The #1 Resource for Everything Miss America & MAOTeen
Miss America, President Obama Attend Annual CMN Celebration
Friday, 21 September 2012 09:48
Miss America 2012 Laura Kaeppeler, as the National Goodwill Ambassador for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, was honored to meet the President of the United States Barack Obama and tour the White House while she accompanied the courageous young children representing CMNH. These children, who are all Champions, hail from each state of the nation and show their true spirit as they have overcome their challenges in battling life threatening illnesses. Wednesday, along with Miss America, they had the once in a lifetime opportunity to meet President Obama.
The events in Washington D.C. began on Monday with a visit to the Capitol and a tour of the city. Laura joined the Champions for a private reception at the National Air and Space Museum as special guests and enjoyed a private tour of the museum, which was closed to the public.
The Champions and Laura left Washington D.C. with incredible memories and an experience of a lifetime. As they boarded their plane Wednesday, the memories and new friendships continued as they flew to Orlando, Florida on a private plane donated by Delta Airlines. Once they arrived in the sunshine state, they enjoyed an evening reception to kick off a series of wonderful events to mark the annual Children’s Miracle Network Hospital’s Celebration in Florida.
Thursday, they began their much anticipated visit to Disney’s world famous Magic Kingdom. Laura and the Champions also participated in a satellite media tour and finished up the afternoon with the thrill of being in the Magic Kingdom parade with Miss America as the Grand Marshall.
The trip to Disney was topped off with a special dinner with the loveable Disney characters. The Champions and Laura enjoyed the Disney characters as they mingled, danced, and created some magic.
Following dinner, the much anticipated CMNH Champions Medal Ceremony hosted by Nick Cannon commenced. Miss America and country singer Mark Willis saluted the Champions as they received their medals commemorating their incredible spirit and courage.
Miss America 2012 Laura Kaeppeler and The Miss America Organization are proud to congratulate Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals on an incredible celebration that continues to inspire all of us.
Source: MAO
5 Minutes With...Donna Bozarth
Wednesday, 19 September 2012 10:10
Donna Bozarth is the Miss America Outstanding Teen Chairman of the Board and has been since its beginning in 2005. She says teen contestants who are prepared will have the best experiences of all.
My first experience with the Miss America Organization was in the late 1980s when I was designing and making costumes for a song and dance troupe at Mississippi College. One of the members of the group won the Miss Mississippi College pageant. She could not afford an expensive gown, so I offered to make her one. She didn't win Miss Mississippi, but I was asked to make the same gown for the new Miss Mississippi, Carla Haag. Like most little girls, I grew up watching Miss America and dreamed of being on that stage one day. Well, I never made it, but a dress I designed and made did! So I took my first trip to Atlantic City to see Carla wear my dress and I was hooked.
I started a local miss preliminary (in Florida) called Miss Space Coast and then served on the Miss Florida board for a few years. During that time, I judged several miss state pageants. I continued to attend the Miss America pageant every year and developed some wonderful friendships across the country with the great volunteers who are the backbone of the Miss America organization. It was though those friendships that I was initially contacted about helping to start the teen program. Now, it seems like there are hundreds of teen programs to choose from.
I love our program because of our scholarship opportunities and our connection to the Miss America organization. When looking for a pageant in which to participate, I would recommend looking at their requirements, contracts (very important), and benefits. If a teen is interested in the Miss America system, I would look for every opportunity to compete on the local and state level. To me, successful pageant contestants are those who prepare to do their best and make the most of the experience. Only one will win the crown, but everyone can build on their competition experiences in the future and be the best they can be on whatever stage they choose.
Our goal has always been to develop a top-notch scholarship program for outstanding teens, and to continue to grow our scholarship and our college relationships so more outstanding teens can benefit from this program.
Get more advice from Donna Bozarth when you subscribe to fourpoints!
Photo: Donna Bozarth with Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2012 Elizabeth Fechtel and MAOTeen 2013 contestants. Credit: Allen Dye
Get Mentally Prepared for Competition with Heather Sumlin
Monday, 17 September 2012 15:20
Heather Sumlin, director of customer relations for Mental Management Systems answers your questions about mental preparation!
Can you explain what you mean by mental training?
There are three mental processes that control performance: the conscious mind, the subconscious mind, and self-image. The conscious mind is your thoughts. The subconscious mind is your skills, or how well you prepare. Self-image is your habits and attitudes, your belief in your ability. When these mental processes are balanced and working together well, performance seems easy. When these processes are out of balance, it is very difficult to reach your potential under pressure.
Nerves are really tough for me, especially before I go do my dance. What can I do?
First understand that pressure is essential for success. Elite athletes feel nervous before they compete, too, so this is not something that needs to be feared. Butterflies are normal and natural. In most cases it is not the physical effects of pressure that causes performance to drop, instead it is our negative internal response to the physical effects of pressure. When you feel the butterflies next time try responding positively instead of negatively. We need pressure as fuel to compete to the best of our ability. It is the adrenaline released in our bodies that helps to fuel us toward success. Nerves are actually a good thing; it is simply your body knowing that this event is important to you.
Sometimes during interviews, I seem to forget all of the prep work I've done. Can you help me remember under pressure?
In training you need to be thinking the same way you do on competition day in order to build consistency. We teach clients how to run a mental rehearsal and mental program before each phase of competition. I recommend mock interviews in training but use those mock interviews to gain experience both technically and mentally. Treat each mock interview as your real interview, listen to the same type of music in preparation, have the same mental pictures and thoughts before you walk into the room. Be positive during the interview, your evaluation of your answers is best left for after the interview is over, not during the conversation.
I'm not really a competitive person, but do I need that to win?
I think being a competitive person can help in increasing motivation to train, outworking the competition, and moving quickly toward a goal. But being competitive can also derail a contestant if she focuses too much on what other people are doing and if her main desire is to beat others not build herself. I do not believe that you have to have a competitive personality to win but I do believe you have to train to win and prepare for the competition with focus and drive to have a better probability of success.
Get more advice on how to become mentally prepared when you subscribe to fourpoints!
The Countdown to Vegas Begins!
Friday, 14 September 2012 10:43
The countdown to the crown begins. Witness fifty-three Miss America contestants sweep into Las Vegas in January to begin preliminary competitions!
Be a part of the excitement of the 2013 Miss America Competition live from Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on January 12, 2013 on ABC.
Stay tuned to fourpoints' daily coverage of events and preliminary winners. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for up to the minute reports!
Please visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000 to purchase tickets today. See you there!
Source and photo: MAO
Catch the Asymmetrical Fever
Monday, 10 September 2012 10:00
The summer of 2012 brought a myriad of amazing dress and skirt trends and one of them is asymmetrical “fever.” Before fall kicks in for good, find your asymmetrical skirt or dress and capitalize on this hot trend! To make your life easier, here are a few useful fashion tips on how to choose the best asymmetrical skirt for your body shape:
Both high-end designer labels and cheaper fashion brands offer many stunning designs. First look around in stores and online to see which skirts you can afford to buy
Study your body shape and pick the style that turns you into a real goddess. Thin girls should go for ruffled skirts, and fuller girls should choose a skirt with a short hem reaching the mid part of their legs
Decide on the color and style of the skirt. Asymmetrical skirts come in a variety of shades, feature multiple eye-catching prints and designs
Pay attention to fabrics. If you want a skit to wear more often, choose a skirt with easy-to-care-for machine washable fabric. If you want something to wear on special occasions, choose a more delicate fabric.
Make sure you’ve chosen the right size. Just because the tag says one thing, the fit of the skirt may say another. Wearing your correct size will compliment your body and be more comfortable too!
For more style tips, subscribe to fourpoints!
Source: Armine Karapetyan
MAOTeen Rachel Wyatt in the News!
Thursday, 06 September 2012 15:10
Newly crowned Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2013 Rachel Wyatt appeared on WLTX's Friends at Five show out of Columbia, South Carolina after winning the title in August. The South Carolina teen returned home to not only begin her senior year of high school, but to represent the MAOTeen Organization as the ambassador and spokesperson. Rachel's hometown news station WSPA out of Greenville, South Carolina featured the teen as she returned to school. Click here to get a behind the scenes look at Rachel's everyday life as a senior at Wren High School.
Following the final competition, the MAOTeen Organization was featured on NBC Daytime Show. Viewed in more than 120 markets nationwide, NBC Daytime Show is geared towards daily lifestyles and entertainment content. Click here to watch the segment featuring MAOTeen's Director of Communications Jessica Scheuler!
Jessica talked with show hosts about MAOTeen as a scholarship organization and said her hope is to grow this point of the crown.
"We hear so many great stories of girls that could not have gone to college without our program," Jessica says. "One of my big initiatives as director of communications is to grow our scholarship program."
Jessica says there is more to the crown than beauty. Academic success, talent, and communication skills are also added into each contestant's score.
"There's so many different aspects that make a Miss America's Outstanding Teen, and it's truly what she can bring forth as far as her community service, her speaking skills, and how well she can represent our organization throughout the year," she says.
Rachel Wyatt overall is a relatable everyday teenager, and Jessica says she is a natural fit for MAOTeen 2013.
Source and photo: MAOTeen
Scholarship Foundation to Crown 60th Miss New Bedford
Tuesday, 04 September 2012 12:30
The Miss New Bedford Scholarship Program is moving rapidly toward the crowning of Miss New Bedford 2013 at an historic sixtieth pageant on September 23. The first Miss New Bedford, Judith Drake (1954), went on to capture the title of Miss Massachusetts and compete for the title of Miss America. Eventually, over the years, a total of five titleholders won the title of Miss Massachusetts. Pageant co-Chairperson and former Miss New Bedford Donna Wirzburger (1981), emphasized the importance of the Miss America Program.
“It is an amazing opportunity for these young women as well as a dynamic foundation to build personal and professional skills while receiving scholarship money for furthering their education," Donna says. "There are just so many positive things to say about this program.”
The current Miss New Bedford, Marlena Johnson (pictured), is an honors graduate of New Bedford High School, and is using her scholarships to continue her scholastic endeavors. An accomplished vocalist, she was selected the very first New Bedford Idol winner in 2009. Employed by the New Bedford Public School District as the Homeless Education Support and Data Specialist she has worked closely with the school system’s “Where are YOU Headed?” initiative, which focuses on three key factors to success: attending school, staying in school, and graduating. Marlena was awarded third runner-up at the Miss Massachusetts Pageant in June 2012.
The Greater New Bedford Scholarship Foundation, sponsors of the pageant, noted that throughout the past fifty-nine years, contestants have been awarded more than $120,000 by this local pageant. In addition, this year’s contestants will share $10,000 in scholarship assistance.
Also continuing in this historic pageant is the local’s very popular Princess Program, which allows young girls, five to eleven years of age, to participate in the Miss New Bedford Pageant both in on-stage productions and through mentoring sessions with the reigning Miss New Bedford and this year’s contestants. The 2013 program will host forty-four young “Princesses” during pageant week.
For additional information about the Miss New Bedford or Princess programs please call 508-971-9564, e-mail, or click here to check out the website.
Source and photo: Mike McCormack
Catalina Named Official 2013 Swimwear Sponsor
Thursday, 30 August 2012 12:41
The Miss America Organization announced this month that Catalina, the original sponsor of the Miss America Pageant in the 1940s, will be the official swimwear sponsor of the 2013 Miss America competition, airing live on ABC Television, Saturday, January 12, 2013, from Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.
The partnership between Miss America and Catalina celebrates the rich history of the two iconic brands, with Catalina’s classic swimwear highlighting the strength and beauty of the fifty-three women taking part in the annual event.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Catalina as our 2013 official swimwear sponsor,” said Art McMaster, President and CEO of the Miss America Organization. “As we prepare for this year’s Miss America competition, we are proud to have our contestants introduce the new Miss America by Catalina collection. Catalina’s dynamic swimwear styles will add a fresh, new dimension to our Lifestyle and Fitness Competition this year.”
Catalina, a division of New York based In Mocean Group, is one of the most renowned names in the swimwear industry. With a history steeped in the glamour of Old Hollywood, Catalina brings its iconic retro-inspired style to the 2013 Miss America competition, with the first ever, custom-designed Miss America by Catalina collection that will be featured on all fifty-three contestants during the celebrated lifestyle and fitness competition.
Catalina’s design inspiration for the Miss America by Catalina collection combines retro glamour, modern styling, and classic beauty. Sophisticated jewel tone colors and embellishments are central to the collection, giving the suits and contestants stage presence and the stylish ease associated with the Miss America competition. The designs include youthful and fashionable silhouettes including bandeau tops, triangle bikinis, and one-pieces with cut-outs. Catalina will provide all fifty-three contestants with custom-made styles, which they will select for the competition.
Source: MAO Photo: 1939 Miss America Patricia Donnelly
More than Appearance
Tuesday, 28 August 2012 15:08
The pageant is over. The titleholders have been crowned. The scholarships have been awarded. After a week or two of pageant detox, your mind begins to wonder about next year's pageant, overflowing with questions like, "How can I get more contestants? How can I sell out the auditorium? How do I secure sponsors for next year?"
The answer to all of these questions lies within one simple solution: pageant appearances. Pageantry is based on one thing and one thing only: the young women. If you have the young women, you will have the money; you will get sponsors, and then by default, you will increase the attendance at your next pageant. Contestants bring the money, the success, and more young women.
Pageant appearances are the secret that will not only increase young women's skills in public events, but will also create for you the opportunity to achieve your business goals. Here are some tips to get you started:
Get Your Titleholders Appearances
Write down everyone you know who might be able to get your titleholder an appearance. Include the teacher you know who volunteers for the Red Cross, the manager who has a friend that works for a sports team, a car salesman at a local dealership, and every politician in your state. Next to each name, write why they should have your miss or teen appear at their business or function. Will she help sales? Increase attendance? Add professionalism or status to the event? Start calling the people on your list and be confident, yet friendly.
Capitalize on Your Titleholders' Appearances
After your titleholder is booked for her event, your sole purpose in life should be to make their function an absolute success. If they want more people to attend, call everyone you know and ask them to attend. If they need more sales, creatively connect them with other businesses that might be able to help increase their bottom line. After the event, your titleholder should send them a thank you card letting them know how much she appreciated letting her participate. Be sure to record the contact information of every person who booked your miss for an appearance. This way, in the years to follow, you can not only rebook those appearances but also ask for referrals.
Use Appearances to Get More Girls to Compete
During the appearance, you as the director should be taking hundreds of photos. Take pictures of your titleholder sampling their product, signing autographs, and talking to the guests. Throughout the event you should upload one or two of the best and most interest pictures onto Twitter with silly camptions like, "Miss ___ gets pie in her face." Twitter is like a radio broadcast, so your text needs to be witty and catchy for it to stand out among the other distractions. After the event, upload the rest of the photos onto Facebook, Pinterest, and ThePageantPlanet.com to really maximize your exposure. Getting your pictures on as many websites as possible is crucial to your success.
Appearances are where you make your money, increase your attendance, and find more young women, but most directors will not discover this because there is no immediate money associated with an appearance. However, appearances are where the treasure of success is buried. Your title holder is a powerful and willing spokesmodel that can promote your pageant.
Read more tips on increasing your numbers in the August/September issue of fourpoints!
Source: Steven Roddy Photo: April M. Foster
Miss South Carolina's Outstanding Teen Named MAOTeen 2013
Sunday, 19 August 2012 00:34
In the end only one teen wears the crown, but there were fifty-three smiles worn on stage Saturday night. Surrounded by friends from states across the nation, Miss South Carolina’s Outstanding Teen Rachel Yuki Wyatt was crowned Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2013.
Unlike preliminary competitions held throughout the week, Saturday night finals walked contestants through a new routine. A Top Twelve group was singled out right away including judges’ top ten picks and two contestants selected in the America’s Choice voting contest-Miss New Mexico’s Outstanding Teen, Natalie Benson and Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen, Janae Calaway. America’s Choice winners each received a $1,000 scholarship.
The remaining top twelve contestants were: Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen, Jameson Kenerly, Miss Oklahoma’s Outstanding Teen, Julianne Thomison, Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen, Jaine Coann LeFebvre, Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen, Molly May, Miss Texas’ Outstanding Teen, Margana Wood, Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen, Andolyn Medina, Miss Maryland’s Outstanding Teen, Kennedy Taylor, Miss South Carolina’s Outstanding Teen, Rachel Yuki Wyatt, Miss California’s Outstanding Teen, Grace Lee Grant, and Miss Arkansas’ Outstanding Teen, Laura Leigh Turner.
The fourth runner up, Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen, was awarded a $2,000 scholarship. The third runner up, Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen, was awarded a $5,000 scholarship. The second runner up, Miss Arkansas’ Outstanding Teen, was awarded an $8,000 scholarship. The first runner up, Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen, was awarded a $12,000, and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2013 Rachel Yuki Wyatt was awarded a $25,000 scholarship.
Among other awards given during the awards ceremony and after party following the program was the Jenn Cady Miss Photogenic scholarship in the amount of $500. The award was given to Miss Wyoming’s Outstanding Teen, Jessica Power. In addition, she will be featured on the cover of fourpoints magazine in February.
Two new scholarships were awarded this year for talent in the instrumental arts. Miss Utah’s Outstanding Teen, Jessica Richards and Miss Kentucky’s Outstanding Teen, Lauren Bohl received these scholarships for their piano performances.
Other scholarships:
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$1,000 for scholastic excellence was awarded to Miss Colorado’s Outstanding Teen, Molly Casey for her 4.9 GPA. She is number one in her class.
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$1,000 for academic achievement based on GPA and resume was awarded to Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen, Jameson Kenerly.
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$1,000 for community service and work with the Children’s Miracle Network was awarded to Miss West Virginia’s Outstanding Teen, Morgan Breeden
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Top Ad Sales scholarship recipients included Miss Texas’ Outstanding Teen, Margana Wood who received $1,000; Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen, Jameson Kenerly who received $1,000, and Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen, Janae Calaway who received $1,500.
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$1,000 was awarded to Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen, Shannon Ryan for the Spirit of America Award.
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$500 was awarded to Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen, Andolyn Medina for Teens in Action.
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$500 was awarded to Miss Utah’s Outstanding Teen, Jessica Richards for non-finalist evening gown.
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$500 was awarded to Miss Tennessee’s Outstanding Teen, Haley Butler for non-finalist interview.
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Several other scholarships were awarded to contestants from Auburn University, Troy University, Hollins University, and Nova Southeastern University. Miss Virginia's Outstanding Teen Andolyn Medina, Miss Colorado's Outstanding Teen Molly Casey, and Miss South Carolina's Oustanding Teen Rachel Yuki Wyatt were awarded full ride scholarships to Hollins University.
As the evening concluded for MAOTeen contestants, attendees, and enthusiasts, the year is only just beginning for Rachel Yuki Wyatt. Through tears she thanked her fellow contestants, her home state’s organization, and most of all, her family.
“Thank you all so much,” she said. “I’m so excited about this up-coming year.”
Written by: Erika Fifelski, fourpoints staff writer. Photo: Allen Dye