fourpoints Magazine

The #1 Resource for Everything Miss America & MAOTeen

CatalinaCatalina will feature a daily post on Facebook–53 Days with the Miss America Contestants–beginning today, November 14.

This daily post will introduce one contestant per day via a Facebook Tab created specifically for this feature, with a Q&A for how each contestant is preparing physically for the Lifestyle and Fitness Competition. Get to know each contestant personally each day, and see what their favorite workout routines are, what keeps them motivated, and how they stay confident in Catalina Swimwear.

The exclusive content will be visible to fans of Catalina, and new fans will be prompted to like the page to see the content once they visit www.facebook.com/catalinaswimwear. Once you like the page, you can click on the tab that will feature the Q&A with each contestant. In addition to the Facebook Tab, updates will be posted on Catalina's Twitter and Facebook pages. Catalina will be featuring one contestant per week on their website www.CatalinaSwim.com.

This week Catalina will be featuring the following Miss America contestants:

Miss Alabama: Wednesday, 11/14
Miss Alaska: Thursday, 11/15
Miss Arizona: Friday, 11/16
Miss Arkansas: Saturday, 11/17
Miss California: Sunday, 11/18
Miss Colorado: Monday, 11/19
Miss Connecticut: Tuesday, 11/20

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 competing in this year’s annual event.

The 2013 Miss America Competition will broadcast live from Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas on Saturday, January 12, 2013 on ABC.

Source: MAO

MAO Lasts a Lifetime

Monday, 12 November 2012 12:35

0401Lynnae Thurik Benson, Miss Washington 1990, shares her experience of how the Miss America Organization helped shape her goals and life.

The timeless question, “Where do you see yourself five, ten, fifteen years from now?” Yes, I have been asked that very question in my private interview before, but I can tell you that on the evening of June 23, 1990, when I was crowned Miss Washington 1990, that question was the furthest thing from my mind. Years later, just one day short of my twenty-second anniversary as Miss Washington, I was seated in the audience as the parent of the newly crowned Miss New Mexico’s Outstanding Teen 2012. I knew that my daughter’s life would now be changed forever. The opportunities ahead for her just quadrupled in the blink of an eye. The Miss America Organization not only provided me with a greater voice but continues to bless my life with the opportunities now ahead for my daughter.

I competed for a number of years before I achieved my dream of competing in the Miss America Pageant. I had just started my career in advertising when I earned the title of Miss Washington. I took a leave of absence from my job to serve my state. The skills I gained during my year of service really paid off when I returned to the world of advertising. I now had better command of a room and my presentation skills in front of my clients were brilliantly sharp. My career in advertising took me from newspaper, to television, to the advertising agency arena. My participation in the Miss America Organization instilled in me the importance of staying relevant. I was different from other representatives in the advertising business because I could both sell and produce creative; I learned to make myself pertinent. I still strive to increase my personal equity of what I can bring to any individual or organization every day. 

Through the Miss America Organization I have definitely found my place in the circle of life. Igniting a passion to serve within young people and helping them find their own voice continues to play a significant role in my life. 

Catch up with former titleholders in every issue of fourpoints magazine! Subscribe today!

IMG959031Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2013 Rachel Wyatt walked the red carpet at the forty-sixth annual Country Music Awards on Thursday, November 1. On the red carpet, she met celebrities including CMA host Carrie Underwood and the legendary Willie Nelson, who was honored at the event with a special musical tribute. The show was hosted by Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley and was held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Rachel was dressed by Regalia Magnificent Apparel of Orlando, Florida.

As Country Music's biggest stars came together on Thursday evening, Rachel was the guest of ABC, Miss America's television partner, along with Miss America 2012 Laura Kaeppeler who was also invited to walk the red carpet and be part of this star studded evening in the Bridgestone Arena.

Rachel_WillieNThursday afternoon before walking the red carpet at the CMA Awards, Rachel received a makeover fit for music royalty by Taylor Waggoner Roark and Studio 157 Salon and Spa. She was then treated to a fabulous and fun photo shoot by Jenn Cady of Jenn Cady Design Photography.

To read more about Rachel's trip be sure to check out her blog.

Source and photos: MAOTeen

Black is the New Pink

Monday, 29 October 2012 15:43

IMG_0453bBlack is the new pink on the pageant runway, so said the fashion enthusiasts in Atlanta’s fall marketplace, and so say the trends hitting racks come spring. Prepare for a classic take on evening gowns that will still make a fashion statement with high necklines and keyhole backs. 

Jennifer Howe Rogan is the owner of So Sweet Boutique, and along with her stylist Stephanie Smith, she’s anticipating fashion statements reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn this spring.

“I feel like we’re making some milestones in fashion, but going back to our roots,” she says.

Think Breakfast at Tiffany’s when you’re out hunting for your evening gown. Low-cut necklines and daring slitted skirts a thing of the past. The modesty panel makes covering up the trend of 2013.

Hairstyles are evolving to match the trend of intricacy in dress design, and Miss contestants can be more elaborate. If you’re in a Teen or Miss competition, make appointments with your hairdresser ahead of time to try new styles that match the current trends. Make note of the time it takes to do each style so you’re ready for quick, backstage changes.

Can’t bring your own personal stylist to the pageant? See if she will give you a few tips on doing your own hair.

“I’m willing to go and teach my clients and show them how to do it. It’s hard if you don’t know how to do it yourself, but your stylist may offer. Don’t hesitate to ask,” Stephanie says.

 The same concept can be applied to makeup, although no matter your age, don’t go too elaborate, especially with the blush.

“That’s the biggest thing (girls) make mistakes on, putting it on wrong,” says Jennifer. “Go to the mall and make an appointment with a makeup artist. Buy the products and have them do your makeup. It’s cheap, and then you can get the products suggested for (your skin tone).”

Get more tips and tricks on pageant style when you subscribe to fourpoints!

Teen and Miss titleholders in Puerto Rico are keeping their schedules packed as of late, but for a good cause. Miss Puerto Rico 2012, Kiaraliz Medina and Miss Puerto Rico's Outstanding Teen 2012 Dayaneira Figueroa are walking the walk and talking the talk to promote organizations like the Children's Miracle Network.

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Miss Puerto Rico 2012, Kiaraliz Medina, was recently at CMNH San Jorge’s Children’s Hospital participating in their ‘Reading Marathon’ where volunteers read books to the patients.


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Miss Puerto Rico 2012, Kiaraliz Medina, was a guest at the third annual Triathlon for Life benefiting the San Jorge Children’s Hospital Foundation. Here she is with the Without a Trace actress Roselyn Sanchez and Roselyn’s actor husband Eric Winter.

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Miss Puerto Rico 2012, Kiaraliz Medina, walked the runway for a good cause. She recently participated in “Runway for Hope” benefiting “Hogar Clara Lair” a safe house for victims of Domestic Violence. Photo: Luis Fosse

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Miss Puerto Rico's Outstanding Teen 2012, Dayaneira Figueroa, was recently at CMNH San Jorge’s Children’s Hospital participating in their ‘Reading Marathon’ where volunteers read books to the patients.

Source: Miss Puerto Rico Scholarship Organization

Polo_Match_high_res_resizeMiss America's Outstanding Teen 2013 and South Carolina native, Rachel Wyatt, attended the first annual Greenville Polo Classic on October 21 at the Hopkins Historic Farm in Simpsonville, South Carolina. The first ever Polo Classic was held to benefit the Greenville Hospital System's Neurological Institute.

Rachel attended the luncheon held before the match to greet sponsors and dignified guests. She said, "I have never been to a polo match before and was clueless as to how the game was played, so learning about the game while attending this event was a real treat for me!" Not only did she thoroughly enjoy watching the players while gaining a better understanding of polo, but Rachel also had the opportunity to meet with many South Carolina State Representatives and the Chairman of the Polo Classic Steering Committee.

In addition, Rachel was able to announce alongside a local television personality, WYFF news anchor John Cessarich, to thank the numerous sponsors that contributed to the event.

"Thousands of dollars were raised for this worthwhile cause while a new sport was introduced to the Upstate, and I am glad that I was able to be a part of it," Rachel said.

For more information on Rachel Wyatt, visit her blog at www.maoteen.org/blog.

Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization is the “little sister” organization of the Miss America Scholarship Organization. This not-for-profit program has made available more than $4 million in college scholarships nationally to young women from 13 to 17 years of age. For more information about the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization, please go to www.maoteen.org.

Source and Photo: MAOTeen

219226_203785506322329_2226583_oLocal Michigan pageant director and business owner Noddea Skidmore is calling for support. Her business, Stiletto Sweets, is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and it's in the running for local financial support, but Noddea needs your endorsement. Interested in helping out a fellow pageant enthusiast? Read what she has to say:

"...My cake and cupcake business called Stiletto Sweets is pursuing a venture capital investment opportunity through an organization called 'Start Garden.' It's awesome, and innovative–they give weekly start-up funds to new ideas and budding businesses each week. Last week, I gave it a whirl, and my gut says I came close. Of the two "winners" each week (they don't call them winners, but please, it's winning) the Start Garden team chooses an idea and the public chooses an idea through online endorsements. The ideas that get $5K investments come back and present what they did with their $5K between sixty to ninety days later, and then the Start Garden team decides which ideas should get $20K. This repeats. The team will invest up to half a million dollars in a single idea. Therefore, I think you probably can tell why I am not ready to give up yet. Even though things didn't work in my favor last time, I think we CAN make it happen.

It's a numbers game for that public endorsement... so it comes down to endorsing, sharing, and encouraging others to do the same. However, my time is limited. You can only re-submit an idea so many times. ...For those that are willing to help, I promise that I won't forget about you. This business isn't just about me. Stiletto Sweets is about everyone who gets to enjoy it."

Here's how to participate: 

  • Click here to go to the Stiletto Sweets endorsement page
  • Click "ENDORSE" then leave a reply (Noddea's goal is one hundred replies by Wednesday)
  • Share this link via Twitter and Facebook, and encourage people to endorse too
  • Deadline: 11:59 a.m. on Thursday of this week

Source: Noddea Skidmore

Get Real About the Swimsuit

Friday, 19 October 2012 09:54

Okay ladies we all know that if you want to compete in the Miss America Organization you have to wear a swimsuit on stage and it is not always the most comfortable phase of competition for young ladies. So here are a few tips to make it as easy as possible.

Make sure you put the time in to become physically fit. You do not have to be a size zero to fit in with all the girls but make sure you take the time to tone your body. Run a few miles don’t worry about the time or pace just go and set a goal for yourself. Work on other things as well, one hundred crunches a day can do a lot for your body. In the end, you will feel better about yourself.

Picking out a swimsuit you feel comfortable in is a must! If you feel like a million dollars in your suit it will show on stage. Your swimsuit does not have to be the most expensive suit either, it’s what you feel best in and look good in. You are judged on your confidence, not how much your swimsuit cost.

Lastly, butt glue. This is KEY in competing in swimsuit and you would be shocked at how many women do not use this. Butt glue is used to make sure your cheeks don’t make any surprise appearances. Nobody wants that! Knowing everything is locked into place will make you feel much more confident and you won’t have that awkward moment of having to debate whether to pick that wedgie or not.

Hope these were helpful in making swimsuit less scary and more fun!

Written by: Alexandra Kramer is a Michigan MAO contestant. She won her first title, Miss Sunrise Side Teen 2009, when she was 14 years old. She won the Miss Shoreline's Outstanding Teen 2011 title, and competed in the Miss Michigan's Outstanding Teen pageant. At 17 years old, Alexandra was the youngest miss contestant competing at the state level. She writes a pageant blog called 741 Austrian Rhinestones.

Get Advice on Pageant Preparation

Monday, 15 October 2012 11:45

Elizabeth McGlynn at Professional Pageant Preparation, LLC, answers your questions about choosing your platform!

Q: What is your advice to a contestant new to MAO/MAOTeen about choosing and establishing a platform? Does my platform have to be marketable or just be something I am interested in?

Selecting a platform can be intimidating. Think about your personal reason(s) as to why you volunteer in your community. Perhaps it relates to a family member or friend. Choose something you are passionate about–and yet, has to matter and be marketable to the general population! For example, being passionate about keeping the arts program in your school system is definitely important to your High school, give it a broader base. How is it important to all students across the state or the country to keep these programs in schools? 

Q: What is the most common mistake you see when it comes to platforms? What are the judges and directors looking for in a platform?

The most common mistake: Having a great idea and doing nothing toward implementing it. Think of creating your platform in three steps:

First: Determine the cause you want to become involved with and why it is important to you. Judges want to know why you selected your particular platform issue, and having a personal reason tells the judges you just didn’t come up with this three weeks ago in order to have a ‘platform’ for a pageant.

Second: You MUST have done something for your platform. Look back at the community service you have already done. Most girls find they have a ‘platform’ because of the amount of community service already completed. Schedule speaking engagements at every opportunity before schools, church or civic groups wherever your message might be best received and develop your own materials, literature, or programs to support your platform. Even if you have only done one thing, this shows judges and directors you are taking definitive steps to get your platform started.

Third: Have a plan of action for the future like events to take place. Create a website showcasing your events and plans with links to national organizations related to your particular platform. Have a clear idea of  how to involve others and look ahead to see what you could accomplish in the broader picture if you go on to the state or national level working in partnership with the backing of your local or state board behind you.

Get more advice from pageant experts when you subscribe to fourpoints!


Networking for Success

Monday, 08 October 2012 16:37

Every Miss America local, state, and national titleholder needs to know how to network and work a room. From fundraising events and cocktail parties, to pancake breakfasts and Rotary club meetings, you will make dozens, if not hundreds of appearances. Having strong networking skills will help you build relationships in the world of pageantry, in your community, and in your field of expertise. Here are some tips for successful networking during your year of service.

Enter with a positive attitude: Approach social events with an air of excitement that tells people you want to be present and engaged. If you appear disinterested, no one will be compelled to talk to you.

Take risks: Be willing to take risks and introduce yourself to people you don’t know. People will appreciate that you took the first step and will be impressed with your self-awareness and confidence. By engaging with others in an active way, you show that you genuinely care about the community you seek to represent. If you don’t get the response you hoped for, that’s ok. Don’t take it personally and graciously move on to someone else.

Be a good listener: As pageant competitors, you are taught to constantly sell who you are and what you have to offer. Don’t forget to be humble and listen up from time to time. Make sure the conversation has a good give and take. Ask questions and listen to the answers. Be vibrant with your facial expressions and make good eye contact.

Learn names: As a titleholder, you live in the spotlight. Therefore, you will meet hundreds of people who will likely already know your name. You have the difficult task of remembering the names of hundreds of volunteers and community leaders. Addressing people by name when you speak to them shows that you have taken a genuine interest in them. As you develop a rapport, learn the names of their children, parents, or spouse. Know who the people are behind the scenes, including local and state directors, sponsors, and volunteers.

As a pageant contestant, you need to be “on” all the time. You face a very delicate balance between exuding confidence and projecting arrogance. It’s important to be relatable and approachable at all times. Your success is dependent upon building quality relationships as you strive to be a leader in any community, let alone pageantry. Embrace your pageant community at the state, local and/or national level by becoming an active part of it. Having good networking skills will help you represent yourself and the Miss America Organization in a positive light.

Get more tips on networking when you subscribe to fourpoints!

Written by: Amanda Beagle is a fourpoints magazine contributor.