Getting ready for opening number
Today's American Woman National Pageant Winners
Today's American Woman Pageant Winners
Teen- Brianna Gander
Miss- Jessica Herndon
Mrs- Jacquetta Taborn-Moses
Classy Mrs. Debbie Orner
Classy Ms- Dawn Moyer
Ms. Plus- - Bunny Scoggins
QUEEN OF QUEENS- HIGH POINT WINNER-
Shannon Denean
National Divisional Ambassadors
Teen- Lara Hagberg
Miss- Meghan Elayne Little
Mrs- Stephanie Drayton
Mrs- Laural Ann Bunn
Classy Ms. Kendra Nielson
Miss Congenality- Bunny Scoggins
Kathleen Tracy Gunn Community Service Award- Stephanie Drayton
People's Choice- Cover Girl Award- Stephanie Drayton
Photogentic Award- Jessica Herndon
Juce Bugehiem was crowned National over all Ambassador for 2011
Chassie Deitz-Selouane was crowned LIFETIME Ambassador
Thanks to Afif & Sara Cherif from Studioprimetime for providing wonderful video and photography services!
Here are some photos from the weekend
Queens @ Cocktail Party- All were National winners- from left to right
Queen of Queens Winner and Miss Winner
Me & My Bestie the Dr. cutting up outside
TODAY’S AMERICAN WOMAN PAGEANT
My name is Chassie Virginia Deitz-Selouane. I am the National Today's American Woman Mrs. Plus Ambassador and I would like to invite you to Join us in our AMAZING inaugural year!
Today’s American Woman is the pageant whose national Platform is Volunteerism with a Passion, which allows each queen to serve the platform of her heart and life's experience!
OUR NATIONAL PAGEANT WILL BE IN ANNAPOLIS MD JULY 14-17TH 2011 AT THE DOUBLETREE HOTEL
Today's American Woman Pageant provides a wonderful way for women of all ages, cultures and sizes to celebrate the positive attitude that makes our country strong! This pageant system is designed to help you showcase your individual personality, build confidence, gain greater social awareness and give back to your community. Today's American Woman Pageant offers these opportunities, as well as a sisterhood and much more! AN OVERALL WINNER AND CASH PRIZE HAS BEEN ADDED TO COMPETITION! OVERALL WINNER WILL RECIEVE $500.00 CASH IN ADDITION TO ADDITIONAL AMAZING PRIZES. (contract conditions apply)
Our Age Divisions range from Teen and Miss to Ms. and Mrs. Contestants. We have special Divisions for Petite and Plus Size ladies too! The Pageant is open to all eligible applicants, welcoming newcomers to join and see how wonderful pageantry can be!
Teen Division Ages 13 to 17
Miss Division Ages 18 to 25
Ms Division Ages 26 to 35
Classy Ages 35 to 49
Elite Ages 50 up
Mrs. Division Ages 21 to 35
Classy Mrs. Ages 35 to 49
Elite Mrs. Ages 50 up
We have Petite and Plus Divisions in each age group as well
AN OVERALL WINNER AND A CASH PRIZE HAS BEEN ADDED TO PAGEANT!
CALL NATIONAL OFFICE FOR DETAILS!
ELIGIBILITY:
Must be a naturally born female and a citizen of the United States.
Must be of good health and moral character.
Must agree, that you will abide by all the rules and regulations governing that pageant.
Must agree that if you win a national Today's American Woman title, you will not participate in any other pageants during the time you hold any of these titles, unless authorized in writing by Today's American Woman National Office.
Must be willing to release, unconditionally and forever, any claim against Today's American Woman Pageants, directors, partners, employees, agents and assigns, which they may have by virtue of their participation in Today's American Woman Pageant, or by any use of their name, likeness, voice, and/or biography in connection with Today's American Woman Pageant, including use in promotional and advertising material.
Must understand and agree that all issues as to eligibility shall be determined by Today's American Woman Pageants, and they must agree to abide by that determination both as to themselves and other applicants.
AREAS OF COMPETITION:
Areas of Competition and Special Awards
50% Interview This will be done in the "Round Robin" style.
25% Glamorous Wear This is the opportunity to show the Glamour and Style in every "American Woman".
25% Evening Wear Let your light shine onstage with grace and elegance in your evening gown. You will be escorted by America's Service Men!
Opening Number Outfits will be chosen by the National Office at least 90 days before the National Pageant. You may be responsible for some or all of cost of opening number outfits.
Judging will be based on individual beauty, poise, personality, ability to promote their personal platform with success, stage presence, originality of style. Interview is a major part of the scoring. Your ability to speak well and promote your platform is a big plus. A woman's size is not a factor in any category. We are looking for a "well rounded" contestant to win our titles. THERE WILL BE MANY AWARDS SUCH AS SERVICE AWARDS, PHOTOGENIC, OVERALL QUEEN, EVENING WEAR, INTERVIEW HIGHEST SCORE, BEST GLAMOROUS WEAR, AND MORE!
PAGEANT FEES:
STATE TITLE HOLDER FEE $50.00 off state fees until April 1, 2011!!
$250.00 (Includes Crown, Sash and Prizes!)
When you enter and you are awarded a "State Title", the $250.00 is due within 30 days of the offer of the Title.
SPONSORSHIP FEES FOR NATIONALS
The balance for Nationals, which is discounted to $300.00 is not due until June 1st, 2011.
We do ask our queens to get sponsors for this and we help guide you in doing so.
My motto is "a good queen is a working queen"!
*NO REFUNDS ON ANY FEES...NO EXCEPTIONS!
CONTACT JERA LYNN ANDERS NATIONAL DIRECTOR
Pageant Office : 864-905-4623
Email: scpageants@hotmail.com
http://www.todaysamericanwomanpageant.com
Make sure to say that Chassie referred you.
Chassie is so honored to announce that she was Chosen by the Today’s American Woman Pageant and crowned The National Mrs Plus Ambassador 2011 for the Pageant. Chassie is excited to use her crown as a megaphone to promote her Platform of “Beauty does not come in a Size,” Promoting positive self-esteem in America’s Youth.” As a motivational speaker she has had the opportunity to travel into numerous classrooms and venues through the country encouraging children and teens that true beauty begins within each individual. Chassie is known for always urging everyone she meets to remember the Truth found in her favorite quote “ It is Beauty that captures your Attention, however It is Personality that leaves the Impression!”
If this sounds like an organization that interests you then Today’s American Woman Pageant is for you!
Pageant Special- If you enter and pay fees in full by the End of April you will only have to pay a $250 National Entry fee- This fee Includes State Title, Crown and National Pageant Entry.
http://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/dating-blog/overweight-couples-on-television
I think perhaps the most disturbing part of the article here is this quote from the Marie Claire article below
"To be brutally honest, even in real life, I find it aesthetically displeasing to watch a very, very fat person simply walk across a room — just like I'd find it distressing if I saw a very drunk person stumbling across a bar or a heroin addict slumping in a chair "
.... It is narrow minded bigoted views put out by the media such as this that make young people that has created such an epidemic of poor self esteem problems in America's youth.
As many of you know I am a Plus Size Model and Actress and former National Beauty Queen; However, I am what by definition is considered Morbid Obese.
During my time as a National Plus Size Pageant Queen have had the opportunity to visit classrooms speaking to students about self acceptance and positive self-esteem. My Platform has always been "Beauty does not come in a Size", Promoting Positive Self-Esteem in America's Youth.
I have found through my travels into Classrooms throughout the United States that Poor Self Image is a major issue that abounds in our Young Society. I believe that promoting diversity and education are the keys to making our Children successful as the future leaders of our Country. I strongly believe that if a child discovers his or her true beauty at an early age, he or she will live much happier, productive and successful lives. My titles opened so many doors for me and gave me the opportunity to address this serious issue that is affecting so many of our children. Being a Plus Size Beauty Queen has allowed me to walk into classrooms with my crown and sash- looking very different from the "beauty queen" they are used to seeing in the media, and immediately they begin asking questions- These questions allows a wonderful transition and introduction to discussing differences between people and how the media’s perception of Beauty is not the only definition of Beauty. It is important for children to be comfortable in their own skin, and the media giving us these unrealistic images to attain to that begins to brainwash American Children at a very early age.
I have spent the past 10 years of my life fighting the common misconception of beauty and to educate Children that Beauty is not defined by Size or any other factor. Articles such as this make me wish I had been around to talk to the author of this article as a child.
No human being is completely happy with their appearance. If you ask anyone (including those that the media portray as beautiful) I bet they would tell you there is something they would like to change about their body. This is a normal feeling that everyone or every shape and size feels at some point; however the key is making peace with yourself and knowing while there are some things you would like to change about yourself, these things do not define who you are. True Beauty is determined by Actions and interactions with others. Just to be ascetically pleasing does not make a person beautiful.
If you also read the comment the author writes in her apology on the website she states:
"To that point (and on a more personal level), a few commenter’s and one of my friends mentioned that my extreme reaction might have grown out of my own body issues, my history as an anorexic, and my life-long obsession with being thin."
After reading this I feel so bad for the author of the Marie Claire article. I wish I was older or had the opportunity to speak to Maura Kelly when she was a little girl. I wish I had the opportunity to let her know that she was beautiful no matter what her issues were with her body, before she became so bitter, resentful and hateful. Before she felt the need to use her position as a journalist to become to bully and spread hate against those so different from the media’s perception of beauty.
The other ironic factor here is that we live in a country where 52% of all people could be considered Plus Size. This means that we are allowing a minority percentage control images in the media. Isn’t it about time that the American majorities represented?
I think People of all shapes; sizes and backgrounds should be on television.
Why shouldn’t shows like “Mike and Molly” be on the air? Why shouldn’t “normal” people be on TV?
If there were more shows like this it would help redefine the standards of “beauty” and perhaps help teach our children that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and color.
In order to stop hate, discrimination and bigotry like this article we need shows like “Mike and Molly”. If there were a more even source of plus size role models, standard size and more diverse backgrounds, religion, race, and sexual orientations then perhaps children in America would have less self esteem problems.
The media has recently been full of children who have taken their own lives because of bullying, bigotry, and self esteem and self acceptance issues.
I am so disappointed, appalled, and shocked in the irresponsibility Marie Claire and Hearst Publications has shown allowing an article such as this to be published. Especially with the recent events that have been in the media revolving the multiple deaths of young teens that committed suicide because they were faced hate and bigotry. While many of these teen had reasons other than weight, it is believed that views in regards to their situations were very similar to the harsh views expressed in this article.
For all the Teenagers who are reading this please know that you must first believe in yourself and love yourself before you can ever expect anyone else to do so. Be confident and believe in your strengths, always know that what may seem to make you different to others really is what makes you beautiful and unique.
It does not matter what economic class you belong to or what size, shape, gender, religion, sexual orientation. Embrace your uniqueness and understand that YOU control your destiny.
On a personal note I would like to Thank Ms. Kelly for writing her article because if she had not taken the time to write such a biased, bigoted article then a dialogue over the misconceptions that the media presents might not ever been opened on such a large level.
And much like Pandora’s Box once opened the topic has been released and cannot be stuffed back in the box. It is up to us as a majority to speak up and let America know that we will not be content to remain in the background as second class citizens and we want our chance to be in the spotlight too.
The following is a list of Hearst Magazines just for reference:
Mo'nique looks absolutely stunning with her husband!! I love this blue gown she chose. The flow of the gown is simply classic and stunning! This gown hugs her curves in all the right places!
Gabourey Sidibe arrives at the oscars! She looks beautiful- But I just am not feeling this dress' flow-Perhaps if the dress was a tad shorter or Maybe I need to see it at a different angle.. there is something just a smidge off about this look. I think I wish she would have went with something more young- the gown just reminds me something an older person would have worn... but Gabourey looks beautiful all the same!
By David Landsel
You're paying to check your belongings, so why should other people's excess baggage get a free ride?
Thats the question being asked by a growing number of travelers. As airlines look for new ways to boost revenue, fees for checked bags are on the rise; so is scrutiny of overweight customers whose baggage is built in.
Its a touchy subject, Airfarewatchdog.com has found, and one that airlines have been happy to avoid discussing, where possible. As late as 2008, United Airlines wouldnt even address the matter with us.
But an outcry among passengers, tired of their seatmates taking up more than their fair share of jealously-guarded seat space, is said to have played a role in the airlines new rules for transporting “customers of size.” Where a terse “we have no policy” was once the standard response, United adopted new regulations in 2009. Customers who were unable to confine themselves to one seat would be required to buy a second, should the crew be unable to reseat them.
Its a policy thats becoming increasingly commonplace.
To many, the idea seems simple enough – if you cant fit into one seat, you should probably consider buying two.
Its not simple at all. Canadas government takes a dim view of the matter. In late 2008, the countrys Supreme Court upheld a ruling that prohibited airlines from charging the disabled or “obese” for a second seat, affecting Canadian flyers Air Canada and WestJet.
Here in the United States, some airlines with upfront policies have spent their fair share of time in the courts. Southwest has long been famously transparent about its second seat rule, the one that United and many other airlines have emulated. The company has been sued more than once by disgruntled passengers.
“On the lawsuits, all have ruled on the side of Southwest,” spokesperson Whitney Eichinger points out.
Southwests policy is that those who cannot fit in one seat must buy two.
“If the flight goes out with empty seats, Southwest will refund the cost of the additional seat,” Eichinger said.
Other airlines have had their share of legal trouble in this area.
In the past, Air France warned passengers with what they referred to as “high body mass” not to expect to be seated if they have not purchased an extra seat. This is a warning that many airlines, even those who officially have tried to downplay any official policy, have long given to travelers.
Some travelers, however, dont see the need. That, or the airline and the passenger disagree over what constitutes “need.” An Air France passenger traveling from New Delhi to Paris in 2006 sitting in a single seat was stopped by employees, who wrapped packing tape around him in public to prove that he was too fat. Citing humiliation, he sued, and won.
At the time, the airline had a program in place that offered passengers a second seat at a 25 percent discount, tax-free. It was a move that the airline had hoped would encourage customers to make arrangements in advance.
Last week, Air France made an update to the policy, bringing it more in line with Southwests policy, which has been around for decades. According to Air France spokesperson Karen Gillo, the second seat purchase is still optional. Now, however, the cost will be reimbursed if the flight is not fully booked.
“Its a way to encourage individuals to pre-plan to ensure their own comfort and safety; it allows them to travel with less stress,” she said.
Gillo stated that “for the mass majority of the cases, the flights arent fully booked” and passengers will be reimbursed.
Air France isnt the only one making tweaks these days. JetBlue spokesman Mateo Lleras said the airline is currently working to refine its policy.
Currently, Lleras said, the airline does its best to accommodate customers free of charge. It will charge if it has to, but says that it approaches the matter on a “case by case basis.”
“We understand this is a sensitive issue,” he said. “Every time we can accommodate a customer we will.”
