2008 MRS/MISS/TEEN MINNESOTA INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT - ST. CLOUD, MN

This year’s pageant was the culmination of months of hard work and preparation with my clients. I was honored to work with six Mrs. contestants, two Teens, and one Miss. We worked HARD but had a lot of fun throughout the process, and all that hard work paid off as my client Leisha Gust won the title of Mrs. Minnesota International 2008! Additionally, my clients won all of the Mrs preliminary awards (which I was thrilled with) and EVERYONE did a fabulous job. I could not have been more proud of my clients and the class and integrity of this pageant. It is always a top-notch event and I am honored to belong to the Minnesota International pageant family.


Friday night's festivities began with orientation followed by a pizza party. Saturday brought a full day of rehearsals, followed by Preliminaries that evening. I was SO PROUD of all my clients’ performances. It was so rewarding to finally see these ladies on stage after so many months of hard work and preparation. At the end of the preliminary competition, the my clients won the following awards:


Director's Award: Brooke Fultz (TEEN) & Natalie Hagemo (MRS)

Team Spirit (Overall Ticket Sales): Starla Reisner (MRS)

"Best Husband in a Supporting Role": Willie Jett (husband of Tamara Jett - Mrs. Ham Lake)






With the lovely Danni Epps (Miss MN Int’l 2007 - LEFT) and Giselle Ugarte (Miss Teen MN Int’l 2007 - RIGHT)







L to R: Catching up with Angela Haseman (Mrs. MN Int’l 2006) and dear friend Donnell Rank (Mrs. MN Int’l 2007) just before prelims.








Owner of The Pageant Shop Sarah Moses (far R) and I congratulate our teen client Delanie Neal (center) on a great preliminary performance!








L to R: Sarah Moses, me, State Director Allison Stavrakis, and my awesome mom Bonnie Henderson just before the start of the pageant.







With my 2008 clients after Prelims (clockwise from left): Natalie Hagemo, Denise Wellik-Peterson, Molly Nicholson, Brooke Fultz, Tamara Jett, Rosio Esparza, Delanie Neal, me, Leisha Gust, Starla Reisner. WAY TO GO LADIES!!!





Saying hi to long-time pageant buddies Jennifer Sanneman (Mrs. MN Int’l 2005 - LEFT) and the beautiful and funny Penny Wells (R). FYI, Penny does fabulous makeup!






With my gorgeous mom at the luncheon...can you believe she is 65-years-old? I hope I look half as good as she does when I’m her age!







With my Mrs. MN Int’l pageant “sisters” Donnell Rank (C) and Nancy Paradeise (L). We all started out together in 2003, then I crowned Nancy in ’04 and Donnell won in ’07. How cool is that?!?








What a great looking group of women! After the lunch with some of my clients.









L to R: Sarah Moses (owner of the Pageant Shop) and I so proud of our clients Delanie Neal and Leisha Gust.





I can’t even count how many photos I have with my dear friend Donnell Rank (it verges on the edge of ridiculous), but this was our LAST photo of us together while she still was Mrs. Minnesota International 2007 (this was taken right before the start of the pageant when she crowned her successor). We worked HARD together to help her win her title so this was the culmination of so much!



Sunday night's Final Competition began with the introduction of the contestants, followed by the announcement of some special awards. My clients were honored with the following:


Supermodel with Style: Delanie Neal (TEEN)

Congeniality: Starla Reisner (MRS)


The Top Eight semifinalists were announced in the Teen and Mrs division, and all preliminary scores were erased. The Teen and Mrs semifinalists answered an unrehearsed question of 30 seconds or less, while all of the Miss contestants followed suit. The Teen and Mrs contestants re-competed in Aerobicwear, Evening Gown, and Fun Fashion Wear (Teens only), while the Miss contestants gave an Evening Gown presentation.


The official competition was over and anticipation was in the air as the runner-ups and winners were announced. I was SO pleased to have one of my teen clients Delanie Neal place as 2nd runner-up...this was her first “platform based” pageant and she was terrific. I strongly felt that my other teen client Brooke Fultz would place in the Top 8 but alas that was not to be. I expect GREAT things out of Brooke in the future. Both teens were an absolute delight to work with.


My client Leisha Gust won the Mrs. title and the Preliminary Aerobicwear Award. Here is how the rest of my clients fared:


MRS:

LEISHA GUST: WINNER Mrs. Minnesota Int’l 2008, Best in Aerobicwear Award

NATALIE HAGEMO: Top 8, Best in Interview Award, Director’s Award, Mrs. People’s Choice Winner

TAMARA JETT: 3rd Runner-up

MOLLY NICHOLSON: Top 8, Best in Evening Gown Award

STARLA REISNER: Mrs. Congeniality, Most Ticket Sales Award

DENISE WELLIK-PETERSON performed beautifully and looked incredible. Awesome!


TEENS:

BROOKE FULTZ: Teen Director’s Award Winner and Teen People’s Choice Award Winner

DELANIE NEAL: 2nd RU, Supermodel with Style Award Winner


MISS:

ROSIO ESPARZA looked amazing





With the new 2008 MN Int’l queens (L to R): the DARLING Megan Herickhoff (Teen), my client Leisha Gust (Mrs), and Tina Rosenthal (Miss)





Posing with the “former” Minnesota International Pageant queens. This group is getting pretty big w/the addition of the Teens and Miss ladies!





Catching up with some of my favorite pageant ladies---this is a GREAT group of women! (L to R): Sonja Fisher (we competed together at Mrs. MN Int’l 2003), Kris Mohlin (awesome mock interview judge & makeup artist!), me, former client Sarah Tichich (I coached her for Mrs. MN US ‘07 after we competed together @ Mrs. MN America ’06), and my client Wendi Russo.





Sarah Moses and I are SO PROUD of our client and friend Leisha Gust for winning the title of Mrs. Minnesota International 2008! HOORAY!






We can’t wipe the smiles off our faces! Leisha is not just my client, she is a great friend. We first met as fellow contestants in the 2003 Mrs. MN Int’l pageant (along with Nancy Paradeise & Donnell Rank, who also went on to win the title in ’04 & ’07 respectively). Leisha came to me for coaching a year ago because she felt like she was in a “pageant rut.” We honed her skills, changed a few things, and REALLY worked on her interview and letting her true self shine...and it worked! I am SOOOOO PROUD OF HER!






Celebrating with clients Denise Wellik-Peterson (L) and Natalie Hagemo (R) at the Coronation Party








Chatting after the pageant with my teen client Brooke Fultz. She is a sweetheart!










Where would I be without the support of my incredible mom Bonnie Henderson?








With two incredible teenagers, my client Delanie Neal (L) and the gorgeous Sarah Sprayberry - Miss Minnesota Teen USA 2008.









My client Delanie Neal and I showing off her plaques for winning the “Supermodel with Style” award and also placing as 2nd runner-up! YAY!






With two out of the three Preliminary Award winners, my clients Molly Nicholson (who placed in the Top 8 and won Best in Gown) and Natalie Hagemo (Top 8 finalist and Best in Interview winner). Way to go ladies!




Congratulating my client Tamara Jett on a job well done. Talk about going waaaaay back...Tamara and I competed together at the 1990 Miss U.S. Teen national pageant in Atlanta! She was Miss MN U.S. Teen and I was Miss WI U.S. Teen. Who would have thought we’d meet again one day?!? THIS is why I love pageantry!





Changed into our “comfy clothes” for the “formers and staff” party in Allison’s suite after the Coronation Party with the lovely (and now former!) Miss MN Int’ 2007 Danni Epps. She is a class act all the way! Beautiful AND smart!


It was an incredible night with incredible ladies, and I am so proud of each and every one of them. The outgoing queens did an wonderful job with their farewells, and as usual, Allison Stavrakis did and OUTSTANDING job with the pageant. Congrats to all and see you next year!

MN INTERNATIONAL PRE-PAGEANT PARTY - BLOOMINGTON, MN

Each year, State Director Allison Stavrakis (one of my dearest friends) throws a party for the 2008 contestants competing in the Mrs/Miss/Teen Minnesota International pageant. It is always fun to meet the new contestants as well as catch up with former queens and pageant staff. Allison and her 2007 queens did a terrific job with everything and Sammi Ugarte (mom of Giselle Ugarte, Miss Teen MN Int’l 2007) set up a FABULOUS silent auction with all the monies raised going to the Queen’s Fund (this helps pay for their ad pages at nationals). I bought a bunch of stuff for a steal (gift cards, a portable DVD player, etc) and all the money went to a great cause.





Catching up with Danni Epps (Miss MN Int’l 2007) and Angela Haseman (Mrs. MN Int’l 2006)







Celebrating our hard work with my 2008 Minnesota International clients. CLOCKWISE L to R: Tamara Jett, Molly Nicholson, Starla Reisner, me, Denise Wellik-Peterson, Leisha Gust, Natalie Hagemo, and Delanie Neal







With one of my favorite people Donnell Rank, Mrs. MN Int’l 2007. GO NELLY!









With my terrific teen client Delanie Neal, Miss Fairfax International 2008. Love her!

“GO RED FOR WOMEN” LUNCHEON - MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Today I attended the “Go Red for Women” luncheon in downtown Minneapolis as a former Mrs. Minnesota International and to also show my support for this cause. The Minnesota International pageants (headed by my dear friend and state director Allison Stavrakis) have “adopted” the Go Red for Women campaign as their official charity. I was surprised to learn that heart disease and stroke is the #1 killer of women in this country---it turns out that this is not just a “man’s disease” after all. Miss Minnesota International 2007 Danielle Epps gave an inspiring speech about her experience with this issue and it was great to see Mary & Mel Richardson (Mrs. International Executive Directors) in attendance all the way from Virginia.



Supporting the "Go Red for Women" campaign with some of my clients (L to R): Natalie Hagemo (Mrs. Excelsior Int'l 2008), Leisha Gust (Mrs. Burnsville Int'l 2008), me, and Tamara Jett (Mrs. Ham Lake Int'l 2008)






Past Mrs, Miss, and Teen MN Int'l queens and current pageant contestants in attendance at the "Go Red for Women" luncheon at The Depot in downtown Minneapolis.








Catching up with Mrs. International Executive Directors Mel & Mary Richardson.





L to R: Sarah Wall (Miss International 2005), Nancy Paradeise (Mrs. MN Int'l 2004), Donnell Rank (Mrs. MN Int'l 2007), Danni Epps (Miss MN Int'l 2007), Kelly Jahner-Byrne (Mrs. MN Int'l 2001), me (Mrs. MN Int'l 2003), and Megan Ehlert (Miss MN Teen Int'l 2006)






One of my dearest friends in the world, Donnell Rank (Mrs. MN Int'l 2007).




Hanging out at the MN Int'l booth with State Director Allison Stavrakis, Sarah Wall (Miss International 2005), me, and Donnell Rank (Mrs. MN Int'l 2007)

MIDWEST PAGEANT EXPO - BLOOMINGTON, MN

The very first Midwest Pageant Expo was held at the Thunderbird Hotel in Bloomington, MN and was organized by one of my dear friends Sue Jackson. Sue is not only a former Mrs. Wisconsin America and Mrs. Wisconsin United States, she is also a full-time teacher and State Director of the Mrs. WI United States pageant. I don't know how she fits it all in, but she is one of THE most organized people I know! I was honored to be asked to be a guest speaker--I spoke on the importance of a stellar resume on Friday evening, and on Saturday I gave a presentation on general pageant preparation. It was a great opportunity to meet with out-of-town clients and also have some free time to catch up with pageant friends.




L to R: Sarah Moses (owner of The Pageant Shop), Brie Anderson, Marcia Anderson, me, and Expo organizer Sue Jackson setting up our booths.





Catching up with Megan Ehlert in our nearly matching tunic tops.







With good friend and fellow member of the Mrs. America "Class of 2006" Julie Rinehart (Mrs. IL America 2006) and my client Anji Meidel, who went on to place as 2nd RU in the 2008 Mrs. IL America pageant.



With fellow presenter & good friend Tami Krause (head coach of the MVC)












With clients Jessi Mishler (far L) and Debra Jakowicz during some free time at the Expo.










Giving a presentation on "The 100 Little Things That Make a Big Difference" during the Expo.









L to R: My mom (pageant judge & former director/competitor), me, Sarah Moses, and Sue Jackson during the Expo.





Enjoying the evening's festivities are (L to R): Sarah Moses of The Pageant Shop, my client Wendi Russo (Mrs. Eden Prairie America 2008), me, and Nancy Kroese (Beauties of America 50's)





Susan Jackson and I snap a quick photo during the cocktail party.

JACOB WETTERLING RESOURCE CENTER SPEAKING EVENT - WOODBURY, MN

One of the things I am most proud of in my life is that I am the most senior-ranking member of the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center Speaker's Bureau and also serving on the Board of Directors. I've been promoting my platform "Keeping Our Children Safe" which promotes child safety education and abduction prevention. Today I gave three presentations at Valley Crossing Community schools for grades K-6. Speaking at schools is my favorite thing to do because I really get to interact with the kids and dispel many of the myths that are out there. I encourage you to visit the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center website for more information.






Speaking at Valley Crossing Community School in Woodbury, MN





With Jamie, who coordinated the event! Thanks for a great turnout!

MISS AMERICA 2008 - LAS VEGAS, NV

A number of Minnesota pageant gals headed out to Las Vegas for the 2008 Miss America pageant to show our support for Jennifer Hudspeth Miss Minnesota 2008. We arrived on Thursday night and were able to attend the last evening of prelims. I am always so impressed by the level of talent and brains at this pageant! It was great to run into Andrea Preuss (Mrs. America 2005) and her SUPER fun hair and makeup stylist Sean, who I always get the hugest kick out of.






Donnell Rank (Mrs. MN Int'l 2007), Cheri Kennedy, and I on our way into the final night of prelims.






Andrea Preuss's good friend and stylist Sean, who is so fun!





L to R: Andrea Preuss (Mrs. America 2005/Mrs. United States 2003), me, Janice McQueen Ward (Mrs. United States 1999), and Janice's friend. I love running into fun pageant people!




Sarah Moses (owner of The Pageant Shop) and her sister Bridget decided to skip prelims and grab dinner at Koi while the rest of us attended prelims. During their dinner (and of course being the cute and charming ladies that they are), they got invited to the Rambo premiere held at Prive. I got a text from Sarah about it right as prelims were ending and so we were able to get in as well. It was SO FUN! Apparently we had just missed Sylvester Stallone by a few minutes, but it was a blast nonetheless.




L to R: Cheri Kennedy, Sarah Moses, Donnell Rank (Mrs. MN Int'l 2007), Bridget Jaeger (Sarah's super fun sister), and "moi" at the Rambo premiere party at Prive.




Friday morning, we got ready and headed down to the annual Miss America trade show, which is always a great excuse to buy some bling and crown-related items (anyone who knows me knows how much I love crown stuff!). It was great to run into some pageant buddies and old friends. After checking out the trade show, we shopped and shopped and shopped some more before getting ready for the evening's festivities.



At one of my favorite booths "Crown Chic Boutique" with my buddy Marney Duckworth (Mrs. Colorado/Mrs. America 2006). She is a blast and one of the things I particularly like about her is that she can quote "Dumb and Dumber" as well as I can!





Running into (L to R): Deanna Bebeau (Ms. United America 2007) and Kathy Lauer (Mrs. United America 2007). Kathy and I competed together at Mrs. International in 2003 and have remained friends ever since.






We happened to meet celebrity photographer Mark Liddell (one of the judges on "Miss America Reality Check") and chatted with him for a bit. Nice guy with a cool accent.






Famed pageant swimsuit designer Jamye Shaw and I at the tradeshow. Jamye designed the swimsuit I wore when I won Mrs. Minnesota America 2006.








Catching up with Janice McQueen Ward (Mrs. IN Int'l 2008/Mrs. United States 1999). Janice is one classy lady and is definitely someone I admire!




After a full day of shopping, we had dinner reservations at N9NE restaurant at The Palms Hotel & Casino. We met some of our most fun pageant friends, Robin Fleming (owner of La Casa Hermosa) and Melissa Hagan (Mrs. FL Int'l 2005). It was SOOOO much fun to catch up with these two and LOTS of laughs were had! As we were waiting for our table, the VIP hostess approached us and said that the hotel was going to take care of us for the rest of the night. It was fabulous because they really treated us like royalty (which of course we ARE, ha ha).




In the lobby at Planet Hollywood by their crystal floor-to-ceiling chandeliers on our way out to dinner.









L to R: Me, Robin Fleming (owner of La Casa Hermosa), and Melissa Hagan enjoying dinner and laughs at N9NE restaurant.










Donnell and I having a blast!








Saturday we mostly spent shopping as we had to get ready quite early due to the fact that we had to be in our seats by 4:30 (the Miss America telecast started at 5:00 west coast time). People watching the throngs of people entering the theater was great and it was a veritable "who's who" in pageant land.


Minnesota represents! L to R: Alexa Bruer (MN teen contestant), Brie Anderson (1st RU Miss MN USA 2008), Sarah Moses (owner of The Pageant Shop), Cheri Kennedy, Donnell Rank (Mrs. MN Int'l 2007), me, Tina Rosenthal (Miss MN Int'l 2008), and Megan Ehlert (Miss South Central MN-MAO 2007) before the pageant.





Former Mrs. Minnesota Internationals unite in Vegas! (L to R): Kelly Jahner-Byrne (2001), Nancy Paradeise (2004), me (2003), and Donnell Rank (2007)








L to R: Me, Sarah Moses, and her fun sister Bridger Jaeger after the pageant.










The Minnesota Contingency heads out to dinner after the pageant! WOW there are a lot of us!










L to R: Heading to dinner in our limo (L to R): me, Nancy Paradeise, & Kelly Jahner-Byrne







We went to an off-the-beaten-path Italian restaurant (can't remember the name) that was REALLY fun and there was this Frank Sinatra-type singer guy who strolled around the restaurant singing away. He LOVED Donnell, and I of course am cracking up!





Donnell's expression says it all! She got so annoyed with this guy because he would not sing to anyone else but her. It was really funny (not sure that Donnell thought so, but I sure did).







Sarah, Donnell, and I enjoying dinner.






When we found this crown sign, we OF COURSE had to have our photo taken in front of it!