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Dates Announced for the 2014 Miss America Organization Competition
Thursday, 21 March 2013 10:47
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie welcomed back the world’s most famous scholarship competition for young women to its New Jersey birthplace, Atlantic City. Gov. Christie announced that the date for the beloved pageant is Sunday, September 15. The official announcement was made with the Miss America Organization, along with Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, the Atlantic City Alliance, and the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority.
The Miss America pageant’s return to her home in Atlantic City, New Jersey, will be a thirteen-day event following Labor Day weekend and will include three nights of preliminary competitions taking place September 10, 11, and 12 at Boardwalk Hall. This historic return to Atlantic City will be a monumental event, complete with the much-anticipated Miss America "Show Us Your Shoes Parade" to be held on the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk, Saturday, September 14.
Sam Haskell, III, chairman of the board for the Miss America Organization, stated: “We are so excited to announce the date, and sincerely thank Gov. Chris Christie and the state of New Jersey and Atlantic City for their help in bringing Miss America home. We look forward to creating an incredible new era for our organization as we return to Atlantic City on September 15th, live on ABC! We are now looking forward to creating the most exciting television event ever for Miss America’s return home with the support of our network partner ABC. We know it will be a spectacular television event.”
“This September, we will be proud to showcase Atlantic City and Miss America together on network television. Miss America has evolved into a national pastime, and our organization enables over twelve thousand young women to participate in our scholarship program, each and every year. We know that the country will embrace our return to our birthplace and experience a new and very relevant Miss America,” stated Miss America’s President and CEO Art McMaster.
Tickets for the Miss America 2014 Competition will be on sale soon. Watch for the on-sale date in May, by visiting the Miss America Organization’s website.
Board action by the CRDA and the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority finalized the multiyear agreement that brings Miss America back to Atlantic City. The CRDA, ACCVA, and the Atlantic City Alliance all played key roles in forging the agreement that will attract even more tourists from around the world to America’s premier gaming and vacation destination.
The Miss America Competition is the latest of several world-class events to come to New Jersey. New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium will host the National Football League’s Super Bowl XLVII, February 2, 2014. MetLife Stadium will also host WrestleMania XXIX on Sunday, April 7, 2013, and will include WrestleMania Week activities, such as WrestleMania Axxess, the 2013 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and Monday Night Raw. The 2012 season of NBC’s America’s Got Talent television show was held at and broadcast live from the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. New Jersey will host Formula 1 racing in Weehawken in June 2014, and the 2014 Special Olympics USA National Games will be held in Mercer County.
The Miss America Organization is one of the nation's leading achievement programs and the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations made available more than $45 million in scholarship assistance.
Source: Miss America Organization
MAO and MAOTeen Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity NYC
Wednesday, 20 March 2013 10:36
Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan teamed up with Habitat for Humanity – New York City (Habitat-NYC) Friday, March 15, to participate in a day of service as part of her 2013 Homecoming Celebration. She was joined by fellow pageant contestants Skyler Kamaka (Miss Hawaii), Mariah Cary (Miss Iowa), Alicia Clifton (Miss Oklahoma), Ali Rogers (Miss South Carolina), Rosemary Willis (Miss Virginia), Shannon Oliver (Miss New York), and Alexis Madden (Miss Wyoming), as well as Rachel Wyatt (Miss America Outstanding Teen 2013).
Together, they helped paint and brighten the Corsi Senior Center in East Harlem, and made a positive impact on the lives of New Yorkers. Their volunteer work was part of a “Brush with Kindness” project, one of Habitat-NYC’s many community revitalization initiatives.
“The Miss America Organization’s commitment to giving back to the community is well-known, and Habitat-NYC is honored to have Miss America and her fellow contestants volunteer with us,” said Neil Hetherington, CEO of Habitat for Humanity – New York City. “Their hard work today will bring a brighter future for the hundreds of people who use the Corsi Senior Center. By building today, Miss America and each of the state representatives are leading by example and inspiring thousands of others to give back to their communities.”
“I am so proud today to be a part of the Habitat for Humanity – New York City event on behalf of the Miss New York Scholarship Organization and The Miss America Organization to celebrate our day of service. It’s so rewarding to see the revitalization of the Corsi Senior Center, which is such a wonderful environment for New Yorkers who use the center. The Miss America Organization has a long history of volunteering and community service. And I am so happy to be continuing this great tradition,” stated Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan.
Habitat for Humanity – New York City is the largest builder of Habitat homes in the Northeast, and thousands of volunteers build with Habitat-NYC each year. Each homebuyer contributes at least two hundred volunteer hours as part of his or her partnership.
About Habitat for Humanity – New York City
Habitat for Humanity – New York City transforms lives and our city by building quality homes for families in need and by uniting all New Yorkers around the cause of affordable housing. With the help of thousands of volunteers every year, Habitat-NYC has built more than two hundred sixty affordable homes in the five boroughs of New York City. To volunteer, donate, or learn more, visit Habitatnyc.org or call 212-991-4000. Contact Carly Blatt at 212-991-4000, ext. 344, or at cblatt@habitatnyc.org.
Source: Valerie Clemens
Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2013 Rachel Wyatt Seen on Good Morning America
Monday, 18 March 2013 16:52
Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2013 Rachel Wyatt visited New York City over the weekend, for Miss America's Homecoming Celebration. On Friday she visited GMA Live, an online segment of Good Morning America hosted by ABC's Josh Elliott, Lara Spencer, and Sam Champion. Rachel was seen by viewers during an interview with the reigning Miss America, Mallory Hagan. Click here to view Friday's segment featuring Rachel.
During her trip to NYC, Rachel also visited the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge, and attended the Broadway show, Breakfast at Tiffany's. In addition to sightseeing, Rachel met with more than fifty children at the "Miss America & Me" youth leadership breakfast and spoke at the welcome reception for Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan's Homecoming celebration.
To keep up with Rachel's travels, please visit her blog at www.maoteen.org/blog.
Source and photos: MAOTeen
Working to Promote Arts Education
Wednesday, 13 March 2013 09:37
In 2014, Donna Axum Whitworth will celebrate her fiftieth anniversary of being crowned Miss America 1964. But she never strayed far away from the crown. In fact, she is more involved than ever, especially as of 2004, when she was voted onto the Miss America Organization board of directors—the first former titleholder to hold the post.
As first vice chairman of the board and a member of the state license committee and judges committee, Donna is responsible for overseeing just about every aspect of the comings and goings of local, state, and national competitions. Most recently, at the 2013 Miss America pageant, Donna coordinated the judges panel that chose Mallory Hagan as the current titleholder. On the state licensing committee, Donna works to ensure that every pageant, no matter how small, is in line with the rules and regulations set forth by the organization. Above all, Donna ensures that the educational component of MAO is carried through from coast to coast. “The educational component is really what drives us,” she said. “The future of our country is dependent upon the excellence we can create in these women.”
When she is not dedicating her time to work with MAO, Donna is working to enhance art appreciation. She serves on six boards related to performing arts and arts education, including the Texas Women for the Arts, an organization Donna established and founded. The organization provides grants for various art institutions, to further their endeavors. The concept is simple, Donna said: With each $1,000 membership fee, members are given one vote, and during an annual meeting, they are presented with grant proposals completed by various arts organizations located across the country. From these proposals, members vote, and grants are bestowed. “We’ve been in existence for five years, and we are nearing the $800,000 mark in grants awarded to the arts.”
Donna also helps to coordinate annual ladies’ trips throughout the United States, to visit museums, orchestras, symphonies, and performances. Most recently during a trip to El Paso, Donna’s group watched a children’s performance that brought tears to her eyes. “It’s the most fascinating thing I’ve seen,” she said. The performance was a combination of song and dance, and included four hundred students displaying “all positive things kids need to learn.” After the show, Donna asked organizers how the students were able to work together and transition through the performance so flawlessly. The secret, they said, was using sign language to cue the students. “It was a beautiful example of the impact the arts have on not only the education of the individual,” Donna, “but self-confidence kids have in themselves from belonging to that group.”
Art is extremely important to Donna, who could hardly fathom a world without it. “Can you imagine any national ceremony without musical instrumentation?” asks Donna, who has been singing her entire life. (She began in the church choir and performed her talent on the Miss America stage.) “Every aspect of our lives is impacted by and represented through music and the arts. It’s the expression of our human existence. It’s how history was recorded on the cave walls.”
Stay up to date with more Miss America Organization celebrities in every issue of fourpoints magazine!
Written by: Erika Fifelski, fourpoints staff writer
Miss America Visits Amway
Friday, 08 March 2013 08:44
Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan visited the Amway Corporation headquarters this week where she got to make her very own lipstick—a color she named "Crown Hytes." There's a crown on my head, and Hytes is my middle name, Mallory said. Learning what goes into making custom lipstick colors was "super fun," Mallory said. Amway sent Mallory away with the lipstick she created, and although there was a lot that went on behind the scenes she didn't know about before, there is one rule Mallory lives by when it comes to lipstick. "You can never have your lipstick too shiny," she said.
Click here to watch the video of Mallory's lipstick-making experience!
Choosing the Perfect Talent Costume
Wednesday, 06 March 2013 10:29
All eyes are on you. The lights are shining and the music starts. Your well-practiced routine begins. The talent competition is a vital part of any pageant; it displays the dedication and technique of individual contestants. But it also exemplifies style: What you wear to display your talent could make or break the performance. Take the advice of costume designer Theresa Adams, and choose something that will make you proud—and comfortable—in the spotlight.
The first step in choosing a talent costume is to consider your music. Is it a slow beat or a quick tempo? Will the song remind judges and audience members of anything? “You want to interpret the music without being too literal or too obvious,” Adams said. For example, if your talent is dancing an Irish jig, you don’t necessarily have to deck yourself out in an all-green, shamrock-covered outfit. If the music is Latin-inspired, don’t limit yourself to red and black fabrics. “Interpret your music more loosely, to show more creativity.”
Another tip to keep in mind is to choose a costume that fits your body type. If you have a small waist and fuller hips, Adams suggests avoiding anything that will synch the waist and flare at the hips, such as a full skirt or a short hot pant. Instead, “accentuate your positives. What are your most popular elements? If you have elegant hands, hold your hands in a way that makes them stand out throughout your talent. Point your fingers, or wear rhinestones or anything that draws attention to the hands.”
Above all, Adams notes it is important to feel comfortable and confident in your costume. How you look will affect your performance. “If she knows she looks amazing, it’s going to boost her confidence,” Adams said of contestants.
For more fashion advice, subscribe to fourpoints magazine!
Written by: Erika Fifelski, fourpoints staff writer
Registration Discount for Teen and Princess camps
Monday, 04 March 2013 08:33
Miss America's Outstanding Teen is pleased to announce that registration for the 2013 Teens in Training Camp is now being offered at a discounted rate. This limited-time offer runs March 1 through 31, and provides registration for just $500. Click here to reserve your spot now!
Teens in Training Camp is a four-day workshop open to all girls, ages thirteen to seventeen, who wish to improve upon skills that will help them become confident, poised, and prepared leaders among their peers. Daylong professional workshops and training sessions include:
- INTERVIEW AND PUBLIC SPEAKING
- ON-CAMERA/ONSTAGE PERFORMANCE
- MODELING AND POISE
- PLATFORM DEVELOPMENT
- PHOTO-POSING
- HAIR AND MAKEUP
- DEVELOPING A WINNING WARDROBE
- MENTAL MANAGEMENT IN COMPETITION
- SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT
- GOAL SETTING
Participation also includes:
- Tickets to all four nights of MAOTeen competition.
- Badge for admission into Trade Show and Visitations.
- VIP entrance on "Pink Carpet" before each night of competition.
- Backstage tour of the MAOTeen Pageant.
- Viewing of closed talent rehearsal.
- Individual photo shoot.
- On-stage introduction during MAOTeen prelim.
- Exclusive Q&A with MAOTeen 2013 Rachel Wyatt.
- Swag bag full of goodies from our sponsors.
- Official TNT Camp T-shirt.
Teens in Training Camp takes place August 13-17, 2013, at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Please e-mail Tawni@MAOTeen.org with questions. For more information, click here.
MAOTeen is also pleased to announce that registration for the 2013 Princess Camp is now being offered at a discounted rate. This limited-time offer runs March 1 through 31, and provides registration for just $500. Click here to reserve your spot now!
Princess Camp is designed for girls ages five to twelve who are looking to improve upon skills that promote self-confidence and poise, and who seek mentoring from today's young teen leaders. Participants will have the opportunity to attend:
- PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS TAUGHT BY LEADERS IN THEIR FIELDS
- PRINCESS PARTY WITH STATE TITLEHOLDERS
- LEARN & PERFORM A PRODUCTION NUMBER DURING THE MAOTEEN NATIONAL COMPETITION SHOW
- GET "CROWNED" ON-STAGE BY MISS AMERICA AND MISS AMERICA'S OUTSTANDING TEEN
- PARTICIPATE IN AN EXCLUSIVE PHOTO SESSION WITH THE MAOTEEN PHOTOGRAPHERS
Participation also includes:
- Tickets to all four nights of MAOTeen competition.
- Badge for admission into Trade Show and Visitations.
- VIP entrance on "Pink Carpet" before each night of competition.
- Backstage tour of the MAOTeen Pageant.
- Individual photo shoot.
- On-stage introduction during MAOTeen prelim.
- Exclusive Q&A with MAOTeen 2013 Rachel Wyatt.
- Swag bag full of goodies from our sponsors.
Princess Camp takes place August 13-17, 2013, at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Please e-mail Jennifer@MAOTeen.org with questions. For more information, click here.
Source: Miss America’s Outstanding Teen
Mallory Hagan Welcomes Baseball Fans at MLB Fan Cave
Thursday, 28 February 2013 16:45
Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan welcomed “MLB Fan Cave: World Baseball Classic Edition” winners to New York this week. Mallory joined some of baseball’s most notable personalities to begin the 2013 season: Bill Ripken, MLB network analyst and 2009 World Baseball Classic Team USA coach; Dan Plesac, MLB network analyst; and Tim Brosnan, executive vice president, business, Major League Baseball.
Winning fans represented the sixteen countries and territories participating in the World Baseball Classic. The premier international baseball tournament features Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Spain, United States, and Venezuela.
As part of the eighteen-day “MLB Fan Cave: World Baseball Classic Edition,” the winners will cheer on their nation while watching every game of the Classic live, at all hour. Fans of the final four teams will travel to San Francisco, California, for the World Baseball Classic Championship Round.
Mallory’s love for baseball will receive additional exposure when she performs “God Bless America” for the Atlanta Braves MLB home opener on Monday, April 1.
Source and photo: Miss America Organization
5 Minutes With … Former Miss Americas
Wednesday, 27 February 2013 10:28
Thirteen former Miss America titleholders attended the 2013 MAO pageant in January. The women were on hand for preliminary and final night competitions, and offered outgoing titleholder Laura Kaeppeler and all Miss America contestants to come their time-tested advice for success in life after the crown.
How has the Miss America Organization evolved in the past fifty years, since you were crowned?
Jacquelyn Mayer (1963): This is a fantastic program, and it was wonderful when we were Miss America, but even more so because contestants today are more determined, lovely, and have a passion for their platform. This is probably one of the most important things we have noticed contestants are doing, and it is the most important thing that happened during the fifty years I’ve been around.
What is the best part about being a former Miss America?
Heather French Henry (2000): I think the most wonderful thing about being a former Miss America is being part of a sisterhood. We’ve been in each other’s weddings; we’ve been there for the birth of each other’s children. It’s a sorority unlike any other. To be able to text or call any one of these amazing women—I pinch myself all the time when I get a chance to talk to each one. They’ve all been my role models and best friends. It’s greater than any gift I could have received.
What are your thoughts on the evolution of the Miss America Organization, and where do you see it in ninety-two years?
Kirsten Haglund (2008): Competition breeds excellence. I think all the different pageant competitions all make us better; we have better talents and a better quality of girls who are energetic to compete. We’re seeing more girls who are smart, talented, and driven for success. I think we're only on the way up. We can be beautiful, smart, and talented. We don’t need The X Factor or a Victoria Secret fashion show. You just need Miss America. We’re the first reality show.
What was your most memorable experience from your year of service?
Laura Kaeppeler (2012): For me, they came everyday. It’s hard to look back and say there is one highlight. Highlights happened every day. For me, the most memorable moments were the times working with my platform. Usually, it was when there weren’t cameras around or anyone to document the experience except me. What was most memorable was working with support groups for children with incarcerated parents, when they would come up to me and say, “I’m just like you.” That was what was most memorable and most meaningful. Those are the times that carried me through every day, and what makes me so determined to further that platform in the future.
In a single word, describe Miss America:
Laura Kaeppeler (2012): Empowering
Maria Beale Fletcher (1962): Talent
Lee Meriwether (1955): Integrity
Ericka Dunlap (2004): Fascinating
Written by: Erika Fifelski
Miss Spokane Scholarship Organization: 101 Years Strong!
Friday, 22 February 2013 08:41
The Miss Spokane Scholarship program and pageant has been an integral part of the Spokane area since 1912—101 years! Miss Spokane is one of the official preliminary pageants of the Miss America Organization. Each year, four title holders are selected, and they participate in numerous local and civic events including the Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade, Junior Lilac Parade, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Junior Lilac Parade Family Fun Fair, the Marmot March, and the IHOP Free Pancake Day. They visit numerous schools and donate countless hours to local charities, all while representing Spokane in the finest light. Miss Spokane titleholders compete at state competitions in May—Teen, and July—Miss, of each year.
On Sunday, February 17, at the Bing Crosby Theater the 2013 Miss Spokane Scholarship Organizations Titleholders were selected. These young women will represent Spokane and the Inland Empire at various community events through out the year. They will also spend countless hours working on their personal community service platforms and the Miss America National platform, The Children’s Miracle Network.
Hannah Cvancara, a senior at The Oaks Classical Christian Academy, was crowned Miss Spokane. Hannah’s community service platform is “Honoring their Sacrifice: Recognizing and Supporting our Disabled Veterans." For the talent competition, Hannah performed a piano and vocal self-composition. She was also voted Miss Congeniality, had the most pageant personal sales, and won the Fianna Dickson Overall High Interview Award.
Hannah won $4,325 in scholarships including a $3,000 scholarship from Gonzaga University. She will represent Spokane at the state pageant in July.
Kailee Dunn, a junior at Eastern Washington University was the first runner ip receiving a $500 scholarship.
Kahlani Badeaux is the new Miss Inland Empire. She is a junior at Eastern Washington University working towards a Dual Endorsement for Special Education/Elementary Education. Kahlani’s personal community service platform is The Value of Volunteering. She performed a guitar and country vocal of “When A Heart Breaks” for her talent. She was the Liz Legacy Talent Award winner for the highest overall talent score. Kahlani won $1,200 in scholarships and will represent the Inland Empire at the State Pageant in July.
Haley Hennricksen, a Gonzaga university student was first runner up, Miss Photogenic, and received the Touch of Class Award from the Miss Spokane Committee and the Four Points of the Crown Award from the Miss Washington Locals Association. She won $800 in scholarships and a photo shoot with Lake City Photography.
Other Miss awards were presented to:
Alexandra Hedin, a recent Gonzaga University graduate received the Academic Scholarship, was awared for non-finalist interview, non-finalist talent, and the Peoples Choice award. She also had the most ticket sales. Alex received $475 in scholarships. Sondra Willmann, a senior at Whitworth University, received the non-finalist talent award and a $100 scholarship. Rebecca Delong, a Spokane Community College sophomore, received the Most Improved Award and a $100 scholarship. Irena Martin, a Washington State University Senior, received $380 for having the most for program book ad sales. Tiana Jaro, a senior at North Central High School, and Ashlee Karras, a senior at Joel E. Ferris High School, also competed on Sunday.
Joy Davis, a freshman at Joel E. Ferris High School, was crowned Miss Spokane’s Outstanding Teen. Joy’s community service platform is “Bullying: Be Heard, Don’t Be Hurt!” For her talent, Joy performed a lyrical dance to "Congratulations." She also won the People's Choice Award and had the most ticket sales, pageant personals, and ad sales. Joy won $945 in scholarships and will compete to become Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen on Memorial Day weekend. Andrea Muraoka, a sophomore at Joel E. Ferris High School was the first runner up receiving a $250 scholarship.
Aitanna Ferrez, a junior at Gonzaga Preparatory School, is the new Miss Inland Empire’s Outstanding Teen. Aitanna’s personal community service platform is “Eating Disorders: Mirror Mirror on the Wall." She performed a vocal of “For Good” for her talent. She was the Academic Award winner and was voted Miss Congeniality by her peers. Aitanna won $700 in scholarships and will also compete to become Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen on Memorial Day weekend. Alexandria Milliron, a freshman at Davis High School, Yakima, WA was first runner up, and received the Touch of Class Award from the Miss Spokane Committee. She won $350 in scholarships.
Other Teen awards were presented to:
Kimberly Brooking, an eighth grade student at St. John Vienney, received the Most Improved and non-finalist high talent awards and a $200 Scholarship. Kate Uhling, an eighth grade student at St. John Vienney, received the Teen Photogenic Award and a photo shoot with Lake City Photography Mackenzie Reynolds, a sophomore at Shadle Park High School, received the non-finalist High Interview Award and a $100 Scholarship. Julia Fox, a freshman at East Valley High School, also competed on Sunday.
For more information about our program or to schedule an appearance please contact us through our website http://missspokane.org/.
Source: Cheri A. Moore, MSSO Marketing & Events Director Photo: Lake City Photography