What I've Learned on My Journey

Fundraiser

2012-01-26T22:17:00.000-05:00

I am currently having a Scentsy Fundraiser to help with my expenses for the Miss Ohio Essence Pageant. Scentsy is a line of scented products. Please click here to visit my Scentsy Fundraiser.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-05T12:07:00.000-05:00

May 2012 be better than 2011!

Akron Urban League's Dining with Santa

2011-12-22T18:53:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, I, along with Zaina Ennis, volunteered at the Dining with Santa event at the Akron Urban League. Below is a video capturing the event.

Dining with Santa hosted by the Akron Urban League. from New Realm Media on Vimeo.

New Pageant, New Title

2011-12-01T18:39:00.000-05:00

I have chosen to compete in the 2012 Miss Ohio Essence Pageant. It is a pageant focuses on the empowerment of young women across the "Buckeye State" to become leaders in their community, role models, mentors, and goal-oriented and is open to all ethnicities.

I will be representing Akron as Miss Akron Essence. This will be the first year for the Ohio Essence Pageant. This is a multi-title pageant meaning there is a Teen, Miss, Mrs., and Ms category. This will be a birthday pageant for me being held April 6-7, 2012 in Dayton, Ohio (my birthday is April 8th), and oh, how sweet it would be to come home with a new title and the honor of representing Ohio at the Miss Essence Pageant.

November 2011

2011-12-01T18:31:00.000-05:00

I started my November with a huge fundraising event by the Habitat for Humanity of Summit County; A Night to Build Hope was held November 4th at the Portage Country Club. There was a dessert room, caricaturist, and photo booth.

During the event, I sold tickets for the $1,000 raffle that was drawn at the end of the event. Between the silent and live auction and the money rose from the raffle the event brought in over $40,000. That is more than enough money for half of a house. It was a great night, and it was an honor to be part of the organizing committee for this event.

The last weekend of the month, I participated in the Akron Welcome Santa Parade. I was really excited to be in this parade, since the last time I had I was 4 and sat in the back of a pick-up truck with the rest of the young dancers in my tap group. I shared a car with Zaina Agbo, Ms Northeast Essence. It was so amazing to see how many people came to the event, and the weather was amazing, especially for the end of November. Thank you to Serpentini for allowing us to borrow an amazing Camaro for the parade.

Next to the Camaro from Serpentini

With Ms Ohio US United and Ms Northeast Essence

Please check out my Facebook page for further pictures.

This Friday: A Night to Build Hope

2011-11-02T21:24:00.000-04:00

This Friday, November 4th, is Habitat for Humanity of Summit County's 4th annual A Night to Build Hope. The event will be held at Portage Country Club with Honorary Chair, Captain Sylvia Trundle. A limited number of tickets are still available. You can purchase them online today.

Individual tickets are $75.00 per person.
Couples tickets are $135.00 per couple.

Come sample a wide selection of beverages from many local establishments, and also featuring a dessert room provided by the West Side Bakery. Click here to preview the auction item list. Come to this great charity event!

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes

2011-10-04T12:53:00.000-04:00

With Zaina Agbo Ennis, Ms. Northeast Essence

On Sunday, October 2nd, I participated in the Akron Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes. I was asked by Zaina Agbo Ennis to join her team, Team Ms. Northeast Essence. It was a very cold and windy Sunday morning, but we braved the cold and walked 2 miles downtown Akron.

With Team Ms. Northeast Essence

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes

2011-09-13T12:27:00.001-04:00

On Sunday, October 2nd, I, along with Zaina Agbo Ennis, Ms. Northeast Essence, will be participating in the Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes at Akron's Lock 3. There will be 130 Step Out Walks around the country. Please donate to help this cause. Click here to visit my donation page.

Don't Forget - An Easy Way to Help

2011-08-23T20:26:00.000-04:00

Hello, blog readers, I just wanted to send a quick reminder that I am selling raffle tickets to benefit Habitat of Humanity of Summit County. The owner of the winning ticket will win $1,000. Click here to read more about it.

Find the Perfect Pageant Attire

2011-08-21T16:46:00.000-04:00

One thing I've learned is how necessary the perfect pageant attire is while competing. Now that I am competing in competitions that have Fun Fashion wear, I find this the hardest category to find the perfect outfit for since it is such a broad category. On my search for the perfect outfit, I found 3 great dresses on www.pageantdesigns.com. Check them out below.

This silver Tony Bowls cocktail is only $318, and as most of you know, I love the asymmetrical tops. Stage lighting will glisten off of this like a disco ball; you will definitely keep the judges attention in this dress!

This dress would be great for an appearance as well as Fun Fashion, especially with legs that are in great shape. I love mini dresses on stage since they give the illusion that I am taller than 5'2.5". This is also a Tony Bowls asymmetrical cocktail dress for $318.

Finally, the last dress I picked is this purple Mac Duggal. The print is very mod inspired, and since most people can't wear purple, you can make a lasting impression in the judges minds. This cocktail is also $318.

Check out Pageant Designs' website for additional dresses, gowns, and jewelry. They have fabulous options.

Casting Calls

2011-08-09T15:08:00.003-04:00

Most of the people who read my blog are from Northeast Ohio and know there have been many casting calls for movies. Since June, I have attended 4 calls, "Fun Size," "Old Fashioned," "Avengers," and "I, Alex Cross," and have gotten call backs for 2 of them, so far. Below is a link to a news article that I am mentioned in. Also, I was on the news for the "I, Alex Cross" casting. Enjoy!

Cleveland Jewish News Archives Arts Hopefuls go ‘extra’ mile at ‘Avengers’ casting call

Akron Zoo's Princess and Pirate's Night and Miss Midwest Captivating 2011

2011-08-03T13:00:00.000-04:00

I have had an extremely busy weekend. Saturday afternoon, my family and friends gathered to celebrate my sister's graduation from college. Right after this, I raced home, changed clothes, loaded up my car with all of my pageant things, and drove to the Akron Zoo for Princess and Pirate's Night. I invited Sarah Eash, Cuyahoga County's Outstanding Teen, and she brought her sister queen Allison Goodwin, Miss Cuyahoga County.

Taking a picture with a little princess and Allison Goodwin and Sarah Eash

We had a great time signing autographs, looking at the animals, taking pictures, and playing with the children.

Sarah and I

I left the zoo and jumped in my car to drive to Cincinnati to meet Kally Addis so we could leave for St. Louis for Miss Midwest Captivating. We made good time and arrived at our hotel around 5am CST. I took a shower, was in bed around 5:30am, and woke up around 8am to start getting ready for the pageant. We arrived at the Franklin Room at 10:40am, and from there on, the day went pretty fast.

I had my interview, which went really well. I enjoyed talking to all of the contestants. MTV was filming an episode of "Made," and I was really impressed by the hard work Angie Tozer, former tomboy turned pageant contestant, had done. I also secretly have a crush on her coach :).

With "Made" coach Jason

When the pageant was all said and done, I had made the Top 3 finishing as 1st runner-up and evening gown winner. As soon as the pageant was over, we packed up the car and drove straight back to Cincinnati arrive around 6am EST. Then I drove back to Akron. Needless to say, I'm still tired, but it was a great weekend!

With 2nd Runner-up, Hannah Kaltenbach and Miss Midwest Captivating 2011, Scarlett Blackmore

Miss Midwest Captivating, Here I Come!

2011-07-25T19:24:00.000-04:00

For those of you who do not know, I will be competing Sunday, July 31st in St. Louis, MO for the title of Miss Midwest Captivating. I am very excited to be competing in another pageant. This will be the first Studio RM pageant that I have competed in; I am excited to see how Rick Martinez runs his pageants first hand. There are 15 contestants between the teen and the miss categories. We will be competing in interview, personal style aka "fun fashion," and evening gown. I have listed the prizes below. I can't wait to post pictures from the event!

2011 MISS TEEN MIDWEST CAPTIVATING SM pageant Prizes:

$200 CASH PRIZE* courtesy STUDIO RM (if more than 10 contestants in division)
Full Sponsorship Entry Fee Paid for winner to become the next MISS TEEN CAPTIVATING SM 2012 courtesy STUDIO RM
$200 Gift Certificate that includes a Fashion Photo shoot with Rick Martinez courtesy STUDIO RM - Rick Martinez
$100 Gift Certificate towards Custom Stoning of one wardrobe piece (evening gown, shirt, jeans, jacket, cocktail dress etc) courtesy Ginny Meerman www.TheQueenBee.tv
$100 value crown essentials and other Captivating crown accessories courtesy Team BeeYOUtifulwww.TheQueenBee.tv
Fashion Gift for Teen winner courtesy Mary Adams
$65 value pair of fabulous earrings courtesy STUDIO RM
$45 value bracelet courtesy STUDIO RM
$65 value handbag courtesy STUDIO RM
$35 value necklace courtesy STUDIO RM
Red Gown Garment bag courtesy STUDIO RM
Official MISS TEEN MIDWEST CAPTIVATING crystal tee courtesy STUDIO RM
Official Crown and sash Photo Shoot courtesy STUDIO RM - Rick Martinez
Official Award courtesy STUDIO RM
Official MIDWEST CAPTIVATING Crown courtesy STUDIO RM
Official MIDWEST CAPTIVATING Sash courtesy STUDIO RM

2011 MISS MIDWEST CAPTIVATING SM pageant Prizes:
Full Sponsorship Entry Fee Paid for winner to become the next MISS CAPTIVATING SM 2012 courtesy STUDIO RM
$600 Gift Certificate/credit that includes a Fashion Photo shoot with Rick Martinez with DVD of images to build your portfolio and comp cards courtesy STUDIO RM - Rick Martinez
$500 Gift Certificate towards Custom Stoning of one wardrobe piece (evening gown, shirt, jeans, jacket, cocktail dress etc) courtesy Ginny Meerman www.TheQueenBee.tv
$200 value crown essentials, including crown case and other Captivating crown accessories courtesy Team BeeYOUtiful www.TheQueenBee.tv
$65 value pair of fabulous earrings courtesy STUDIO RM
$45 value bracelet courtesy STUDIO RM
$65 value handbag courtesy STUDIO RM
$35 value necklace courtesy STUDIO RM
Fashion Gift for Miss winner courtesy Mary Adams
Official Crown and sash Photo Shoot courtesy STUDIO RM - Rick Martinez
Official business cards courtesy STUDIO RM
Red Gown Garment bag courtesy STUDIO RM
Official MISS MIDWEST CAPTIVATING crystal tee courtesy STUDIO RM
Official Crown and sash Photo Shoot courtesy STUDIO RM - Rick Martinez
Official Award courtesy STUDIO RM
Official MIDWEST CAPTIVATING Crown courtesy STUDIO RM
Official MIDWEST CAPTIVATING Sash courtesy STUDIO RM

Runners-Up Teen and Miss Division Prizes:
$100 Entry Fee credit to Runners-up in the Top 5 in each age group (Teen and Miss) to compete at another STUDIO RM pageant event in 2012 courtesy STUDIO RM
$50 Credit towards a Fashion Headshot photography session courtesy STUDIO RM
Rick Martinez
Official state award courtesy STUDIO RM

All Contestants Teen and Miss Division Prizes:
$25 Credit towards a Fashion Headshot photography session courtesy STUDIO RM Rick Martinez

SPECIAL AWARDS (one in each category):
CAPTIVATING INTERVIEW

CAPTIVATING STYLE (Fun Fashion award)
CAPTIVATING Evening Gown award
MISS PHOTOGENIC
MISS CONGENIALITY

At this time in 6 days, I will be on stage at Miss Midwest Captivating!

Zanesville Has Talent Contestant Line-Up Announced

2011-07-11T10:38:00.000-04:00

I am judging Zanesville Has Talent on Wednesday. Below is the press release about the event.

Zanesville, OH – They’re warming up their vocal chords, putting on their dancing shoes, and ready to blow their horns! The new Zanesville Has Talent competition will hold the first round of auditions this Wednesday, July 13th a the Muskingum County Conference & Welcome Center, during the Taste of Zanesville. While the competition provides an opportunity for talented artists in the area to showcase their performance abilities, it was actually created to raise funds and awareness for the Keep Kids in School program. Each applicant is required to be a resident, student, or employee in Muskingum County, and there are two age divisions – one for youth, and one for adults. The Junior division is open to ages 6-17, and the Adult Division is for those 18 and over.

“We know that Zanesville has talent, so we created a program to showcase it,” explained Cassandra McDonald with CASS-MIND’s Keep Kids in School initiative, a non-profit organization geared toward promoting healthy decision-making and life-planning for youth. “The feedback has been positive, so we are creating a series of auditions in order to accommodate the number of artistic performers who wish to share their talents.”

The auditions will be open to the public, with tickets available for just $2. Registration Applications will continue to be available at the Muskingum County Conference & Welcome Center (205 N. Fifth St., in downtown Zanesville), at Colony Square Mall, and online at www.ItsHappeningInZanesville.com. Once all auditions are complete, the top ten scoring acts of each division will be notified to participate in the Finals later this summer.

“As we strive to define Zanesville-Muskingum County as an entertainment destination, it seems only natural that we will serve as the host site for the competition,” said Vicki Maple, Executive Director of the Muskingum County Convention Facilities Authority at the Welcome Center. “Space is limited so we would like to remind the public that tickets for the auditions are available in advance, and we anticipate a full-house so it’s a good idea to call ahead for ticket reservations.”

Maple also emphasized the competition timelines and the limited number of audition slots available for contestants. “Pre-registration is required, so we have already secured all of the contestants for this audition on Wednesday, but we are still accepting applications for the next audition coming up in a few weeks.” To follow are the contestants in the order in which they will audition this week, beginning at 6:00 p.m.:

JR Andrew Williams, Vocal, Marry You by Bruno Mars

JR Hannah Watson, Vocal, Cowboy Sweetheart by LeAnn Rimes

JR Jenna Smith, Vocal, Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland

JR Emily Shirley, Vocal, White Horse by Taylor Swift

JR Matthew Pitcock, Saxophone Solo, Duke Ellington Medley

A Emily Al-Khani, Vocal

A Gretchen Black-Sibert, Dance, Beautiful by Christina Aguilera

A Shelley Burley & Aaron Lashley, Vocal Duet, The Prayer by Andrea Bocelli & Celine Dion

A Robby Cordle, Vocal, It’s Still Rock & Roll to Me by Billy Joel

A Satisfaction Robot Dance (Mathew Cotrell, Joshua Mason, & Justin Estep), Dance, Satisfaction by Benny Benassi

JR Madeline Mason, Vocal, If I Never See Your Face Again by Maroon 5

JR Jesse Kinder, Vocal, Baby Girl by SugarLand

JR Jocee Janicki, Vocal/Piano, The Climb by Miley Cyrus

JR Hailie Hreha, Sign Language, Father Can You Heart Me by Tyler Perry

JR Tori Green, Vocal, My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion

A Beautiful Sisters (Lydia Black & Gretchen Black-Sibert), Dance

A George Dailey, Vocal, Teddy Bear by Red Sovine

A Cathy Goss, Vocal, Living in the Rain

A Jennifer Kern, Vocal, Then You Look at Me by Celine Dion

A Kristen LaFollette, Vocal, Think of Me from Phantom of the Opera

JR Devin Gee, Vocal, Pumpkin Man by Mike Perkins

JR Tilli Campbell, Saxophone Solo, Star Spangled Banner Alto Sax Solo

JR Lydia Black, Dance, Underground by Avril Lavigne

JR Tiffany Beck, Vocal, Happy by Leona Lewis

JR Sumiyyah Bailey, Vocal, Amazing Grace

A Amanda Lanning, Vocal, Jar of Heart by Christina Perry

A David Love Jr., Vocal

A Rich Nelson, Vocal, Unstoppable by Rascal Flatts

A Julie Noe, Vocal, Power of Love by Celine Dion

A Hayley Watson, Vocal, Turn on the Radio by Reba McEntire

A Steve Zemba, Vocal, Wolves by Garth Brooks

“We wish to reiterate that this is not just a singing competition, and it’s not just for solo performers,” McDonald explained. “We will follow guidelines similar to that of the popular television show America’s Got Talent, and we also permit an individual to register as both a Solo Act and as a Group if he or she wishes. It’s really all about an opportunity to showcase your skill.”

A celebrity panel of judges has been secured for the competition; each with impressive performance and entertainment-based credentials, and all from outside of Zanesville-Muskingum County. The adjudicators for the auditions this week are:

· Judy Kyees – Judy has been active in the entertainment industry for the past forty years. As owner/ operator of a production & talent management company, her clients have gone on to pursue professional careers, appearing in National Broadway touring companies, movies, television, cruise ships, and casino shows, as well as at Disney, Tokyo, Opryland, and on Broadway. Judy has also been successful in producing and directing pageants and pageant winners, with her students capturing local, state and national titles in the Miss America, Teen International, Miss USA, Mrs. International, and Cinderella International pageants systems to name just a few. She is currently State Director for the Ohio Cinderella International Scholarship Pageant system, and also serves as the Executive Director/ Producer of the annual Miss Columbus Teen Pageant. Judy resides in Westerville, with her husband John, where they have five children and six grand-children.

· Amy Allen - Amy’s love for the stage became noticeable at a very early age, when she began singing in church and school choirs; then at the age of 8 started playing the violin. In 1998, Amy became a member of the Royal Ringers Handbell Choir and played concerts throughout Northeast Ohio, and has participated in two recording projects. In 2002, Amy represented Summit County at the Ohio Junior Miss Scholarship Pageant held in Mount Vernon, which led to her college choice - Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where she majored in International Business with Spanish and Music minors. She was actively involved with the Student Government Association, cheerleading, Mansion Builders, and Jazz Band, as well as private voice and advanced violin lessons. In 2007, Amy completed her Master of Business Administration degree. To help fund her education, Amy competed for 4 years in the Miss America Scholarship Program winning various awards including community service, spirit, Miss Congeniality, and Miss Southern Ohio 2008. She also competed for 3 years in the Miss Black Ohio USA Scholarship Pageant finishing as 1st runner-up. Amy is dedicated to serving as an ambassador for Urban Renewal through Habitat for Humanity, and she resides in Akron.

· Kally Addis - When she’s not enjoying a fashion runway show or beauty pageant, Kally can be found in the theatre. Nominated for an Orchid Award for her performance as Alais from “Lion in Winter” and for her work on set décor and properties for “Scrooge the Musical,” Kally has also portrayed Louise in “Is There a Comic in the House?” and she is currently in filming for an independent film called “Night at the Raven.” Kally serves on the Mason Community Players board of directors, and she was recently seen in MTV’s Made, Season 11 of Pageant Queen. She has been a competitor in the Miss Ohio USA, Miss Ohio International, and Miss Captivating pageant systems, and recently held the title of Miss Sweetheart of Ohio. Kally is a professional model, signed with P.C.-Goenner talent agency (Cincinnati/Dayton divisions), and she is employed by A-to-Z Fun Company where she enjoys “clowning around,” as she is a professional Clown and promoter of the Royal Princess line. She recently auditioned in New York City for a role at the Disney Tokyo Park and also for the Disney Cruise Ship, as her ambition is to work for Disney as “a real Disney Princess” one day. Kally enjoys spending time skydiving, coaching TOPS Soccer for children with special needs, and volunteering with HOBY (the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Organization), as well as fly-fishing and farming a 200 head cattle farm in Northwestern Ohio with her fiance’ Mike. Kally is also currently authoring a children’s book series called “The Adventures of Kallily Clown” with a release date scheduled for next summer.

“In addition to quality judges, we are providing a quality production team and a top-rate performance opportunity for the contestants,” stated Maple. “From professional technology to a friendly staff, we want this to be a positive experience for everyone.”

No competition is complete without prizes, and the production team is continuing to secure the prize packages for the winners, with Colony Square Mall, Kay Bowling & Trophy, and Ohio University Zanesville being among the first to respond favorably. The winners will also receive beauty and image incentives, as well as custom-designed promotional pieces for their electronic media kits, including photographs, biographies, business cards, and more.

“Above all else, we want to keep this a healthy, positive learning experience for all involved, and while projects like this can become very competitive, we wish to remain focused on the purpose and mission of the Keep Kids In School program,” concluded McDonald.

####

$1,000 Raffle for Habitat for Humanity of Summit County

2011-06-22T09:42:00.000-04:00

I, along with the other committee members for a Night 2 Build Hope, are selling raffle tickets to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Summit County. The cost of each raffle ticket is $10 for a chance to win $1,000. The raffle will take place November 4, 2011 at the Night 2 Build Hope, but you do not need to be present at the event to win. Please contact me to buy a ticket.

Like Me on Facebook

2011-06-07T20:10:00.005-04:00

I recently created a Facebook Public Figure page. I will be posting pictures from my appearances in albums on this page as well as other pertinent information. Check it out - www.facebook.com/amyallen.usa, and Like me!

White Cane Walk 2011

2011-06-05T11:37:00.000-04:00

With Miss Midwest Galaxy Raven Reed and Miss Maumee Valley's Outstanding Teen Sarah Eash

Yesterday, I participated in the Cleveland Sight Center's White Cane Walk, and it was a great experience. The walk raised over $36,000 to benefit the Cleveland Sight Center. Walking blindfolding with a cane was a humbling experience. One crack in the side walk can cause you to stumble if your cane gets stuck in it. Also, I almost tripped a few by-standers with my cane.

Sarah and I with Jada

Raven leading me during the walk

Getting ready to start the walk

Please check my Facebook page for additional pictures. You can find me on Facebook by searching Amy Allen Miss Akron International. While you are there, like me. :)

Princess & Pirate Night at the Akron Zoo

2011-06-01T12:09:00.003-04:00

On July 30th at 6pm, I will be making an appearance at the Akron Zoo for the Princess & Pirate Night. This is the first year for the event, and I am really excited to be apart of it.

Below is the excerpt about the event, and check out the www.akronzoo.org for further information.

Calling all princesses and pirates! Wear your best princess gown or pirate garb as you explore the Zoo looking for "treasures." Enjoy face painting, bouncy houses and crafts. But let's not forget that every pirate needs a parrot and every princess needs a frog. Learn more about these special animals and take your picture with the biggest frog of all - the Akron Zoo's very own mascot Conrad Conservation.

You can choose to spend the night too at Snooze at the Zoo. Call (330) 375-2550 ext. 7231 for advanced reservations if you want to attend the event AND spend the evening.

Habitat for Humanity's Disaster Response to Joplin

2011-05-24T23:02:00.002-04:00

Habitat for Humanity is raising money for Joplin. Please read the excerpt below about how you can help by donating to HFH.

The central United States has been hit by back-to-back disasters with a devastating tornado in Joplin, Mo., other tornadoes across the south and Midwest and flooding from the Mississippi River. Affected communities face an enormous task of cleaning up and rebuilding. Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout the region will be assessing the damage to low-income housing in their communities. Your donation today can assist these efforts. Click here to donate.

A Night 2 Build Hope

2011-05-23T00:13:00.002-04:00

On Friday, November 4, 2011, Habitat for Humanity of Summit County will host its 4th annual wine/beer tasting and auction event, "A Night 2 Build Hope," at the Portage Country Club starting at 6:30pm.

HFH of Summit County is offering people and businesses the opportunity to touch the lives of children, families, neighbors, parents, and single mothers within our community. Through community funding support and zero-interest 20 to 30 year mortgage HFH of Summity County enables families to own their own home, usually for less than what they were previously paying in rent for substandard housing. Since 1987, HFH of Summit County has built over 150 homes in our community and has invested more than $11 million in real estate development. I, along with a committee of volunteers, are currently looking for sponsors and donors.

Early-bird tickets to the event are $75 per person or $135 per couple. Please contact me for further information.

More Pictures from My Akron Aeros Appearance

2011-05-19T10:04:00.004-04:00

The Akron Aeros' official photographer took a few pictures of me at the game. Some turned out great. One looks really bad. But hey, how cute can you look when you are throwing a baseball when the last time that you can actually remember throwing a baseball was in high school? See the pictures of me below and check out the Akron Aeros' website for pictures of the game and other activities.

Standing on the pitcher's mound

See not so pretty:), but the ball made it to the plate

Sitting at the autograph table with my dad

Signing autographs

Cleveland Sight Center's White Cane Walk

2011-05-17T12:04:00.007-04:00

On June 4th, I will be participating in the Cleveland Sight Center's White Cane Walk at Crocker Park. Since 1906, the Cleveland Sight Center has provided rehabilitation services for all northeast Ohio residents of any age who are blind or visually impaired.

I will be walking to support Jada, a four year old girl born with bilateral anophthalmia. Bilateral anophthalmia is a devastating condition, which is very rare, affecting approximately one in every 100,000 births. In this condition, babies are born without eyes and have empty eye sockets.

Jada

Please support the 6th Annual White Cane Walk, an event to help raise funds for Cleveland Sight Center programs and services for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired, as well as to help increase awareness of the White Cane Law.

I will be using a white cane while walking blindfolded around Crocker Park with the assistance of a sighted guide partner. This is an opportunity for individuals, families, colleagues, civic and faith groups to be part of a one-of-a-kind event that is both educational and fun for all ages.

Please click here to donate.

Akron Aeros Appearance - Mother's Day

2011-05-10T12:37:00.001-04:00

On Sunday, I had an appearance at the Akron Aeros game where I threw out the first pitch and signed autographs. It was a fun day. After the game, the Challengers Baseball teams were able to come on the field and bat.
With Homer, the Aeros new mascot
Click here to view my picture of the event.

Habitat for Humanity Women Build Day

2011-05-08T20:13:00.006-04:00

April 30th - May 8th was National Women Build Week for Habitat for Humanity. National Women Build Week challenges women to devote at least one day to the effort to eliminate poverty housing. Women make a difference in their communities by building homes and raising awareness of local housing needs.

Saturday, May 8th was HFH of Summit County's Women Build. I, along with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Zeta Theta Omega Chapter, and a few partner families volunteered to work on a house at 461 Bell Street in Barberton. It was a great day. I enjoyed hanging dry wall and speaking to all the ladies who volunteered.

Hanging dry wall

Please click here to see my pictures from the event.

Chick-fil-A

2011-05-05T16:51:00.002-04:00

If you are in the Macedonia, Ohio area today between 4:30pm and 7pm stop by Chick-fil-A at Rt. 8 and Rt. 82. 15% of your purchase will go to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Summit County.

Cleveland Arthritis Walk

2011-05-03T19:47:00.000-04:00

Jillian and I

Saturday, I participated in the Cleveland Arthritis Walk at the Cleveland Zoo. This walk raised over $70,000 for arthritis research. It was a great event.

Here is my signature on^ the wall of heroes.

Both, Jillian and I, were interviewed by a news team and were asked to attend the Wigs for Kids Event that will also be at the Cleveland Zoo on July 30th.

Sprite Partners with Habitat for Humanity

2011-04-27T16:19:00.002-04:00

While I was on Twitter last night, I saw a tweet from Habitat for Humanity, @habitat_org, that said you can donate your Coke Rewards points to support HFH. I found this very interesting. You can read more about it at www.spritetabsforhabitat.com.

Women Build Press Release

2011-04-26T16:21:00.002-04:00

Habitat for Humanity, Lowe’s seek female volunteers to build homes with low-income families

Thousands of women across the country join together for National Women Build Week

April 30 – May 8

AKRON, Ohio (April 26, 2011) – In the days leading up to Mother’s Day construction crews of female volunteers will raise their hammers at Habitat for Humanity construction sites across the country in recognition of National Women Build Week, April 30 through May 8.

In Summit County, Miss Akron International, Amy Allen and the Zeta Theta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority will be joining Habitat to help build a new home on Saturday, May 7.

The Mother’s Day timeframe was selected for its significance to many volunteers. Families with children make up a staggering number of those in need of adequate housing. More than 12 million children - one in six - live in poverty housing in the United States alone.

Women Build Days have been selected throughout this year’s build season and Lowe’s and Habitat for Humanity of Summit County are looking for local women to volunteer. The designated Summit County Women Build dates for 2011 are: June 3, June 10, July 15, July 22, September 9 and September 16. Habitat can accept up to 7 women volunteers per day. Construction or home improvement experience is not necessary.

To date, female volunteers have built more than 1,800 Habitat houses nationwide during National Women Build Week. Locally, Habitat for Humanity of Summit County has been participating in Women Build Week since 2001, with a full Women Build house being completed in 2008.

National Women Build Week challenges women to devote at least one day in the effort to help eliminate poverty housing. The event, now in its fourth year, has drawn more than 20,000 female volunteers from all 50 states.

Lowe’s is contributing more than $1.3 million to National Women Build Week and providing $5,000 Lowe’s gift cards and building materials to more than 250 Habitat affiliates. National Women Build Week is one of the major initiatives supported through Lowe’s five-year, $20 million pledge to Habitat.
As the underwriter of the Women Build program since 2004, Lowe’s conducts how-to clinics at stores to teach women construction skills and empower them to support Habitat projects across the country.

To volunteer or donate to this project, please call 330-745-7734, email habitat@hfhsummitcounty.org or visit www.hfhsummitcounty.org.

About Habitat for Humanity of Summit County
Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry, works in partnership with people in need to improve the condition in which they live. Habitat challenges people of compassion to provide the initial capital – through gifts and no-interest loans – to build simple, decent homes with the inadequately sheltered. For information about Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, call 330-745-7734 or visit www.hfhsummitcounty.org.

About Lowe’s
Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs that focus on K-12 public education and community improvement projects. The company’s signature education grant program, Lowe’s Toolbox for Education, has brought more than $5 million in grants to K-12 public schools every year since its inception in 2005. Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers support local community projects and our national nonprofit partners such as Habitat for Humanity International and the American Red Cross. In 2010, Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $30 million to support communities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. To learn more, visit Lowes.com/socialresponsibility.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit Habitat.org.

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Are We Too Obsessed with Facebook?

2011-04-25T12:45:00.002-04:00

Are We Too Obsessed with Facebook?

2011 Cleveland Arthritis Walk

2011-04-19T09:46:00.004-04:00

Last week, I received an E-mail from Jillian Dansko asking me and several others to participate in the 2011 Cleveland Arthritis Walk. Of course, I said that I would participate. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with a form of arthritis when I had a major flare up at work; I have been blessed by being able to control having another with a change in diet. Jillian's platform deals with disabilities, and she will also be handing out awards for the event.

The walk will be at the Cleveland Metropark Zoo Saturday, April, 30, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. (registration opens at 7:30 a.m.). There will be a 50/50 raffle, a bake sale, a dance team, and the band Lawless.

Below is the information to sponsor me during the walk.

I am participating in the Arthritis Walk and need your help to raise funds to fight arthritis.

More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children live with arthritis. Arthritis is the most common cause of disability and limits people’s activity more than heart disease, cancer or diabetes! Many people with arthritis can’t manage simple tasks like tying their shoes, getting dressed or even walking. That’s why I’m walking for them.

Let’s move together! Please join me in making a difference by clicking on the buttons below to make a donation or join my team. And don’t stop there! Forward this link to your friends!

Support me! Join Team Tiara!

Meeting with Habitat for Humanity of Summit County

2011-04-15T10:15:00.001-04:00

On Monday, I met with Danielle Hupp, the Program Manager of Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, to become more involved with different aspects of HFH. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be blogging about at least one of the topics, per week, that Danielle and I spoke about.

Since most people think Habitat for Humanity is about building houses for poor people let me first address this. Many people qualify for Habitat houses. It is not a handout. Each family is required to pay for the house and put in "sweat equity," which means actually working on a house or houses. Each HFH affiliate sets their own guidelines about how a person/family qualifies for a house, usually it's based on the median income for the area. In Summit County, I QUALIFY FOR A HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOUSE and by no means do I considered myself poor.

Another thing that I found astonishing is that this year Summit County HFH is building 13 houses and is having trouble finding people to apply for them. These houses have to be built this year and will be finished by December 31, 2011 to fulfill the stipulations of receiving the money for these houses. If not enough people apply, these houses will be sitting vacant until HFH can find families for these houses.

Below are the qualifications for potential applications to Habitat for Humanity of Summit County:

1.The need for adequate shelter.

2. The willingness to partner with Habitat to complete 250 sweat equity hours through volunteering: building your home and the homes of others, as well as attending educational class for home ownership (applies to each adult in the household)

3. Debt-to-income ratio of 39%

4. Decent responsible credit, including: a)Bankruptcy fully discharge for one year b)No liens or civil suits pending

5. Ability to pay the monthly mortgage, which averages between $450 and $550 monthly (including property taxes and home owners insurance)

6. Not registered on any sexual offender database and no drug violations within the last two years.

7. Based on income:
Income Guidelines (HUD) - 2010 - Based on the Summit County Average Median Income (AMI) of $65,000:

1 person - $13,650 - $36,300
2 person - $15,600 - $41,500
3 person - $17,550 - $46,700
4 person - $19,450 - $51,850
5 person - $21,050 - $56,000
6 person - $22,600 - $60,150
7 person - $24,150 - $64,300
8 person - $25,700 - $68,450

The entire process for a Habitat home, should an applicant be approved (by the Family Selection Committee), could take anywhere from 12-24 months to complete. However, as I said earlier in this post, Summit County has the money and the process will be expedited this year. For an application please click here.

Miss Ohio International 2011

2011-04-14T13:07:00.009-04:00

Let me just start off saying how much fun I had competing this weekend, and I've got the pageant bug now. I can't wait until next year to come back and clinch the title.

When I use to compete on a regular basis (it felt like almost every weekend), I updated my blog very quickly. It's amazing how with age my body reacts different. It's Thursday, and I'm STILL exhausted from last weekend's pageant activities. Four years ago, I wouldn't have skipped a beat. I would've went home repacked my pageant wardrobe and been ready to go for the next weekend. I learned so much about myself last weekend, and it was wonderful to catch up with Jillian Dansko and Sophia Davis.

I have already posted my pictures of the event in a previous post (I didn't take any pictures on competition day). To see the official photographer's, Camy Spencer-Gooding, Mrs. Ohio International 2003, photographs from the entire pageant weekend, click here.

To see a complete list of all the awards and who won, click here. I don't want to re-post since I already informed everyone on Abby's blog.

Last, but not least, and most importantly, congratulations to Jillian Dansko, Miss Ohio International 2011. I know you will rock the Miss International stage in July!

I Am at Miss Ohio International 2011!

2011-04-08T22:05:00.003-04:00

I have arrived at Miss Ohio International and have went through orientation and the other festivities of the night. Click here to see pictures from today.

Akron Aeros Appearance

2011-04-05T09:23:00.004-04:00

On May 8th, come out to the Akron Aeros game to support the team, breast cancer awareness, and me, Miss Akron International 2011. I will be making an appearance at the Akron Aeros baseball game - throwing the first pitch and signing autographs.

During the game, the Aeros will be wearing pink uniforms that will be auctioned off for charity.

This would be a fun family way to spend Mother's Day. I will list more information closer to the event.

Mrs. Ohio America's Send Off

2011-03-27T22:11:00.004-04:00

Mrs. Ohio America 2011, Melanie Miller

Today, I made the drive to Ashland, Ohio for Melanie (Murphy) Miller's Mrs. Ohio America send off event. Melanie is the first Miss Ohio to become Mrs. Ohio America. Melanie was crowned Miss Ohio 2006, and in February, she was crown Mrs. Ohio America 2011.

Melanie leaves Thursday, March 31st for Mrs. America. Competition does not actually begin until April 12th with finals on April 14th.

This was a great event. Melanie has a stunning wardrobe and a very supportive husband. Miss Ohio 2010, Becky Minger was also there performing during many of Melanie's clothing changes.

Click here to see my Facebook album of the event.

Here I am with Local Title Holders

L to R: Emily Tabar, Miss All-American City Outstanding Teen, Sarah Eash, Miss Maumee Valley Outstanding Teen, Chelsi Howman, Miss North Coast

With Emily and Maria Jones

Habitat for Humanity of Summit County's ReStore

2011-03-26T23:37:00.007-04:00

I have volunteered for years at different Habitat for Humanity sites, but today, I volunteered at the Habitat for Humanity of Summit County's ReStore. This was a new experience for me. I have always known that ReStores existed, but I had never volunteered at one before.

For those of you who do not know what a Restore is it is a store owned by Habitat for Humanity.

How It Works

Habitat for Humanity accepts donations of new and gently used home furnishings and building materials such as cabinets, appliances, lighting and plumbing fixtures, doors, lumber, flooring, windows, etc.
Some materials will be used to build Habitat houses. The rest will be sold to the public at 70-90% off the retail price.
Proceeds generated through the sale of these items helps Habitat build more homes in the area.

It was a good experience to see another way HFH raises money to support its efforts.

For those of you who live in or around Summit County, stop by the Habitat for Humanity of Summit County ReStore and buy a raffle ticket. The winner will receive a $300 gift certificate to the Summit County ReStore. Tickets are $1 for one or 6 for $5.

A Safe Habitat | Habitat for Humanity

2011-03-14T12:34:00.000-04:00

Click the below link to sign the petition to make sure children have a safe environment (habitat) to live in during the wake of a disaster.
A Safe Habitat Habitat for Humanity

Help Pacific Earthquake and Tsunami Victims through Habitat for Humanity

2011-03-12T14:41:00.002-05:00

An 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan on Friday, March 11. The resulting aftershocks and tsunami destroyed homes, crushed cars and killed hundreds of people.

A tsunami warning has been issued to dozens of countries including: Australia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Fiji, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, the Philippines and the United States. Habitat has operations in all of these places.

Habitat for Humanity will assess the damage caused by the earthquake in Japan and in the countries affected by the tsunami and help as needed. To respond effectively, HFH needs your help. Please make a donation to help Habitat serve families affected by this disaster. Click here to donate.

Donate a car to Cars for Homes — Habitat for Humanity’s car donation program -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l

2010-09-20T09:59:00.000-04:00

Donate a car to Cars for Homes — Habitat for Humanity’s car donation program -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l

New Photos

2010-08-04T11:27:00.007-04:00

In May, my good friend Joe Levack asked me to pose for him so he could practice some different lighting techniques. Below are some of the results.

Check out his website: http://www.levackphotography.com/!

Change In Plans

2010-07-27T09:03:00.002-04:00

I know at the beginning of the year I said that I was going to enter the a pageant being held in Columbus. I decided not to do that pageant a couple months ago; however recently, I decided to enter Miss Black Ohio USA one last time. This will be the third year that I have competed in this pageant, and my last time since contestants can not be older than 27 at the national pageant. This year the pageant has a new director, Whitney Gaskins, Miss Black Ohio USA 2009. The pageant will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio in October. I will be blogging more often as I prepare for this pageant.

I am still debating on what song to do for talent. There is a 90 second time limit. I have not had to compete with a time limit this short since Ohio Junior Miss back in 2002. It's hard to believe that my first pageant was over 8 years ago now. If you have any suggestions on what talent piece I should do, I would appreciate it.

My Pageant Decision

2010-01-27T00:34:00.002-05:00

I've picked a pageant! After a long and carefully thought out decision, I am going to compete in the Miss Black America Pageant System!

August 7th, 2010, I will be competing in the Miss Black Ohio Pageant of Achievement. The winner will receive a scholarship and will go on to compete at Miss Black America.

There is an entry fee to compete in this pageant. If you would like to donate to my pageant fund please do so by clicking the link on the side of my blog.

I look forward to blogging about my new pageant journey!

What Pageant Should I Do Next?

2009-10-28T23:29:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the long hiatus from blogging, but life after aging out of the Miss America System has left me scrabbling for a new pageant system to call my own (and also something to put in this blog). People have told me about many different pageants - Cinderella Pageant, Beauties of America, International, Black International, America's Perfect Miss.

Please take my poll about which pageant I should do. I truly need help deciding.

MBOUSA Contestant Itinerary

2009-08-10T10:52:00.001-04:00

Miss Black Ohio USA Scholarship Pageant Weekend
Contestant Tentative Itinerary

Thursday, August 13, 2009

8:00 a.m. Registration in lobby of Ramada Columbus North and eat breakfast (Group A contestants should be in interview attire and Group B contestants should wear a nice outfit with sash).
9:00 a.m. Group A Contestant Personal Interviews.
9:00 a.m. Group B will participate in individual consultations with hair and makeup.
10:30 a.m. Group B Talent Competition. Individual feedback from judges immediately following each delegate’s talent presentation.
10:30 a.m. Group A in “Beautiful” discussion group with Chandra White-Cummings (Contestants are to wear casual wear with sash).
12:00 noon Lunch
1:00 p.m. Opening Number Rehearsal at Ramada Columbus North (Contestants should wear comfortable clothing for rehearsal and sash).
5:00 p.m. All contestants in rooms to prepare for Red Carpet Welcome Reception.
6:00 p.m. Cherelle Hines, Miss Black Ohio USA Talented Teen to arrive at Ramada Columbus North.
7:00 p.m. Red Carpet Arrival Reception at host hotel. This event will be filmed for DVD (Contestants should wear something nice and trendy).
9:00 p.m. Red Carpet Reception concludes.
9:30 p.m. Contestant Pajama Party & Gift Exchange (Contestants are to wear tasteful pajamas and no makeup).
11:00 p.m. All contestants in rooms for bed.

Friday, August 14, 2009

8:00 a.m. Contestants eating breakfast (Group B contestants should be in interview attire and Group A contestants should wear a nice outfit with sash).
9:00 a.m. Group B Contestant Personal Interviews.
9:00 a.m. Group A will participate in individual consultations with hair and makeup.
10:30 a.m. Group A Talent Competition. Individual feedback from judges immediately following each delegate’s talent presentation.
10:30 a.m. Group B in “Beautiful” discussion group with Chandra White-Cummings (Contestants are to wear casual wear with sash).
12:00 noon Lunch
1:00 p.m. Michael Jackson Tribute Rehearsal at Ramada Columbus North (Contestants should wear comfortable clothing for rehearsal and sash).
5:00 p.m. Whitney Gaskins, Miss Black Ohio USA to arrive at Ramada Columbus North.
5:00 p.m. All contestants in rooms to prepare for Sponsor & Supporter Appreciation Dinner (Contestants should wear something nice and trendy to event and bring two outfits for fashion show – one fun fashion and the other semi-formal or formal).
7:00 p.m. Contestants load transportation to be taken to Fort Rapids.
8:00 p.m. Sponsor & Supporter Appreciation Dinner at Fort Rapids. This event will be filmed for DVD.
9:00 p.m. Live entertainment from the contestants begins.
10:00 p.m. Brittany Browne, MBOUSA Ambassador to arrive at Fort Rapids.
11:00 p.m. Contestants load the transportation to be taken back to the hotel.
12:00 midnight Sponsor & Supporter Appreciation Dinner concludes.
12:00 midnight All contestants in rooms for bed.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

7:00 a.m. Contestants eating breakfast (contestants should wear comfortable outfit with sash).
7:30 a.m. Opening Number and Michael Jackson Tribute rehearsal at the Ramada Columbus North.
11:00 a.m. Rehearsal concludes and ladies get ready for rehearsal at CPAC (Everyone – wear nice jeans and you will be given a t-shirt upon arrival at zoo. Contestants and reigning queens - Bring your sashes with you).
11:30 a.m. Contestants are to load transportation to the CPAC. Lunch will be provided on the way to the theater.
12:00 noon Rehearsals commence at Columbus Performing Arts Center. Block the Opening Number and Michael Jackson tribute. Go through the on stage walking patterns.
5:15 p.m. Contestants, hosts and staff will load transportation to be taken to the HSK Caroline Pryce Walker Memorial Event at Columbus Zoo. Admission, T-shirt, food and beverages are included.
5:50 p.m. MBOUSA queens, contestants and staff to arrive at Columbus Zoo.
6:00 p.m. Contestants do various tasks around the event (dispose of trash, hand out information, help to restock food and beverages etc.).
10:00 p.m. Contestants load transportation to be taken back to Ramada Columbus North.
10:30 a.m. All contestants in their rooms for bed.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

8:00 a.m. Contestants eating breakfast (contestants should wear comfortable outfit with sash).
9:00 a.m. Contestants load transportation to Columbus Performing Arts Center (must bring all competition attire).
10:00 a.m. Rehearsals commence with the entire staff and Deron Bell and the Jazz for You Band. Block individual talent pieces, rehearse opening, MJ Tribute and block finale.
12:30 p.m. Rehearsals conclude and everyone backstage.
1:50 p.m. All contestants on point for show and judges taken to their places.
2:00 p.m. 2010 Ohio State Finals begins.
5:30 p.m. Pageant and on-stage pictures concludes.
5:45 p.m. The new Miss Black Ohio USA, Miss Black Ohio USA Talented Teen and parent of teen winner to meet in Judge’s Suite to sign titleholder agreements.
6:30 p.m. Contestants load transportation to be taken back to Ramada Columbus North.
7:00 p.m. Coronation Reception begins at the Ramada Columbus North (contestants should wear their evening gowns and sashes. New queens are to wear crowns along with Cherelle and Whitney).
9:00 p.m. Coronation Reception concludes and contestants are dismissed to go home.

Miss Black Ohio Contestant Itinerary

2009-08-10T10:31:00.003-04:00

I leave this week for Miss Black Ohio USA! It's hard to believe that a year has gone by since the last time I competed in this pageant. For preliminary days, we, the contestants have been split up into 2 groups:

PRELIM GROUP A

Amy Allen

Christina Hollinger

Ashley Coleman

Aunjanna' Million

Monique Nichols

Arianna Palmer

PRELIM GROUP B

Charisse Johnson

Porsche' Lumpkins

Ashley Miller

Twana Rogers

Keyaira Smith

Elizabeth Williamson

Thursday Group A competes in Interview, and Group B competes in Talent. Friday Group A competes in Talent, and Group B competes in Interview.

During the finals grouping will be different:

FINALS GROUP A

Amy Allen

Chistina Hollinger

Charisse Johnson

Porsche' Lumpkins

FINALS GROUP B

Ashley Coleman

Aunjanna' Million

Monique Nichols

Arianna Palmer

FINALS GROUP C

Ashley Miller

Twana Rogers

Keyaira Smith

Elizabeth Williamson

Sunday, August 16th at 2pm all contestants will be competing in the following categories :

Introduction 10%

On-stage Question 15%

Talent 30%

Evening Gown 10%

Activewear 10%

Preliminary Interview is worth 25% of the total score. Preliminary Talent is not scored.

At the Ohio State Finals there will be 7 judges. The highest and lowest scores will be dropped, and the remaining 5 scores will be averaged and the percentage taken from it.

A ballot with the names of the top 5 Miss and 4 Teens names will be given to the 7 Judges, 1 Judge’s Chair and 5 MBOUSA Board Members. These 13 persons will give each lady 1st to 5th place and the breakdown of the point value is as follows:

1st place – 20 points

2nd place – 10 points

3rd place – 5 points

4th place – 3 points

5th place – 1 point

The contestant with the most points wins!

Contestant Good Luck Lines

2009-07-04T00:01:00.002-04:00

Wish me good luck in the Miss Black Ohio USA 2010 Scholarship Pageant.

The Good Luck Wishes are $10 each and appear in the program book. Each line is 50 characters including spaces. $3 of each line goes to help with my pageant fees.

Let me know if you'd like to "officially" wish me luck!

Miss Black Ohio USA 2010

2009-07-01T12:19:00.004-04:00

I won the title of Miss Black Southern Ohio in April (click here for pictures) and will be competing for the title of Miss Black Ohio USA August 13th-16th in Columbus.

The State Finals will be held August 16th at 2pm at the Columbus Performing Arts Center in the Shedd Theater.

Each contestant is required to sell 4 tickets and a full page ad by July 17th, 2009. Cost of the tickets are $25 each. If you would like to come and support me, please let me know and purchase the ticket(s) in advance.

Also, if you would like to support me and the pageant by placing an ad in the program book, I'd greatly appreciate it.

The program is 8.5” x 11”. All advertisements can be submitted in digital format or can be designed at no cost to the advertiser. Advertisements will be done in gray scale.

Full page advertisement ~ $150
Half page advertisement ~ $85
Quarter page advertisement ~ $50
Business Card ~ $30

Miss Black Ohio USA Preliminary

2009-04-30T19:23:00.002-04:00

This Sunday, I am competing in a preliminary to Miss Black Ohio USA. There will be 3 titles given away: Miss Black Central Ohio USA, Miss Black Northeast Ohio USA, and Miss Black Southern Ohio USA.It is taking place at 1pm at:

Ramada Columbus North Hotel
6767 Schrock Hill Ct.
Columbus, OH

I will be competing in private interview, talent, and evening gown. For talent, I will be singing "It's Not A Secret Anymore" by Linda Eder. I am very excited to perform this piece.

I know I said I was going to compete in Miss Ohio International, but I could not get a sponsor. Each preliminary title holder will receive free entry into the Miss Black Ohio USA pageant in August.

Just Checking In

2009-02-21T20:42:00.002-05:00

I am still getting ready for Miss Ohio International. I've been working on my paperwork and sending out sponsorship forms.

Last week, I bought my fitness wear top and am very excited to wear it.

On Valentine's Day, I saw He's Just Not That Into You with Megan Wombacker. That's about it. Nothing new has happened to me, but I said I would blog more. Until next time.

Donate to My Miss Ohio International Fund

2009-02-08T15:38:00.002-05:00

I am competing in the Miss Ohio International Pageant May 16th-17th. If you would like to help me reach my fundraising goal, please click the button above my profile.

Miss America 2009

2009-02-08T11:16:00.004-05:00

It has been sometime since I have blogged. This is because since this blog really has to do with my pageant life and since I have not competed in a pageant since August, I really haven't known what to do with it.

I watched Miss America 2009 with a completely different set of eyes. In 2008, I watched Miss America with Ashley Hartman and Megan Wombacker. This year I watched it by myself and surprisingly not live. I DVR'ed it, but it gave me time to pause and rewind.

I loved the new music this year. And I wanted to point out that with my swimsuit music choice at Miss Ohio, "The Way I Are" by Timbaland, I was "slightly a head of my time" with that being the music for that phase at Miss America this year.

As for evening gowns, Hawaii and I would've been fighting for her evening gown if I had been competing at Miss America. It was in true Amy Fashion.

Left: Miss Hawaii

Right: Me

I had a completely different reaction during the crowning moment than I have ever had in my life. Last year when Kirsten was crowned, I was all smiles and just kept repeating, "Praise Jesus," the phrase Kirsten said after she was crowned. But this year, I bawled. I could not stop crying. Katie's reaction touched me so much, and for those of you who know me or have read my blog, you know I do not cry. Ok, I did cry when I was crowned, but hey that was a unique moment in my life.

So over all, I really liked Miss America this year. And now that I've blogged again, I'm going to try to make it a regular part of my week! Until next time...

Wow! It's been a while...Would you like to help me compete in Miss Ohio International?

2008-11-13T17:23:00.004-05:00

It's hard to believe that I haven't been blogging. At one point in time, I would be thinking all day long what could I put on here. I will have to catch you all up on what's been going on with me. Right now, I am trying to get ready for Miss Ohio International. I am trying to raise the money for the entry fee. I even sold an evening gown!

I'm still short on the entry fee. If you would like to help me compete please contact me here or through my email: aallen2@mvnu.edu.

Don't Forget to Register to Vote

2008-09-28T22:28:00.002-04:00

The deadline to register to vote in Ohio is fast approaching. I would like to encourage all those who are eligible to vote to do so. Click here to register.

Miss Black Ohio USA Official Photos

2008-09-20T00:31:00.002-04:00

Click here to view the pictures taken by the official photographer.

2008-09-18T23:32:00.003-04:00

This past Saturday, I joined the Miss Black Ohio USA (MBOUSA) team in the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Walk-a-thon. My day began at 5am, when I woke up so that I could be in Columbus by 8am to begin the walk. I walked along with Vanessa King, the executive director of the pageant, Cherelle Hines, Miss Black Ohio USA Talented Teen, and one of the volunteers from the pageant. We walked 10k, a little over 6 miles, to raise money for the UNCF, one of the sponsors for the MBOUSA.

Cherelle and I after the walk

When we finished the walk, I signed some autographs, made some contacts for future appearances, and spoke to some people about competing in MBOUSA next year.

Later that afternoon, Cherelle and I MC'ed a gospel festival for a few hours. I was able to talk about my platform and how important Habitat for Humanity is in this country. I also spoke about how competing in pageants can pay for college. It was a great day!

Me, Brittany Brown, 2nd Runner-up to MBOUSA, and Cherelle Hines at the Gospel Festival

And for any of you that may have noticed, I did cut my hair!

Walk for Education

2008-09-03T11:49:00.002-04:00

As Miss Black Southern Ohio USA and first runner-up to Miss Black Ohio USA, I recently accepted the challenge of raising funds in support of the 25th Anniversary "Walk For Education" scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2008 in Wolfe Park. This important event will make education accessible to everyone by eliminating financial barriers for deserving students. You can help by supporting me with a generous donation to reach my goal.

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) was one of the sponsors for Miss Black Ohio USA.

Making a secured, safe, tax-deductible donation is faster and easier than you think. By simply clicking the link below, you can go to my walk page and contribute on my behalf in less than five minutes. If you prefer, you can also mail in your gift to the address listed below.
Whatever you can give will help - it all adds up! I greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress.

To make a donation online: Click Here!

To make a donation by check:Make all checks payable to: UNCF Columbus 2008 WalkMemo: Please include my name for proper credit. Address: UNCF Columbus399 E. Main Street, Suite 120, Columbus, OH 43215

Miss Black Ohio USA Photos

2008-08-19T13:01:00.000-04:00

Click here to see my photos.

More to come later.

I am Here!

2008-08-16T11:05:00.002-04:00

I am at Miss Black Ohio USA and am having a BLAST! I just finished my interview, which in my opinion was better than the interview I had a sweeps.

Yesterday, we had contestant workshops. Allie DeSantis, Miss Teen International 2007, Carrie Layne, and Mrs. Circleville spoke to us. Also, the president of the Better Business Bureau, Kip, spoke to us about character. He works a lot with Roberta Camp, Miss Ohio 2007, with her platform.

We had a red carpet reception and had great entertainment, who will also be performing at the pageant on Sunday. The Call & Post was there interviewing and taking pictures. The Miss Black Ohio USA Scholarship Pageant has been on the last 3 cover pages of this newspaper.

Today, we still have rehearsal, a community service project at the zoo, and a pajama party!

I Leave Tomorrow!

2008-08-14T21:06:00.000-04:00

Friday morning bright and early I start heading to Columbus to compete in Miss Black Ohio USA. I have to arrive by 8am so it's going to be an early morning!

Miss Black Ohio USA Sponsorship

2008-08-07T09:10:00.002-04:00

I leave to compete in Miss Black Ohio USA Thursday evening. If you are interested in sponsoring me, placing an ad in the program book, or sending good luck lines. Let me know as soon as possible.

Miss Black Ohio USA Tickets

2008-07-30T22:38:00.002-04:00

As I've been talking about in my previous entries, I will be competing in the Miss Black Ohio USA pageant in just a few weeks. If you are interested in tickets, please send an e-mail to MissBlackOhioUSA@aol.com. The cost is $25 for adults and $12 for seniors and children, include the fact that you know me :). This includes the cost of the Miss and Teen pageants.

Miss Black Ohio USA and Miss Black Ohio USA Talented Teen Scholarship Pageant will take place August 17, 2008 at 3pm at the Columbus Performing Arts Center Shedd Theater in Columbus, Ohio.

Saturday's Pageant Adventure

2008-07-28T10:50:00.002-04:00

Saturday morning, I drove to Columbus for the Miss Black Ohio USA photo shoot. Only 4 Miss and 2 Teen contestants attended the photo shoot. We were interviewed by a black newspaper who will be covering the pageant. We were told there are 12 contestants who have at least paid their application fee and about 20 who have shown interest. Contestants have until August 1st to pay.

After the pictures were over, I stopped ate dinner and then drove up to North Royalton for the Miss Greater Cleveland/Miss Cuyahoga County Pageant. It was a great show, and Andrea did a great job! I'm sure you have already found out who won what by now. If you haven't, check out Abby's blog.

Click here for pictures from my Saturday!

Good Luck Lines and Sponsorships

2008-07-10T23:06:00.003-04:00

I am selling good luck lines that will be in the Miss Black Ohio USA Program Book. If you would be interested in writing up to 50 characters to wish me good luck in the program, the cost is only $10. The Miss Black Ohio USA Program has set this up to help contestants pay their fees. $5 of every good luck line goes towards paying my fees.

Each contestant must sell one ad page, and I am currently looking for sponsors for this pageant. If you would are interested in sponsoring me or know of someone who would be interested, please contact me at MVNUCHEER@yahoo.com.

Miss Black Ohio USA

2008-07-01T21:41:00.002-04:00

It's official. I am a contestant in the Miss Black Ohio USA Scholarship Pageant. It is August 17th at 3:00pm at the Columbus Performing Arts Center in Columbus, Ohio. I will be competing under the title of Miss Black Southern Ohio.

Miss Black Ohio USA will receive the following:
$1,000 Cash Scholarship
Black Pearl necklace (retail Value $4,900) from Exote Pearls
Crown and sash, floral bouquet, winner's trophy
Entry fee, airfare and hotel paid to the national pageant
Four two-hour sessions with Stylist and Pageant Coach Ryan Harris
Pageant Planner from Holdon Log
Tote Bag on wheels
Photo shoot with professional photographer
One-year Subscription to Pageantry Magazine
Gift package

I'm very excited. Yes, it's a pageant and I know I just competed in one less than a month ago. However, it's been a long time since I've tried something new like this! A different system's a completely different game.

Congratulations, Karissa Martin!

2008-07-01T21:04:00.002-04:00

Karissa Martin took home the title of Miss Ohio....scratch that she won the home, crown, car, and over $10,000 in scholarship. Karissa was one of the two double preliminary winners - Wednesday night talent and Thursday night swimsuit.

Karissa, have a great year of service!

Miss Ohio 2008

2008-07-01T20:22:00.002-04:00

It's hard to believe that Miss Ohio 2008 has come and gone; and with it, my one chance to represent the state at Miss America. It's been a long, hard 4 years, and I've met some great people along the way who have become some of my closest friends.

I was so excited to win the title of Miss Southern Ohio 2008 and couldn't wait for Miss Ohio. I had so much fun with my roommate and semi-finalist, Andrea Andyrscik. We had so much fun with our host home. We had a Wii. One night we played so much our arms hurt the next day. Amber Cleland was a great chaperon.

I had seconds whenever food was available; yet I still felt like my talent dress was going to fall off during competition because of the weight I loss during the week. I even tried to have a chili eating contest at Skyline Chili but none of the other contestants were game. I polished off a large 3 way. I had been talking about having one all week.

As for competing, I knew I wasn't in the top 10. And when Mark said there was an 11th contestant, my first thought was People's choice, and my heart jumped up. My name wasn't called as the 11th or 12th semi-finalist. All I could do was head back to the make-up room, pack-up my stuff, and cheer on my roomie.

I wish I had competed for all 7 years of eligibility instead of just my last 4. I'm not ready to put away my 4 inch heels and fake eye lashes. :) I had so much fun, met so many great people, and most importantly learned so much about myself while competing in the Miss America Scholarship Program.

My Parents Miss Ohio Pictures

2008-06-29T19:22:00.002-04:00

Click here to view my parent's pictures from Miss Ohio.

My Miss Ohio Pictures

2008-06-29T15:37:00.001-04:00

Click here to view my Miss Ohio pictures!

More to come later. I'm still so exhausted! I had to be at work on Monday.

The First Friday of Miss Ohio 2008

2008-06-13T23:59:00.003-04:00

Today was learn all the "show" numbers. Every contestant had to learn 2 or 3 dance numbers depending upon what flight we are in. "Bend and Snap," "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," and "Get Up" are the three numbers. I get to do "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "Get Up."

For lunch we went to D&W Catering at The Woods. Them we went back to the theater to rehearse what we had learned this morning.

For dinner, we went to the Miss Ohio Festival. We were suppose to be introduced and sign autographs, but a big storm came and cut our night short. We were back to our host homes before 7pm!

Andrea and I love our host home! Tonight, we played Wii tennis and Wii bowling with our host family! It's a great workout...well for at least one arm.

*Side note - Emily Cousino is suppose to join the rest of the Miss Ohio contestants on Saturday!

I'm at Miss Ohio!

2008-06-12T23:43:00.002-04:00

Wow, the day has finally come that the contestants have arrived. The day went by fast. Straight from our host homes, we went to Richland Mall for our fashion show fittings. From there, on to the Carousel. Then on to walking patterns at the theater. Now, I'm off to bed.

*Side note - Samantha Eggers, Miss Open City has decided not to compete, and Emily Cousino is sick so keep her in your prayers.

Contact Information

2008-06-09T23:41:00.002-04:00

For those of you who may not know, Miss Ohio contestants are only allowed to receive gifts at their host home. Please send any gifts to:

Miss Southern Ohio Amy Allen

1024 Devonshire Lane

Mansfield, Ohio 44907

Contestants are permitted to have their cell phones and laptops only at their host home, so I will not be answering my calls or E-mails as promptly as I normally do. I'm going to miss my Blackberry.

Packing

2008-06-08T00:05:00.002-04:00

Thursday, I began packing for Miss Ohio. I knew this was going to be a tedious task; however, I did not realize how long it would take until I actually started. Before I began, I made a list of what I would need for my day to day needs. As I began checking things off of my list, the more I realized that I needed. My list keeps growing! At this rate I'll never be done. But as I re-read over the information that the Miss Ohio Board sent us, the contestants, the more detailed I know I need to be with my packing.

Also, things are a tough because I have my evening gown, a walk-on gown, swimsuit, teen night dress, interview attire, and parade and luncheon outfits at the seamstress. But I know it will all come together. I'm so excited for Miss Ohio!

My Autograph Pages

2008-06-03T22:10:00.003-04:00

I received the proof of my autograph page last night. Paul, from PSK Innovations, has been very helpful with helping with my photo needs. Here's a proof of what some of my autograph pages will look like:

Also, thanks to Katie Wolford, Miss Cuyahoga Valley, for helping find a good deal on 8x10's.

Goal Reached!

2008-05-30T11:35:00.004-04:00

Thanks to everyone who's helped me reach my CMN goal. I just looked and I reached the $650 goal that had been set for me to be able to compete in Miss Ohio. It took 7 donors to get me to this point. After November 2007, I needed $240 to reach this mark. Thanks to everyone who has helped me reach $650 for CMN and the Miss America Scholarship Program (MASP). This gives me one less thing to worry about before Miss Ohio.

2 Weeks!!

2008-05-29T16:57:00.001-04:00

There is only 2 weeks until contestants arrive in Mansfield for Miss Ohio week! It's crazy! There's so much to do with so little time! But I'm so excited!

Miss Ohio Community Service Weekend

2008-05-19T22:11:00.005-04:00

I had such a great time this weekend. Being in Mansfield and getting to know all the contestants (Over the years, I've competed with all the contestants but 2) has put me in the mood for Miss Ohio. I can't wait until June 12th - contestant arrival day.

Friday night, there was a little get together at Terri, the Miss Ohio business manager's house. We watched Miss America's interview, made a list of the traits we, the contestants, thought that Miss Ohio 2008 should have, ate, learned about the new convertible Miss Ohio 2008 will be driving, found out that there will only be 27 girls competing for the title of Miss Ohio, and that Miss Ohio 2008 will have a 2 bedroom condo in Mansfield!

Saturday, I went to work on a Habitat for Humanity house with Christie Youssef and Katie Camp. We had a lot of fun, and we all worked well together. We put up a ceiling on the porch of a house. Don't worry. We did a good job - so good we signed our names on it.

My bowling team consisted of my mom and Zaina Agbo. Andrea Andyrscik joined us! (I love my Miss Ohio roommate!) For those of you who don't know, Andrea and I are roommates. My grandma came to watch.

Click here for my pictures from community service weekend.

Miss Ohio Perks

2008-05-17T20:05:00.002-04:00

Friday night during the Miss Ohio Community Service Weekend, we, the contestants, were told that Miss Ohio 2008 will being living in a condominium at Primrose, an assistant living facility. This includes cable, meals, a workout facility, and garage. Also, a new convertible will be given to her to use! How exciting!

More to come on the Community Service Weekend at a later time.

Team Amy Shirts

2008-05-16T15:16:00.005-04:00

I am taking orders for "Team Amy" shirts. Here is the design: "Team Amy" will be on the front, and "31" will be on the back of the t-shirt. The cost will be $20 a shirt. I'm using this opportunity as a mini-fundraiser and will use the profit to pay for the remainder of the things I need for Miss Ohio!

Please e-mail me if you would like to purchase one at mvnucheer@yahoo.com or leave a message here on my blog, and we will make payment arrangements or feel free to use Paypal.

Miss Ohio Community Service Weekend Assignments

2008-05-08T19:54:00.003-04:00

Next weekend, most of the Miss Ohio contestants will be meeting for the Miss Ohio Community Service Weekend. We will be volunteering in the community. Below is a list of the places we, the contestants will be working and what we will be doing.

Wedgewood Estates - Assisted living
Mingling with residents and will be performing
Jessica Barrett
Heather Waterman
Victoria Miller
Krystle Formosa

Dayspring
Visiting with residents - possibly performing
Kristen Haas
Brandi Herceg
Nanciann Strosnider
Alyssa Hanson

Elmcroft Assisted Living Facility
Visiting with residents - possibly performing
Courtney Kania
Sophia Davis
Jillian Dansko
Erica Gelhaus

Primrose Retirement Community
Mingling with residents and performing
Kristy Moneysmith
Andrea Andryscik
Becky Minger
Jenna Wilson

Habitat for Humanity
Planting and landscaping
Amy Allen
Amanda Pitcock
Christie Youssef
Katie Camp

Friendly House
Working/playing with kids
Kasey Wilson
Katherine Wolford
Heather Wells
Shannon O'Neill

I am extremely excited to be working with Habitat for Humanity, especially since it is my platform. I will post pictures after the weekend is over.

Miracle Maker Rewards Program

2008-04-30T23:56:00.002-04:00

Last year, I posted what Miss America said would be happening with contestants who raised the most money for the Children's Miracle Network. Click here for the post, however, I have not heard anything about this. Does anyone else have any information about this?

Miss Ohio Spring Forum and the Week Leading Up to It

2008-04-29T19:25:00.005-04:00

I know that it has been 9 days since the Miss Ohio Forum, but I finally have time to blog about it.

The week before the forum I was busy putting all of the finishing touches on my paperwork. On Sunday, I drove to Cincinnati to stay with my aunt that way I wouldn't have to drive from Akron to Miamisburg early in the morning. Monday, I met up with Paul with PSK Innovations to get my head shots done.

I was planning on taking a personal day from work to get these done and to have a day of rest, but the week before the forum, I was asked to help out the Cincinnati District of Hollister. I said yes, and with this I was able to expense my mileage to Cincinnati. I worked Monday through Wednesday at Kenwood Town Center.

Thursday and Friday I worked at Newport on the Levee in Kentucky. Thursday morning, my car wouldn't start. I found out it was my fuel pump. Between the cost of that and everything else that is wrong with my 1995 Dodge Intrepid with over 199,600 miles, my parents and I decided it was not worth repairing. The junk yard only wanted to give my $50 for it. I found a ride to work and back to my hotel.

Friday, I had to have my aunt take me to work early so she could make it to work on time. Mind you at this time, I still have to start my community service essay, finish a paragraph in both my platform and resume pages, and pick up the CD with the song I wanted to walk to during the swimsuit phase of competition. The district manager had to rent me a car to get home. To get a one way rental, we had to drive to the Cincinnati Airport, which for those of you who do not know - it's in Kentucky.

I had to wait for my aunt to get off work to get my luggage out of her car from my hotel stay. After that I had to go to my car and unload 3 years of my life, which it is amazing how much stuff you can keep in a car.

I ate in the car and drove straight to Akron -with a detour to a Wal-Mart along the way to pick up the CD that I needed. By the time I got home, it was midnight. After I unloaded the rental car, which was a new Jeep Liberty (Hollister did put me up in a SWEET ride!), my mom followed me to the Akron-Canton Airport, which is where I had to return the car. I couldn't keep it until the next day because it had to be returned by 3pm and at that time, I knew that I would be at the Miss Ohio Forum.

When I returned home, I had to finish all of my paperwork. Needless to say, by the time I finished everything it was almost 4am! It takes just under an hour to get to Mansfield from Akron so I only got a few hours of sleep before the forum.

MISS OHIO SPRING FORUM

It was a busy morning at the forum. As a new contestant, I was required to be at the forum by 9am. I met with my mentor, and we went over my paperwork with a fine tooth comb for one last time. My mom and my dad both came! Yes, for those of you in the pageant world. I do have parents.

The morning was filled with a bunch of information and lots of questions.

Lunch was when all of the fun began. The returnees joined us. It was great seeing everyone again.

We picked contestant numbers. I didn't get called until the 18th person. I was able to get into the flight that I wanted, and I am happy with my placement -#15. I joked that there was no 31.

After going over our wardrobe and a few other odds and ends, the forum was over and we had to record our names, contestant #, and school for the opening at Miss Ohio.

It was a long day, especially since I only had a few hours of sleep. I didn't leave until 5pm.

Here are the pictures that I took while we were waiting to do our recordings.

L to R: Jenna Wilson and Brandi Herceg

L to R: Brandi and Nanciann Strosnider

L to R: Megan Wombacker and ME

O yea and I still don't have a car. Hopefully, I'll get one by Monday!

My Crowning Moment

2008-04-23T00:01:00.000-04:00

Well since I've had a few people ask me to blog about Miss Southern Ohio and I finally am done with the my Miss Ohio paperwork, I figured this is a good time to do so.

The day went well. All the contestants got along well with each other. The big topics of the day were the pregnant "man" and plastic surgery.

We went over walking patterns and talent rehearsal. I felt bad for the dancers because the stage had a set for a play on it which made it impossible for them to perform on. Ashley Hartman and Carissa Cook did there dances at another location.

Interviews were conducted at Kay Hall's church. My interview was mostly current event/opinion questions.

When the show started I was actually kind of nervous. This was mainly because how close the judges were to us. If a contestant would've slipped and fell they'd have landed on the judges.

CROWNING - 2nd runner-up is Lauren Hogan... My thought was wow I thought she'd have one of the crowns. 1st runner-up is Jackie J. My thought who are these crowns going to. Then what if it's me - Amy don't get your hopes up.
And Miss Southern Ohio is contestant # Amy Allen.

I just stood there staring in disbelief. Then I said,"yes," and bent down for Rachel to crown me. Then I said,"31," and Roberta told the audience that this was my 31st local. After that it hit me, and I started to cry. And if you know me you know how big of a deal that is. I don't like to cry. Then I said, "I said I wasn't going to cry." It was at that moment that all the emotions from competing for 4 seasons and working so hard hit me all at once. Then I realized that I forgot to wear water proof mascara. :)

Never Forget....

2008-04-12T23:35:00.002-04:00

I received a birthday card from a friend that was perfect for everything that has happened to me over the last week. The front read:

Do you remember the way it felt to make a wish and never - not even for a
second - doubt that it might come true?
Inside:
Wishing you the magic of dreaming and believing - on your birthday and always.
Signed:
Never forget to DREAM!!

I thought this was a perfect card. I had the wish to get to be a Miss America title holder, and I held on to that dream for years. And now, I have one! Miss Ohio here I come!!!

Pictures from Sweeps

2008-04-09T19:35:00.003-04:00

Here are the links to my pictures from this weekend's Sweeps Pageants.

Miss Southern Ohio/South Central/Chillicothe - features contestants during the day and my crowning pics:)

Miss Buckeye State/Heart of Ohio/Cuyahoga Valley - features competition, crowning, and local title holders

Sorry some of them are dark, but I just have a "normal" camera without a super zoom.

Miss Ohio & the Children's Miracle Network

2008-04-09T19:18:00.004-04:00

The Miss America Scholarship Program and the Children's Miracle Network (CMN) have partnered up. Each Miss America contestant is required to raise money for CMN - $100 per local title (cap at $400) & $250 at the state level. To meet this goal, I have to raise $650. Please help me I am getting close. I only have $215 to go!

To make a tax deductible donation please click on the picture below or visit this website: http://www.missamerica4kids.org/m.aspx?i=264159AB

I also have a link to this website at the top left hand corner of my blog:)

Congratulations, Sweeps Winners!

2008-04-08T20:31:00.000-04:00

This weekend 6 women won the right to compete for the title of Miss Ohio this June.

Amy Allen - Miss Southern Ohio
Kristy Moneysmith - Miss Chillicothe
Krystle Formosa - Miss South Central Ohio
Katie Wolford - Miss Cuyahoga Valley
Victoria Miller - Miss Buckeye State
Courtney Kania - Miss Heart of Ohio

I have competition pictures from Sunday's pageant and crowning pictures from both pageants. I'll post them when I have time.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-04-08T20:24:00.000-04:00

Today I celebrated my 24th birthday! Winning Miss Southern Ohio was a great early birthday present!

More to come later - probably after the spring forum because there's so much that needs to be done before then.

I Got a Crown

2008-04-06T10:29:00.000-04:00

Just stopped by to say, "I got a crown. I got a crown. I got a crown. Hey, hey, hey, hey!" :-D

I WON!!!

2008-04-06T02:38:00.000-04:00

Tonight I won the title of Miss Southern Ohio and will be competing for the title of Miss Ohio in June!! More to come later. I'm exhausted.

Preparing for Sweeps

2008-04-04T09:57:00.000-04:00

I am currently packing - well right now I'm taking a break from packing - for the possibility of a long weekend. Lauren Hogan and I are staying in a hotel in Chillicothe tonight to be close to the pageant tomorrow. It's hard to believe that the season is over on Sunday. Tomorrow marks my 31st Miss America local! Wow!

More to come when I actually get to Chillicothe.

Good Luck, Abby!

2008-04-03T11:53:00.002-04:00

Abby Bollenbacher is moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Abby has always made pageantry fun. We only competed together once over the years (at Miss Lake Erie the year Leslie Ondrey won), but I feel very close to her because of her blogging.

Abby, you will be missed!

Congratulations, Sophia Davis

2008-04-02T00:49:00.000-04:00

Saturday Sophia won the title of Miss Hamilton. This will be Sophia's third trip to Miss Ohio. Last year, she made the top 10. For more information, check out Abby's blog, www.abbybollenbacher.blogspot.com.

I PLACED AGAIN!!

2008-03-26T20:27:00.002-04:00

This past weekend I placed for the 2nd time ever in the Miss America System. I was 4th runner up at the Miss Central Ohio Scholarship Pageant. This was the 2nd MAO pageant that I ever competed in 4 years ago - when I was a "hot mess" singing a karaoke version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow,"wearing random outfits out of my closet, and knowing nothing about posing and angles.

It is amazing to me to look at how far I've come in such a short time. Who would've thought that I'd be the "old one" at a local.

But right now I feel the need to thank all those who have supported me over the years I know the season's not over but with only sweeps left my pageant career is wrapping up quickly - Maria Jones, thanks for always listening and offering great advise! Zaina and Meghan thanks for the support! Susan Hartman- for being a great pageant mom! Nanci K - for always offering your house and sending encouraging emails! Mrs. Pheils - for cheering for me and the possibility of "Team Amy" shirts :-). For my pageant girls Ashley Hartman, Lauren Hogan, Megan Wombacker, Andrea Andryscik, Allie Krucek, Brittney Brinkman LaCroix & everyone else who over the years have helped me keep my head up high and who are CONTINUALLY helping to motivate me to get to THIS place on my journey. Thank you all!

NOW ON TO SWEEPS!

Congratulations,Jillian Dansko!

2008-03-26T20:09:00.001-04:00

This past weekend Jillian won the title of Miss Central Ohio; thus securing her 4th trip to Miss Ohio. She also won the Interview and People's Choice awards. 1st runner up was Jackie J. 2nd runner up was Sasha Eby. 3rd runner up was Courtney K. 4th runner up was... Da -da-da-da drum roll please -ME!! Amy Allen

For more information and pictures check out Abby's blog, www.abbybollenbacher.blogspot.com.

More to come later I am currently blogging from my Blackberry and don't feel like typing on such small keys.

Miss Central Ohio is Right Around the Corner!

2008-03-21T00:20:00.002-04:00

It's hard to believe that Miss Central Ohio is this Saturday! It was 4 years ago that I competed in this pageant for the first time. It was a week after my first Miss America local, Miss Mansfield, and I had no idea about what I was doing. I just signed up for the 2 locals closest to my school and thought that I'd try it and if I didn't like it I wouldn't do it again. And as you can tell, I loved competing because this will be my 30th Miss America preliminary! It's hard to believe that this will be my last open local preliminary of my life!...well in the Miss America system, that is - who knows what the future has in store for me after representing central Ohio that is;).

I know everyone wants to know who is competing. I can only say who will be in attendance based on Facebook. However, I can tell you that we are all required to be in Newark at 6pm on Friday night.

Current and former title holders:

Jenna Wilson, Roberta Camp, Abby Bollenbacher, Heather Wells

Current and potential contestants:

Carissa Cook, Lauren Hogan, Katie Bowen, Ashley Hartman, Allison West, Ashley Brown, Alicia Huyge, Emily Pheils, April O'Brien, Ashley Warholic, Monica Johnson, and Lindsay Mooney

Congratulations, Christie!

2008-03-09T17:38:00.003-04:00

Christie Youssef walked away with the title of Miss Mansfield 2008 last weekend; she also won the Interview, talent, and congeniality awards.

4th Runner-up: Alicia Huyghe
3rd Runner-up: Ashley Warholic
2nd Runner-up: Lauren Hogan, Evening Gown Award
1st Runner-up: Ashley Hartman, Swimsuit Award

Sorry this post is so late. I have been working in Cincinnati since this pageant and haven't had much time to blog. I will be in Cincinnati through Saturday.

Michelle Obama in Akron

2008-02-27T22:00:00.003-05:00

Tonight, I was able to hear Michelle Obama speak at Akron North High School. It was a last minute idea for me. I had no idea that she was even going to be in Akron tonight, but on my lunch break, I was reading the newspaper and saw that she would be speaking. Not long after that I cut my break short and went back to work in order to leave early enough to get to the school on time.

Let me just start by saying that she is an AMAZINGLY inspirational speaker. She gave the background story of Obama's campaigning history, and I got chills. Hearing from the next first lady of the United States and the first BLACK one....you could just feel energy, excitement, and the audience's hope.

It was great to hear about someone who is from the people and is still in touch what "regular folk" deal with.

I'm so excited for election day!

Miss Mansfield Forum

2008-02-24T22:55:00.003-05:00

First, I would like to apologize for my absence from blogging. Life has been extremely busy for me. I have been working 50 hour weeks and traveling to work in Cincinnati. But I guess there is really no excuse for not dropping by my blog and saying, "Hey, I'll be busy for the next few weeks and won't be able to blog for a while."

But anyways... Now on to the topic of this post - the Miss Mansfield Forum.

Today, all contestants were required to be at the forum except those who had been given special permission because of work issues. It was great to see all the "usual" pageant contestants and a few newbies. Everyone had smiling faces and was ready for the day.

We, the contestants, were told about the required appearances that are mandatory for Miss Mansfield 2008. There are at least 8 of these. The theme of the pageant is "Eras of Excellence," and there will be at least 10 previous Miss Mansfields from over the years. We were also told that there will be 6 judges; however, we were not told who the judges are.

Contestant order was given out based on alphabetical order so OF COURSE as Amy Allen I'm contestant #1. But I'm ok with this because last time I had this number I rocked out my interview!(AT Miss Clayland)

Here's the contestant order:
1. Amy Allen, vocal
2. Mandy Culp, vocal
3. Jillian Dansko, tap dance
4. Sophia Davis, dance
5. Krystle Formosa, vocal
6. Ashley Hartman, dance
7. Alicia Huyghe, tap dance
8. Lauren Hogan, vocal
9. Monica (I can't remember her last name), vocal
10. Emily Pheils, vocal
11. Not competing
12. Ashley (I can't remember her last name, but her mom housed Roberta Camp at Miss Ohio)
13. Christie Youssef, harpist

We have to be at Mansfield High School at 8am on Saturday morning. Interviews start at 11:30am. Awards will be as follows:

Miss Mansfield 2008

$1500 Scholarship

Gym Membership

Miss America Crown, Crown Pin, & Box

Tanning Package

Gift Certificate to Theresa Ann's

Miss Mansfield Coat

Photo Shoot

Salon Package

1st Runner-up - $500

2nd Runner-up - $400

3rd Runner-up - $300

4th Runner-up - $200

Talent Award - $150

Evening Gown Award - $100

Interview Award - $150

Miss Congeniality - $100

Swimsuit Award - Jamie Shaw Swimsuit from Theresa Ann's

This should be a great day. Miss Mansfield was the first local that I competed in 4 years ago! This will be the last year that I will be able to compete for the title. Keep your fingers crossed! Winning this title would mean the WORLD to me, and I would do everything possible to be the best representative of the city of Mansfield at Miss Ohio!

Congratulations, Heather Wells!

2008-02-03T21:30:00.000-05:00

Last night in Norwalk, Heather Wells took home the title of Miss Maple City 2008. This was her fifth local of the season.

1st Runner-up: Katie Wolford, Interview Winner
2nd Runner-up: Jillian Dansko
3rd Runner-up: Ashley Hartman

Spirit Award & Swimsuit: Amanda Culp
Talent: Marisa Buchheit

Contestant Order:
1. Amanda Culp
2. Heather Wells
3. Sasha Eby
4. Emily Phelis
5. Ashley Hartman
6. Amy Allen
7. Jillian Dansko
8. April O'Brien
9. Brittany Riordan
10. Katie Wolford
11. Marisa Buchheit

For further information and great pictures of the event, check out Abby's blog!

I'm a Change Bandit!

2008-01-28T23:20:00.000-05:00

I have been working with my platform - Urban Renewal through Habitat for Humanity - for quite some time now, but I have only raised money through my http://www.missamerica4kids.org/ website for the Miss America national platform - Children's Miracle Network. I have been looking for a way to do something else. Now, I have. I am a Change Bandit. Click here for further details.

I have been collecting change at work - it's amazing how much money people drop on in the store. If you would like to help out. Let me know. The money goes to help the Akron Children's Hospital.