The Final Night of Miss America Week
With Miss Hawaii 2008, Nicole Fox!
The Calm Before the Storm
Shannon's Top 15 (in alphabetical order):
Alabama
California
Colorado
District of Columbia
Florida
Indiana
Michigan
Mississippi
New York
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Texas
Virginia
On the Cusp:
Idaho
Illinois
Louisiana
Missouri
Tennessee
Photos taken throughout the day:
The Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood
A late lunch with my mom!
At MGM Grand with my family prior to Cirque du Soliel's "Ka"
It is so hard to believe that the entire week of competition has finally come to an end! I wish all of our 53 contestants the very best of luck this evening, and although only ONE can become our next Miss America, I hope that they all walk away without having any regrets!
Miss America Week: Preliminary Night #3
Later, I was introduced to Gregory Ellenburg, a top-notch designer who dressed eight contestants this year at Miss America (including our Miss Ohio, Erica Gelhaus). I had been admiring his work from afar, so it was an honor to not only meet him, but also spend a considerable amount of time speaking with him. As it turns out, we have several things in common—including the fact that we've both lived in New York City and love Manhattan's Upper West Side restaurant "Pomodoro"...AND...we are both Karen Carpenter enthusiasts! Needless to say, I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to be working with him more extensively in the near future.
Later, I was able to meet Miss America 2009, Katie Stam! She was not only stunningly beautiful, but also very gracious!
Snapping another photo with Miss Jillian Dansko...and no we didn't plan on matching tonight, haha! ;)
With my "right hand woman", my mom!
A group of Erica's friends from high school came to support her this evening! Fun story: she did not know that they would be flying into Las Vegas—it was great seeing her so taken aback and touched by their presence, and to find them all waiting for her at the reception with big signs and matching t-shirts!
Erica's arrival!
Family candids
So proud of our Miss Ohio!! And might I add, I absolutely LOVE the cocktail dress that she was wearing this evening!
My twin brothers, Brendan and Kevan, flew in from New York City and Memphis in order to cheer Erica on these last few nights of competition!
After reading in the Miss America Program Book that Miss Minnesota is a Notre Dame fanatic (where my brothers completed their undergraduate education), they insisted on taking a picture with her!
GO IRISH!
With Miss Puerto Rico, Mimi Pabon!
If you're interested in reading my thoughts and observations throughout the third night of preliminary competition, feel free to check out my twitter account! Once again, a warm "CONGRATULATIONS!" to our award winners from this evening: Miss Oregon, CC Barber (Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit) and Miss Michigan, Nicole Blaszcyk (Talent). Way to go, ladies!!
Stop by tomorrow for more exciting updates, as well as my final Top 15 prediction! Stay tuned, I'll be filling you all in soon!
Miss America Week: Preliminary Night #2
Below you will find a few photos of the great time I shared with friends and family this evening...as well as my second round of hugs with Erica after the show!:
Gussying up and going out!
Sushi at Planet Hollywood's Koi Restaurant
With Jillian Dansko, Former Miss Ohio contestant and reigning America's 20's title holder (as a part of the Beauties of America Pageant System)!
Congratulating and speaking with my close friend Erica Gelhaus, Miss Ohio
Finally, I would like to congratulate the well-deserving state title holders who won preliminary awards this evening: Miss California, Kristy Cavinder (Talent) and Miss New York, Alyse Zwick (Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit).
As for me, it's time to get some much needed shut-eye!
Until tomorrow...when the "Pageant Madness" begins all over again! :)
ATTENTION: Sneak Preview!
As we always say in the theatre/performance world, "BREAK A LEG!" to Erica this evening as she wows the judges and audience alike with her stage presence and impeccable vocal technique! More photos and general information from today's festivities will be coming your way later tonight! :)
Ciao for now.
Miss America Week: Preliminary Night #1
At any rate, I couldn't have been more proud to show my support for our beautiful Miss Ohio, Erica Gelhaus, by attending rehearsals all morning and afternoon, and by cheering her on as she competed in both swimwear and evening gown tonight.
Here are a few photos throughout the beginning of the day:
Dinner at P.F. Changs with my mom, dad, as well as the producer of the Miss Lima Square Fair/Miss West Central Ohio Scholarship Program (not to mention my great friend/mentor!), Leslie Norris Townsend!
I did not take photos during the program itself, however, I must comment on how well Erica presented herself this evening! Not only was she sassy and confident in swimwear, but she also owned the stage in her stunning, purple gown. Needless to say, I feel very honored to call her my Miss Ohio.
Here are a few post-competition pictures:
The Miss Ohio family waiting for Erica...
Jim & Me (Miss Ohio girls will understand "The High Five!" haha)
There she is!
Meeting once again with Ericka Dunlap, Miss America 2004 and "The Amazing Race" reality TV show participant! This was actually my second time speaking with her (the first time being several years ago); she was the very first of four Miss Americas that I have spent a considerable amount of time with, the most recent being 1987's Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Wilson...whom I am thrilled to be making an appearance with this upcoming March! ;)
In closing, I would like to congratulate our first preliminary award winners at Miss America 2010: Miss Puerto Rico, Mimi Pabon (Lifestyle & Fitness in Swimwear) and Miss Virginia, Caressa Cameron (Talent). And as always, I look forward to continue updating you all via my twitter account.
Tune in! :)
Miss America Week: DAY ONE
Although our flight lasted for over five hours, it felt like a breeze compared to traveling abroad from NYC to Ireland last semester ;)
Here are a few, fun photos from our arrival at Planet Hollywood:
Checking in, the O'Neill suite on the top floor, settling in, etc!
Dinner at the fabulous Strip House restaurant and walking around Planet Hollywood's casino afterwards!
Before dining at The Strip House, I was thrilled to see several state titleholders being escorted through the casino by their respective chaperones. Both Miss Alabama and Miss Colorado caught my eye, and although the lovely Erica Gelhaus was not present (our reigning Miss Ohio!), I am looking forward to seeing her in the coming days. It is so exciting to be here in Las Vegas rooting for a wonderful friend of mine on the Miss America stage!
Please note that I will be updating my twitter account frequently, and will happily share the details of each day with you during this week-long event!
Stay tuned, everyone!
P.S. GO ERICA!!
A Fabulous Night of Fundraising
Several local titleholders were in attendance, and they each wowed the crowd with their vocal/dancing abilities. I was particularly impressed with each young lady's energy, showmanship, and overall relaxed presence while performing. It was fantastic seeing our local titleholders at ease with their audience both on and off stage; I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them, getting to know each young woman better, and celebrating our scholarship programs side-by-side! :)
Local titleholders in attendance included:
Kelsey Barrett, Miss Lima Land Outstanding Teen, former Miss Grand Lake Outstanding Teen AND Miss West Central Ohio Outstanding Teen (among other titles, I believe)
Jenna Sweigart, the reigning Miss Grand Lake Outstanding Teen
Monica Bates, former Miss Lima Land Outstanding Teen AND Miss West Central Ohio Outstanding Teen
Allison Stiger, former Miss West Central Ohio Outstanding Teen
Kylie Homan, Little Miss Ohio
Rayna Magee, former Little Miss Ohio
Below are a few photos from last night's event:
With Executive Director Madonna Pettit and Producer Leslie Norris Townsend
Performing my Karen Carpenter Tribute, speaking on behalf of the Miss Lima Square Fair/Miss West Central Ohio Scholarship Program, promoting my platform and sharing my most recent efforts in the community (including my debut CD and the "Breakfast in the Classroom" initiative in Lima City Schools).
With Jenna Sweigart, Monica Bates, Allison Stiger, and an adorable four-year-old who sat in the front row and jumped out of her seat because she simply could not be left out of our photos! :)
If you would like to view some of my most recent performances, have a look at MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL! Many thanks and stop by soon for future updates...
Until next time!
Appearance Updates
On Monday, January 11th, I attended a Lima Rotary Club meeting and spoke on behalf of the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program, as well as the Miss America Organization. During my presentation, I focused on my role in the Lima community as Miss Lima Square Fair, and was pleased to share all of the exciting platform work I have completed (and the projects I will be initiating in the coming weeks/months)!
I even sold several copies of my CD that day, which fills me with such pride, considering the proceeds will be forwarded to a tremendous initiative in the Lima City Schools—"Breakfast in the Classroom".
It was a great honor receiving an invitation to speak with the Lima Rotarians for a third time; my first opportunity was in 2006 as Allen County's Junior Miss, and again in 2007 as Miss West Central Ohio.
Following my first appearance of the day, I went to WLIO NBC Lima (which also owns FOX, ABC, and CBS) in order to tape two commercials for "Wish Upon A Song"! As you may already know, I am the new host of this televised talent competition. It is always a blast getting in front of the camera and reaching out into the community!
Take a look at our FIRST PROMOTIONAL COMMERCIAL of the season that will air from February 1st until April 6th! Stay tuned for the next commerical, which you'll see from April 7th until the end of May.
P.S. Have you seen any of the billboards for "Wish Upon A Song" in the Lima/Celina/St. Marys areas?
P.P.S. Be sure to stop by again soon for both a NEWStalgic update on tonight's fundraiser/appearance, and a surprising Field Development article!
The Best Laid Plans...
Take a look at my latest Fitness Article: can a computerized, talking, plate-weighing device curb childhood obesity? PLUS: TWO, SIMPLE TIPS for controlling portions and creating nutritionally balanced meals!
At Last!
My debut CD, "Yesterday Once More", is both a tribute to Karen Carpenter and a tremendous opportunity for me to give back to my community. Please take a look at my Online Shop to find out more!
CLIP #1: "We've Only Just Begun" (The Carpenters' signature song!)
CLIP #2: "For All We Know", "Top of the World", and fun commentary
CLIP #3: "Superstar" (My favorite Carpenters' song, hands down)
CLIP #4: "I Just Fall in Love Again"
CLIP #5: "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and fun commentary (A nice addition towards the end of my performance on the 18th)
CLIP #6: Karel Oxley, superintendent of the Lima City Schools, and me discussing CD proceeds benefitting my personal platform.
THANKS & ENJOY!
