Quick Update

Wanted to check in quickly and let everyone know how it's going!

It's been such a busy but fun week. It's hard to believe that the competition has started. I think from now forward, everything is going to fly. Yesterday I competed in talent and I felt really good ab0ut it. Tonight I compete in swimsuit, onstage question, and evening gown. I felt good about my interview, so we will see on Saturday night! There are a lot of strong contenders here and at this point there are any number of girls who could become Miss Virginia.

Last night opera singer Elizabeth Crot won talent and first-timer Chinah Helmondollar won swimsuit. Chinah has worked really hard and it was great to see her rewarded for that!

Read about Sarah and I

Click here to read about the News and Advance article in which Miss Lynchburg and myself were interviewed.

It's off to Miss Virginia

Well, we are now just two short days away from arrival in Roanoke. There are so many thoughts going through my head that it would be difficult to process them all and share them, but I’ll do my best.

First of all, I want to share something exciting. A while ago, I used the press contact at my school to locate the local paper. She put the word out that there are two “Lynchburgers” competing for Miss Virginia. Miss Lynchburg, Sarah Fitzpatrick, and myself were interviewed this morning by the Lynchburg News and Advance. She said she was going to write her story on Sunday, so it will probably be in the paper during Miss Virginia week. It was great to talk to her and share what we are doing!

On that note, I have had a “Miss Virginia” day. I feel like this whenever I’m running between my two jobs and negotiating a whole slew of appointments. Thankfully, everything went well and it was a really successful day! I cannot believe that tomorrow is my last day before Miss Virginia 2008! I’m really looking forward to having a great week, spending time with the girls I have grown close to, and celebrating the new Miss Virginia! A lot of hard work has gone into this and at this point, I just have to do my best after all my preparation and know that I’ll be truly blessed if my hard work and God’s plan happen to collide.

This last week has been one of the craziest that I have ever faced. I came down with laryngitis and a sinus infection and saw three doctors in one week trying to feel better as soon as possible. I lost my voice last Monday and have spent the week resting and praying that all will be good come tomorrow. I’ve dealt with a very difficult situation in my on-campus job. Today, I watched nearly in tears as my Randolph-Macon ring was cut off my middle finger. I put the ring on days ago, and my finger started swelling. Yesterday and this morning I tried everything- hand in ice water, Vaseline, greasy soap, and holding my hand above my head trying to reduce the swelling so I could get the ring off. After finally talking to a pharmacist who recommended I do something before I lost circulation to my finger, I went to the mall and asked a jeweler what to do. All three women in the store agreed- we had to cut it off. My finger had swelled even more and was red near the ring. So I watched as one of my most precious possessions was cut off my own finger. They assured me it could be fixed, but it was heartbreaking watching that ring be sliced. I came back to the area later in the day to locate one final item for Miss Virginia, and got carsick. Earlier in the week, Jimmy and I drove all the way to Harrisonburg for one final fitting, which resulted in me getting sick in the car on the way back. In addition to the laryngitis, for five days I couldn’t keep any food down. I only feel like my stomach is just back to normal.

Whether I do or don’t come home a member of that Top 11, I know I have worked extremely hard to get to this point and that next week is all about sharing that work with everyone else! What we have managed to accomplish in such a short time period is truly amazing. Having the patience to get through all of the fundraising, searching for clothing, hitting snags, and changing my talent routine only convinced me that I have the determination and faith in myself to make things work no matter what the instance. I’ve driven through two tornado warnings on pageant business, had my Randolph Macon ring cut off my finger, been locked in the national D-Day memorial while on pageant business, driven 13 hours in one day numerous times, and tried on 71 evening gowns. We’ve spoken to everyone but Barry Manilow himself trying to get my talent cleared, and then finally shifted gears for a new song and routine just a month before Miss Virginia.

And I truly could not have done this without the help of my directors- and the numerous other caring individuals who stepped forward to help me. Although some wish not to be named, I am so grateful for everything you have done for me. My employers have been so patient with me and supportive of what I’m doing, and I appreciate that. I know next week is going to be fun, busy, and rewarding. I have worked so hard to get there, and I can’t wait to tell you how it goes!

So, ideally I’ll be able to check in next week, but I don’t want to make any promises!

The new Miss Ohio is...

4th:
Jenna Wilson
3rd:
Kasey Wilson
2nd:
Erica Gelhaus
1st:
Becky Minger

Winner
Karissa Martin

Miss Ohio Awards

The awesome thing about Miss Ohio is the huge amount of scholarships they give. I think Victoria Miller won her talent award tap dancing to “Dancin’ Fool”- the song I used to use!

Ohio Grassroots: Go to each local whose girl made the semi-finals

Non Semi Finalist Talent Award, $500: Victoria Miller

Non Semi Finalist Talent Award, $500: Katherine Wolford

Non-Semi Finalist Classical Award, $500: Courtney Kania

(wow, the sweeps winners are really picking them up!)

Marvin Hamlish Talent, $500: Kasey Wilson

Betty Estep Classical Talent Award, $500: Kasey Wilson

Highest Scored Dancer Award, $500: Victoria Miller

Rosalie McAtee Interview Award, Non-Semifinalist $1000: Emily Cousino

Rosalie McAtee Interview Award, Semi-finalist $1,500: Shannon O’Neill

Paul Herlihy Spirit Awards, Returning Contestant, $500: Kasey Wilson

New contestant: Courtney Kania

On stage questions

Miss Ohio Finals

On Stage Questions

Kasey: Recently, the US provided aid to China and Myanmar following disasters. Should the US do this when there are so many needs in our borders?

Said that it’s the moral thing to do.

Jenna: Several high profile politicians, including Marc Dann, have been forced to resign their positions due to actions outside their official duties. Should we consider these qualities?

Yes, they should be held to a higher standard. Gave a very solid answer.

Karissa: Going green is the new catchphrase. Who should be responsible? Individuals, corporations, or government?

Good answer about starting with individuals and taking it up.

Erica: The rule of supply and demand is demonstrated by our dependence on foreign oil. We currently have rules protecting many of our wildlife areas. Is it time to lessen the restrictions so that we can be more self-sufficient?

Referenced two real places (Florida and Alaska) and said we should decide between the environment and fuel, that we should choose environment. Good answer.

Becky: During this years primaries, Obama was criticized for comments from his pastor. Is it fair to assume that Obama has the same qualities as his pastor?

This was a weird question to answer and Becky handled it well.

It looked like everyone was a little bit nervous, but who wouldn't be?

Miss Ohio Top Five

And the top five finalists are:

Top Five

Jenna Wilson

Becky Minger

Karissa Martin

Erica Gelhaus

Kasey Wilson

My heart is broken for Andrea and Jillian.
I think at this point that the crown is Kasey Wilson's to lose.
I'm also sad to see that all of the fashion forward interview suits didn't make it to the top five.

Miss Ohio Top Ten

Andrea Andryscik

Jillian Dansko

Kasey Wilson

Jenna Wilson

Karissa Martin

Christie Youssef

Erica Gelhaus

Nanciann Strosnider

Katie Camp

Becky Minger

11th: Kristen Haas

12th: Shannon O'Neill

As Mark finished the top ten, he announced a surprise: that two more semi-finalists would join the "Top Ten" this year. I listed the order they were called above.

Leading into the finals

So, you're curious about where things stand in Ohio prior to the final night? Here's a quick recap:

Andrea Andryscik: Preliminary Swimsuit Winner
Jenna Wilson:Preliminary Talent Winner
Karissa Martin: Preliminary Swimsuit and Talent Winner
Kasey Wilson: Preliminary Swimsuit and Talent Winner

Things look really promising for these four and for all the contestants tonight! I obviously have a few favorites that I'll keep quiet for now. But I can't help but wave my giant "Go Andrea!" sign! She'd make an awesome Miss Ohio.

Miss Ohio Awards: Friday

Miss Ohio Swimsuit Winner:
Kasey Wilson (now a double prelim winner)

Miss Ohio Talent Winner:
Jenna Wilson

Americanism Awards:
2nd place, Jillian Dansko
1st place, Krystle Formosa

Community Service Essay Winners:
2nd place, Jenna Wilson
1st Place Winner, Andrea Andryscik

O'Guinn Memorial Award
Contestant who exhibits the Miss America ideals onstage and off
Kasey Wilson

Connie Senstock (sp?) Award
Given to a contestant with healthcare field major or platform

Theresa Ann Wagner Scholarships
Jessica Barrett
Victoria Miller
Heather Waterman

Ya-Ya Sisters Scholarship
Heather Waterman

Miss America Organization Community Service Award
Megan Wombacker (go Megan!!)

CMN Award
Kristy Moneysmith

Miss America Academic Award
Erica Gelhaus

Miss Ohio

On stage

On Stage Questions

Krystle Formosa chose a dark blue two piece suit.

Was asked about what schools can do to identify students with dyslexia.

Sophia Davis, wore a white long sleeve dress.

Was asked about presenting her platform to presidential candidates.

Courtney Kania chose a yellow two piece suit.

Was asked about scoliosis screening.

Katherine Wolford wore a red two piece suit.

Was asked about unhealthy lifestyle effect on children.

Heather Wells wore a yellow suit with black accents.

Asked about what schools can do tohelp kids with an active lifestyle.

Katie- I had been told to keep an eye out for her dress, and I loved it!

Asked about encouraging teens to volunteer even though they have a very busy lifestyle.

Jessica Barrett wore a red two piece suit.

Asked about helping people overcome concern about organ donation.

Karissa Martin wore the same suit I believe she wore last year.

Asked about the positive effects of her skin cancer prevention campaign.

Roberta then did her farewell, and bonus points if you caught the Abby in the slideshow!

Miss Ohio Swimsuit

Miss Ohio Swimsuits

Erica Gelhaus worked it in a pink bathing suit with black piping.

Kristen Haas opted for a blue one piece.

Christie Youssef chose a yellow two piece suit.

Victoria Miller walked the stage in a blue two piece.

Heather Waterman looked great in a blue two piece with gold piping.

Amy Allen wore her black two piece.

Becky Minger wore a purple two piece suit.

Megan Wombacker wore a blue piece to showcase her swimsuit walk! Megan, I can tell you have been working extremely hard!

Shannon O’Neill wore a blue two piece with some rhinestone accents.

Kasey Wilson looked fabulous in a black two piece.

P.S. I love watching Jenileigh peform!