Sherry Benson and the Mrs. Maryland International family is truly that. They welcomed each of us into their fold and treated us so graciously that words can not express the gratitude that I feel toward them.
This weekend I savored every moment and gave 100% of myself.
My interview went very well. I was extremely comfortable speaking with the judge's and felt they were interested in knowing what I was doing in my community to make a difference. Almost all of my interviewer's focused on my partnership with RIF, literacy in general and really gave me the opportunity to share what I had done. It was by far the hardest pageant interview I have ever done but it was also the one I was most comfortable with because RIF truly is my passion.
Thank you to Nikki Karl I felt comfortable with the opening number for the pageant because it was a very simple combination that really showcased us delegates. Nikki is fantastic at what she does and has a very encouraging spirit that made us non-dancers and pageant "newbies" feel right at home on stage.
Fitness was definitely my weakest area of competition. I knew this going in so I just decided to go out there and be confident with who I am and where I am physically.
I enjoyed the evening gown competition immensely. Steve Music was my escort for the evening since my husband was unable to attend (director and staff knew of this in advance) and he was just so supportive and a true gentleman. Thanks to the tips and suggestions made by Georgie I found the perfect gown for me and had a ball wearing it on stage.
My "warm-up" question for on stage interview was "What did you learn from this weekend?" This was the perfect question for me because I learned so much. I shared that I realized and enjoyed the camaraderie that us Mrs. delegates had and how truly supportive we each were of the other. I think I rushed my 30 second platform statement but I included the key elements of how RIF creates activities that foster an interest in reading and mentioned how we did it via our distribution fairs.
Outside of the actual pageant competition many other great memories were created. Enid, Darlene, Deanna, Adrienne and LaQuisha will always be my 2009 Maryland International sisters. Enid you are an amazing woman. Darlene thank you for "mothering" over me all weekend. I really appreciated the massage you gave me when you noticed I was getting tired yesterday evening at rehearsal. I will definitely keep in touch with you and hopefully can get you to do another pageant before you "age out." Deanna over the weekend I got to know you better and must say you are very funny but most importantly are just as kind as you are beautiful. Lady keep on going after your dream because I see the Mrs. International title in your future. Adrienne you are regal in every meaning of the word. God blessed you with the ability to motivate and encourage others. After getting to know you this weekend I know that we each have a gift that is unique to us and once we discover it we can only soar and succeed. "Miss A" you are an exceptional lady that I am proud to know. LaQuisha, I am so proud of you! You have done so much for Stop the Silence. This is your God given mission and I applaud you for being such a faithful servant because every time you share your story it gives another person the confidence to come forward and seek the assistance they need.
Okay, I know this post is long and you are wondering who won already so I will share the results now.
2nd runner-up to Mrs. Maryland International ~ LaQuisha Hall
1st runner-up to Mrs. Maryland International ~ Deanna Linz
Mrs. Maryland International 2009 ~ Adrienne Watson-Carver
Miss Teen Maryland International 2009 ~ Jessica Simpson
Miss Pre-Teen Maryland International 2009 ~ Elizabeth Rice
Since I had so much fun at this years pageant I will be returning to compete for the 2010 Mrs. Maryland International title because I believe and share in the values of the Mrs. International pageant system and would love to be an official member of the "Mrs. Maryland International sisterhood."
Crowning of Mrs. Maryland International 2009
Mrs. Finalist with Husband's/Escort
Opening number
Special Awards
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