Pageantude: Pageants With Attitude!

Miss America 2012

2012-01-08T13:12:00.000-06:00

I'm back! I apologize to you, my readers, for delaying so long between entries. I hope I'll be able to post more regularly in the coming months. Thank all of you for your concern.

And now, a big announcement! Well, sort of.

The podcast is back! I'll be in Vegas providing coverage of Hope's quest for Miss America. I'll post and upload as I can. Internet access from my hotel room will cost money, so I'll be searching around for free wi-fi hotspots. If you know of any free hotspots, please feel free to drop me a note at hollie1216@att.net and I'll check it out.

Meanwhile, here's the first episode of this season's podcasts. Enjoy!

See you in Vegas! Geaux Hope!

Hope has chosen...

2011-08-09T18:01:00.000-05:00

Hope has chosen her position for Miss America competition. She will be #2 in the Sigma group. She will have her interview Tuesday AM, swimsuit/evening wear Tuesday night, talent Wednesday and onstage question Thursday.

Good luck, Hope!

Miss America Online Selection

2011-08-09T11:16:00.000-05:00

Hope will select her position for competition at Miss America this afternoon (Tuesday, August 9). The lottery will begin at 4pm Louisiana (Central) time.

To watch the lottery, log on to http://onlineselection.missamerica.org A computer will select the states at random, and contestants will have five (5) minutes after their state is called to choose a position. To see which states are selecting now and will be next, look at the tabs at the top of the page.

Good luck, Hope!

MAOTeen Online Lottery

2011-07-07T17:54:00.000-05:00

Justine has chosen her slot for competition at Miss America's Outstanding Teen in August. She will be #4 in the White group. She will have her interview Monday PM, talent Tuesday, evening wear and onstage question Wednesday and sportswear Thursday.

Good luck!

Friday Night Winners

2011-06-24T23:27:00.000-05:00

Swimsuit and Evening Wear: Hope Anderson
Talent: April Nelson

Community Service: Andrea Sonnier
Academic Award: Hope Anderson

Miracle Maker: Kayla Divelbiss

Congratulations! Good luck tomorrow!

Thursday Night Winners

2011-06-23T22:16:00.000-05:00

Evening Wear: Nicole Fairburn

Swimsuit: Andrea Sonnier

Talent: Mallory Cox

Congratulations to all!

Congratulations to...

2011-06-23T21:24:00.000-05:00

...Meagan Lee, who recently won the title of Miss Dixie Gem Peach 2012! See you at Miss Louisiana 2012!

Miss Louisiana Contestant Photos

2011-06-23T20:56:00.000-05:00

Photos of this year's Miss Louisiana contestants can now be found on the Miss America website. Click here to view.

Fellow Blogger

2011-06-23T14:04:00.000-05:00

Miss Union Parish, Erica Durr, has been blogging about and photographing Miss Louisiana week activities. Follow her online at www.ericadurr.com.

Wednesday Podcast

2011-06-22T15:03:00.000-05:00

The Wednesday edition of the podcast is here! Download it here.

I'd love to read your feedback! How to send it? Easy! E-mail me at hollie1216@att.net.

Enjoy!

The Triumphant Return

2011-06-21T16:03:00.000-05:00

I'm back, and I'm ready to take on Miss Louisiana week 2011!

I'll be blogging (almost) live from Monroe, and I'll be podcasting once again this year. In fact, you can find this season's premiere podcast here.

I hope you will enjoy it! I do appreciate any feedback you may have, and you can send that to me by e-mailing me at hollie1216@att.net. Let me know what you think.

Good luck to all 36 contestants this year! Only one will come away with the crown, but you're all winners for standing up and competing!

See you in Monroe!

Miss Louisiana State Meeting

2011-03-25T19:29:00.000-05:00

Hi!
Haven't posted here in a while because I've had some health issues. Anyway--if you have any pictures and/or memories of this year's state meeting, please send them to me. I can be reached at hollie1216@att.net. I'm afraid I couldn't make it this year.

Also, if you have the contestants' competition order, I'd like that so I can post it.

See you at Miss Louisiana!

Miss Crescent City New Orleans

2011-02-06T12:37:00.006-06:00

...has been postponed to February 13 because of weather. Read this blog for details as to when and where.

Congratulations to...

2011-02-06T12:37:00.002-06:00

Ruth Frugé, who was crowned Miss Northwestern Lady of the Bracelet last night. See you at Miss Louisiana!

Miss Crescent City New Orleans 2011

2011-01-30T18:03:00.000-06:00

Miss Crescent City New Orleans is now accepting contestant applications. Spots are limited. The pageant will be held Sunday, February 6 at Huntington High School in Shreveport. Interviews start at 1pm and pageant is at 6pm.

For more information, e-mail Hollie at .hollie1216@att.net

Congratulations to...

2011-01-30T17:59:00.002-06:00

...Meagan Lee, Miss Louisiana Stockshow
Carley McCord, Miss Lafayette
Kayla Divelbiss, Miss Acadiana

See you at Miss Louisiana 2011!

Wednesday Night Prelims

2011-01-12T18:08:00.002-06:00

Wednesday night's preliminary competition at Miss America will be available for viewing on Thursday via the MAO Facebook page and YouTube.

We wish Kelsi well as she answers her onstage question tonight.

Miss America: Preliminaries Night 1

2011-01-12T10:52:00.000-06:00

Since the live stream didn't work during last night's preliminaries, you may now see them on YouTube delayed. Look for Kelsi's talent performance and a performance by MLOT Brooke Hotard.

Just go to YouTube and look for "MissAmericaOrg". You'll find the night's prelims there.

Congratulations to Miss North Carolina Adrienne Core and Miss Hawaii Jalee Fuselier for their wins in talent and swimsuit respectively.

Tonight Kelsi answers her onstage question. Let's show her our support!

Watch the Miss America Prelims

2011-01-11T20:10:00.000-06:00

The Miss America preliminaries will be streamed tonight at 10pm Central. Look for the U-Stream tab on the Miss America Organization Facebook page.

Kelsi will be competing in talent tonight. Wish her well!

Las Vegas Sun

2011-01-09T18:48:00.000-06:00

The Las Vegas Sun covers Miss America here

Behind the Scenes

2011-01-09T12:19:00.002-06:00

Here are pictures behind the scenes at Miss America rehearsals. Enjoy!

Miss America Fashion Show

2011-01-09T09:05:00.000-06:00

The 2011 Miss America contestants fashion show can be seen here. Enjoy!

Las Vegas Arrival Ceremony

2011-01-07T11:59:00.000-06:00

You can watch the Miss America arrival ceremony here. Kelsi appears around 12:45 in the video.

Want to look like Miss America?

2010-12-30T18:02:00.003-06:00

...or just want a new look? Artistry Beauty, the official cosmetics and skin care provider for Miss America, has a virtual makeover website. Upload your photo and try on different looks.

The website is here.

Kelsi and CMN

2010-12-30T13:20:00.000-06:00

Kelsi's personal goal is to raise $10,000 for CMN. So far she has raised $7900.

To donate, just go to www.missamerica4kids.org. Look for Kelsi Crain in the contestant search, then follow instructions for donation. Deadline is midnight 12/30/10.

Happy 1-1-11!

2010-12-30T13:13:00.000-06:00

I'd like to wish all my Pageantude readers the best for the new year! It's 1-1-11. Make a wish if you so desire. I know I will be.

We've Hit 40K!

2010-12-27T16:15:00.002-06:00

Thanks to you, our loyal readers, we've gotten 40,000 hits! Keep reading, and don't forget to tell your friends.

Best wishes to all of you for a safe and prosperous 2011.

Congratulations to...

2010-12-19T20:26:00.000-06:00

Lauren Abshier, Miss City of Pineville
Christiana Maria Hayward, Miss Spirit of Pineville

See you at Miss Louisiana 2011!

Share your memories...

2010-12-16T18:49:00.000-06:00

Usually, I'm the one who shares memories with others. It turns out that I can't make it to Vegas for Miss America 2011. So--I'd like for you to share your memories with me!

Whether it be pictures, or funny stories, or just observations, come on and share them with Pageantude readers. If you're planning to take pics at visitation, e-mail me so I can post them for all to see.

Thanks, and I hope to see you at Miss America 2012!

Miss America Announces National Judges

2010-12-15T15:30:00.002-06:00

Official press release is here.

America's Choice

2010-12-07T10:46:00.000-06:00

You can vote for your favorite contestant to make the finals at Miss America 2011! For more information, go to: .http://www.facebook.com/MissAmericaOrganization?v=app_10442206389

Miss America Judges

2010-12-06T16:32:00.000-06:00

The judging panel for Miss America 2011 will be announced on ABC's The View Wednesday morning. Check your local listings for time and station.

In Loving Memory

2010-12-05T10:44:00.000-06:00

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we report that Ric Ferentz, Miss America historian, has passed away. Services will be private, but you may send a condolence to his family via the Miss America national office.

The Miss America Organization
222 New Road
Suite 700
Linwood, NJ 08221
Attn: Condolences

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-26T16:00:00.001-06:00

I'd like to wish all my readers a Happy Thanksgiving!

Kelsi's Trunk Show

2010-11-21T22:59:00.000-06:00

We're looking for your memories and anecdotes from Kelsi's trunk show. Please don't send any pictures, as her wardrobe is supposed to be a surprise at Miss America!

If you have an interesting story to tell, let me know about it! Was there something that stood out for you? E-mail me.

Congratulations to...

2010-11-14T09:06:00.000-06:00

...Lauren Vizza, who was crowned Miss Monroe 2011 last night. See you at Miss Louisiana!

You Are Invited...

2010-11-11T09:55:00.000-06:00

...to Kelsi's Miss America style show!

When: Sunday, November 21 2-5pm
Where: ULM Biedenharn Recital Hall
Who: Miss Louisiana Organization

Kelsi will perform her talent and model her Miss America wardrobe.

Congratulations to...

2010-11-07T17:56:00.002-06:00

...Miss Louisiana Port City Raven Hollins and Miss Spirit of the Red Chelsi Hefner. See you at Miss Louisiana 2011!

Congratulations to...

2010-11-06T21:42:00.002-05:00

...Haley Ridgel, who was crowned Miss St. Tammany Heritage tonight. See you at Miss Louisiana!

Congratulations To...

2010-10-24T13:51:00.002-05:00

...Miss Spirit of Ruston Hope Anderson
Miss Dixie Gem Peach Lacey Sanchez

See you at Miss Louisiana 2011!

Jaden Leach Crowned Miss ULM 2011

2010-10-12T13:46:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Jaden Leach, who was crowned Miss ULM 2011 last week. See you at Miss Louisiana!

For a complete recap of the pageant, click here.

Miss ULM

2010-10-08T11:45:00.002-05:00

Does anyone have results for last night's Miss ULM pageant? If so, e-mail me so I can post them.

Thanks!

Beauty Hint

2010-10-08T11:44:00.000-05:00

Want to clean your hair, and help the environment, too? You can go shampoo-free!

To clean your hair, use baking soda. I used 1 part baking soda to 3 parts water. Shake in a clean bottle, then apply to hair and massage your scalp. I leave the solution on for a minute before rinsing it out.

To condition, use cider vinegar. I used 1 part cider vinegar to 4 parts water. Again, use a clean bottle to apply to hair. (a squeeze bottle works best, and they're cheap.) Leave on for a minute or two, then rinse. If you want to mask the vinegar smell, you can use a cinnamon stick, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, or both. I personally like the smell of cider vinegar. This will leave your hair nice and shiny.

Try it, and let me know how you like it!

Congratulations to...

2010-09-26T09:05:00.003-05:00

...Meghan Melder, who was crowned Miss Germantown 2011 last night! See you at Miss Louisiana 2011!

Miss America Contestant Lottery

2010-09-20T17:53:00.002-05:00

Kelsi is number 14 in the Alpha group. She will do interview Monday afternoon, talent Tuesday, onstage question Wednesday and swimsuit/evening wear Thursday.

Brooke Continues Her Year

2010-09-02T16:05:00.001-05:00

Even though Brooke didn't make top 15 at MAOTeen, she is still a great representative for Louisiana. Let's support her as she continues her year.

Congratulations to...

2010-08-29T08:33:00.001-05:00

Miss Southeastern Louisiana University 2011 Gabrielle Palma!

See you at Miss Louisiana!

MAOT Talent

2010-08-26T16:23:00.001-05:00

Brooke competes in talent tonight. Wish her luck!

Physical Fitness

2010-08-24T18:19:00.002-05:00

Brooke competes in physical fitness tonight as part of the Miss America's Outstanding Teen competition. Wish her luck!

Leaving for Orlando

2010-08-16T22:37:00.000-05:00

Miss Louisiana's Outstanding Teen Brooke Hotard leaves for Orlando on Thursday. Let's show her our support as she competes for the title of Miss America's Outstanding Teen! The big final night is Saturday, August 28.

37K and Still Growing!

2010-08-16T18:30:00.002-05:00

We've hit 37,000 hits here on the blog! Keep reading Pageantude for the latest in Miss Louisiana and Miss America news.

Congratulations to...

2010-08-16T18:26:00.002-05:00

...Haley Grey, Miss Ouachita Parish
Becca Price, Miss Louisiana Cottonport
Nicole Fairburn, Miss Twin Cities

See you at Miss Louisiana 2011!

Congratulations to...

2010-08-01T08:55:00.002-05:00

...April Nelson, Miss Louisiana Watermelon Festival, and Erica Durr, Miss Union Parish. Way to go! See you at Miss Louisiana 2011!

Brooke's Trunk Show

2010-07-27T11:39:00.000-05:00

Brooke's trunk show and sendoff celebration will be Sunday, August 8, 2010 at 1:30pm at the Radisson Hotel, 2245 South Acadian Thruway in Baton Rouge. The event is sponsored by the Radisson Hotel, the Miss Louisiana Organization and family and friends. Kelsi Crain, Miss Louisiana 2010, will act as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Brooke's Competition Placement

2010-07-18T18:10:00.002-05:00

Brooke is #2 in the Red group at Miss America's Outstanding Teen. She will compete in evening gown and onstage question Tuesday, fitness Wednesday and talent Thursday.

Book Club Selection

2010-07-18T13:39:00.000-05:00

My book, Myths America: A Practical Guide to Pageantry, is being recommended as a selection for a book club in Cincinnati, OH. Just thought I'd share the exciting news with everyone!

Also, the book now has a "look inside" section on Amazon so you can read before you buy! I hope you do buy a copy.

Brooke's Philosophy on Life

2010-07-15T21:56:00.002-05:00

You can read all about Brooke here.

Brooke's Official Headshot

2010-07-15T20:56:00.000-05:00

Interview with Kelsi

2010-07-07T10:07:00.000-05:00

My Ark-La-Miss has an interview with Kelsi.

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T12:07:00.000-05:00

We here at Pageantude (really, it's just me) wish everyone a Happy Independence Day!

We've Hit 36K!

2010-07-04T12:05:00.002-05:00

Wow! 36,000 hits! Thanks! Keep reading Pageantude for the latest in Miss Louisiana and Miss America news.

2010 Judging Seminar Notes

2010-06-29T14:05:00.000-05:00

As promised, here are the notes I took at the judging seminar Saturday morning.


          David Blackledge:

         Judges and directors should look at the official guide to judging. You want good judges. The top 10/top 5 final ballot gives the judges one last look at the contestants. A representative will likely speak at schools, so she must be comfortable with young people. There are quality contestants in the south. Local pageants are very important, because the next Miss America will come from one.

         Nan Teninbaum:

         The next Miss America will first compete at the local level. A judge must be prepared. It is best to hold an orientation. Can a representative do the job? Does she want to do the job? She must make a commitment. What can she do for the organization? Is she real?

         Talent is not the most important phase of competition, although it does count for 35% of the total score. A contestant must have technical ability as well as the ability to entertain. Would a judge want to see the talent again?

         Swimsuit: Is the contestant physically fit? She must take care of herself and carry herself with confidence and poise.

         Evening Gown: Everyone is beautiful. Nan uses the full range of scores and emphasizes consistency in scoring. A contestant must walk with confidence and good posture. A judge must be concerned with overall first impressions.

         On Stage Question: It can be anything from current events to platform to personality questions. How prepared is a contestant? Is she articulate? Does she use proper grammar? She should be fluent—not choppy.

         Final Ballot: A contestant with the most points doesn’t necessarily mean she’ll be the winner.

         Paperwork: Sometimes less is more.

         Final words: The Miss America program is not just about the girls who win, but the ones who don’t win. Miss America is a program of self improvement.

         There is no prior discussion of the top 10 until the meeting on Friday night. There is a brief discussion of each contestant before moving on to the next one.

         Ericka Dunlap:

         What are the qualities of a good representative? She must have care and compassion. What does she bring to the table? The Miss America program is looking for fresh faces. Everyone gets a fair chance.

         Don’t look at Facebook. People will find out what kind of person a contestant is. A judge should have no preconceived notions. If a contestant is in an embarrassing picture, she should remove her tag from that photo.

         Holly Clegg:

         She is looking for spontaneity and warmth. A contestant should speak from the heart. She should be prepared.

Saturday Podcast

2010-06-27T00:50:00.000-05:00

Saturday night/Sunday morning podcast is available for download here.

Show Notes:

Miss Louisiana results
Tip of the Day: What the Miss America Program Is All About

Music provided by Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com

Thanks for listening! See you in August in Orlando for Miss America's Outstanding Teen!

Miss Louisiana Results

2010-06-27T00:40:00.000-05:00

We have a new Miss Louisiana! She is Kelsi Crain, Miss ULM.

Full Results:

Miss Louisiana: Kelsi Crain
1st runner-up: Lauren Abshier
2nd runner-up: Hope Anderson
3rd runner-up: Lauren Vizza
4th runner-up; Lacey Sanchez

Top Ten:

Liz Dunn
Erica Durr
Nicole Fairburn
Brandy Hotard
April Nelson

Miss Congeniality: Andrea Sonnier
Newcomer Award; Kelsi Crain
Academic Award: Hope Anderson
Community Service: April Nelson

Non-Finalist Talent:

Kimberly Rusley
Andrea Sonnier
Gabrielle Palma
Katie Cook

Judging Seminar

2010-06-26T15:51:00.000-05:00

The judging seminar went well today. I learned quite a lot, and the judges had many interesting things to say.

I'll have complete notes as I compile them--I took a lot!

Are you ready for the Big Night tonight?

Award Winners

2010-06-25T23:56:00.001-05:00

MAO Academic Award: Hope Anderson, Miss Monroe
Community Service Award: April Nelson, Miss Slidell

Friday Night Podcast

2010-06-25T23:53:00.000-05:00

Friday's podcast is ready for download here.

Show Notes:
Friday Preliminary Winners
Shout-Outs: Fleur de Lis Princesses
Tip of the Day: Stand Tall!

Music: "Disco Sting' provided by Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com

Friday Preliminary Results

2010-06-25T23:51:00.001-05:00

Swimsuit: Lauren Abshier, Miss Dixie Gem Peach
Talent: Brandy Hotard, Miss Crescent City

Congratulations! Good luck tomorrow night!

Thursday Preliminary Results

2010-06-24T23:48:00.002-05:00

Swimsuit: Kelsi Crain, Miss ULM

Talent: Gabrielle Palma, Miss City of Pineville

Congratulations, ladies!

Thursday Podcast

2010-06-24T23:47:00.000-05:00

Thursday Podcast is up. Download it here.

Show Notes: Thursday Preliminary Results
Looking Forward to Friday
Shout-Out: Gabrielle Palma, Miss City of Pineville
Tip of the Day: Pamper Your Feet

You can send a shout-out to your favorite contestant by e-mailing me at hollie1216@cox.net. I'll make sure it gets on the air.

2010-06-23T08:34:00.000-05:00

Wednesday's podcast can be found here.

Show notes: Interview Day
Shout-Outs
Tip of the Day: Hairstyling

For pageant tips, read the book Myths America: A Practical Guide to Pageantry available at createspace.com and amazon.com

You can send a shout-out to your favorite contestant. E-mail me with your shout-out.

Podcast music provided by Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com

Dillard's Style Show

2010-06-23T06:31:00.002-05:00

Here are the Miss Louisiana contestants as they appeared in yesterday's style show at Dillard's in Pecanland Mall.

Reception at Dr. Jarrell's

2010-06-23T06:30:00.002-05:00

Pictures from the reception at Dr. Jarrell's can be found on the News-Star site here.

35K and Counting!

2010-06-22T21:00:00.000-05:00

We just hit 35K! Thanks for all your support! Keep reading Pageantude for all the latest in Miss Louisiana and Miss America news. We'll be reporting from Monroe and counting down until the crowning of Miss Louisiana 2010!

Miss Louisiana Contestants Introduction

2010-06-22T18:43:00.002-05:00

Come and meet the contestants who will be competing for the title of Miss Louisiana 2010!

Tuesday's Podcast

2010-06-22T14:10:00.000-05:00

Tuesday's podcast is up. You can download it here.

Show Notes: MLOT Results
                      Style Show at Pecanland Mall
                      Shout-Outs
                      Tip of the Day: Elvis was Right!
                      Close

Podcast Music: "Disco Sting" provided and written by Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com.

Brooke's First Interview

2010-06-22T11:50:00.000-05:00

Check out Brooke's first TV interview with KTVE 10 here.

Miss Louisiana's Outstanding Teen Complete Results

2010-06-22T09:46:00.000-05:00

Top 5
Brooke Hotard, Miss Crescent City's OT- Miss Louisiana's Outstanding Teen 2010
Justine Ker, Miss Spirit of the Red's OT- 1st Runner Up
Olivia Ruby, Miss La Port City's OT- 2nd Runner Up
Lauren Ford, Miss La Watermelon Festival's OT- 3rd Runner Up
Victoria Cleveland, Miss North La Bayou's OT- 4th Runner Up

Top Ten Semi-Finalist
Dailey Joy Foster, Miss La Peach Festival's OT
Colleen Seeley, Miss Slidell's OT
Lauren Dionne, Miss Acadiana's OT
Hayley Cooper, Miss Ouachita Parish's OT
Haleigh Willis, City of Pineville's OT

Non Finalist Talent Winners
Ginger Douglas, Miss Lafayette's OT
Caitlin Case, Miss La Bonne Terre's OT

Non Finalist Interview Winner
Liesl Oestriecher, Miss Spirit of Caddo OT

Miss Congeniality
Cheyenne Little, Miss Monroe's OT

Preliminary Winners
Justine Ker, Miss Spirit of the Red's OT: Group A Fitness and Talent
Olivia Ruby, Miss La Port City's OT: Group B Fitness and Talent

We have an Outstanding Teen!

2010-06-22T07:20:00.000-05:00

She is Brooke Hotard, who competed as Miss Crescent City's Outstanding Teen. Her older sister, Brandy, is competing as Miss Crescent City.

Here is a picture of Brooke at her first TV appearance as Miss Louisiana's Outstanding Teen.

Miss Louisiana Blogging

2010-06-22T07:17:00.002-05:00

Liz Dunn's blogging of Miss Louisiana week starts here. Liz is Miss Louisiana Watermelon Festival.

MLOT Top Ten

2010-06-21T20:06:00.000-05:00

Lauren Ford, Haleigh Willis, Lauren Dionne, Hayley Cooper, Brooke Hotard, Justine Ker, Victoria Cleveland, Dailey Joy Foster, Olivia Ruby and Colleen Seeley

Congratulations!

Podcast: 21 June 10

2010-06-21T15:37:00.000-05:00

The new season of Pageantude/Miss Louisiana podcasts has begun! Click here to download this afternoon's episode.

Don't forget: You can send a shout-out to your favorite contestant. E-mail me with your shout-out, and I'll get it on the air for you.

Show Notes: Miss Louisiana's Outstanding Teen Prelims and Finals
Tip of the Day: Lipstick Application

Very special thanks to Kevin MacLeod of incompetech.com for providing the music for this season's podcasts. The intro/closing music is called "Disco Sting".

See you at Miss Louisiana!

Congratulations to...

2010-06-21T10:04:00.000-05:00

...Justine Ker and Olivia Ruby, who won double preliminary awards at Miss Louisiana's Outstanding Teen! The competition heats up, and we find out who MLOT 2010 will be tonight!

Miss Louisiana's Outstanding Teens 2010

2010-06-21T08:16:00.000-05:00

The teens as they get ready for their pageant. Miss Louisiana's Outstanding Teen 2010 will be crowned tonight (Monday).

Miss Louisiana Day at the State Capitol

2010-06-12T11:29:00.000-05:00

Watch this YouTube video of Miss Louisiana Day at the State Capitol.

Recommended Hotels for Your Miss Louisiana Stay

2010-06-04T17:29:00.000-05:00

Official Host Hotel – 2010:

The Atrium Hotel – Host Hotel $60.00/night standard room
2001 Louisville Avenue $119.00/night Suite
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
(318) 325-0641

Recommended Hotels:

Wingate Inn and Suites $75.99/night King or Double
228 Blanchard Drive Includes Hot Breakfast Buffet
West Monroe, Louisiana 71291
(318) 387-7395

Holiday Inn Express $85.00/night King or Double
603 Constitution Drive $105.00/night Suite
West Monroe, Louisiana 71292 Includes Hot Breakfast
(318) 807-6000

Holiday Inn and Suites $69.00/night Standard Room
1051 US HWY 165 $109.00/night Suite
Monroe, Louisiana 71292
(318) 387-5100

La Quinta Inn $52.00/night King
1035 US 165 Bypass $57.00/night Double
Monroe, Louisiana 71203 Includes Continental Breakfast
(318) 322-3900

Hampton Inn $79.00/night King or Double
1407 Martin Luther King Drive Includes Complimentary Hot Breakfast
Monroe, Louisiana 71202
(318) 361-9944

Comfort Suites $84.00/night King or Double
1401 Martin Luther King Drive Includes Complimentary Hot Breakfast
Monroe, Louisiana 71202
www.comfortsuitesmonroe.com
(318) 410-1005

When making reservations, PLEASE let them know that you are with the
Miss Louisiana Organization for the best rates. And, remind them again
upon checking in that you are with the Miss Louisiana Organization.

JM Best Entertainment to Produce Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2011

2010-06-04T17:22:00.002-05:00

From fourpoints magazine:

JM Best Entertainment to Produce Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2011

Watch Miss Louisiana on TV

2010-06-01T19:41:00.002-05:00

You can watch Miss Louisiana's final night on the following TV stations:

New Orleans

WUPL-TV

Baton Rouge

WBTR-TV

Alexandria

KLAX-TV

Lafayette-Lake Charles

KLFY-TV

Shreveport

KPXJ-TV

Monroe

KNOE-TV

Morgan City

KWBJ-TV

The pageant will be broadcast Saturday, June 26 from 8-10PM. You may also watch the webcast of all three nights of competition on www.misslouisiana.org.

Miss New Orleans Haley Warrick Promotes Literacy

2010-05-28T19:40:00.000-05:00

Miss New Orleans 2010 Haley Warrick is shown here with the staff of the Methodist Children's Home of Greater New Orleans. Haley's platform is Literacy. She delivered books and some supplies for the children of the home. She has plans to bring more supplies and to speak to the children about self esteem.

ABC Welcomes Miss America Back--On Its Own Terms

2010-05-26T21:53:00.001-05:00

John Consoli writes for The Wrap about Miss America's new deal with ABC. Rather than the network paying a licensing fee to Miss America, MAO has arranged a time-buy deal with the network.

You can read Mr. Consoli's article here.

Miss America Disses Miss USA

2010-05-25T08:11:00.002-05:00

From AOL: Miss America Disses Miss USA.

What Happens in Vegas...?

2010-05-25T08:07:00.000-05:00

Here's Robin Leach's take on Miss America's new deal with ABC:

http://www.vegasdeluxe.com/blogs/luxe-life/2010/may/24/will-las-vegas-play-host-abcs-new-three-year-deal-/

Will Miss America return to Las Vegas? Stay tuned.

34K and counting!

2010-05-24T17:01:00.000-05:00

We've just hit 34,000! Thank you for all the hits! Don't forget to keep reading Pageantude for all the latest Miss Louisiana and Miss America news.

New TV Deal for Miss America

2010-05-24T11:26:00.002-05:00

LAS VEGAS – Miss America is getting back to network television in time for her 90th birthday.

The beauty pageant has signed a three-year deal with ABC, with plans to air next year's competition live on Jan. 15, pageant officials said.

"It's a wonderful deal," Sam Haskell, chairman of the Miss America Organization, told The Associated Press. "It's much better than any deal that we've had in the last five years."

Haskell declined to discuss specifics of the agreement.

Miss America has not aired on network television since 2004, when ABC dropped the pageant after record-low ratings. Since then, it has aired on cable, twice on CMT and three times on TLC.

This year's pageant — won by Miss Virginia Caressa Cameron — topped cable television excluding movies with 4.5 million viewers the night it aired. That was about 1 million more viewers for the pageant than in 2009.

But Miss America found itself without a TV deal in March after cable network TLC declined to pick up a three-year option, opting instead to seek a two-year deal for less money.

Haskell said the latest ABC deal brings the pageant full circle from 2004.

"We were given a chance to re-brand, to keep what was traditional but make ourselves more today, and I think we've done that," he said. "We're now back with a lot of strength and back to show everyone that Miss America is the American tradition. It's a pop icon."

No final deal has been made yet on the location of the pageant, said Haskell and Art McMaster, chief executive of the Miss America Organization. The national competition was held this year at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

McMaster said plans for next year's pageant include an attempt to bring together as many former Miss America winners together as possible in celebration of the pageant's history. About 60 are still alive.

The pageant was founded in Atlantic City, N.J., in 1921 as a bathing beauty revue.

Haskell said Miss America 2011 would also reflect renewed efforts to distance the competition from Miss USA, the rival, headline-grabbing pageant owned in a joint venture by Donald Trump and NBC.

"No little girl walks around saying, 'I want to be Miss USA when I grow up.' She says, 'I want to be Miss America,'" Haskell said.

New Poll

2010-05-23T14:08:00.000-05:00

Where would you like to see Miss America 2011? We have a new poll going on, and we'll take your answers for the next week.

Would you like to see the pageant back in Atlantic City? Or would you rather keep it in Las Vegas?

MAO Special Announcement

2010-05-21T20:30:00.002-05:00

On Monday we'll be sharing some VERY exciting news! Tune to Fox & Friends during the 8 am ET hour as host and Miss America 1989 Gretchen Carlson speaks with Sam Haskell, MAO Board Chairman, and Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron. You will not want to miss this special announcement!!!

Miss Louisiana Day in Baton Rouge

2010-05-18T08:41:00.002-05:00

Miss Louisiana Day at the State Capitol will be held May 26, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. All current local titleholders (Miss and Teen) are invited to attend. The goal of Miss Louisiana Day is to increase the awareness of the Miss Louisiana Organization.

All participants will have the opportunity to tour the Louisiana Old State Capitol, the Louisiana State Museum and the Louisiana State Capitol. Contestants will have the unique opportunity to experience Louisiana landmarks first hand. These experiences could positively impact their experience in the interview phase of competition.

Nursing Scholarships Available

2010-05-12T14:34:00.000-05:00

Global Health Management (http://www.GHMLLC.net) and the Shanghai Institute of Health Sciences International Exchange College (http://www.sihs.cn) combine efforts to address the national nursing shortage in the United States.

Starting in the fall of 2010, US students will have the opportunity to pursue their RN degree at the Shanghai Institute of Health Sciences International Exchange College and return home with a degree in hand. Students will be eligible to take the national nursing certification test known as the NCLEX upon graduation. “Over the past two decades we have recognized the growing national nursing shortage in the US as many of the current nurses age and plan for retirement,” notes GHM CEO Kirk Soileau, “At the same time, the baby boomers are aging quicker and getting sicker at a much faster pace than new nursing graduates can replace their retiring colleagues, further straining the healthcare workforce.”

As an academician in higher education for the past 20 years, Dr. William Thallemer, President International Development and Academic Medical Partnerships for Global Health points out, “Schools across the country have limited enrollment for students wanting to pursue careers in nursing. Adding to both the shortage of RN graduates and the growing waiting lists for students desiring to enroll in nursing school are significant budget cuts facing colleges and universities around the country today.”

The scholarships will be offered to those students meeting the admission requirements for the Shanghai Institute of Health and who are willing to live and study aboard for up to three years during the academic school year. Perspective students should call GHM at 985.345.2229 or request information via email 24 hours a day at Info@ghmllc.net.

Global Health Management, headquartered in Hammond Louisiana, is a privately held healthcare development and management firm with the goal of helping government, medical educational institutions, private entities or other healthcare providers realize their strategic vision. Currently GHM is working with clients in the US, China, India and United Arab Emirates.

Founded in 1957 as the Shanghai Second Medical University Health Technical College, Shanghai Institute of Health Sciences became an independent professional university in 2006. The SIHS has an international faculty from the UK, US, Australia, Canada and Japan working on joint programs in the International Exchange College. The SIHS exchange college houses over 1000 students and faculty from the UK, US, France, Australia, Finland, Norway, Holland, New Zealand, Japan and Hong Kong living and learning together in a multicultural environment.

Fishing for a Miracle

2010-05-08T10:14:00.002-05:00

CMN Fund Raiser Hosted and organized by Miss New Orleans 2010 Haley Warrick invites everyone to come spend the day in Toledo Bend Lake Country Saturday May 8th and help us fish for a miracle! Whether you come out to fish the tournament or simply to enjoy the food, drinks, music, and raffles at the weigh-in your support helps us to help others.

Ritz-Carlton Collecting Donations

2010-05-03T14:16:00.000-05:00

The Ritz-Carlton hotel in New Orleans is accepting donations of nylons, hair and fur to build booms to combat the Gulf oil spill. For more details, click here.

The Miss Crescent City New Orleans organization supports the Ritz-Carlton's efforts.