We had such a wonderful time wishing Diana lots of luck in Hoopeston, Illinois! She is one of 35 contestants who will vie for National Sweetheart title. Kylie and I took the liberty of crowning her with the corn stalk that Rob brought her as a gift ;) (See our silly photo below). On a personal note, Diana is someone that I have always looked up to and believe is more than deserving of the Sweetheart title. She is a phenomenal person and is going to do an incredible job this week. Good luck, Diana! Florida loves you!!!! :)
On Tuesday, August 24th I attended the first night of the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Preliminary Competition. Sierra Minott, Miss Florida 2008, emceed the first two nights of competition and kept the audience entertained with her "You Might Be a Pageant Girl If......" stories throughout the evening. She was fabulous! MaryKatherine shined in her incredible evening gown (provided by REGALIA Magnificent Apparel) and did a great job answering her on-stage question. I was overwhelmed by how beautiful she looked, and even got a little choked up when she hit the stage. :) Below are photos from visitation.
With Miss California, Arianna Asfar.
With Sierra, Miss Florida 2008 (and also Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen 2005)The second night of the Miss America's Oustanding Teen Preliminary Competition, was MaryKatherine's night to compete in fitness wear. Sierra was the emcee again, and continued to do a fantastic job. I have to tell you, the fitness routine was intense! They had an adorable coreographed routine that even included a push-up during each contestant's presentation. MaryKatherine was beautiful and definitely fit!
With Massachutsetts, New Jersey, California and Hawaii
With Wyoming, Meghan Miller (former MAOT), Colorado and ConnecticutThe next day, each contestant had a 60 second spot to film for ABC.com with Tall Pony Productions. I was scheduled to shoot at 9:30am and had an Artistry Cosmetics interview directly after. Both went extremely well and I can't wait to see the results! :)
Before the last night of preliminaries, Mary Sullivan and Regalia Magnificent Apparel, hosted a dinner for the 53 Miss contestants, Miss America Staff and Board Members at Maggiano's in Pointe Orlando. Art McMaster asked each contestant to share one fun fact that would help us to get to know each other better and it worked! Thank you to Mary Sullivan and Regalia for hosting such a fabulous event!
I was excited to attend the Thursday preliminary because it was MaryKatherine's night to perform her talent. She performed a BEAUTIFUL lyrical dance to "Bridge Over Troubled Waters". I had tears in my eyes as I watched her own the stage and exude grace and confidence :) Below are photos from the evening.
With my beautiful Melaina!
Being silly at Maggiano's!
On our way to dinner! Myself, Melaina (Colorado) and Emoly (Oklahoma)
The best table! Becky (Ohio), Myself, Melaina (Colorado), Sarah Beth (Mississippi), Kelsi (Louisiana) and Katie (Virginia)
After prelims! Allison Kreiger Walsh (Miss Florida 2006), Myself, Sierra Minott (Miss Florida 2008 and Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen 2005) and Dana Dalton Judge (Miss Florida 1990)The next morning, all 53 of the Miss America contestants were ecstatic to go to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom for a fun-filled day of filming and enjoying the park. As soon as we arrived, we were taken to the lawn in front of Cinderella's Castle to be interviewed. I was apart of the selected interviews as well as the general interviews. Although we all felt extremely hot, we were so wrapped up in the excitement of being in Disney. What a fantastic experience!
Group #1! We were filmed riding the Teacups and then Space Moutain after our interviews.
Me and Claire (New York) on our way to Disney!
Being interviewedLater that evening, we attended a Miss America fundraiser held at the incredible Segiel estate in Orlando. We arrived in style on a red carpet that was rolled out for us before we entered! We then took a group photo on the staircase of the Seigel home before visiting all of the delicious food vendors that had an array of treats to choose from. We had a great time dancing the night away and meeting all of the guests that attended also. Thank you to David and Jacquline Seigel for hosting such an amazing party and making each of us feel like celebrities!
Kelsi (Louisiana), Myself, and Emoly (Oklahoma)
Does anyone notice anything different? :)
Kelsi (Louisiana), Myself and Katie (Virginia)
Mary-Katherine and I before we left. On Saturday, the 53 Miss America Contestants attended an orientation in the morning for very important information regarding the competition in Vegas. It was a very helpful meeting as we listened to the insight that Caressa had for each of us regarding the job of Miss America.
After our orientation, I had lunch with the Miss Colorado directors, Suzi and Wayne Doland along with Melaina Shipwash, Miss Colorado. Melaina and I have already become such GREAT friends- I can't wait to see her and many of the other contestants I had the pleasure of meeting in Las Vegas. We bonded so much this weekend.
Before the MAOT finals, all 53 of us attended an autograph session that was held at the Linda Chapin Theater, the venue for the MAOT Pageant. I was so happy to meet so many fans of the pageant from all over the country!
Congratulations to our new Miss America's Outstanding Teen, Lacey Russ from Oklahoma! We are so excited to have her as our nation's representative. MaryKatherine recieved the Non-Finalist Talent Award as well as the Photogenic Award! Way to go MK! :)
As I reflected on the past week, I have seen firsthand the amazing friendships that this program creates for not only the contestants but the directors, families and fans from across the nation. We are Miss America strong! :) Enjoy more photos below!
Until next time,
Jaclyn Raulerson
Miss Florida 2010
At the autograph signing!
The "Wolf Pack". Ashley (Texas), Stephanie (D.C.), Melaina (Colorado) and myself.
My beautiful Melaina!
Kelsi (Louisiana), myself, Melaina (Colorado) and Stephanie (D.C.)
