This year’s Quality of Life finalists were announced yesterday at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas during the 2011 Miss America Pageant Arrival Ceremony. Marking the 90th anniversary of the Miss America Pageant in style, 53 of the most talented, intelligent and beautiful women in the nation arrived in Las Vegas for the 2011 Miss America Pageant presented by DSW. Returning to the Theatre for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino for the sixth consecutive year, the contestants’ arrival kicked off a week of preliminary competitions (interview, lifestyle and fitness, talent and evening wear), culminating in the live telecast on ABC, Saturday, Jan. 15 at 9 p.m. (EST)/tape delay (PST). Before the finalists were announced, the audience was treated to a surprise appearance by Grammy Award-winning group, Boyz II Men, who introduced each contestant to Las Vegas.
On hand to announce the finalists were Mayor Oscar Goodman, City of Las Vegas Mayor; David Hoenemeyer, Vice President and General Manager, Caesars Entertainment Corp.; Terry Jicinsky, vice president of operations, LVCVA; Sam Haskell, III, Chairman of the Board of the Miss America Organization and Art McMaster, President and CEO of the Miss America Organization.
The eight finalists and their personal platform issues are:
Miss Delaware Kayla Martell - Alopecia Areata Support & Awareness
Miss Florida Jaclyn Raulerson - Stop Bullying Now!
Miss Georgia Christina McCauley - "Let's Get it Straight" - Scoliosis Awareness
Miss Maryland Lindsay Staniszewski - Beyond Beauty: Building Self-Esteem and Positive Body Image in Girls
Miss Michigan Katie Lynn LaRoche - Bringin Awareness to Human Trafficking
Miss Minnesota Kathryn Knuttila - Inspiring America
Miss New Jersey Ashleigh Udalovas - Read to Succeed: Improving America's Future through Literacy
Miss Virginia Caitlin Uze - Uniquely You - Building Positive Self-Image
The Quality of Life Awards were introduced in 1988 to recognize contestants who excel in their commitment to community service. In order to be considered for the Quality of Life Award, contestants must submit an application describing their involvement with Children's Miracle Network, the national platform of the Miss America Organization, and their own personal platform issue.
The winner of the Quality of Life Award will receive a $6,000 scholarship, the first runner-up will win a $4,000 scholarship, and the second runner-up will win a $2,000 scholarship. Winners will be announced at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on January 14 during the 3:00 p.m. (PST) press conference.