Come One, Come All!
Information for potential MISS contestants (AGES 17-24):
There will be three titles awarded: Miss West Central Ohio, Miss Lima Square Fair and Miss Crystal Lake. This is a closed program to the following 10 counties: Allen, Auglaize, Mercer, Hardin, Marion, Defiance, Paulding, Van Wert, Putnam and Hancock. All newly selected titleholders will receive a $1,000 scholarship; other awards and prizes will be given out as well. Additional scholarships will also be made available:
Ohio Northern University (Ada): $2,500 to the top 6
University of Northwestern Ohio (Lima): $10,000 to one titleholder; $500 to all contestants
Wright State (Lake Campus): $500 to all contestants
Rhodes State (Lima): $1,500 to any contestant with the highest placement
Ohio State (Lima): $1,500 to one titleholder
Applications are now being accepted through July 15th! For all required paperwork, go to www.MissOhio.org --> Become A Contestant --> Contestant Forms and Document Library.
A pre-pageant meeting will be held on Sunday, July 25th at 2:00 PM at the Howard Johnson Hotel (exit 125 off I-75 in Lima).
A one-day rehearsal will be held on Moday, August 2nd from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Lima Veterans' Memorial Civic and Convention Center (7 Town Square in Lima).
The pageant itself will be an all-day event on Friday, August 6th at the Lima Veterans' Memorial Civic and Convention Center. The show will begin at 7:30 PM, hosted by MISS AMERICA 2008, KIRSTEN HAGLUND, and will be televised on WLIO NBC Lima/FOX!!
Information for potential TEEN contestants (AGES 13-17):
There will be two titles awarded: Miss West Central Outstanding Teen and Miss Grand Lake Outstanding Teen. This is also a closed program to the following 10 counties: Allen, Auglaize, Mercer, Hardin, Marion, Defiance, Paulding, Van Wert, Putnam and Hancock. Both newly selected titleholders will receive $200 savings bonds; other awards and prizes will be given out as well.
Applications are being accepted now through September 15th! The Outstanding Teen entry form can be found HERE.
A one-day rehearsal will be held on September 19th at the Howard Johnson Hotel Convention Ballroom in Lima. The pageant will be held at this same venue on Sunday, September 26th at 7:30 PM.
For more information about both programs, please contact Executive Director Madonna Pettit (419-305-8842; madonna@iconlogic.com) or Executive Producer Leslie Norris Townsend (419-852-0950; funnyles@aol.com).
P.S. Do you know of a talented young lady (Ages 7-12) who might be interested in becoming Little Miss Ohio 2010? Contact Leslie at the phone number/email address posted above!
Mini "Media Tour"
I was once again reminded of my community's great spirit when both WLIO NBC Lima/FOX/ABC/CBS and The Evening Leader contacted me; they were interested in arranging interviews covering my Miss Ohio 2010 experience and overall participation in the Miss America Organization.
This morning, I gladly met with two of my favorite WLIO anchors/reporters. Soon afterwards, I was pleased to be acquainted with a lovely and very gracious journalist at The Spring Street Coffee House in St. Marys.
A video/link will be added for both news stories in the near future.
Thanks & ciao for now...!
Congratulations Becky, Miss Ohio 2010!
Furthermore, I feel incredibly honored to have been named first runner up to Becky. I am grateful for all of the love, support and encouragement that my immediate family, Miss Ohio family, friends and well-wishers so graciously offered me. I walked away feeling appreciative and proud, knowing that all of my hard work had come to fruition. I look forward to spending the next year not only building and improving upon my skills, but also continuing outreach with my platform. It is such a thrill and an honor to be apart of this program, and I couldn't be happier to be your 2010 Ohio Sweetheart! ;)
Miss Ohio Week may have ended only two days ago, but I have already been asked, "What's next for you?" on multiple occasions. Well, here you have the official scoop!
A few months ago, I was approached by Mr. Crafton Beck, conductor of the Lima Symphony Orchestra, to perform several songs with them on two, different occasions celebrating the Fourth of July. First, we will appear in Van Wert, Ohio before a crowd of 4,000 on July 2nd. Next, we will perform at The Star Spangled Spectacular in Lima before 40,000 folks....just preceding the fireworks!
I will be sure to post more details in the near future. Thank you for your readership!
"Please Come To Our School, Mrs. Obama!"
One, longstanding dream of mine is to have Mrs. Obama visit the Lima City Schools and to witness our efforts that align with what she is doing on a national level.
A few weeks ago, I took the first step of making this dream a reality by sending a colorful box to the White House, addressed to Mrs. Obama, filled with the following items:
-- 100 letters from students in the Lima City Schools, asking that she visit!
-- A letter from Superintendent Karel Oxley, formally inviting Mrs. Obama to the Lima City Schools and underlining what this would mean to the city of Lima.
-- A letter from me, outlining my personal journey, my involvement in the Lima City Schools, and my participation in the Miss America Organization. I also humbly asked that she, personally, bring her message about health and fitness to our grassroots community of Lima, Ohio.
-- A short video clip (filmed and edited by Kevin Reeks, the Lima City Schools' Director of PR) depicting a bit of my "Five Month Fitness Challenge", plus me speaking on behalf of "Breakfast in the Classroom" and "Veggie-U."
-- A small packet of information about the Lima City Schools, as well as an overview of the wonderful programs that make nutrition and fitness accessible for Lima youth.
-- A copy of both Four Points Magazine (April/May 2010) and Pageantry Magazine (Summer Edition 2010) containing the articles that feature my platform efforts.
-- A copy of "Yesterday Once More", my Karen Carpenter Tribute CD, which is how I am helping fund "Breakfast in the Classroom" (I sure hope Mrs. Obama is a Carpenters fan!)
I am so very thrilled about the prospect of our First Lady visiting the Lima City Schools...especially because her schedule coordinator recently contacted me regarding the possibility of her visiting!
I'm hoping for the best and am, of course, excited beyond belief. Let's keep our fingers crossed that this rare opportunity comes to fruition!
My Bold Before & After
It is no secret that this young girl was, a mere five years ago, ME. It is also no secret that my journey has been a long, difficult and tedious one. Since I first began taking my lifestyle choices seriously as a junior in high school, I have made consistent progress. However, one year ago I realized that the time had come for me to make living my platform (T.O.N.E. Our Children: Teaching about Obesity, Nutrition and Exercise) my full time job. I am exceptionally proud to have made my health and fitness the forefront of all I do. This mission of mine is my undertaking for a lifetime, and I couldn't feel more elated. It is this very passion that I share with every child, adolescent and adult I encounter.
Let us be frank: I have struggled with the swimsuit portion of the competition at Miss Ohio for two years now. It was no one's responsibility but my own, and no one's great struggle other than my own, to attain the level of physical fitness necessary to be a truly competitive applicant for the job of Miss Ohio. Sure, I had overcome childhood obesity...but was I STILL a walking, talking contradiction to my own platform?! If I'm being completely honest with myself, I spent more time "talking the talk" than I did actually taking concrete action. As I reflect on this, I know it was only because I suspected what a long journey it would be for me, even though I had already come so far since my childhood years. I understood just how much effort and focus it would require. I was not quite ready at that point in my life.
I am not ashamed to share these truths with you.
Much has changed.
My own realization and acceptance of the facts has, in this past year, motivated me with such a fire that it's difficult to put into words. What I CAN say, though, is that reaching my health and fitness goals is no longer something I'm whining about; it is now an inherent part of WHO I AM.
I hope you can share in the celebration and excitement of my tremendous personal journey with me. It has, and will continue to be, a lifelong pursuit. But then again: "The trip, not the arrival, is life's joy", am I right?
2007-2009...
2010!
A Fantastic 50 Year Celebration
Photos and videos, as promised:
Congratulations once again to Maeva Naylor and The Dance Centre on their continued success! It was a thrill and a real pleasure being apart of such a special weekend of events.
Two very special entries to come in the next few days! Thanks for stopping by and have a relaxing Sunday evening. ;)
A VERY SPECIAL Weekend of Appearances
WHERE: The Veterans' Memorial Civic and Convention Centre, Crouse Performance Hall, 7 Town Square in Lima, Ohio
WHEN: Friday June 4th and Saturday June 5th; 6:40 PM -- 10:00 PM
MORE DETAILS: This is a grand celebration and opportunity of a lifetime to commemorate Maeva Naylor's 50 years of teaching thousands of dancers. Maeva is an extraordinary, well-respected woman in the world of dance and in West Central Ohio. Share in two epic nights at The Civic Centre for this very special 50th anniversary recital!
MY ROLE: Perform a 15-minute segment of my Karen Carpenter Tribute Show prior to showtime at 7:00 PM; Emcee the event and give opening remarks about her 50 year celebration; Sing Judy Garland's "Get Happy" as Maeva and all of her former, male dance students perform a jazz number!
Several months ago, I was speechless when Maeva asked me to play such a large part in this important celebration. I was a dance student of hers from 1997 to 2007, and this invitation simply meant the world to me! I strongly believe that Maeva's training instilled in me a sense of discipline, on-stage presentation and poise at a very young age. I will always be grateful to her, and I look forward to highlighting this monumental event in my community!
Crouse Performance Hall is a beautiful, state-of-the-art theatre that seats 1,767 people! Every year, Maeva's recitals are SOLD OUT, but I wonder (with this being such a big celebration!) if there will be 'standing room only' tickets available as well? Regardless, if you haven't experienced a recital by "The Dance Centre" yet, you don't know what you're missing...unless you attend this weekend! ;)
Stay tuned for photos, videos and info about upcoming events. As always, thank you for stopping by!
For all other appearance re-caps, please feel free to look through any/all of the months archived on the left hand panel of ShannonONeill.us.
Ciao for now!
Thank You For Making "Wish" A Success!
Congratulations to our 2010 winners!
Kids' Champion: Breanon Hall
People's Choice: Emma Ferguson
Grand Champion: Dylan Daniels
Left to right: Leslie Norris-Townsend, Emily Kill (Finalist), Dylan Daniels, Jennifer Thompson (Finalist), Matt Hardy (Finalist), Shannon O'Neill
Check out WishUponASong.com for more info. Maybe we'll see YOU performing on our televised talent compeition series in 2011? :)
Stop by soon for more updates. I have two very exciting (surprise!) appearances coming up this Friday and Saturday evening...can't wait! For more photos from my most recent appearances in Marion County and in the Lima City Schools, feel free to scroll through the month of May.
Cheers!
