the Miss Ohio Scholarship Board of Directors on Wednesday night and went through the board's wish list point by point, Lee Tasseff said.

"We said they were all doable. We did ask them, if they're sticking around, we intend it to be a partnership. They have to commit to helping us and we'll commit to helping them," Tasseff said.

Mansfield's lodging tax contributes $10,000 annually to the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program.

Zwelling was hoping that type of money would be coming from Zanesville in June 2011.

"It would have been a shot in the arm for Zanesville," Zwelling said. "There are 28 contestants and you think that when they came, they would bring families and friends. I had a motel offer to give them 16 rooms for eight days and nights. The winner would have lived here. She could have gone to all the openings in the community and done special events. I'm very disappointed."

Zwelling said he didn't want to release the names of the businesses who offered to help because he didn't want them to be contacted by others looking for money.

"They give a lot to the community and will continue to give, but I don't think it's fair to release their names," Zwellling said. "But I know that the money they said they would give was just a scratch on the surface. We could have gotten a lot more."

Zwelling said he thinks pageant board members made a mistake.

"But, we'll move forward," Zwelling said.

Zanesville Mayor disappointed by Miss Ohio Board decision
Kathy Thompson / Zanesville Times Recorder
November 11, 2010

ZANESVILLE -- Zanesville Mayor Butch Zwelling said he offered The Miss Ohio Scholarship Program almost $400,000 in in-kind and cash over three years to bring the pageant from Mansfield to Zanesville.

"I'm kind of crushed," Zwelling said. "It think if they would have brought the program here, it would have bought in about millions of dollars to the city. I've worked on this project for three years and was really hoping they would bring it here."

Zwelling said he had about 30 private sponsors that would have put up $51,000 in cash for three years.

"I can't really say who they are because I don't want them to get bombarded by others," Zwelling said. "But I will say that ZBus was offering to take the girls around and I had a local motel that was willing to give 16 rooms for eight days and nights." As for in-kind contributions, Zwelling said that would have included police protection and a break on the rental of Secrest Auditorium.

"I don¹t have to go to city council for those things," Zwelling said. "I can offer those without council's approval." Zwelling said had the pageant come to Zanesville in June, the motels and restaurants would have been full.

"There are 28 girls and they would have probably brought their families here," Zwelling said. "While it's not the end of the world, it would have been great."

Pageant Press: Miss Ohio pageant will stay in Mansfield

2010-11-12T22:11:00.000-08:00

Miss Ohio pageant will stay in Mansfield
Lou Whitmire / Mansfield News Journal
November 11, 2010

MANSFIELD -- The Miss Ohio Scholarship Program will stay in Mansfield.

Zanesville officials had tried to lure the pageant there, possibly before next year's event in June, but the board decided Wednesday "that remaining in Mansfield would be in the best interest of the program at this time," according to a press release from program spokesperson Kim Kanary.

“Now the hard work of partnering with Miss Ohio to rebuild them, so they become self-sustaining again, needs to begin,” Lee Tasseff, director of the Mansfield-Richland County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said today,

The Miss Ohio board was pondering a departure from Mansfield, where it has been for 36 years, without a written contract from the City of Zanesville, Tasseff said Wednesday.

Tasseff said he asked the board if it had an official commitment from the City of Zanesville and was told it did not. "It has never been brought up to Zanesville council," Tasseff said.

Community leaders met with the Miss Ohio Scholarship Board of Directors on Wednesday night and went through the board's wish list point by point, Tasseff said after the meeting. "We said they were all doable. We did ask them, if they're sticking around, we intend it to be a partnership.

"They have to commit to helping us and we'll commit to helping them."

Tasseff said the board had a lively, hour-long discussion of the matter.

"We asked, they asked," Tasseff said. "It was much more targeted because there was the list in front of us."

Kanary's press release referenced the partnership proposed by Mansfield leaders and acknowledged the "stirred emotions" the proposed move had created. "(W)e believe it ultimately resulted in a stronger partnership with more open and improved lines of communication," Kanary stated.

On Oct. 13, a contingent of community leaders addressed the Miss Ohio board. That group of about 10 people gathered at the Renaissance Theatre on Wednesday night.

Tasseff said he told the board, "We need to make a decision. We think you need to do it now."

In late September, board member Steven Oliveri told Mansfield Mayor Don Culliver the organization needs more financial support from the community.

"The organization has plenty of volunteers. We need people to come see our show, participate in our fundraisers ... if people aren't willing to do straight donations," Oliveri said.

The board has declined to release Zanesville's financial proposal.

The Miss Ohio program operates with expenses between $175,000 and $225,000.

Zanesville Mayor Howard Zwelling said he had been talking to members of the Miss Ohio board for two or three years about the prospect of moving the pageant. "I think Mansfield has done a good job of it and I'd like to have it for my community, too," Zwelling said.

Tasseff said Mansfield has been the single best partner Miss Ohio has ever had. The city's lodging tax contributes $10,000 annually to the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program. Newman Technology Inc. donates $10,000 to the new titleholder each year.

Miss Ohio officials did not return calls seeking comment this morning.

Tasseff was grateful for the efforts of local officials to keep the program here. “It’s been an enthusiastic and very focused group of community leaders. It’s been a true team effort and we will continue that,” he said.

A press conference is set for 11 a.m. today in Zanesville.

Click back or see Friday's print and online versions of the News Journal for more on this story.

Pageant Press: Miss Ohio Moving to Zanesville?

2010-10-02T02:55:00.000-07:00

The Mansfield News Journal ran not one, but three articles, all written by Lou Whitmire, about Miss Ohio's possible more to Zanesville. Click each title to read tons of comments on the newspapers website.

Miss Ohio may move to Zanesville
September 28, 2010

MANSFIELD—The Miss Ohio Scholarship Program could be moving to Zanesville.

Steven Oliveri, president of the Miss Ohio Board of Trustees, today said the City of Zanesville is among Zanesville entities that have made a written proposal to the Miss Ohio board to host the program in there.
“They are pitching us,” he said.
Oliveri said a decision could be made by the board as early as Oct. 13, its next scheduled board meeting.
The scholarship program is held in June each year at the Renaissance Theatre. It has been held in Mansfield 36 years.
Lee Tasseff, director of the Mansfield-Richland County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said a meeting has been scheduled Friday with Mansfield local officials and supporters.
“It’s not a matter of public dollars. It’s a matter of private dollars. Part of the plan would be to call for people, supporters in the past, who would like to keep the program in Mansfield.
Tasseff said he asked that Mansfield be given a chance to counter whatever Zanesville pitches.

See Wednesday’s print and online editions for more on this story.

Zanesville trying to woo Miss Ohio away from Mansfield
September 29, 2010
MANSFIELD -- The Miss Ohio Scholarship Program could move to Zanesville.
Steven Oliveri, president of the Miss Ohio Board of Trustees, Tuesday said Zanesville has submitted a written proposal to host the Miss Ohio program.
"They are pitching us," Oliveri said, declining to release any details about Zanesville's financialproposal.
Oliveri said the board could decide by its next meeting Oct. 13.
Now is the time for Mansfield supporters to rally to keep the program, Oliveri said, otherwise Miss Ohio could move in time for the 2011 June pageant.
The scholarship program has been in Mansfield for 36 years, usually at the Renaissance Theatre.
Lee Tasseff, director of the Mansfield-Richland County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said a meeting has been scheduled Friday with Mansfield officials.
"It's not a matter of public dollars. It's a matter of private dollars. Part of the plan would be to call for people, supporters in the past, who would like to keep the program in Mansfield," Tasseff said.
Tasseff said he asked that Mansfield be given a chance to pitch its own offer.
"We don't know exactly what the proposal is to know what financial target needs to be hit," Tasseff said.
Mayor Don Culliver said he spoke with Oliveri recently.
"He said he has an offer from the Zanesville mayor and business leaders to see if they can move the pageant to Zanesville," Culliver said. "The bottom line is how much scholarship money is being offered. Mansfield offers a whole lot more than Zanesville, but if somebody offers money on the table, they have to listen.
"I'm hoping it doesn't leave. Miss Ohio has been a good partnership for Mansfield. I don't believe any other community will be as friendly and treat them as nice as we do."
Zanesville Mayor Howard Zwelling and Vicki King, director of the Muskingum County Convention Facilities Authority, confirmed their community's interest in the program.
"I've been talking to them about it for two or three years. I think Mansfield has done a good job of it and I'd like to have it for my community, too," Zwelling said.
According to Zwelling, the pageant could take place at the 1,776-seat Secrest Auditorium. The Renaissance Theatre seats 1,402.
"It's not as quaint as the Renaissance Theatre, but it's a magnificent theatre," Zwelling said.
Miss Ohio producer and board member John Kunkel manages Secrest Auditorium. He could not be reached for comment.
"We have never gone out and sought another city. I'm the first one to stand up and say 'I love Mansfield' ... It's hard to throw away 36 years, throw away the love," Oliveri said. "Does Mansfield love us? We think they do.
"Your city has always been extremely supportive. I told Mayor Culliver we're not interested in more money, we need more community help."
The City of Mansfield lodging tax contributes $10,000 annually to the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program. Newman Technology Inc. continues to donate $10,000 to the new titleholder each year.
Tasseff said the Miss Ohio program brings 3,000 people to the Renaissance Theatre each June during the four-night pageant.
"Everyone associated with the pageant rents about 200 hotel rooms for at least four nights, which results in a $176,000 impact," Tasseff said.
Oliveri said the program can operate anywhere in the state.
"This is tough economic times and we're trying to look out for our survival. Our audience was the smallest we've ever had (last June), the lowest ticket sales," Oliveri said.
Local supporter Jeff Angelini, who chairs the Miss Ohio Festival, said he has been involved in Miss Ohio for 15 years. Angelini is also the president of the Miss Mansfield Scholarship Program Board of Directors.
"I think it would be a huge disappointment for everyone in the community if it left, for everyone who has worked so hard, those who have worked for the contestants, the fundraising for scholarships," Angelini said. "There are many, many people behind the scenes who put their heart and soul into it."
Mansfield resident Laura Russell, director of the Miss Mansfield and Miss North Central preliminaries and the Miss Mansfield Outstanding Teen Scholarship Program, said she was apprised of this possible move last year.
"It really upsets me it may move. If it were going to a bigger theater in a bigger area where it would bring more people into it as a positive move I would be for it," Russell said. "I think it is a move backward. I really hope we will be able to counter any actual donations and we're not just moving down there for a soft, 'What they may do for us.'
"I don't think Zanesville is a proper move. I don't think that will be the venue for something of Miss Ohio caliber. I'm really proud how the Renaissance Theatre has redone their theatre. It really brings the Miss Ohio pageant where it needs to be."
Dana Sowers, of Mansfield, has volunteered for 26 years as a chaperone at Miss Ohio.
"If it would leave Mansfield you'd have a lot of heart-broken people," Sowers said. "If it leaves Mansfield, there will be a lot of upset people, including the people who donate to the program -- the banks, the restaurants and the home hostesses who open their homes to the contestants.''
Zanesville Times Recorder reporter Holy Richards contributed to this story.
Money could move Miss Ohio Scholarship Program to Zanesville
September 30, 2010

MANSFIELD -- The Miss Ohio Scholarship Program is known for smiles and crowns, but a proposed relocation could come down to dollars and cents.

As Zanesville attempts to lure the pageant from Mansfield, local officials are working to keep the program, which could move before the 2011 June pageant.
Steven Oliveri, executive director of the Miss Ohio Board of Directors, has declined to release Zanesville's financial proposal. The board could make a decision by Oct. 13.
Lee Tasseff, director of the Mansfield-Richland County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said a Friday meeting is planned with Mansfield officials and supporters in an effort to pitch a local offer.
Officials have hinted Mansfield, which has hosted the show for 36 years, isn't generating enough money for the program.
According to the nonprofit Miss Ohio organization's 2007 IRS Form 990, the latest available financial figures made public online at Guidestar, the program has three existing loans and owes $33,182 to Richland Bank; $22,000 to former executive director Jeri Waite; and $10,000 to Oliveri.
Wednesday, Oliveri said the nonprofit program's debt has been reduced since the 2007 report.
"We've been able to do very well in the last couple of years to make sure our debt is down, but it's not gone," Oliveri said. "With the economy, it's gone down slower than we want it to be. And who in this economy hasn't had this? We're feeling very fortunate. We're always looking for new financial opportunities."
Oliveri said he isn't permitted to release the program's latest debt or financial figures until the agency's accountant files them with the government.
"Our fiscal year 2009 ends (today)," he said.
Oliveri told Mayor Don Culliver the organization needs more financial support from the community.
"The organization has plenty of volunteers. We need people to come see our show, participate in our fundraisers ... if people aren't willing to do straight donations," he said.
Oliveri said the organization constantly has fundraisers, including the bowlathon and Monte Carlo Night.
"Whatever money we make, we retain the money to operate and give out money for scholarships, which last year (2009) was $42,300 at the state level. Through local (preliminary) programs around the state, last year we gave out $50,000," Oliveri said. "To put on Miss Ohio, for each one of the contestants there are seven people behind the scenes. We have about 180 volunteers."
The pageant recently added the Miss Ohio Outstanding Teen to bring in additional audience members and a younger crowd.
In May, Lexington resident Drena McCurdy, executive director of the Miss Ohio Outstanding Teen Program and vice president of the Miss Ohio board of directors, said the teen program is the organization's biggest fundraiser. It is also a feeder program to the Miss Ohio and Miss America programs.
"We're always looking for dollars to operate," Oliveri said. "We're always looking for new ideas for how we can raise money.
"We're no different than any other business, nonprofit or any other family who tightens their belt and looks for new opportunities."
The Miss Ohio program operates with expenses between $175,000 and $225,000, which includes money taken in from fundraisers and scholarship donations, he said.
Oliveri said June's Miss Ohio pageant was not televised in an effort to boost ticket sales, but the audience was the smallest to date. Tickets are $20 on preliminary nights, $40 on the final night.
"The more money we have, the more we can put toward scholarships," Oliveri said.
According to the 2007 federal statement, the program's expenses included $51,797 for production costs, $8,748 for program books, $3,497 for insurance, $2,811 for judges fees and expenses, and $2,709 to prepare Miss Ohio for her competition at Miss America. Preparation includes wardrobe, presentation skills, fitness training, travel expenses and image consulting.
lwhitmire@nncogannett.com
419-521-7223

MAO Teen Press Release

2010-09-12T01:57:00.000-07:00

MAOTeen Welcomes Jennifer McKenna and Lynn Hackerman Weidner to Its Board of Directors

Jennifer McKenna
Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organization welcomes Jennifer Pitts McKenna and Lynn Hackerman Weidner to its Board of Directors. Jennifer competed in many pageants and was crowned Miss Virginia 2002 and Miss Virginia USA 2005. She has worked with MAOTeen as the Princess Camp Coordinator for the past two years. She and her husband Ken have two beautiful daughters and reside in Orlando.

Lynn Hackerman Weidner
Lynn, Miss New Jersey 1971, has been a member of the Miss America Organization Board of Directors since 2006. She will be the liaison between the Miss America Organization and the MAOTeen Organization.

We welcome and thank both individuals. And look forward to a very prosperous feature together.

For more information regarding the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organization please clickwww.maoteen.org

For more information regarding the Miss America Organization please click www.missamerica.org

Miss Miami Valley Photos!

2010-09-08T16:34:00.000-07:00

Outgoing Miss Miami Valley, Ellen Bryan

& Miss Ohio, Becky Minger

My caption: "Damn all this delicious fried fair food taunting me as I prepare for Miss America!!!"

The 2010 Contestants!

CLICK HERE for the results and photos of the award winners; the nonfinalist were...

Anna Reis

Christina Muha

Courtney Crain

Erin O'Brien

Jena Swiegart

Veronica Wende

Thanks to Bryce Bishop and Ross Clark for sharing these photos!

MAO Teen Videos!

2010-08-31T16:38:00.000-07:00

This is the first video of our New Miss America's Outstanding Teen, Lacey Russ of Oklahoma. It's a low quality recording of a recording; it looks like a local talk show of some sort:

Miss America's Outstanding Teens serve as a focus group for the popular cable show "Pitch Men."
(RIP Billy Mays!)

I can't tell... is this the class of 2009 or 2010? The video surfaced in recent days, but that has no bearing on when it was filmed.

Pageant Press: Sylvania native heads to Miss America pageant

2010-08-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

The Toledo Free Press is one of the most supportive news organizations I ever experienced when I was competing and representing the northwest Ohio area! This is a fantastic article featuring quotations from Miss Ohio Becky Minger, her dad Mike, her local ED Eric Wagener and state ED Steven Oliveri, former Miss America Susan Perkins, 1st Runner-up Shannon O'Neill and her chaperon Susie Harlan. This is probably the best pageant article I've ever read:

Cover Story: Sylvania native heads to Miss America pageant

Toledo Free Press
Brandi Barhite
August 26, 2010

For just a second, Mike Minger thought, “Not again.” Then, he felt calm. “I knew it was her time.” And it was.

His daughter, Becky Minger, had finally won Miss Ohio on her fifth trip to the state pageant. She beat out 25 contestants to win the title. She was no longer only so close.

The first time she competed in 2006, she was first runner-up. The next year, she didn’t place at all. In 2008 and 2009, she was again first runner-up.

In the moments before the first runner-up was named, Becky looked out to her family and said, “I love you.” Then, she thought, “Hit me with it.”

As seconds felt like hours, a chant began to run through her mind, “Please don’t say 18; please don’t say 18. I love Shannon, but please don’t say 18.”

And no one did, which meant contestant No. 12, Shannon O’Neill, was first runner-up and she — contestant 18 — was going to Miss America.

Most exciting for Becky is that Miss America is back on network television and will air live Jan. 15 on ABC from Las Vegas.

“I think a lot of people have forgotten about Miss America,” Becky said. “Miss America is all about tradition; it is the original reality show. To be able to bring it back to Ohio and to be able to come home and say that Miss America is from the Toledo and Sylvania area would be really cool.”

Ohio hasn’t won Miss America since Susan Perkins, Miss Ohio in 1978.

Perkins, now Perkins Botsford, offered some advice for Becky, not as a former Miss America, but as a mother of a 22-year-old daughter.

“She should be well-read and well-informed with regard to what is happening in our country and the world today,” Perkins Botsford said in an e-mail to Toledo Free Press. “If her mindset is that she is competing with herself to do her best job in every aspect of the competition then she will truly enjoy and benefit from the experience whatever the outcome.”

The former Miss America sends her best wishes to Minger.

Minger wins the 2010 Miss Ohio crown.

“Ohio is overdue for another Miss America and I am hoping that 2011 will be our year!”

Platform

Becky enjoys when her crown brings her back home. She likes to support local businesses, in particular when it comes to eating. During visits, it is Greek salad, gyros and pepperoni pizza from J&G Pizza Palace and a toasted bagel with vegetable ranch cream cheese and honey turkey from Barry Bagels. She got her first Mud Hens cap when she went to see Crystal Bowersox perform in May. Becky relates to the “American Idol” runner-up.

“We are doing it for Toledo this year. Toledo is back on the map,” Becky said.

Becky, 22, has been traveling throughout the state making appearances and promoting her platform since becoming Miss Ohio on June 19. Every contestant who competes in the Miss America system adopts a cause.

Her platform is “Discovering You, Empowering You: A Movement for Youth Development.” It has four main points: building and utilizing a healthy self-image, respecting yourself and others, setting goals and recognizing avenues of support. She has written a curriculum that was adopted by the YMCA of Greater Toledo and several schools.

Becky relates to her platform. Growing up with attention-deficit disorder (ADD), Becky was slower in school and her classmates knew it. She couldn’t concentrate and homework was hard for her. When her classmates went to recess, she had to stay inside and work on her homework. When they left for the day, she had to stay after with the teacher.

“I cannot say it was severe bullying, but those are things that stick with you,” she said. “I guess I didn’t realize it was happening while I was in the situation.”

Becky took medication until she graduated from Northview High School and started at Bowling Green State University.

“You don’t really overcome a disability; you find different ways to cope with it,” she said. “I don’t really notice it a lot anymore because it has become so much a part of who I am and how I deal with issues and things.”

Her father said ADD affected her social skills.

“We always knew she was a bright girl, but she was easily distracted,” he said. “Her mother helped her with homework to keep her focused. They spent hours and hours fighting through it and getting Becky to the end line.”

By the time she was in high school, Becky was getting noticed. Goodbye glasses and braces, hello choir and school musicals.

Journey to the crown

Becky’s involvement in pageantry began in her teens. A school counselor suggested looking into Miss Teen USA, which her parents weren’t happy about. Not only did it cost money to participate, but the Donald Trump pageant focuses on modeling.

Becky ignored her parents and forged ahead to raise the money. She placed third out of 87 contestants.

In college, a friend convinced her to try the Miss America program, which is free and gives out scholarship money. She went to the Miss Greater Dayton preliminary and won on the first try. Every girl who wins a preliminary goes on to compete in Miss Ohio. This year, Becky represented the Miss All-American City title at Miss Ohio. She has won more than $30,000 to date.

“We are looking forward to seeing her compete and hopefully take it all,” said Eric Wagener, pageant director for Miss All-American City, Miss Maumee Valley and Miss Fallen Timbers. “It is sort of exciting that one of the local people have won.”

Shannon O’Neill, who was first runner-up at Miss Ohio, said Becky is gracious and helpful. She was one of the first to welcome her when she started competing.

“Becky’s sincerity and her absolute drive set her apart,” she said. “There was nobody who was more prepared for the job of Miss Ohio than Becky. She sees this for what it is and is willing to put in the work.”

Becky said a lot of people don’t realize how much preparation goes into competing. Her wardrobe is donated, sponsored or paid for out-of-pocket. She has to stay fit for the swimsuit competition and be prepared for the backstage interview and onstage questions. She also has to rehearse her talent.

“The women who are involved in these programs are so driven and motivated and very intelligent,” she said. “I think a lot of people think, ‘Oh she is just a pageant girl and thinks world peace and rainbows all the time,’ but each of these women is driven to make a difference in their community.”

Becky said her job as Miss Ohio is sometimes exhausting, driving hours and hours each day. She rarely gets to see her boyfriend, a teacher in the Cleveland area, or her family. She mostly stays in hotels or with host families.

Most Miss Ohio winners take a year off of school or work, but since Becky had just graduated, the timing was perfect.

“She wanted the job and she was going after it with everything she had,” said her pageant chaperone Susie Harlan. “She is a very focused young woman. This program means a lot to her, not only the scholarship money, but she believes in the program and her platform.”

One of her favorite appearances was with the Special Olympics. She also enjoys working closely with the Thank You Foundation, which honors service members and veterans. One of the coolest events was the Dayton Air Show where she met the Blue Angels.

“It is very strange that people pay to see me or be near me,” she said, laughing. “I think the funniest thing is when you pull up and you have the crown on, and they are like, ‘You can park right in the front.’ I am like, ‘Yes, I love this job.’”

Miss America bound

Becky said the best preparation for the Miss America pageant is doing her job as Miss Ohio.

“I don’t want to worry myself over if Miss Texas is so beautiful or Miss Indiana has a great talent because I know what I can do,” she said. “There is no point being someone else because the judges could be looking for you.”

Miss Ohio executive director Steven Oliveri said Becky could break Ohio’s dry spell. Ohio has had six winners, which is the most ever, tied with Oklahoma and California.

“Becky has been in the system for five years now and each year you are in, you learn something new,” he said. “Her dedication, never giving up and her constant need to improve sets her apart.”

Becky’s favorite part of the pageant is the interview. She also enjoys the talent, even though that makes her most nervous. She worries about forgetting the words to her song or dropping the microphone. The song she will sing for Miss America has not been announced yet.

The most nerve-wracking part of the pageant is the onstage question.

“You never know what you are going to be asked. It is live … and you have that one 20-second time slot in front of everyone,” she said.

If pageantry has taught her anything, it’s speaking in front of crowds and going on the fly. Her degree in interpersonal communication helps, too.

Becky would one day like to attend law school and is considering a career in child advocacy. But for now, she only has one job on her mind.

“I don’t feel pressure, but I really want to be Miss America,” she said. “Not just because it would be awesome, but to have that kind of reach to work with my platform across the country, to promote organizations like the Thank You Foundation — but also to bring it home, to represent Ohio and to finally bring Miss America back to Ohio.”

Miss Universe 2010: Totally Looks Like!

2010-08-24T00:36:00.001-07:00

These are what I noticed; leave a comment if you can think of others and I'll build them
on the LOL Website!

Miss Belgium instantly made me think of our reigning Miss Ohio's Outstanding Teen,
Cecili Weber:

To me Miss Australia was less beauty queen and more beach beauty, just like singer Colbie Caillat:

I didn't notice it in the pictures leading up to the pageant, but on TV, Miss Ireland reminded me of Miss Ohio USA 2009, Natasha Vivoda:

Miss Universe 2010: Prelim Gowns: Jaw-droppers?

2010-08-22T16:05:00.001-07:00

Peru and Ireland wore this years jaw-droppingly sexy styles in the photoshoot! I wanted to see those gowns onstage, but instead they switched to these:

Peru's preliminary gown is still eye-catching and a stand-out compared to the majority of underwhelming gowns. However, she doesn't look as exotic to me onstage but I still won't be surprised to see her in the Top 10.

Ireland played it safe with her preliminary gown, but there's no denying how amazingly beautiful that face is! There's a lot of hype around her and I agree with it; hopefully she'll be in the Top 5.

I hope, and won't be surprised when, both these ladies make the cut on Monday night and switch back to their daring photoshoot gowns!

Miss Universe 2010: Prelim Gowns: Asian Couture

2010-08-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

The Asian contestants can always be counted on for crazy couture looks.

Philippines is getting a ton of hype for this silver gown:

China was true to form, but I definitely like her photoshoot better. I don't think we'll see her in the top 5. I don't mind that it's short, but it looks like she accidentally wore her national costume!

Thialand's photoshoot gown was sculptural, while her onstage gown was sensual!

Japan's prelim gown is hot off the Gucci runway. I really liked her photoshoot gown, but I bet it's best when posed and probably not as great in motion.

Pageant Press: Miss North Coast crowned at Brunswick High School

2010-08-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

Miss North Coast crowned at Brunswick High School
Brian Lisik/ Sun News
August 14, 2010

[Photo by Christina Tesar/Sun News]

In the long and storied history of beauty pageants, more has remained the same than has changed. And the fact is, the pageant to end all pageants has always had more to do with personality, poise and higher education than swimsuits and evening gowns.

“The biggest thing is that it’s not a beauty pageant, but a scholarship program,” said Janice Moll, Miss North Coast Pageant Director since 1972. “The prize money is not going to the girls, but to their school.”

This year’s Miss North Coast – which is the direct route to Miss Ohio and Miss America — featured 11 contestants from communities are far flung as Brunswick, Medina and North Royalton to Youngstown, Toledo and Canfield.

Rebecca Ribley, of Medina, said she began participating in pageants this year after knowing that it was something she wanted to do since watching the Miss America scholarship program on TV as a young girl.

“I’m only 18, so Miss North Coast will only be the third pageant I’ve been in,” said the Ashland University freshman who will be studying Theatre and Broadcast Journalism.

Though she wasn’t crowned Miss North Coast this year, Ribley’s record is already stellar, having made the top 10 out of 20 girls — and receiving scholarship money — last month in the Miss Cuyahoga County/Miss Greater Cleveland pageant.

“Something that I think movies get very wrong about pageants is how the girls really are,” she said. “My favorite part about competing is meeting all the wonderful, talented women who participate in this program.”

Christina Muha of North Royalton concurred, though she did note that pageants can be quite stressful.

“I have been in pageants since the fourth grade and began my career with the North Royalton Pageant,” she said. “The best part is getting to know all the contestants – including yourself. These are the best girls in all of Ohio – each contestant is active with their platform, volunteers in the community, does well in school, is talented, poised, elegant and a great role model.”

And who winds up on top is sometimes even surprising to the pageant directors.

“The girl with the best talent or best body for swimsuit may not be the winner,” Moll said. “A lot of other things go into it and they have to be ‘real.’ They want real people.”

The biggest change in the past four decades, Moll added, is the introduction of the “platform issue” portion of the contest, wherein participants become advocates and ambassadors for issues from heart disease to hunger.

Chelsi Howman, a student at Crestview High School in Ashland, was crowned this year’s Miss North Coast Saturday night at Brunswick High School.

Where winners take their scholarship dollars and ambassador role beyond Miss North Coast, Miss Ohio or even Miss America varies, Moll said.

“Some don’t do anything else with it, but we have had Miss Ohios who have gone on to be soap opera stars, talk show hosts — and Tana Carli was going to be a CPA,” she said of the 1980 Miss Ohio who instead went to work for Channel 8 News and became Cleveland’s first female news anchor in 1983.

“Either way though, this affects these girls’ lives,” Moll continued. “And it’s nice to look back and realize you’ve had a hand in that.”

Not that Moll herself can sit back and relax now that Miss North Coast is over. She and her husband/co-pageant director, Don, audit and videotape pageants leading up to Miss Ohio all year long. The couple’s next step is the grooming of the new Miss North Coast champion for the statewide competition.

“When we got involved in 1970, the Ohio Jaycees sponsored Miss Ohio,” Moll explained. “They strongly suggested that local people run the locals. Don and I still have fun with it and we’ll keep doing it as long as it’s fun.”

And each year, the most fun aspect of the process remains the same.

“We really look forward to working with a new girl,” Moll said. “Don and I have three sons, but we like to say we also have had 38 adopted daughters.”

Miss Universe 2010: Photoshoot gowns: Jaw Droppers!

2010-08-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

Out of the gate, Ireland and Peru are getting all the attention for jaw dropping gowns. I can't wait to see if these are the gowns they wear on-stage or if they have something even more extravagantly edgy!

Miss USA & Miss Universe contestants always have a gown photoshoot when they arrive at the competition. Note: these may or may not be the gowns these contestants wear for the preliminary and/or finale competition. Major competitors like USA, Australia and the Latin ladies often have three different gowns! Photos by Matt Petit/ Miss Universe L.P., LLLP

Miss Universe 2010: Photoshoot gowns: Favorites!

2010-08-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

In the Miss America system you only see gowns like this on a vocalist in the Talent competition... I LOVE that sexy international ladies work them on the catwalk at Miss Universe as their Evening Gowns! Gorgeous!!!

Venezuela and Dominican Republic

Angola and Curacao

Here are some more of my favorite looks from the photoshoot; in no particular order...

Cyprus, France and Puerto Rico:

Kosovo, Albania and Greece:

Which do you love the most?

Miss Universe 2010: Photoshoot gowns: Holy Halloween!

2010-08-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

Halloween called ladies, it wants its costumes back!!!

Elvira! I mean, Miss Serbia:

Panama as a mermaid:

Miss Georgia does Beyonce Knowles!

Norway is a fair, fair maiden!

Tanzania as a sexy cat woman:

Miss Universe 2010: Photoshoot gowns: Hot Messes!

2010-08-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

These women are beautiful, but their styling for this photoshoot can only be described as a HOT MESS! Please don't let these be their competition looks...!

Haiti, Ecuador, Great Britain and Egypt:

Romania, Slovenia and Sri Lanka:
Switzerland, Aruba and Denmark:

Am I way off? Do you love any of these?

Or, which do you think is the hottest hot mess?

Miss Universe 2010: Photoshoot gowns: Stunning On-stage?

2010-08-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

I can't decide if I like these gowns, but if they're worn on-stage, I'll bet they'll be stunning!

Mexico, Uruguay, Columbia and Turkey:

Miss Universe 2010: Photoshoot gowns: Asian Couture!

2010-08-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

I've always been a huge Gwen Stefani fan, so no matter what kind of crazy style I see Asian ladies in (on and off the pageant stage), I smile, love it and start singing "Harajuku Girls!" :)

But really, only China, Thailand and Japan can get away with these looks:

Updated: Miss North Coast Pictures

2010-08-08T16:42:00.001-07:00

From Roark Studios:

I am pretty sure outgoing Miss, Sarah Hider and winner Chelsi Howman competed together at Ohio's Outstanding Teen, making the moment above even more beautiful.

Below: I read that the gentleman accompanying Sarah below is her father!

CLICK HERE for 19 pages of photos by Roark Studios!

From Miss Crystal Lake, Shannon O'Neill:

Above: Shannon with outgoing Miss North Coast, Sarah Hider.

Below: Three of Ohio's newest local ladies, Marisa Buchheit, Chelsi Howman and Shannon O'Neill.
From Heater Wells, Miss Mansfield's Facebook:

Above, Heather with 1st RU Meggie Wittman.

Below, contestant and reigning Miss Huron County, Elizabeth Wong.

Above, Heather and former Miss Ohio, Amanda Beagle.

Below, the new Miss Greater Cleveland,
Marisa Buchheit.

UPDATED: Miss WCO/ LSF/ CL Pictures

2010-08-07T00:22:00.000-07:00

Alyssa Waldman

Jamienne Scott

Samantha Hartings

Katie Ulrich

Grace Needler

Rebecca Brunelle

Megan Wolery

Jocelyn Staugler

Visiting Titleholders:

Above: looks like the judges were introduced on-stage. I only recognize former Miss Hamilton, Nicole Masters, in the black and white dress. Leave a comment if you know others.

Below: Local contestant Jessica Nelson with Kirsten Haglund.

CLICK HERE for 24 pageants of pictures from Roark Studios.

****

Miss Crystal Lake: Shannon O'Neill

Miss West Central Ohio: Cayla Hellwarth

Miss Lima Square Fair: Elissa McCracken

Thank you Bryce Bishop and Courtney Monk
for quickly posting photos
from the pageant on Facebook!

Visiting Titleholders:

Former Miss America, Kirsten Haglund:

Crowning shots and complete results are on the original MISScellanea. CLICK HERE and CLICK HERE.

Pageant Hosts: Brett Michaels for Miss Universe and Chris Harrison for Miss America

2010-08-06T22:38:00.001-07:00

Contestants from around the world are currently arriving in Las Vegas for the Miss Universe pageant, which will culminate Monday, August 23rd. Yes, Monday. Not surprisingly, the Trumps-owned pageant involves former Celebrity Apprentice contestants; Joan Rivers and Sharon Osborne are judges and Bret Michaels will co-host.

Bret Michaels, Natalie Morales To Host Miss Universe 2010

Access Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Bret Michaels is set to host the 2010 Miss Universe pageant this year alongside NBC’s “Today” show anchor Natalie Morales, Access Hollywood has confirmed.

The rocker-turned-reality star will not be the first “Celebrity Apprentice” alum to host the pageant. Last year’s Miss Universe pageant was hosted by “Celebrity Apprentice” and “Deal or No Deal” star Claudia Jordan and Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush.

The Miss Universe Organization is owned by “Apprentice” boss Donald Trump

This year, 24-year-old Miss USA Rima Fakih of Michigan will represent the United States in the run for the title. Fakih will join contestants from more than 80 countries in overcoming obstacles such as swimsuit, evening gown and interview competitions.

Broadcasted in more than 180 countries, the Miss Universe pageant will air live on NBC and Telemundo on August 23 from Las Vegas.

Also from Las Vegas, Chris Harrison will host Miss America in January, 2011.

'The Bachelor's' Chris Harrison to Host Miss America

The Wrap
John Consoli
August 6, 2010

"The Bachelor's" Chris Harrison will host the "2011 Miss America Pageant" when it returns to ABC on Jan. 15, for its 90th anniversary telecast.

It's Harrison's second stab at the pageant. "Chris did a fantastic job for us in 2004 and we are honored to have him return as we mark this significant milestone in our history," Sam Haskell III, board chairman of the Miss America Organization said in a statement.

2004 was also the last time ABCtelevised Miss America, before the pageant moved to cable. The past few years it has run on TLC, but the organization and that cable network could not reach an agreement on a new deal for this year.

ABC's agreement with the Miss America Organization is a time buy deal, with ABC receiving a fee and with the organization selling the advertising on the telecast.

Harrison's "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette," of course, are both ABC shows.

Miss Universe 2010 Judges!

2010-08-06T22:04:00.000-07:00

MISS UNIVERSE 2010 FINAL PANEL OF JUDGES IS REVEALED

NEW YORK, August 5 -- NBC, Donald J. Trump and Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization, confirmed today the 2010 Miss Universe® Pageant will air live on NBC and Telemundo, Monday, August 23 (8-10 p.m. ET) from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

"Las Vegas is so fabulous, we had to come back again for the Miss Universe pageant," said Paula M. Shugart. "The world will be watching as women from all around the globe descend on Mandalay Bay to compete for the crown and the title!"

Paula Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization, producer of the MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® Pageants wants the whole universe to know that in this 59th edition everybody is going to be 100% happy with our panel of judges.

GUY FIERI - American cook, restaurateur, author, and television personality. He is best known as a star on the Food Network. He co-owns five restaurants in California, Johnny Garlic's and Tex Wasabi's. He is the host of "One minute to win it", a prime time NBC reality/game show.

IVANKA TRUMP - American businesswoman, socialite, heiress, and fashion model. The daughter of Ivana and Donald Trump, she is Executive Vice President of Development & Acquisitions at The Trump Organization. In Spring 2011, Ivanka will be coming out with her own line of Shoes & Handbags.

CARLOS ALBERTO - Puerto Rican Haute Couture Designer. Contributor to the Miss Universe Organization with official wardrobe and custom evening wear wardrobe for previous winners. Carlos Alberto Haute Couture has been worn by celebrities on the red carpet world wide, and the stages of Miss Universe

NINA GARCIA - Colombian fashion journalist and critic who has held the post of Fashion Director at Elle and Marie Claire magazines, and is currently a judge on the Lifetime reality television program Project Runway, an American reality television series on Lifetime Television (A&E Television Networks, Disney-ABC Television Group, NBC Universal ), which focuses on fashion design.

BORIS KODJOE - From Vienna, Austria, he is an actor and former fashion model. He is perhaps best known for his role as courier-turned-sports agent Damon Carter on the Showtime television drama series Soul Food. Kodjoe had been cast as the male lead, "Steven Bloom", in the new J. J. Abrams television series Undercovers on NBC.

JOAN RIVERS - American comedian, television personality and actress. She is known for her brash manner, her loud, raspy voice with a heavy New York accent, as well as her numerous cosmetic surgeries. Rivers's comic style relies heavily on poking fun at herself and other celebritie Joan Rivers was crowned Donald Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice" winner Sunday May 10th 2009 (eighth season).

JOE LEVY - American Editor-in-chief of Maxim US. Maxim is an international men's magazine based in the United Kingdom and known for its revealing pictorials featuring popular actresses, singers, and female models, none of whom are nude in the American version.

DAYANA MENDOZA - A model and beauty pageant titleholder from Venezuela, who won the title Miss Universe 2008. She modeled in New York, Italy, Germany, France, Athens and Spain for Versace, Roberto Cavalli and other fashion designers.

GEORGE LOPEZ - American comedian, actor, and talk show host. He is mostly known for starring in his self-produced ABC sitcom George Lopez. His stand-up comedy examines race and ethnic relations, including his own Mexican American culture. He is currently the host of the late-night talk show Lopez Tonight on TBS.

SHARON OSBOURNE - British author, actress, music manager and promoter and television personality. She is also the wife of heavy metal singer-songwriter Ozzy Osbourne.

She came into public prominence after appearing in The Osbournes, a reality television show that followed her family's daily life. Osbourne later became a judge on the talent shows The X Factor and America's Got Talent (American reality television series on the NBC television network).

[Article source unknown.]

Pageant Press: News anchor Robin Meade will sing in Cleveland

2010-08-06T19:40:00.000-07:00

News anchor Robin Meade will sing in Cleveland

Mansfield News Journal
Jami Kinton
August 5, 2010

CLEVELAND -- Robin Meade is known around the world as the face of the Headline News morning show. She was once voted the "Sexiest Newscaster" by Playboy.com.

Still, the New London grad and former anchor at WMFD remains an Ohio gal.

"I still keep tabs on my local people," she said, noting she follows local news online at the News Journal, Sandusky Register and Norwalk Reflector.

Meade said she has no plans to leave CNN, although she has been exploring other talents. Around 7 p.m. Saturday, Meade will perform as a country artist at Jim Brickman Summer Musicfest at Classic Park in Cleveland. Meade arrives in Ohio today, and will be throwing the first pitch at the Cleveland Indians game Friday.

Singing country music may seem at odds with Meade's persona, but she said the transition was completely natural.

"I've always sang since I was little," Meade said. "Speaking in front of people was something I had to learn, but growing up as a preacher's kid, singing was always a part of my life."

Right until she started her professional career as an anchor at WMFD, Meade was still performing in pageants.

"I didn't sing country though at that time," she said. "I did the show tunes all the girls were doing. The year I won Miss Ohio, I sang 'Alexander's Ragtime Band' by Liza Minnelli."

A few years ago, when Meade was interviewing country artist Kenny Chesney in Atlanta, she said the pair hit it off -- which also was the jumpstart to her musical career.

"He said to me, 'Why don't you come out on stage with me and sing Uncle Cracker's part during "When the Sun Goes Down."' I told my husband, 'He'll probably forget,' but just in case, I went home and memorized the whole song," Meade said.

Meade ended up impressing more than just Chesney.

"That experience sparked friendships in Nashville and I've been going there now for a couple years," Meade said. "I've recorded some songs and parodies, but I've made it known that I wanted to learn to write my own songs."

Later, at a charity event, Meade said her music producer introduced her to well-known pianist Jim Brickman.

Like Chesney, the pair bonded immediately, and soon would be co-writing the song "Welcome Home," which will appear on Brickman's upcoming album "Home." The song also will be performed live at Saturday's concert.

"This is a late afternoon music festival, with different performers performing their own sets," Meade said. "I'll come on around 7 p.m. and I plan to do two originals and two cover songs because I don't believe in making an audience sit through a bunch of songs they don't know."

At 9:30 p.m., Meade will perform with Brickman.

"The running joke is that I'm going on stage with my friends," Meade said. "I love the heart of country. The artists and fans are so welcoming. I have a lot of people helping me explore that passion, but I don't intend to not be an anchor at (Headline News). I don't think this will ever take away from my day job. What I do at HLN is something innate and natural.

"This is just another way to express my creativity."

Pageant Press & Pics: Springfield girls meet Miss Ohio

2010-07-30T17:53:00.000-07:00

Springfield girls meet Miss Ohio

Springfield News-Sun
Jessica Holbrook
Friday, July 30, 2010

Eight area girls received the royal treatment, complete with two days of shopping, pampering and presents, during a two-day visit from Miss Ohio.
Miss Ohio, Becky Minger, spent July 28 and 29 with eight Springfield 9- to 14-year-olds, as part of the Salvation Army’s “Red Carpet Experience.”
The two-day experience included a shopping spree at Old Navy, dinner at Young’s Dairy and a sleepover at the Courtyard by Marriott.
The crowning event was front-row seats to a performance of “Cinderella” at LaComedia dinner theatre in Springboro.
The girls were driven to each location in a limo and kept in the dark about their destination until they arrived, making every stop a surprise, said Pastor Ray Ryan, Youth Minister for the Salvation Army.
Local businesses volunteered time and resources , including the Styling Gallery which gave the girls a makeover complete with hairstyling, manicures makeup, said owner Joanna Krouse.
“We love doing this,” Krouse said. “(The girls) have a little more of a smile on their face.”
The salon also provided pink goody bags and balloons for the girls, who chatted with Minger over chocolate cupcakes while they waited for their turn with a stylist.
The girls are part of the Salvation Army’s urban outreach program, Ryan said. The girls selected were the ones who would benefit the most from having the experience.
“They need to know that people are behind them, cheering them on,” he said.
Springfield is one of the many stops on Minger’s journey to the Miss America pageant in January. She chose to participate in the experience because her platform focuses on self-esteem and self-empowerment.
“I’ve had so much fun,” she said. “It’s so wonderful seeing them enjoy themselves.”
For the girls, the experience does provide a needed self-esteem boost, Ryan said.
“The message we want to spend is that they’re worth it, every penny,” he said.

[All photos by Marshall Gorby.]

Pageant Press: Beauty is easy for Miss Ohio 2010

2010-07-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

Beauty is easy for Miss Ohio 2010

Tripp News Daily
Mike Woody
July 21, 2010

Most of the 80,000 in attendance over the weekend at the Vectren Dayton Air Show were dazzled by the display artistry in the air performed by the various planes. Their eyes were glued to the sky, I on the other hand while impressed by the Blue Angels flying 18 inches apart was drawn more to a different sight of beauty. My attention went to Becky Minger, a.k.a..Miss Ohio 2010.

‘It’s not easy being beautiful,’ is a phrase often uttered by women, who are bothered by all the lustful attention received by men and challenged to find matching accessories for every outfit. Their complaints are unwarranted compared to the endless efforts that Miss Ohio must give in representing her crown.

Since being named Miss Ohio a month ago, Minger has already traveled 3,500 miles for speaking engagement and other appearances, in her own car. All while maintaining a natural sparkling smile and radiant glow. Never showing any signs of weariness, but always ready to keep going to the next stop.

More than just a pretty face, and a prized figure, the true gift that Minger possesses is her intelligence and inner beauty. She dispels the notion that beauty pageant contestants are all thoughtless airheads who only know how to balance books atop their head rather than be able to read them. Minger is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a degree in Interpersonal Communications and a minor in Political Science.

Her platform is strong and very dear to her heart, which is ‘Empowering You, Discovering You.’ It focuses on four key points; building a healthy self image, respecting yourself and others, setting goals, and recognizing support. Her mission is to strengthen children with the endless power of believing in themselves.

Self confidence and perseverance got Minger to where she is today. She had tried for Miss Ohio four previous times, but never gave up until her goal was ultimately reached. Next on her agenda is being crowned Miss America, the pageant will be January 15th on ABC.

It might not be easy being beautiful, I will never know, but I can attest that it can be difficult being faced with it. As a credit to Minger, I must make this confession. While meeting with her for the interview I was accompanied by Wendy Bauder, not only as a colleague but also a friend. I’ve known Wendy for over a year; I’ve dined at her house, we’ve walked the streets of Tipp City together, and are even Facebook friends. I know her name as well as my own, but while attempting to introduce her to Miss Ohio I drew a blank. Mind you it was very hot out so that might have had something to do with it as well. Though my memory seemed fine all the rest of the day.

I hope everyone else enjoyed watching the airplanes as much as I did my time with Becky Minger, who makes being beautiful look easy.

Pageant Press: Miss Lake Festival reigns

2010-07-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

Miss Lake Festival reigns
Stansbury selected queen from eight in pageant

The Daily Standard
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010
By Betty Lawrence

CELINA - Devon Stansbury will reign at this weekend's Celina Lake Festival after being crowned Miss Lake Festival 2010 on Monday evening at the Celina Fieldhouse.

Stansbury, 20, is a 2008 graduate of Parkway High School, Rockford, and is the daughter of Steve Stansbury and Marcia Ripley.

Dressed in light pink, Stansbury danced her way across the stage in a contemporary lyrical performance to "Free Fallin" for the talent portion of the scholarship pageant. Her long white gown with glistening halter bodice drew the attention of the five judges in the evening gown portion of the contest, and for the lifestyle and fitness division, Stansbury chose a two-piece aqua swimsuit.

Named first runner-up was Jena Sweigart, 18, a senior at Celina High School. She is the daughter of Jim and Jane Sweigart. Sweigart sang "Poor Wandering One" in the talent portion of the pageant, and her two-piece swimsuit was green. Glittering bands accented the neckline of her long pink gown for the evening gown competition.

The judges selected Rachel Hertenstein, 18, as the second runner-up. She is a 2010 Celina High School graduate and is the daughter of Mike and Sheryl Hertenstein.

Hertenstein performed the Broadway vocal "Show Off" in the talent portion of the competition and chose a strapless long blue gown for the evening gown division. Her two-piece swimsuit was dark blue.

Rounding out the queen's court was third runner-up Samantha Hartings, 18, a 2010 graduate of Coldwater High School. She is the daughter of Marvin and Janice Hartings.

Hartings performed a lyrical dance to "Wait Till You See My Smile" in the talent portion of the competition and wore a bright pink two-piece swimsuit for the lifestyle division.

Last year's Miss Lake Festival Queen, Cayla Hellwarth, crowned the new queen.

Eight young ladies competed for the crown and a chance to move on to the Miss Ohio pageant.
More than $17,000 in scholarships was awarded to contestants. The Western Ohio Education foundation provides $8,000 in matching funds to participants who attend Wright State University-Lake Campus.

As queen, Stansbury won the $3,800 Miss Lake Festival scholarship, as well as the $300 On-Stage Interview award and $200 People's Choice award.

First runner-up Sweigart earned a $1,800 scholarship award and the Fred Thees $600 Interview award.

Second runner-up Hertenstein received a $1,500 scholarship and the $600 Outstanding Talent award. Third runner-up Hartings received a $1,200 scholarship for her effort.

Contestant Emilee Langenkamp received the $600 Commitment to Excellence award and $500 non-finalist award. Also receiving the $500 non-finalist awards were contestants Roxanne Romack, Tori Puthoff and Jocelyn Staugler. Romack also received the $200 Barbara Wagner Memorial Award.

The talent portion of the competition accounted for the largest percentage (35) of the judges' total score. Private interviews held by the judges just prior to the pageant made up 25 percent, while other points came from evening wear, 20; lifestyle and fitness in swimsuit, 15; and on-stage interview, 5.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by Miss Lake Festival 2008 Ellen Bryan, who also served as hostess; 2009 Lake Festival Queen Cayla Hellwarth; and Miss Ohio 2009 Erica Gelhaus.

The pageant was dedicated in memory of Jackie Balfour, who served as pageant director from 1976 to 1993. Balfour passed away June 15, and a new pageant scholarship also was established in her name. Receiving that $150 scholarship was Puthoff.