Miss North Carolina Goes Green

(PHOTO: Miss North Carolina Nat'l US, Marie Ventrone-fourth from the left-with event volunteers)

This past Earth Day, Miss North Carolina Nat'l US Marie Ventrone participate in the 4th Annual Piedmont Earth Day Fair hosted by the Piedmont Environmental Alliance. To give you an idea of the festivities, the following is a snippet taken from their website about the event:

"An estimated crowd of 7,000 attended the 4th annual Piedmont Earth  Day Fair on the
campus of Wake Forest University. Presented by Piedmont Environmental Alliance (PEA),
the Fair included  140 booth spaces representing over 120 exhibitors. Festivities included
five panel discussions, nine demonstrations, a stationary green car parade, green jobs booth,
twelve specially designed children's activities, entertainment all day long on the main stage, 
an all-natural food court and more."

Miss Ohio at the American Red Cross

Miss Ohio Nat'l US, Brittany Eckstrom recently volunteered at the American Red Cross blood drive at Kent University. She spent her time checking in donors at the check-in table, making sure the donors received drinks and food to keep them from feeling ill after donating, and checking in the fraternity and sorority students who donated. Fun fact: Brittany is a proud member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority! As an important message to take from Miss Ohio's volunteering experience, please give blood; you can't imagine how many lives you'll be able to save. Donate today!

Miss Louisiana Amongst Royalty

Miss Louisiana Nat'l US, Jessica Johnson expressed that famous southern hospitality by volunteering at the LSU Relay for Life on the Queens of Louisiana Team. Along side LA Cattle Festival Queen, COYC Hurricane Festival Queen, S.J.P. Queen of Hope, and Miss Iberia, the women gave out purple ribbon Queens sashes, were introduced on stage, had a blast playing limbo, a cheese ball throw, and a whipped cream eating race all while raising funds for cancer reaserach. Miss Louisiana had an amazing time and plans to attend next year.

Miss Texas Keeps Busy

Miss Texas Nat'l US Andreana Choe was the guest of honor for the "Peace, Love and Joy" piano recital. Andreana had the honor of talking about the importance of peace and love and was able to thank our military for the courageous and selfless efforts that they are doing; she was also able to showcase her skills as an accomplished pianist and played a few pieces at the event. Andreana said she had "such a wonderful experience that [she] will never forget being able to talk about peace on earth and love which is something that [she] [is] very passionate about." Being able to personally thank and honor some of the soldiers for everything that they do for our country is such a rewarding experience and we are proud to know one of our delegates was able to do so. Andreana also recently participated in a walk/race for diabetes. It was a wonderful and rewarding experience and she had the opportunity to meet many special and wonderful people who are dealing with their diabetes and are still enthusiastic about finding a cure for the disease.

Miss Arizona Puts on Her Dancing Shoes

Miss Arizona Nat'l US LaReina Hingson was recently a guest at RAH for a dance for mentally handicapped adults. Check out a couple of pictures of the event below!

(PHOTO: L: Miss Arizona with a dancing partner; R: More guests at the RHA dance)

Miss Louisiana Assists the Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Miss Louisiana Nat'l US, Jessica Johnson 2009 appeared as a local celebrity at the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day event at the Baranco-Clark YMCA called "Hooping It Up In The South" in Baton Rouge, LA. The event's DJ even allowed Jessica to come to the booth during the game while he commentated play-by-play and Jessica gave out different HIV/AIDS facts over the loud speaker. The event consisted of a basketball game between the "celebs" team and the "community" team. The celebrity team consisted of local djay's, local fraternity members, YMCA corporate employees, and more. There was also free HIV testing, Syphilis testing, and a blood drive, along with booths set up for distributing information to the community.

Interview with Miss Mississippi Nat'l US 2009, Jill Debenport

How did you feel when you were announced the representative for the state of Mississippi?

It may sound crazy but I felt so nervous. I was at home alone when I received my letter so of course, I had to call everyone in my phone-book. When I let my mom know she asked me if I was sure and I said "Yes ma'am'" and that is when it really hit me. Now I am totally honored and can not believe it. I can not wait to really get started with all of my community service and pageant events.

As a titleholder you're considered a role model, who do you look up to?
My number one role model is my older sister Lorrin. She is smart, beautiful, strong and talented. She is not much older than me but she has helped me through a lot of the harder times in my life. She shows me exactly how to be the best be and how to get where I want to go. Actually this pageant was her idea!

What would you say is your most prized possession?

I have a little white statue that my boyfriend and his family gave to me for my graduation and it says "I am here for you," anytime I feel scared or nervous I look at it and think about all the people who are really here for me and it gives me the courage to push on and go forward with my dreams.

If "you are what you eat" is a true statement, what food would you be?
Seafood! Living in Southern Mississippi you eat, catch and see a lot of seafood. My dad goes fishing almost every week so we always have a new dish with fish in it. My favorite though is boiled crawfish...Yum,Yum!

What do you wish to accomplish with your title?
My biggest dream is to show girls out there, and not just young girls, women my age also, that you can do whatever you set your mind on TODAY. There is no need to be afraid of what could happen; just go for it. I really want to help them find that fire inside that says "YES I CAN!"

What is something very few people know about you?
I love penguins, and I mean LOVE. I have stuffed ones, candy ones, and a little tiny bobble head penguin. Only one or two people know that about me but other than that I do not have many secrets.

Miss Louisiana Bowls with the Special Olympics

PHOTO: Jessica with a few of the bowlers at the event.

Recently, Miss Louisiana Nat'l US Jessica Johnson, volunteered at the Special Olympics bowling tournament for children at Don Carter's Allstar Lanes in Baton Rouge, LA. She assisted the children in keeping track of their order and later passed out the ribbons to the first through fourth place winners. Jessica had so much fun that she was asked to return the following dayand assist with the adult division. The event coordinator was so impressed with Jessica that at the end of the event, she was given an honorary blue ribbon and a Louisiana Special Olympics pin. Check out the pictures from the event!

PHOTO: Jessica pinning a few of the bowling tournament winners.

Interview with Miss Arizona National US 2009, LaReina Hingson

What do you wish to accomplish with your title?
I hope to increase awareness and encourage and inspire other young women to be their best and go after their dreams.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Ha, spare time? Actually when I'm not in school or working, or trying to find a job when I graduate, I'm usually practicing with my ballroom partner. Other than that, I like water sports, snowboarding, and reading on the porch.

What's playing in your iPod or mp3 player right now?
I don't have a music player, amazingly enough, but when I usually listen to music it's something Tango-ish.

What is something very few people know about you?
I count in sets of 8 when I drink water from the drinking fountain, isn't that silly?

What do you feel is the most important quality in a Miss National US?
Miss National US's most important quality is inspiration, which comes from being the best person she can be, and doing all she can with her life.

Miss Indiana attends the Indiana USA Pageant

(PHOTO: Joy with the new Miss Indiana USA, Courtni Hall, and Miss Indiana Teen USA, Bailee Zimmerman, and other Indiana queens in attendance)

Joy Araujo, Miss Indiana National US recently attended the Miss Indiana USA pageant which was held November 1-2, 2008. The pageant was held at the beautiful Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza at Merrillville, IN. In attendance were other Indiana queens showing support such as Miss Indiana Latina, Mayra Rodriquez (pictured left). The evening concluded with the crownings of the new state titleholders, Miss Indiana USA 2009, Courtni Hall, and Miss Indiana Teen USA 2009, Bailee Zimmerman. Congratulations ladies!

Miss Texas and The Children's Miracle Network

Miss Texas National US 2009, Andreana Choe recently acted as local ambassador at a health fair for The Children's Miracle Network. She helped spread awareness of the organization as it helps children receive medical attention without borders. This is an organization that is very close to Andreana's heart and we're sure to see her continue to be very active with The Children's Miracle Network throughout her reign.

PHOTO: Andreana poses for a photo with volunteers at The Children's Miracle Network Health Fair.

Miss Missouri Goes to Marti-Bra!

Danielle Dodson, Miss Missouri National US 2009 was recently invited back by the American Cancer Society of Kansas City to act as Grand Marshall of Marti-Bra 2009. The event was held to raise awareness about breast cancer and receive 1,000 bras to be donated to HOPE houses in Kansas City for battered and abused women. Danielle hosted the event with 98.1 KUDL's DJs and spoke about her personal battle with breast cancer and said, "it's important for young people to be aware that they are not immune, and breast cancer does not discriminate." She later led the parade of survivors and the candle ceremony which raised $3,000. Danielle also received the honor of being nominated for Who's Who Among Professional Women 2009! Congratulations Danielle!
PHOTO: (Above) Danielle with Rep. Cathy Jolly.

PHOTO: (Left) Danielle speaking to the crowd and Marti-Bra 2009; (Right) Danielle posing next to a bra donation bin at the event and holding one of the spectacular bras given to charity.

Interview with Miss Ohio National US 2009, Brittany Eckstrom

How did you feel when you were announced the
representative for the state of Ohio?
This is actually my first pageant, so I cannot explain how
excited I was (and still am)! But, if I could begin to explain it, I
would definitely say that I am so proud to have my work qualify me to
be a delegate. When I first received my letter, I was so excited that
I was almost doubting that it really was true! Then the reality of it
all hit me; “WOOHOO!”

What do you feel is the most important quality
in a Miss National US?
I think that Miss National US should be herself. Through this
process, it is very easy to get caught up in portraying who you think
others want you to be. I feel that it is very important for her to be
genuine and true to who she really is inside.
What do you wish to accomplish with your title?  
I really want more people, especially my age, to get involved
with volunteering. It seems like many people in America use the excuse
that they “don’t have time to volunteer.” I want people to be able to
realize that there are so many ways to get involved, even if it’s only
helping out with Sunday brunch at church. I’m hoping that I can help
people to find options to help the people around them, even in little
ways.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Well, I’m a musical theater major at Kent State University,
which takes up so much of time! If I’m not on stage, rehearsing,
memorizing lines, or learning a new song, I love to go to the plaza at
school with my friends and get coffee or just walk around campus with
my boyfriend. I also LOVE to bake cookies in my dorm kitchen with my
best friend Erin.

What would you say is your most prized possession?
My great grandma gave me a bag of rocks when I was younger.
Yes, what a stereotypical silly thing for a grandmother to do. Well, I
thought that it was just something silly that she was doing, but then
she explained these special rocks to me. These little white pebbles
belonged to her sister, who just happened to love traveling. When her
sister was younger, she traveled to Jerusalem, and brought back these
rocks for her. My grandma loved these rocks, and I think that is why
they mean so much to me

Miss Nebraska Keeps Busy

Miss Nebraska National US Ashley Hackenkamp has recently had a very busy schedule. First she attended the annual Colorado Cattle Baron's Ball, an annual fund raiser for the American Cancer Society. She helped with registration and the live auctions. Below are photos from the spectacular event.

PHOTO: (Above) Ashley with Miss Rodeo Colorado 2008 and Miss Rodeo Colorado 2009; (Below) Ashley with Nashville recording artists, The Lost Trailers

Next, Ashley helped organize and served as guest judge the 2008 Miss Walk a Mile pageant. However, this was not your ordinary pageant. It was a competition for men and acted as a fund raiser for the Sandhills Crisis Intervention Program, which advocates for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. The 14 contestants who each raised $100 each for SCIP, were judged on their appearance, charisma, and creativity of answers during the Q&A segment. The winner was Carl Dietz Superintendent of Ogallala school districts.

PHOTO: (Top) Ashley acting as judge for Miss Walk a Mile; (Middle) Ashlely handing out awards crowning the winner of the pageant; (Bottom) Ashley with a couple of the contestants.

Miss Indiana and the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana Gala

Joy Araujo, Miss Indiana National US 2009 recently volunteered at the annual National Kidney Foundation of Indiana Gala. The event raised money for the foundation to support programs designed to prevent kidney and urinary disease, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation. Joy also had the opportunity to rally off and model a Mikimoto diamond and pearl ring! Volunteerism and glamor all for a great cause!

PHOTO: (Above) Joy Araujo with Nicki Howard, grant coordinator for the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana.

PHOTO: Joy with volunteers for the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana Gala

Interview with Miss Kansas National US 2009, Carlanda McKinney

What do you wish to accomplish with your title?

Honestly, I want to be an inspiration. I know that may
sound cliche and cheesy, but I know of so many
people who come from similar backgrounds as mine
and never really have anyone to look up to.
I want to help at least one person see that there is
a much bigger world out there than what you can
see out of your window and that opportunity is everywhere.
You just have to look for it.

As a titleholder you're considered a role model, 
who do you look up to?
The first person that comes to mind is a friend of mine I met about a
year ago. She is 27 with an AMAZING job, an MBA and owns a beautiful
home. She just got married about a month ago and is basically doing
many of the things that I see myself doing in the next five years.
I say this because I think it is important for people to have "real
life" role models. Those who aren't "celebrities", but are just as inspiring.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
SLEEP! Seriously, with everything I do in a day, from class to
working out to having TWO jobs, when I get a minute to relax I
usually end up falling asleep. But, on those rare occasions when I
have spare time and I'm not tired, I like to do "at home spa
treatments". Bubble bath and candles...yessss!

What do you feel is the most important quality in a Miss National US?
The ability to be universal; to relate to all types of people, from
all walks of life, no matter what their race, sex, age, religion,
political affiliation etc. For people to be able to look at her and
feel as though she is someone they could run into in the supermarket,
or that she could be a friend their daughter meets in college.
Someone people would feel comfortable with their children looking up to.

What are you looking forward to the most come pageant week?
I am a very social person, so I am really looking forward to meeting
all of the other delegates. I can't wait to sit down and talk to
everyone and find out all about them. I'm sure that some lasting
friendships will be formed while we're there!

Rock the Vote with Miss Missouri

Danielle Dodson Miss Missouri National US 2009 recently hosted Kansas City 96.5FM Rock the Vote Concert featuring rock band headliners, Ludo. She opened the festivities by giving a speech emphasizing the importance of young people getting out to vote. There were over 2,500 people in attendance, and volunteers registered 300 to vote while attending the concert. Also in attendance were political candidates from all parties coming together to encourage youth to make a difference in today's politics by making their voices heard by casting their votes. Danielle was so honored to be a apart of something so important and play an important role as leader amongst her peers. Check out this video of th event featuring Danielle at the beginning!

Miss Nebraska Lends a Helping Hand

September 7, 2008--Ashley Hackenkamp, Miss Nebraska National US 2009 recently volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. She and other volunteers laid sod to complete a playground for a housing area in Greeley, CO. Ashley was ecstatic to be a part of giving someone else, especially children, a little piece of happiness even if it meant getting a little messy!


PHOTO: (Above Left) Ashley preparing the sod for the playground. Notice how bare the ground is before the work began; (Above Right) Group photo of all the volunteers and the families the of the Habitat for Humanity on the finished landscaped playground.

Getting Healthy with Miss Indiana

Joy Araujo, Miss Indiana National US 2009, recently volunteered at the Black and Minority Health Fair for the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana. She took blood pressure readings and informed guests about the risk factors of kidney disease. Check out her photos from the successful event!

Racing for the Cure With Miss Missouri

PHOTO: Danielle Dodson, Miss Missouri National US 2009 at the
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Kansas City, MO.

August 13, 2008--Miss Missouri National US Danielle Dodson volunteered in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Kansas City, MO August 10, 2008. This year she was in charge of interviewing breast cancer survivors, took their photos and escorted them on stage for the showcase and parade all sponsored by FUZE. "It's hard not to be crying in most of the photos," said Danielle, "it was definitely a life-changing day." Check out www.fuze.com for more on the event and read the survivor's courageous stories.

PHOTO:(TOP) Danielle posing in front of the official event sponsor FUZE van where she met with breast cancer survivors; (BOTTOM) Danielle posing with the Starbucks crew at the event.