Today, is the official end of my reign as Mrs. Montgomery County International 2009.
I have enjoyed every moment of the experience and feel so blessed to have been given the opportunity to join the Mrs. Maryland International family as a local delegate. My year has been filled with magic, glamour and servitude and will be forever remembered.
Showing posts with label Mrs. Montgomery County International 2009. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mrs. Montgomery County International 2009. Show all posts
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
When Do You Give Up on a Dream?
If you've skimmed my blog or held a conversation with me you probably know that one of my dreams is to become Mrs. International.
This dream got rooted in my mind when I saw Joanne Beauvias-Brown on the cover of Pageantry Magazine. I was thrilled to see a Mrs. titleholder on a magazine cover because it was typically reserved for Miss winners. I immediately turned to the feature story about the Mrs. International Pageant system and was amazed at what I read. Next, I contacted the national office and inquired about the DC (where I was living) state pageant. I was given the number of Sherry Benson the Maryland director. Sherry and I spoke with our conversation ending with a scheduled meeting to discuss the pageant. Unfortunately I was unable to meet with Sherry in person. It was years before I got in contact with her again. Earlier, this year I finally had the opportunity to compete for the Mrs. Maryland title. I enjoyed every moment of the experience and could not have asked for a better pageant. The title of Mrs. Maryland International 2009 eluded me because there were better prepared women ready to represent our great state at nationals and the judges recognized this. My dream of becoming Mrs. International did not die however...it is still here waiting to be realized.
Today, while blog searching I ran across a blog entitled Doreen's "Get Radical" Blog. One of the
journal entries discussed deciding when to give up on a dream? The author shared the story of a recording artist that faced many obstacles to get her music recorded and played to a mainstream audience. While in pursuit of her dream she never gave up and recently had a CD release party at the 9:30 club in Washington, DC. Yes, she ACHIEVED her goal.
Why am I sharing this on my blog you ask? To show that with hard work and persistence we can achieve all of our dreams. I don't know when I will become Mrs. International but realistically I have 28 more years to do it :)
This dream got rooted in my mind when I saw Joanne Beauvias-Brown on the cover of Pageantry Magazine. I was thrilled to see a Mrs. titleholder on a magazine cover because it was typically reserved for Miss winners. I immediately turned to the feature story about the Mrs. International Pageant system and was amazed at what I read. Next, I contacted the national office and inquired about the DC (where I was living) state pageant. I was given the number of Sherry Benson the Maryland director. Sherry and I spoke with our conversation ending with a scheduled meeting to discuss the pageant. Unfortunately I was unable to meet with Sherry in person. It was years before I got in contact with her again. Earlier, this year I finally had the opportunity to compete for the Mrs. Maryland title. I enjoyed every moment of the experience and could not have asked for a better pageant. The title of Mrs. Maryland International 2009 eluded me because there were better prepared women ready to represent our great state at nationals and the judges recognized this. My dream of becoming Mrs. International did not die however...it is still here waiting to be realized.
Today, while blog searching I ran across a blog entitled Doreen's "Get Radical" Blog. One of the
journal entries discussed deciding when to give up on a dream? The author shared the story of a recording artist that faced many obstacles to get her music recorded and played to a mainstream audience. While in pursuit of her dream she never gave up and recently had a CD release party at the 9:30 club in Washington, DC. Yes, she ACHIEVED her goal.
Why am I sharing this on my blog you ask? To show that with hard work and persistence we can achieve all of our dreams. I don't know when I will become Mrs. International but realistically I have 28 more years to do it :)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Mrs. Maryland International Date Announced
I spoke with DeShawn Shepard, the new Mrs. Maryland International director, this afternoon and she informed me that the date for the state competition will be March 6, 2010.
We had a very pleasant conversation about her vision for the system and her expectations of her titleholders. Last year, I attended the Virginia International pageant which Deshawn and her staff did a great job on, this coupled with speaking with her reassures me that the Maryland directorship is in great hands.
Now, I just need to look over our schedule for next year to be sure I am available pageant weekend.
We had a very pleasant conversation about her vision for the system and her expectations of her titleholders. Last year, I attended the Virginia International pageant which Deshawn and her staff did a great job on, this coupled with speaking with her reassures me that the Maryland directorship is in great hands.
Now, I just need to look over our schedule for next year to be sure I am available pageant weekend.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Sad News from Sherry Benson
This morning Sherry Benson, the Maryland International director, called me to let me know that she will not be directing the Mrs. division for the International system due to low numbers in the past two years. This was heart breaking news for me because I have wanted to be one of "Sherry's queen's" since 2002 when I first contacted her about participating in her state pageant.
There will be a new director in place soon... who Sherry highly recommends.
My reign as Mrs. Montgomery County will end on August 31st. At this point I am not sure if I will immediately sign-up for the Maryland state pageant, compete in another system or exercise my option of applying as a delegate-at-large to the Mrs. International pageant using my other eligibility options.
There will be a new director in place soon... who Sherry highly recommends.
My reign as Mrs. Montgomery County will end on August 31st. At this point I am not sure if I will immediately sign-up for the Maryland state pageant, compete in another system or exercise my option of applying as a delegate-at-large to the Mrs. International pageant using my other eligibility options.
Monday, August 3, 2009
2010 Mrs. Maryland International Pageant
I spoke with Sherry Benson, state director, today and she confirmed that the 2010 Mrs. Maryland International pageant will be held April 9th and 10th in Stevensville, MD.
I believe I am the only 2009 contestant that is returning to compete for the 2010 title. I am very excited to continue working with Sherry and her staff because they make every contestant feel as if she is "family." Hopefully, I will earn the opportunity to official join the "Mrs. Maryland International sisterhood."
I know with the continuation of my journey to reach the Mrs. International stage I will form new friendships with members of the 2010 Mrs. Maryland International class. The caliber of women that participate in pageantry is always exceptional and I know the ladies I will meet in the next 8 months will more than likely surpass the bar already set because we are always striving to improve ourselves and the communities we live in.
I believe I am the only 2009 contestant that is returning to compete for the 2010 title. I am very excited to continue working with Sherry and her staff because they make every contestant feel as if she is "family." Hopefully, I will earn the opportunity to official join the "Mrs. Maryland International sisterhood."
I know with the continuation of my journey to reach the Mrs. International stage I will form new friendships with members of the 2010 Mrs. Maryland International class. The caliber of women that participate in pageantry is always exceptional and I know the ladies I will meet in the next 8 months will more than likely surpass the bar already set because we are always striving to improve ourselves and the communities we live in.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Mrs. International 2009
With great excitement I stayed glued to the computer to find out who the new Mrs. International would be... Armaidi Shahidi Fitzgerald, Mrs. Middle East was awarded the coveted title. All 47 of the contestants did a fantastic job representing their states and country with the following placements: 1st runner up, Kristin Melton, Mrs. Illinois; 2nd runner up, Mrs. Texas, Bonnie Hubert; 3rd runner up, Mrs. Southeast, Karen Bartosh and 4th runner up, Mrs. Midwest, Randa Allen. The remainder of the top ten were: Southern States, Minnesota, Utah, Idaho and Maryland.I am so proud of the "home ladies" Adrienne and Deanna for looking so amazing at nationals. Earlier this year I met both of them at the Mrs. Maryland pageant and know they are both passionate about their causes and are just INCREDIBLE ladies. I am so proud to call both of them my "pageant sister."
I can't wait for my own crowning moment to get the opportunity to attend Mrs. International.
*The above photo is not the property of Peta-Gay Lewis but is instead owned by International Pageants Inc.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Queen's Corner Expo
Local, state and national queen's attending the expo
Chelsey Cooley, Miss USA 2005, and myself
Miss Brookland Outstanding Teen and I
At 5:00 am I woke up to travel to Trenton, NJ to attend the Queen's Corner Expo sponsored by the Red Carpet Prom and Pageantry and Savvy Magazine. The trip began with LaQuisha picking me up in Clinton, then traveling to BWI airport where we met Montressa to embark on our trip via Amtrak.
Lucky us, the Hilton hotel where the event was being held was across the street from the NJ transit station. My feet were so happy for this :)
The expo was FANTASTIC...it was both informative and entertaining. Abbie Rabine and Chelsey Cooley were the featured speakers. Both ladies shared a wealth of knowledge and "insiders tricks" with the audience. One of my favorite things about both ladies was how personable they both were. It is evident why they were so successful in pageantry.
Abbie Rabine began her session by asking us the simple question "Do you fit in with the pageant system you are competing in?"
This question was monumental to me because my coach and I have been discussing this very issue. The key to competing successfully in pageantry is to find a system that values and recognizes your strong attributes. With this in place your preparation highlights your attributes not re-create who you are or turn you into last year's winners mold.
I am going to continue the self evaluation process because my love for pageantry is unfaltering however as most delegates that compete I too would like to win a national title. To do this I must find the appropriate system that appreciates who I am currently.
Dr. AT of Stand Out Productions (Chelsey Cooley's Company) was also a speaker that focused on the fitness aspect of competition. He had on hand a personal training manual for the "3 different body types" and also the perfect plate. I purchased both of these items to use within my training program.
The vendors on hand had very useful items. After viewing the quality items the Red carpet carries I plan to visit the store to purchase my competition wardrobe. I think I found the gown that is ideal for me but you never know maybe when I see the full stock of merchandise in the store I will fall in love again :)
Also at the expo I won one of the raffles and now have a tank top (gave the second one to LaQuisha) and exercise sweat pants, compliments of American Coed Pageants, that I will use as my official work out gear.
Attending events like the Queen's Corner Expo allows contestants to be in an environment with like minded individuals that aspire to be their best and serves as an invaluable opportunity for delegates to acquire the necessary skills to become "elite contestants." I recommend that if a similar event or opportunity becomes available to you that you should definitely participate.
Lucky us, the Hilton hotel where the event was being held was across the street from the NJ transit station. My feet were so happy for this :)
The expo was FANTASTIC...it was both informative and entertaining. Abbie Rabine and Chelsey Cooley were the featured speakers. Both ladies shared a wealth of knowledge and "insiders tricks" with the audience. One of my favorite things about both ladies was how personable they both were. It is evident why they were so successful in pageantry.
Abbie Rabine began her session by asking us the simple question "Do you fit in with the pageant system you are competing in?"
This question was monumental to me because my coach and I have been discussing this very issue. The key to competing successfully in pageantry is to find a system that values and recognizes your strong attributes. With this in place your preparation highlights your attributes not re-create who you are or turn you into last year's winners mold.
I am going to continue the self evaluation process because my love for pageantry is unfaltering however as most delegates that compete I too would like to win a national title. To do this I must find the appropriate system that appreciates who I am currently.
Dr. AT of Stand Out Productions (Chelsey Cooley's Company) was also a speaker that focused on the fitness aspect of competition. He had on hand a personal training manual for the "3 different body types" and also the perfect plate. I purchased both of these items to use within my training program.
The vendors on hand had very useful items. After viewing the quality items the Red carpet carries I plan to visit the store to purchase my competition wardrobe. I think I found the gown that is ideal for me but you never know maybe when I see the full stock of merchandise in the store I will fall in love again :)
Also at the expo I won one of the raffles and now have a tank top (gave the second one to LaQuisha) and exercise sweat pants, compliments of American Coed Pageants, that I will use as my official work out gear.
Attending events like the Queen's Corner Expo allows contestants to be in an environment with like minded individuals that aspire to be their best and serves as an invaluable opportunity for delegates to acquire the necessary skills to become "elite contestants." I recommend that if a similar event or opportunity becomes available to you that you should definitely participate.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Mrs. Maryland Galaxy
LaQisha Hall Mrs. Maryland Galaxy 2009
Myself, Petra Walton (Mrs. Atlantic Shores, LaQuisha Hall Mrs. Maryland Galaxy and Sherry Beach (BOA Maryland's 40s)
Sherry Beach (BOA Maryland's 40s) and IIt is with great honor that I share the news that LaQuisha Hall is the new Mrs. Maryland Galaxy!
This evening I attended the Maryland Galaxy pageant to support my friends Alicia blackstone and LaQuisha Hall in their respective divisions. Alicia was 2nd runner-up for the title of Ms. Maryland Galaxy.
Rachel Petty and Half Past Six Productions produced an out of this world show studded with entertainment stars such as Mikeal Shane, Miss District of Columbia 2006 Kate Michaels and others.
The judge's had a very hard time because almost every contestant on stage looked as if she was ready and able to represent the state at the international finals superbly.
My heart was in knots when it was time for crowning because I was hoping that my friends would have their dreams realized. Unfortunately, it was not Alicia's turn...as they say God has other plans for her. When it was time for the Mrs. division and the 2nd runner-up was called and only Nicole and LaQuisha were left standing my heart started pounding because I wanted my friend to win soooo badly. When I heard her name called as the eventually winner I felt as if I myself had won because I know all the hard work that LaQuisha did to get her crowning moment.
I am sooooo PROUD of LaQuisha because one can look at her journey this past year and see how far she has come. Last year at the Maryland Galaxy pageant LaQuisha did not place however through hard work, dedication and believing in her dream LaQuisha is now our Mrs. Maryland Galaxy.
Experiencing LaQuisha's journey to the Mrs. Maryland Galaxy throne inspires me to achieve my goal of becoming Mrs. International.
This evening I attended the Maryland Galaxy pageant to support my friends Alicia blackstone and LaQuisha Hall in their respective divisions. Alicia was 2nd runner-up for the title of Ms. Maryland Galaxy.
Rachel Petty and Half Past Six Productions produced an out of this world show studded with entertainment stars such as Mikeal Shane, Miss District of Columbia 2006 Kate Michaels and others.
The judge's had a very hard time because almost every contestant on stage looked as if she was ready and able to represent the state at the international finals superbly.
My heart was in knots when it was time for crowning because I was hoping that my friends would have their dreams realized. Unfortunately, it was not Alicia's turn...as they say God has other plans for her. When it was time for the Mrs. division and the 2nd runner-up was called and only Nicole and LaQuisha were left standing my heart started pounding because I wanted my friend to win soooo badly. When I heard her name called as the eventually winner I felt as if I myself had won because I know all the hard work that LaQuisha did to get her crowning moment.
I am sooooo PROUD of LaQuisha because one can look at her journey this past year and see how far she has come. Last year at the Maryland Galaxy pageant LaQuisha did not place however through hard work, dedication and believing in her dream LaQuisha is now our Mrs. Maryland Galaxy.
Experiencing LaQuisha's journey to the Mrs. Maryland Galaxy throne inspires me to achieve my goal of becoming Mrs. International.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
It's Official
As previously mentioned I had a blast at the 2009 Mrs. Maryland International pageant and will be returning next year. My prep officially began Monday, April 6th. I am super charged in becoming my best self this year and achieving more than I did personally and professionally in the past 12 months.My first official appearance will be April 19, 2009 at the Galaxy International pageant to support my dear friends Alicia and LaQuisha.
*Correction my first appearance will be at the Stop the Silence Walk on April 19th at 8:00 am.
Monday, April 6, 2009
More Photos of Mrs. Maryland International Pageant
Group photo from orientation
Myself and LaQuisha right before interviews
Delegates on stage after curtain call to begin opening number.
Delegates in opening number formation
LaQuisha and I
LaQuisha, Katie, myself, Maris and Adrienne
Contestants backstage waiting to return onstage for final results. 
Chatting backstage while waiting to return for final results. Sunday, April 5, 2009
Mrs. Maryland International Recap
This weekend has been a magical one! I have not had this fun in years (7 to be precise).
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."
Special Awards
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 AwardsFriday, April 3, 2009
Mrs. Maryland International Weekend Begins at 2:00 pm
The day has arrived for the Mrs. Maryland pageant weekend. My nervousness has passed and I am going to soak up every bit of this experience.
My day began with a little bump in the road. I woke up without a ride to the pageant...aargh lol. As most who know me personally know I do NOT drive so I had to figure something out quickly. I called Yolanda a few minutes pass 7:00 am and she so graciously said it would be no problem at all. I am so grateful for her being willing to basically drive across state to take me to the pageant. It is moments like these that I must stop and thank God for putting the right people into my life. Thank you Yolanda. I owe you one...I hope you are not keeping tabs or I am in some serious trouble :)
I will take lots of pictures to include on my blog but more than likely this will be my last post until after the pageant.
My day began with a little bump in the road. I woke up without a ride to the pageant...aargh lol. As most who know me personally know I do NOT drive so I had to figure something out quickly. I called Yolanda a few minutes pass 7:00 am and she so graciously said it would be no problem at all. I am so grateful for her being willing to basically drive across state to take me to the pageant. It is moments like these that I must stop and thank God for putting the right people into my life. Thank you Yolanda. I owe you one...I hope you are not keeping tabs or I am in some serious trouble :)
I will take lots of pictures to include on my blog but more than likely this will be my last post until after the pageant.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Mrs. Maryland International is 3 Days Away
Boy, oh how the time has past. I can remember last year signing up for the pageant. Then it seemed so long away.
I am both wrecked with nervousness and excitement. I guess the best word to describe what I am feeling is anxious.
This year has been one filled with personal growth. I have made great strides with Beginning the Journey and have touched the lives of my community's youth by sharing the Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) message. Also during this process I have learned so much about myself such as my strengths, weaknesses, the effects of negative self thought and how to believe in myself. Due to the self discovery and "stretching" involved in pageantry I have accomplished more this year than I could have imagined possibly in a 12 month period. To say I am proud of myself is an understatement.
With learning comes the opportunity for growth and with this being said I will let you know that I will continue my community service work but to a larger audience. This past year it became clear what is most important...our children since they are the future of our nation. My efforts to serve my community will embrace all programs that support empowering our youth. I began my journey but now the road is becoming more clear and the path easier to follow (if you have been a regular reader of my blog you will remember the original name of my blog was "Beginning the Journey."
I must now thank my sisters in pageantry whom I shared this year with. LaQuisha you have taught me to be brave and have faith. Lady we broke through the common "pageantry friendship" and have gained so much due to us not being competitors but instead supporters of each other and our causes. If I were to write about all that I have gained from you I would be writing for hours so I will just say THANK YOU instead. Enid, from the moment I met you I knew you had a heart of gold. Continue spreading the word about the importance of adoption because your story has authenticity and you are such a down to earth lady you will capture the attention of any room you walk into. Darlene, you are such a role model. I aspire to still have your spirit when I am your age. You have done amazing things to spread the importance of supporting our military families. I thank you for also supporting me in my platform efforts for Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) by becoming a friend circle member through your generous donation to our chapter. Adrienne, continue changing the lives of our youth. You are doing amazing things. I am still in shock that you have raised over $50,000...girl you have to share your secret with me. Deanna, I will continue to pray for you and your family. Over the past two years I have read your blog with fascination because girlfriend you have a knack for fashion and will go down in pageantry history as a fashionista. I wish we could have had more time to know one another but we can definitely keep in touch after April 4th. See you on April 25th for Carter's walk.
Good luck ladies. Remember that we are all winners and what is most important is not the crown since only one of us will walk away with it but the changes we are making in the lives of the people we serve via our platforms.
To my sponsors thank you for believing in me and always giving generously every time I emailed or called. Without you I would not have accomplished nearly as much as I have especially with BTJ.
Georgie, thank you for being the best coach a girl could ask for. Over the years (you know what I mean) I have gotten to know you and our relationship is now more than just one of business. You have encouraged me when I have been down and shared in my moments of joy such as when I received the proclamation from the Mayor and BTJ won program of the month. You were just as excited as I was or deeply concerned for my well being. Words can not express how grateful I am to have met you.
Alicia, thank you for always listening to me as I discuss my pageant plans and helping me to make just the right decisions. Also thank you for supporting BTJ over the years.
Simone, you are my "bestest" friend in the whole entire world. Thank you for being so good to me since day one. Your friendship means everything to me.
Thank you Lewis family. You all have been on this road of pageantry with me since age 15. You all know how much this means to me and I thank you for taking this long ride with me. I hope that I make you proud in my actions regardless of who becomes Mrs. Maryland International.
To my children thank you for understanding why mommy must sometimes be away and is always doing "pageant things." Girls you are my inspiration. It is because of you that I continue to want to accomplish more because I want you to each know that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. To my husband, I am only a "Mrs." because of you. Thank you for believing in my dream and helping me to accomplish it. I could never have asked God for a more perfect match. I will love you forever.
To my sponsors thank you for believing in me and always giving generously every time I emailed or called. Without you I would not have accomplished nearly as much as I have especially with BTJ.
Georgie, thank you for being the best coach a girl could ask for. Over the years (you know what I mean) I have gotten to know you and our relationship is now more than just one of business. You have encouraged me when I have been down and shared in my moments of joy such as when I received the proclamation from the Mayor and BTJ won program of the month. You were just as excited as I was or deeply concerned for my well being. Words can not express how grateful I am to have met you.
Alicia, thank you for always listening to me as I discuss my pageant plans and helping me to make just the right decisions. Also thank you for supporting BTJ over the years.
Simone, you are my "bestest" friend in the whole entire world. Thank you for being so good to me since day one. Your friendship means everything to me.
Thank you Lewis family. You all have been on this road of pageantry with me since age 15. You all know how much this means to me and I thank you for taking this long ride with me. I hope that I make you proud in my actions regardless of who becomes Mrs. Maryland International.
To my children thank you for understanding why mommy must sometimes be away and is always doing "pageant things." Girls you are my inspiration. It is because of you that I continue to want to accomplish more because I want you to each know that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. To my husband, I am only a "Mrs." because of you. Thank you for believing in my dream and helping me to accomplish it. I could never have asked God for a more perfect match. I will love you forever.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Mrs. Maryland International Workshop
Mrs. delegates minus Mrs. Wicomo County
Mrs. Owings Mills, LaQuisha Hall, and I
Teen contestants with Mrs. Owings Mills and I
Mrs. Owings Mills, LaQuisha Hall, and I 
Teen contestants with Mrs. Owings Mills and IToday was our Mrs. Maryland International workshop. I had so much fun with my pageant sisters that words can not explain it. Mrs. Owings Mills, LaQuisha and I are "sisters" for life with or without a pageant title. Enid and Darlene are both class acts and it seems as if I have known them forever. The workshop was both informative and fun. There was a plethora of gowns, jewelry, shoes and just about anything else you would need for pageant day.
In the Mrs. division we have six outstanding ladies holding the following titles:
Baltimore County
Frederick County
Montgomery County (myself)
Owings Mills
Rockville
Wicomo County
The judges will have a truly hard time selecting a winner from such a superb group of delegates.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Virginia International Pageant
This evening I attended the Virginia International pageant in Chester, VA. Deshawn Shephard and her staff produced a wonderful show. The following awards were distributed
Photogenic - Maria Beall
Community service - Carla Perez
Spirit of pageantry - Heather Thompson
The news state winners are:
Miss Teen Virginia International : Victoria Golberg
1st runner-up to Miss Virginia International -Carla Perez
Miss Virginia International - Ashley Dickson
1st runner-up to Mrs. Virginia - Maria Beall
Mrs. Virginia International - Jennifer Phillips
Photogenic - Maria Beall
Community service - Carla Perez
Spirit of pageantry - Heather Thompson
The news state winners are:
Miss Teen Virginia International : Victoria Golberg
1st runner-up to Miss Virginia International -Carla Perez
Miss Virginia International - Ashley Dickson
1st runner-up to Mrs. Virginia - Maria Beall
Mrs. Virginia International - Jennifer Phillips
Friday, February 6, 2009
National Wear Red Day
Everyone can support the fight against heart disease in women by wearing red. It's a simple, powerful way to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo
Today, I attended the NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo in Washington, DC. On hand were many exhibitors that educated the public on improving their health, vendors selling products that encouraged healthy living and government agencies that provide access to support services for low income families, the elderly and disabled individuals. The expo was both informative and entertaining.
Myself by the signage for the expo
Myself by the signage for the expo
Myself at the large inflatable expo signage.
Exhibition group teaching a fitness class that incorprates everyday dance moves and music.
Chance's head on a "Biggest Loser" body display. He now has the motivation to hit the gym :)
Monday, January 5, 2009
Aerobic Wear Choices for Mrs. Maryland International
Joey Rutherford, of the Competitive Image, has posted pictures of the long awaited mandatory aerobic wear attire for Mrs. Maryland International, Mrs. International and numerous other state competitions.They are absolutely adoreable but can we say that I
won't be missing any of my personal training appointments.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Miss Arlington MAO
Myself with Caressa Cameron - Miss Arlington MAO 2009
Myself with Tara Wheeler - Miss Virginia MAO 2009
Yolanda Makle - Ms. Belleza Latina and myselfTonight I attended the Miss Arlington MAO (Miss America Organization) local pageant. The director, staff and former queens did a fantastic job in producing the show. Due to much hard work on the part of the Executive Director and board many delegates are now able to further their education from scholarship monies won.
Awards were given for the following:
Preliminary Talent - Cynthia Nguyen
Preliminary Swimsuit - Stephanie Connelly
Preliminary Interview - Caressa Cameron
Community Service - Stephanie Connelly
3rd RU - Veronica Rohrmoser
2nd RU - Stephanie Connelly
1st RU - Cynthia Nguyen
At the end of the night Caressa Cameron garnered the highest score from the judges and the coveted 2009 Miss Arlington title.
Awards were given for the following:
Preliminary Talent - Cynthia Nguyen
Preliminary Swimsuit - Stephanie Connelly
Preliminary Interview - Caressa Cameron
Community Service - Stephanie Connelly
3rd RU - Veronica Rohrmoser
2nd RU - Stephanie Connelly
1st RU - Cynthia Nguyen
At the end of the night Caressa Cameron garnered the highest score from the judges and the coveted 2009 Miss Arlington title.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Press Release Published About My Platform and Title by Green Butterfly Media LLC
Please follow this link to read a press released submitted by Green Butterfly Media LLC that highlights my advocacy work to eliminate illiteracy and the announcement of my title as Mrs. Montgomery County International 2009:
http://www.prlog.org/10148926-beauty-queen-builds-literate-nation-one-child-at-time.html
http://www.prlog.org/10148926-beauty-queen-builds-literate-nation-one-child-at-time.html
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