July 21, 2008
It is a pleasure to extend our congratulations to Miss Florida 2008
Sierra Minott and to Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen 2008 Courtney
Sexton! Both of these young ladies are going to embark on a fabulous
journey and we are eager to watch as they represent our state at their
National Competitions. We encourage them to keep their eyes focused on
their long term goals and to have a great trip!
We applaud this year’s contestants in both our 2008 Miss & Teen
Pageants. Our nation needs to get ready for the bright, talented,
beautiful young women that are going to shape our future. They are
preparing for excellence in all that they do and they demonstrated that
during this year’s competition. Local Directors, parents, pageant
volunteers – You must be very proud! Thank you for sharing these young
women with the Miss Florida Organization. We look forward to seeing them
again and watching as they venture out to make a difference.
Denim & Diamonds was a hit! The contestants had a great time and loved
the theme that gave them freedom to have fun! We thank all that made
this year so successful! Our Producer, Wayne Gentry; Choreographer, Shea
Sullivan; Performers – Glenn Cummings, Vanessa Dakin, Tommy Scrivens,
Miguel Quinones, Zac Hammer, Kyle Wynn, Miss Florida 2007 Kylie
Williams, Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen, Alexandra Milbrath, and our
House Band; Emcees – Galen Kovash, Nicole Johnson, Dana Dalton Judge,
Kylie Williams, Allison Kreiger, and Alexandra Milbrath; the 45 Miss
Contestants, 32 Teen Contestants; the Miss Florida Board of Directors;
our judges – Dorothy Benham, Hal Laster, Lesley Moss, Michael Baron &
Mark Jensen; Mayor Rick Baker, the City of St. Petersburg & Mahaffey
Theater and our incredible SPONSORS….. the list goes on. There was
greatness all around us!
We hope that many of you will be able to attend the Miss America’s
Outstanding Teen Pageant, August 12-16, 2008 in Orlando at the Linda
Chapin Theater. Courtney would love to have your support as she competes
for the title at the next level of competition. She recently returned
from a trip to New York City for her talent routine. Courtney’s music
was already reserved and it was necessary to learn a new dance. She is
an amazing teenager with a lot of spunk & moxie! She had a photo shoot
with Deanna Meredith for her new headshots and will be visiting several
sponsors to supplement her competition wardrobe as she prepares for the
national competition.
Sierra has also been very busy - she had new photographs taken with
Deanna Meredith, has been working on paperwork for Miss America and the
Reality Show, shopping for wardrobe compliments of MFP sponsors, moving
to her apartment in St. Petersburg, making appearances, and even has
been able to spend some brief time with her family and friends while all
the time, preparing for her job as Miss Florida 2008! Sierra will be
attending the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant, and will be
presenting the official welcome to all of the state executive directors
at the opening of the MAO Workshop, August 13, 2008. 40 of the 52
titleholders are expected to arrive in Orlando for the Teen event and it
will be a wonderful opportunity to form friendships prior to arriving in
LA for the taping of the Reality Show on September 10th – October 10th,
2008.
Kaitlin Monte, Miss Tampa and first runner up to Miss Florida 2008, will
be Florida’s representative to the National Sweetheart Pageant in
Hoopeston, Illinois. The Pageant takes place during the Sweetcorn
Festival over Labor Day. We’ll keep you updated with information on the
Sweetheart Pageant.
As we bid farewell to our competition for 2008 – We look toward a
brighter tomorrow. You know, our critics hang around and wait for us to
make mistakes. The real doers have no time to criticize others – they
are too busy doing, making mistakes, improving, making progress,
yearning and learning.
All the best,
Mary Sullivan
Executive Director
March 9,2008
It has been a busy 2008 and there doesn’t seem to be any change in
sight! I will begin by congratulating Miss Florida 2007 for her
outstanding representation of the Miss Florida Program at Miss America
2008! Not only did she place in the Top 16, but she was also the first
runner up to the Quality of Life Award that recognizes contestants who
excel in their commitment to community service through their own
personal platform issue. The recipients of this award have demonstrated
excellence in enhancing the quality of life for others through
volunteerism with special attention paid to the depth of service and the
significant efforts upon the lives of others. Kylie received $8,000 in
scholarships for her participation at the national level.
Kylie returned to Florida to a full and exciting appearance schedule.
She began the school tour of Right Decisions Right Now to rave reviews
from Middle School teachers and administrators. Some of the upcoming
counties that Kylie will be presenting RDRN are Polk, Hillsborough,
Duval, Columbia Hamilton, Holmes, Leon, Suwannee, Pinellas, Nassau and
Orange. She traveled to Dallas, Texas to visit for several days with a
burn victim from El Salvador, Nathaniel Ortiz Rodriguez or “Nata” as
he’s more affectionately known. With burns covering 80 per cent of his
body, it is hoped that medical treatment and plastic surgery that he
will receive at the Shriner’s Hospital in Galveston will help Nata to
live a more normal life. Kylie recently emceed Miss Pasco County/Miss
Pasco County Fair, Miss Tampa, and will be emceeing Miss Broward County
at the end of March. She was invited to sing America the Beautiful at
the Honda Grand Prix in St. Petersburg and will be the special guest at
an upcoming benefit/fund raiser for the families of Navy Seals. In two
weeks she will host the Red Cross Telethon on CBS which will be aired
from Tampa. In her spare time she is enjoying living in St. Petersburg
and may have just found her new home!
I would like to update you on some very important dates: Miss Florida &
Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen ORIENTATION:
May 17-18, 2008
St. Petersburg, FL
This year’s Orientation is being held at the Hilton Carillon Park in St.
Petersburg and details for booking hotel rooms will be announced soon!
The tentative schedule is as follows:
May 17 – A.M. – Registration for Miss & Teen Contestants
May 17 – Afternoon P.M. – Orientation for Miss & Teen
May 17- Evening – Tribute to Miss Florida & Miss Florida’s Outstanding
Teen
May 18 – A.M. – Lottery for placement – Miss & Teen
May 18 – A.M. – Franchise Meeting – all Executive Directors
May 18 – A.M. Parents Meeting of Miss & Teen Contestants
Meetings will conclude by 1:00 P.M., 5-18-08
All Meetings & Events will take place at the Hilton Carillon Park.
Orientation Weekend is Mandatory for the Miss & Teen Contestants. It is
open to Parents & Family Members of Contestants, Local Executive
Directors and Pageant Committees.
The Miss Florida & Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen Pageant will take
place in St. Petersburg at the Mahaffey Theater, July 2-5, 2008. Watch
for additional details about pageant week including how to purchase
tickets, special appearances and events during pageant week, etc. We
have several hotels that have offered special room rates for the week
and will be publishing those to the website in the near future. We hope
that you are making plans to attend the 2008 Miss Florida Pageant!
Mary E. Sullivan
Executive Director
November 23,2007
As
we enter the time of year when we reflect on our blessings, it seems
appropriate to take time and thank our volunteers, sponsors and
supporters for their dedication, generosity and tireless devotion to the
Miss Florida Program. The young women of Florida are materially and
positively affected by your mental, physical and financial
contributions. We cannot express enough gratitude for your efforts in
making a difference in the innumerable young women's lives that compete
in the Miss Florida Pageant.
The past few weeks have been very busy ones for the Miss Florida Pageant
and Miss Florida Kylie Williams. We have crowned six titleholders that
will compete for Miss Florida 2008 and we extend our congratulations to
Miss Tallahassee, Miss North Florida Fair, Miss Capitol City, Miss Gulf
Coast, Miss Ocala Marion County and Miss Silver Springs on joining our
Miss Florida family! Our local franchises met in Orlando for our Fall
Franchise Meeting and Judging Workshops were held in Tallahassee, Miami,
Orlando and Dade City.
We sailed on the Majesty of the Seas for the Miss America Cruise October
29-November 2, 2007. 31 State Titleholders, Miss America Staff and
members of the Miss America Board of Directors joined delegates and
guests from State Organizations for a lively week at sea! Unfortunately
we had one uninvited guest – Hurricane Noel – that changed the course of
our plans but this group provided their own entertainment which included
a Halloween Costume Party and Talent Show featuring the 31 titleholders,
Miss America Lauren Nelson, and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, Caitlin
Bunnell.
Two days after we returned, Miss Florida was on her way to Los Angeles
to join 51 other state titleholders for the filming of the Reality
Television Special that will air prior to the Miss America Pageant.
“Mum” is the word on the filming but it promises to be exciting as we
meet the 52 titleholders in their quest for the crown. Seems as if we
are looking for the IT GIRL!
Some of Kylie’s appearances during the past few weeks included a Fashion
Show for the Soroptimist International Club in Homestead; the Florida
Forestry Festival in Perry; the Miss Tallahassee/North Florida
Fair/Capitol City Pageants; the Northwest Championship Rodeo in Bonifay;
Customer Appreciation Day at Hopkins Motor Company in Lake City; iShop
in Tallahassee; the FSU Homecoming Parade and Game; the Miss Largo
Organization’s annual Golf Tournament and the NASCAR Season Finale Race
at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. On October 19 Kylie took to the skies
in a F-15C with Lt. Col. Kevin Murray, commander of the 2nd fighter
squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base known as the Beagles. Prior to the
flight Kylie got a small taste of the time and effort that it takes just
to get one of the planes off the ground. It was truly the experience of
a lifetime to fly in the B-15!
In October, we managed to fly to New York City for a couple of days.
Kylie had never visited the Big Apple and we tried to see as many things
as time would allow between shopping!
We have a delegation of approximately 100 persons that will cheer Kylie
on at the Miss America Pageant. Thanks to all of our pageant friends and
supporters that are planning to join us in Las Vegas.
We hope that the upcoming weeks will bring much Joy and Happiness to our
pageant family. We are blessed to have such a strong supportive group in
Florida. Remember to also support our Florida Girls USO Troupe! More
information to follow about some of their planned activities and
appearance schedule.
All the best
Mary Sullivan
August 13,2007
Dear Pageant Family,
Can it already be October? The next letter will be the Christmas one
which will mean that time is passing way too quickly! The past several
weeks have been filled with many achievements for the Miss Florida
Organization. As we enter the 2008 Preliminary pageant season, we are
elated that 42 local pageants will provide countless chances for
Florida's young women to qualify for Miss Florida 2008. It is because of
the highly talented and absolutely committed volunteers in this state
that our program continues to expand. After a recent meeting with Mayor
Rick Baker, we are confident that our partnership with the City of St.
Petersburg will yield many new opportunities to acquire sponsors and
patrons for the Miss Florida Pageant. It's great to know that we have
such a welcoming Home!
Miss Florida Kylie Williams will be residing in St. Petersburg during
her year as Miss Florida. We were extremely fortunate in that Maury L.
Carter & Associates, Inc., a real estate investment firm, made a
donation to the Miss Florida Pageant for Kylie's living expenses. This
generosity enabled us to lease an apartment in downtown St. Petersburg
where Kylie will live, work & play during the upcoming year. Kylie's
“new” home has many fabulous amenities – great fitness center, beautiful
pool area, rooftop patio overlooking the downtown area, fabulous
location, and more! A goal of the Miss Florida Pageant was to relocate
Miss Florida to a central location which will cut down on travel time in
our vast state!
Kylie's preparation for Miss America is well underway. We will be
traveling to New York City in October for a shopping trip and to
finalize Kylie's talent wardrobe and interview. October will also find
us boarding the Miss America Cruise with 30 other titleholders, Miss
America Organization's Board and Staff, Miss America state directors,
committee members and volunteers for a 5 day 4 night cruise to the
Bahamas. Kylie will leave in November for LA and the taping of a
“reality show” that will air prior to the Miss America Pageant's finals.
In between the whirlwind of activities, she will work on talent,
interview, fitness, etc. and continue to make appearances.
Miss America Update:
If you are planning to go to Miss America this year, information on
tickets and rooms have been sent out. If you did not receive this
information, e mail me to marycrwnmry@aol.com and I will forward the
appropriate forms to you.
The firm deadline for the Miss Florida Pageant to receive your ticket
order is November 1, 2007. We are optimistic that a large delegation
from Florida will be on hand to cheer for Miss Florida 2007!
Fall Workshop & Judging Workshops
The MFP Fall Workshop will be held Sunday, October 7, 2007 at the
University of Central Florida. The Workshop is not open to the Public
but is required for Local Executive Directors. Local committee members
and volunteers for Local Pageants are welcome to attend. Anyone in
attendance must have a current pageant affiliation. Judging Workshops:
Regional Workshops have been scheduled in Tallahassee and Miami during
October. We will be scheduling Workshops in the Central Florida area in
November.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: If you love what you do, and you feel that
it matters, then the passion will show. In today's world, I care is not
just a nice phrase but a two word recipe for excellence, success and
fulfillment. It all comes down to those who really care and those who
don't. Be the one that cares.
Fondly,
Mary E. Sullivan,
Executive Director
August 13,2007
Dreams came true for Kylie Williams, Miss Tallahassee, as she was
crowned Miss Florida 2007 at the Florida State Pageant in St. Petersburg
on June 30, 2007. The Mahaffey Theater came alive with this year's
theme, Dreamgirls, produced by Wayne Gentry and choreographed by Shea
Sullivan. An impressive cast of performers dazzled the audience and
provided an energetic and professional production for the 2007
Contestants. As a new Miss Florida was crowned, we bid farewell to
Allison Kreiger, Miss Florida 2006 a young woman that paved a path of
excellence and achievements for the Miss Florida Organization. The week
was filled with many shining moments as the City of St. Petersburg
rolled out the red carpet for our 40 titleholders and their supportive
family, directors, friends, Sunshine Princesses, patrons and sponsors.
We were honored to host Miss America 2007, Lauren Nelson; Miss America
1999 Lauren Nicole Johnson; Kayne Gillaspie, Project Runway star and
fashion designer; Katie Thai, Children's Miracle Network Champion; our
distinguished panel of judges; the Miss Florida performers and our 2007
pageant emcees, Melissa Aggelles Vincent, Galen Kovash, Shauna Pender
and Mari Wilensky. The Miss Florida Pageant is possible because of
volunteers that contribute – free of charge – their time, energy, and
talent. Without their priceless contributions and inexhaustible
generosity, we could not produce such an outstanding program for the
young women of our state and we are forever grateful. We deeply
appreciate our sponsors and patrons as their contributions materially
and positively affect the young women of Florida. We look forward to
their support in the future as we strive to continue to improve the Miss
Florida Pageant.
Kylie has been very busy the past four weeks preparing her paperwork for
the Miss America Pageant. Her appearances began immediately as she
returned for a few days to her hometown before traveling to Miami. She
recently met with the Department of Veterans Affairs at our state's
capitol in Tallahassee and received an appointment as the Official
Ambassador for Veterans Advocacy for the State of Florida. Kylie's
commitment to our service men and women is a driving force behind her
goal to become Miss America. She looks forward to a busy and productive
job as Miss Florida.
We wish our Florida’s Outstanding Teen Alexandra Milbrath luck and best
wishes as she competes in Orlando for Miss America’s Outstanding Teen.
The preliminaries are August 7-9, and the Finals August 11, 2007; all
are taking place at the Linda Chapin Theater at the Orlando Convention
Center. We are so impressed with Alexandra’s accomplishments and proud
that she is representing us at this year’s Teen Pageant. Kylie will be
present to cheer for Alexandra as 26 of the MAO state titleholders meet
in Orlando for the Teen Pageant.
Our first runner up, Olusola Bamishigbin, will be representing Florida
at the National Sweetheart Pageant in Hoopeston, Illinois over the Labor
Day Weekend. We wish her the best of luck as she competes with over 30
first or second runner-ups from state programs.
Stay turned as we will be posting regular updates to keep our pageant
family and friends informed as to the latest Miss Florida & Miss America
happenings.
We hope that you are enjoying a fun-filled & relaxing summer!
June 15,2007
It’s
Time to Find Your Dreamgirl at the Miss Florida Pageant!
The 2007 Miss Florida Pageant contestants will arrive on June 24,
2007 for the 72nd Annual Miss Florida Pageant. It is going to be an
electrifying week as we take the pageant back “home” to St. Petersburg.
An action packed schedule is planned for the 40 young women that are
competing for the job of Miss Florida 2007.
They will make appearances at the Tampa Bay Devil Rays Game, cruise on
the Yacht Starship, visit children at the Children’s Miracle Network All
Children’s Hospital, tour beautiful Sunken Gardens, be hosted to Brunch
at the Vinoy and attend seminars given by local members of the medical
community.
The competition schedule will be keen as the contestants have been
divided into three Groups – A, B, & C. Random drawings selected their
placement and competition will be held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
nights, June 27-29, 2007 in the fabulous Mahaffey Theater at the
Progress Energy Center. The Pageant’s Finals are Saturday June 30, 2007
when we will crown Miss Florida 2007.
Allison Kreiger Miss Florida 2006 will be the featured guest throughout
the week. The preliminary hosts are Mari Wilensky, Miss Florida 2005,
Shauna Pender, Miss Florida 2003, Lauren Nelson, Miss America 2007,
Nicole Johnson, Miss America 1999, Melissa Aggeles Vincent, Miss Florida
1988 and Galen Kovash. Project Runway’s Kayne Gillaspie will be on hand
for a special appearance and the week will be filled with many different
events for everyone to enjoy.
Our 91 Florida Sunshine Princesses will add a special touch to the
evening wear competition – Don’t miss their on-stage production on Final
Night!
Under the Production team of Wayne Gentry & Shea Sullivan, this year’s
theme is Dreamgirls and performing live will be Nicole Henry, Robyn
Martin and Anastacia McCleskey. Our Miss Florida dancers are Tommy
Scrivens, Miguel Quinones, Kasey Hughes, Daniel Hunalp and Kyle Wynn.
Tickets for the event are available through Ticketmaster or the Box
Office of the Mahaffey Theater. We hope that you will join us for our
most sensational pageant ever!
All the best,
Mary E. Sullivan Executive Director
Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant, Inc.
March 22, 2007
We are almost to the end of our preliminary season – 42 contestants will
be competing for the title of Miss Florida 2007. We are excited to meet
all of our Miss contestants during Orientation weekend, April 14-15 in
our host city of St. Petersburg. We have a full weekend planned,
especially since our Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen Pageant is being
held at the same time. 30 contestants will be vying for that coveted
title and the opportunity to represent the state of Florida at the
National Pageant in August.
During Orientation Weekend, the Miss
Florida titleholders will register, attend their Orientation, view the
fabulous Mahaffey Theater at the Progress Energy Center, visit the USF
Residence Hall, support the Teen participants at the MFOTeen Pageant,
and end their weekend at a Luncheon for Miss Florida Allison Kreiger.
The Luncheon’s theme is Dare to be Fabulous and accurately describes our
Miss Florida!
On Saturday April 14, 2007 we will bid farewell to a young woman that
has been an exemplary representative of our Teen Program. Sydney Keister
has displayed the same poise and grace off stage as she does when
performing her talent onstage. We look forward to the future when she
competes for the Miss Florida title.
Miss Florida, Allison Kreiger, has been non-stop busy since returning
from the Miss America Pageant. Some of her appearances include: The
Taste of the NFL; Miss University of Miami Pageant; Miami’s Veterans
Hospital; Florida’s Children Hospital in Orlando; Miss Seminole County
Pageant; Twirlmania in Orlando; Miss University of Florida Pageant;
Reception sponsored by the National Foundation for the Arts; South Beach
Wine & Food Festival; Fashion Show for the National Alliance for Eating
Disorders “Rockin Bodies”; Miss Miami Gardens Pageant; UCF’s Knight Walk
to benefit the March of Dimes; Speaker at University of Miami and
Florida International University for Eating Disorders Week; Kids in the
Kitchen, Orlando; Miss Miami and Miss Suncoast Pageant; Right Decisions,
Right Now presentation at schools in Pasco and Pinellas County; Miss
Tampa Pageant………the list continues. And so I will say,
The title of Miss Florida 2006 is more than a job to Allison Kreiger, it
is her passion. Traveling over 50,000 miles in eight months and logging
in 80+ appearances, she has raised the bar for a Miss Florida
titleholder and set a great example for future titleholders. She has
proven that a young woman, given a microphone with which to communicate
a message, can touch and in many instances change the lives of others. I
am very impressed by Allison’s motivation and drive to succeed and her
ability to lead by being a high performance role model.
The Miss Florida Pageant’s dates are June 24-30, 2007. My next letter
will outline many of the events which will keep our contestants busy and
motivated during Pageant Week. We look forward to seeing all of our
friends and supporters at the 2007 Miss Florida Pageant. Don’t miss
seeing your Dreamgirl compete!
Warm wishes, Mary E. Sullivan, Executive Director Miss Florida
Scholarship Pageant, Inc.
February 17, 2007
Since my last letter, we have celebrated the Holidays, bid a fond
farewell to 2006 and greeted 2007 with anticipation for a year filled
with happiness, success and many blessings! In January, we continued to
prepare for Miss America 2007. Allison was totally committed to being
the very best representative she could be and was dedicated and
determined to not having any regrets once she arrived at the Miss
America Pageant. Approximately one hundred Florida delegates traveled to
Las Vegas to support Allison and the Miss Florida Pageant. Allison
definitely felt the love during her on stage competitions and was
flawless in swimsuit; elegant, beautiful, and stunning in gown; and, in
her words, had the Talent Performance of her lifetime! In other words,
there were no regrets! As we all know, Competitions are often not easy
to figure out and this was no exception to the rule. We congratulate the
Miss Oklahoma Pageant on having Miss America 2007 and wish Lauren much
luck as she travels and represents the country. She will be an
outstanding Miss America!
Once returning to Florida, there was little time to relax. Allison is
our busiest Miss Florida, in part, because she has a wonderful way of
making things happen! All you have to do is to read her letters, visit
her website or that of the Miss Florida Pageant, and you will see she
rarely takes a day off! She is determined to leave her legacy as Miss
Florida and to set an example for future Miss Florida titleholders to
follow. As we look toward the next few months, we do so with much pride
in our program and our Miss Florida.
The Miss America Organization announced that the Children’s Miracle
Network will be the National Platform for Miss America. For 18 years a
partnership has existed between the two organizations and now that
partnership has expanded beyond the national level to the state and
local levels. In Florida, we have nine hospitals that are affiliated
with the Children’s Miracle Network. As we move toward the next couple
of months, we will learn everything we need to about this partnership
and how this will affect not only the Miss America Organization, but the
Miss Florida program and our local pageants. The Children’s Miracle
Network can bring exposure and help with the credibility of a charity
that everyone wants to donate to. We will provide our local executive
directors with the information on this partnership at our Orientation in
April, 2007.
The 2007 Miss Florida Pageant’s Orientation will be held in St.
Petersburg, during the weekend of April 13-15, 2007. As we make plans to
return back “home” to St. Petersburg, we do so with combined happiness
and some sadness. I love my hometown of Miami and had wanted it to be
the home of the Miss Florida Pageant. Unfortunately that feeling wasn’t
exactly mutual. Mayor Baker and the City of St. Petersburg are excited
to welcome us back and this time, we are planting out roots! The
beautiful Mahaffey Theatre will be the perfect backdrop for our 2007
Pageant and will also serve as our home for all of our pageant
activities. The University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg campus will
house our contestants in spacious apartments where they will enjoy their
own suites complete with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, full kitchen and
living area. Did I mention that there will be no housekeeping service?
Oops …. But it’s great training…….There are many exciting events on the
horizon for our contestants, and we look forward to sharing them with
you in the next couple of months.
Please plan to support the Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen Program and
the Florida Sunshine Princess Program. Both of these are fundraisers for
the Miss Florida Pageant and we need you to help us achieve success!
Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen Pageant will be held during our
Orientation Weekend in April. The winner of that pageant will represent
our state during the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen National Pageant,
Orlando, in August, 2007.
The dates of the Miss Florida Pageant are June 27-30, 2007. Contestants
will arrive June 24 and depart July 1, 2007. The pageant’s performance
venue is the Mahaffey Theater at the Progress Energy Center. I invite
you to view their website at
www.mahaffeytheater.com to see the beautiful facility that will
showcase our contestants! Our Producer Wayne Gentry and Choreographer
Shea Sullivan have planned a show that will be a dream for our
titleholders to participate in. So mark your calendars, invite everyone
that you know, and spend a week with us in beautiful downtown St.
Petersburg where every day will be a great one!
In closing, I would like to congratulate the newly appointed President
and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Miss America Organization, Art
McMaster. Previously, Art served as Acting President and CEO and held
this position since January 1, 2004. Both Art and Sam Haskell, III, the
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Miss America Organization, are
working together with the State Organizations to create an even brighter
future for our young women!
Be safe and well until we see you in April for our Pageant Orientation!
Warmest regards, Mary
December 21, 2006
The past month has been quite busy and
“interesting” to say the least. After Thanksgiving, Allison and I took a
trip to New York City. We were on the go from the moment we stepped from
the plane! Between gown fittings, talent rehearsals, and shopping,
Allison also had a meeting at the Girl Scout Headquarters and was a
special guest at an eating disorder fundraiser. We returned back to
Florida and it was full steam ahead with Miss America preparation. I
think Allison is really anxious to leave for the Miss America
competition. Two Send Off parties for her are scheduled – a Red Carpet
event in the Orlando area on December 30, 2006, and a Get Together in
Miami on January 7, 2007.
We are facing a busy pageant month in January 2007. Our local pageants
will be awarding 11 local titles and the excitement will continue to
build toward Miss Florida 2007. Please attend and support these local
pageants if possible. Check our website page,
for information on the dates and locations of the local events in your
area.
The Finals of the Miss America Pageant will be held on January 29, 2007
on CMT. I will provide you with updates and additional information
leading up to Miss America.
On behalf of the Miss Florida Organization, we wish you a Holiday Season
that is filled with peace, health and happiness. May all of your hopes
and dreams come true during the coming New Year.
Warmest wishes,
Mary E. Sullivan
Executive Director
11/26/06
THANK YOU!
Two of the most powerful words in the English language are Thank You.
During this time of year, we stop to give thanks for our many blessings
and to appreciate all the opportunities and privileges that can be
overlooked throughout our busy year. We also offer thanks for the men
and women in uniform that are sacrificing their lives so that we may
enjoy freedom and democracy. It is our hope that each of you enjoyed
your Thanksgiving Day surrounded by loved ones and close friends. The
last two months have been fast paced and busy! Our Fall Judging Workshop
and Franchise Meeting were held in October at the University of Central
Florida campus. We extend our thanks to Rick Brinkley, National Judging
Consultant for the Miss America Organization, for traveling to Florida
and conducting our Judges and Contestants Workshop. We offer gratitude
to our host for day, Veronica Livesay and the UCF staff. The MFP Board
of Directors announced that the 2007 Miss Florida Pageant would be held
June 24-30, 2007 at the beautifully renovated Mahaffey Theater in St.
Petersburg. The return of our pageant to St. Petersburg culminates many
months of planning on behalf of the MFP Executive Board and the City of
St. Pete. We look forward to returning “home” to a City that embraces
our program and we thank Mayor Rick Baker and his staff for working
together with the MFP to make this happen! Many exciting plans for the
future are in the works and we hope that our pageant family will fully
support our continued efforts to better the program for the young women
of Florida. Orientation Weekend and Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen
Pageant will take place April 13-15, 2007 in St. Petersburg. The Teen
Pageant will be held at the Palladium Theatre. We have listened to our
local pageants and have once again combined these two events. Save the
date and watch for updates concerning the schedule for this weekend. The
Miss America Pageant is just two short months away, January 25-29, 2007
in Las Vegas, Nevada and we are excited that a large delegation will be
traveling to personally support Miss Florida. Allison has been extremely
busy during the last few months. She has already made over 50
appearances as Miss Florida and that number is climbing! There was some
time to relax however as Allison joined 12 other state titleholders for
a Miss America Cruise October 30-November 3, 2006. We had a great time
visiting with friends from various state programs, Art McMaster & wife
from the Miss America Organization, and four servicemen from Walter Reed
Hospital. Allison was an enthusiastic cruiser and participated in a
Search for the Crown treasure hunt; a Volleyball Game of which she
co-starred with Wayne Dewitt (MFP’s CPA); a Costume Party at which she
won Most Spirited for her Candy Corn costume; and performed in a Talent
Show attended by over 1000 cruise guests! Did I mention she relaxed on
this cruise? During the next several weeks, we will be concentrating on
fine tuning Allison’s preparation for Miss America. She has a regimented
schedule that includes but not limited to disciplined fitness training,
speech and communication coaching, talent rehearsal, platform updates,
and shopping….shopping….! In closing, I will do so with the way I began
– by saying Thank You to our pageant volunteers for your many tireless
hours throughout the year on the Local and State level. I am honored and
privileged to have to have worked with such dedicated and caring
individuals as those associated with the Miss Florida program. Our
mission is by no means complete as we look forward to collaborating with
everyone in the system to improve both the Miss Florida Pageant and Miss
Florida’s Outstanding Teen Pageant. It takes all of us working together
to achieve the high goals and expectations that we have established for
the Florida program. May you continue to be richly blessed and safe
during this Holiday Season. Mary E. Sullivan, Executive Director
October
5,
2006
Dear Pageant Family:
Time really does fly when you are having fun! The past couple of months
since the Miss Florida Pageant have flown by…but that’s a good thing.
Miss Florida Allison Kreiger has been very busy with her duties as Miss
Florida and her preparation for the Miss America Pageant, January 2007
in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ticket & Badge information has been received from the Miss America
Organization and I will be sending it out within the next few days. If
you are planning to attend Miss America this year, and do not personally
receive the information, please make certain that you contact me at
marycrwnmry@aol.com. We will also put the information that is available
concerning tickets and badges on our website.
I would like to remind everyone about the Judge’s & Contestant’s
Workshop next weekend, October 14, 2006, at the University of Central
Florida. We are both fortunate and honored to have Rick Brinkley as our
presenter and hope that we will have a great representation at both
Workshops. If you are interested in attending the judges or contestants
workshop, please observe the Registration times and report timely.
The Miss Florida Pageant Franchise Meeting is Saturday, October 14,
2006. This meeting is for our local directors and their committees as
well as potential local pageants. We hope to see everyone there to share
in the 2006-2007 Pageant News!
September was a fast paced month for Allison. She flew to Los Angeles to
participate with the other 51 MAO titleholders in the taping of Pageant
School: Finding Miss America. She was back in Florida for one day, to
unpack and pack, and off to Washington DC for the National Eating
Disorders Awareness Conference, where she spent several days lobbying
and meeting our lawmakers. Upon returning to Florida, there were several
full days of preparation before leaving once again, this time to New
York City. We embarked on a very busy three days of shopping, talent
preparation, getting reacquainted with friends, and more! Thanks to
Stephen Yearick, Shea Sullivan, and our pageant friends for making this
trip successful, productive and yes, fun! We look forward to more of the
same.
Warmest wishes,
Mary E. Sullivan Executive Director Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant,
Inc.
August 13,
2006
It has been five weeks since we crowned Miss Florida 2006 &
Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen 2006. As I reflect on pageant week I
can’t help but do so with mixed emotions. The 40 Miss Florida
titleholders’ arrival in Miami on Saturday, July 1, 2006 was smooth and
flawless. Once checked-in and moved-in, we boarded busses provided by
the Miami Dade County Transit Authority and were off to dinner at the
home of Bret & Amy Berlin in Coconut Grove. Upon arriving there, we
found a gracious and generous couple waiting for us along with Anthony
Williams, our pageant liaison with Miami -Dade County.
Not only was the food abundant, the Berlins had moved the furniture from
their living and dining area and replaced it with round tables and
chairs that comfortably accommodated the 60 guests. The evening,
complete with a special appearance by Amy & Bret’s beautiful baby girl,
was magnificent and a great way to begin our pageant week!
The Miss Florida Titleholders were special guests of the Florida Marlins
on Sunday, July 2, 2006. The contestants signed autographs for the
hundreds of fans that lined up – both fans of the Marlins and the Boston
Red Sox! Wow – I didn’t realize they were such a popular team in our
area. The contestants were presented and introduced on field prior to
the beginning of the game and then took their seats in the stadium to
watch and cheer on the Florida Marlins!
That evening we had our Orientation and one of the things I promised
them was this was to be the year without “incident” - a year when we
could relax and bask in the spirit of competition and friendship. We put
that plan into action!
On Tuesday, July 4, 2006, the Miss Florida titleholders were treated to
a sponsored Luncheon at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. The
contestants, dressed in red, white or blue attire, had a beautiful day
to celebrate the 4th and pay honor to what it means to be an American.
Later that day and evening the celebrations of the day turned to
challenges. 9 contestants and 2 hostesses became ill enough that they
were taken to the hospital emergency room – some by ambulance – some by
private transportation. It was determined that they had a food borne
illness consistent with what had been eaten mid-day. Two contestants
were admitted overnight to Doctor’s Hospital; seven contestants and the
two hostesses spent the night in the South Miami Hospital’s emergency
room.
This situation made unusual demands on everyone – the contestants that
were not ill but still affected, the production team, the pageant staff
-- virtually everyone involved with the MFP. The ensuing days were
demanding, but through everyone’s full cooperation and collaboration, we
found the strength to overcome the obstacles and persevered over yet,
another crisis. We have plenty to be proud of – our young women are
examples of what is the best in this state. Given the adverse conditions
stacked against us, they were flexible and open to change, cooperative,
and compassionate to their fellow contestants.
Enter our 34 Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen Contestants on Thursday and
we were back on schedule. They attended the Thursday night Miss Florida
preliminary to encourage and cheer the Miss contestants. On Friday, the
Miss contestants attended the Teen Preliminary and reciprocated – they
were very generous and loud with their applause and cheers for the
Teens! On Saturday, the Teens visited STRIKE, in Miami for some
“competitive bowling” and recreation.
The Saturday night Finals culminated with Sydney Keister being crowned
as Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen 2006 and Allison Kreiger crowned as
Miss Florida 2006. We congratulate each of these young women and look
forward to sharing their many successes this year with all of you. With
each victory over adversity, we grow in wisdom, stature and experience.
Maybe next year is “that year without incident”! Stay tuned!
Mary
6/2/06
What’s So Hot About Miami? The
Miss Florida Pageant ….It’s …. Too Darn Hot!
In one month, the 71st annual Miss Florida Pageant will be held in
Miami. 40 young women, representing cities and communities from
throughout the state, will compete for the title of Miss Florida 2006.
The pageant’s Preliminaries will be held on July 5-8, 2006 at the Miami
Dade County Auditorium. On Saturday, July 8, 2005, Miss Florida 2006 and
the 2006 Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen will be crowned.
It will be Too Darn Hot in Miami when the contestants visit a Florida
Marlins Game, the Miami Metro Zoo, Bayside, and the historic Biltmore
Hotel. They will participate in Service Day at the Miami Veterans
Hospital and pay tribute to those that have served and protected our
homeland.
Miss Florida 2005 Mari Wilensky has been an outstanding representative
for the Sunshine State. She placed in the Top Ten at Miss America; was a
Quality of Life Finalist and recipient of the Charles & Teresa Brown
Scholarship. Her year has been a very busy one as she has traveled
across the state promoting the Miss Florida Pageant and her platform,
Literally at Risk. She has shared the stage with Newt Gingrich in Miami
and with U. S. Senator John McCain in Lakeland. She appeared at charity
events for Best Buddies, Samantha’s Friends, Boys and Girls Clubs,
American Red Cross, Ovarian Cancer Alliance and the Autism Society of
America -- to name a few. She has visited elementary schools through
Florida promoting her message of Reading is Fun!
Mari not only competed in the Miss America Pageant but also the National
Sweetheart Pageant in Hoopeston, Illinois, where she placed in the top
ten. Her roommate, Jennifer Berry, won the title of Miss America and
Mari traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma for her Homecoming Celebration.
We invite each of you to Feel the Heat and attend our 71st annual
Pageant this year to watch as Mari crowns her successor. Tickets will be
available through Ticketmaster on June 5, 2006. This year’s guest hosts
will be Galen Kovash, Dana Dalton Judge, Jamie Bolding Becker and from
Channel 7, anchors Christine Cruz & Richard Leemus. The pageant’s theme
is a Broadway tribute to Miss Florida 2005. The Miss Florida Cast, under
Choreographer Shea Sullivan & Producer Wayne Gentry, will set the stage
for our Miss Florida Contestants. We hope to see you in Miami!
Mary E. Sullivan,
Executive Director Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant, Inc.
March 2, 2006
This past month has brought
about many decisions with regard to the upcoming pageant dates. I have
shared this information with our local executive directors but also
realize that many of our friends and supporters check our website for
the latest information and we appreciate their interest. Enclosed is a
list of upcoming dates:
April 22, 2006: Runner Up Pageant Location: Tampa, Florida (exact
details will be added soon) The Runner Up Pageant will be open to all
contestants that have been a runner up or a non finalist winner during
the season leading to the 2006 Pageant. Multiple titles will be awarded.
This Pageant will be sponsored by the MFP and mentors will be appointed
to assist the titleholders in their preparation for state.
May 20-21: Orientation Weekend – Miss & Teen Contestants
Location: Rosen Centre, Orlando, Florida (A Timeline of events will be
sent to each local executive director & Titleholder) Open only to
titleholders, parents, local executive directors & committees
Salute to Miss Florida & Miss Florida Outstanding Teen Will take place
during the Orientation Weekend. Additional information to follow.
Ticketed event.
2006 Miss Florida Pageant (July 5-8) Public Dates Miami-Dade
County Auditorium & Host Hotel: Airport Hilton Miami Tickets will be
available through the Miss Florida Pageant & Ticketmaster
2006 Miss Florida Outstanding Teen Pageant (July 7-8) Public
Dates Miami-Dade County Auditorium & Host Hotel: Airport Hilton Miami
Tickets will be available through the Miss Florida Pageant &
Ticketmaster
SPONSORS & PATRONS: We are currently seeking sponsors and patrons of the
Miss Florida Pageant. If anyone is interested in becoming a sponsor or
patron, please contact:
Mary@missflorida.org or
mamakit777@aol.com.
2006 PRINCESSES: Applications are being accepted for 2006 Princesses.
Anyone interested please contact
medewitt@earthlink.net
With warmest wishes,
Mary E. Sullivan
Executive Director
Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant, Inc.
January 27, 2006
Miss Florida Mari Wilensky Top Ten at Miss America
Congratulations to Mari Wilensky on her spectacular showing during the
2006 Miss America Pageant. Mari was a strong competitor in all areas of
competition and our only regret is that her talent was not presented
again on the Final Night. January was a very busy month! Immediately
following the holidays, Mari returned to South Florida where had many
fittings, fitness workouts, and fine tuning of her overall presentation.
She left for Los Angeles on January 8, 2006 where she and 51 other
contestants spent five days before arriving in Las Vegas. Once in Vegas,
the contestants were paired with their roommates at the Aladdin Hotel –
(Mari’s roommate was Jennifer Berry, Miss Oklahoma and now Miss
America). We arrived in Las Vegas on Monday, January 16, and were able
to take Mari to dinner that evening – right after her tanning session.
Mari’s family joined us later at P.F. Chang’s where she was able to
spend time with us before beginning the competition. Mari’s first
competition on Tuesday was On-Stage Question. She did a magnificent job,
was articulate and personable, and looked dynamite in her gold “party
dress”. Wednesday’s competition for Mari was Swimsuit & Evening Wear.
Again, a flawless performance in both! Thursday brought Talent
Competition for Mari. Her vocal performance of Bridge Over Troubled
Water was outstanding and I just wish everyone back home could have
enjoyed it as we did. Mari’s Interview was in the afternoon on Friday
and that evening, a party of over 100 supporters was held at
Cheeseburgers in the Mall attached to the Aladdin Hotel. It was another
time for everyone to get to see Mari away from the Pageant Visitation. A
surprise visit by Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap gave Mari that special
boost to get ready for the Final Night Competition. The week actually
flew by and the Final Night came too quickly! The calling of the Top Ten
was somewhat stressful since Mari was called in 10th place. Cheers rang
loudly when her name was called. Mari was an incredible representative
for the Miss Florida Pageant, our state and herself in all phases of
competition. I hope all of our Miss Florida family has an opportunity to
spend some time with Mari during the upcoming months. While we would
have loved for her to be Miss America, we are extremely proud of her
accomplishments and many achievements, both on and off the stage. Thank
you Mari for making Florida shine!
January 1, 2006
May the Magic of the Season be present with each of you and your loved
ones throughout the New Year.
Updates:
The past few weeks have been hectic ones in preparation for the upcoming
Miss America Pageant, January 17-21, 2006. We are ready to begin the
packing process and then, on January 9, 2006, Mari will leave for Los
Angeles. The contestants will have a busy schedule in LA and prior to
arriving in Las Vegas on January 14, 2006. While in LA they will attend
the Jay Leno Show, the Television Association Conference & Party,
autograph sessions & fund raising events.
The contestants will travel to Las Vegas where they will participate in
an Arrival Ceremony (open to the public) at the Aladdin Hotel on
Saturday, January 14, 2006. On Sunday, they will attend an event at the
Fashion Show Mall which will also be Open to the Public.
Mari's roommate while at Miss America is Jennifer Berry, Miss Oklahoma.
We have a large Florida delegation (approximately 120) that will be
attending in support of Mari! Thanks to all of you that are able to make
the trip to Las Vegas. In addition to our local directors, we also have
several of our pageant's contestants and sponsors that are also
attending. Most of the Miss Florida Board of Directors are going so
there will be a loud & lively cheering section for Miss Florida!
Mari's Competition Order:
Mari's Competition Group is
Sigma. She will compete as follows: Tuesday - On Stage Question
Wednesday - Swimwear/Evening Wear Thursday - Talent Friday (PM)
Interview
She is singing Bridge Over Troubled Water for her Talent and is excited
about the arrangement and performing it on the Miss America stage! She
will be wearing a Stephen Yearick design for Talent.
The Swimsuits again this year are by Speedo! Mari has been extremely
dedicated in her preparation for the physical fitness portion of the
pageant.
Her Opening Number Cocktail dress (and On Stage Question dress) is by
Juan Carlos Pinera. It fabulous!
Mari has been diligent in her Interview preparation having several Mock
Interviews, working with a Speech & Communications Expert, and keeping
up to date with daily happenings, etc.
APPEARANCES:
Mari's appearance schedule has
been trimmed down for the month of December, however, she has made
several appearances which she will report on in her website letter.
PAGEANT TIME:
Now that the Holidays are
almost to an end, we must turn our focus to the Preliminary Season,
which will once again be in full swing January 2006. Several pageants,
Miss Florida Crown, Miss North Florida, Miss Kumquat Festival, Miss
Orange Blossom, Miss South Florida Fair will be January happenings.
Please support these locals with your attendance if possible.
Have a Safe & Healthy New Year.
Fondly,
Mary Sullivan
Executive Director
Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant, Inc.
November 27, 2005
It’s Official! The Miss America
Pageant will be held in Las Vegas at the Aladdin Hotel, January 17-21,
2006. The 2006 titleholders will fly to Las Angeles for several days
prior to their arrival in Vegas. We recently participated in the
Contestant Placement Lottery to learn Mari’s Competition Group. Miss
Florida’s line up is:
Tuesday, January 17, 2006 – First Night
Preliminary – On-Stage Question Wednesday, January 18, 2006 – Second
Night Preliminary – Evening Wear & Swimsuit Thursday, January 19, 2006 –
Third Night Preliminary - Talent Friday, January 20, 2006 – Afternoon –
Private Interview Saturday, January 21, 2006 – FINALS & CROWNING OF MISS
AMERICA 2006
Anyone that is planning to attend the
2006 Miss America Pageant should contact me immediately if they are
interested in tickets, hotel rooms, or badges. The e mail for contact is
mary@missflorida.org. We must turn in our room requests by November 27,
2005; ticket requests by December 9, 2005, and badge orders by December
21, 2005.
November has been a busy month! Four
new titleholders were crowned for 2006 and we congratulate Miss
Ocala/Marion County, Miss Silver Springs, Miss Sunstate, and Miss Dade
City as they begin their journey to the Miss Florida/America Pageant.
They join previously crowned October titleholders, Miss North Florida
Fair and Miss Tallahassee.
The Franchise Meeting & Judging
Workshop, held on November 5, 2005 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando,
was highly successful. On November 6, 2005, at high noon, over 200
guests attended the Official Crowning of Miss Florida 2005 Mari Wilensky.
Kendall Jolly & Jennifer Sauder Mullowney provided the entertainment;
Shauna Pender, Miss Florida 2003, and Sierra Minott, Miss Florida’s
Outstanding Teen 2005, officially crowned Mari as Miss Florida. Special
Guest Charlie Dunn of Pageantry Magazine addressed the audience as did
Mari’s father, Dan Wilensky and Jeff Parker, long time friend. Mari
spoke about the fast paced schedule she has kept as Miss Florida and
ended with a moving performance of “At Last”. The event was co-sponsored
by the Miss Florida Board of Directors, Cathy & Dan Wilensky, Jeff
Parker, Kitty Potapow & Shannon Rees. We are grateful to everyone that
attended the Crowning Ceremony to show their support for Mari.
Mari has been busy with her Miss
America preparation working on platform & interview, physical fitness,
wardrobe, talent, and more! We recently returned from a trip to New York
City where we enjoyed several days of shopping, and more shopping!
We hope that you enjoyed a richly
blessed Thanksgiving Day. We all have much to be thankful for-- so many
in our country have had to overcome adversity through the many recent
natural disasters. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this
holiday season.
May you find beauty in this special
time of year! Mary E. Sullivan, Executive Director Miss Florida
Scholarship Pageant, Inc.
October 30, 2005
This past week has been a
difficult one for all of us located in South Florida. One week ago we
were prepared, to the best of our abilities, to receive Hurricane Wilma.
Since each storm is different, one really never knows what to expect and
such was the story with Wilma. From the Keys to the West Coast to South
Florida, Wilma traveled quickly. Upon arrival in South Florida, while we
thought we were prepared, we were not ready for the vengeance of this
storm. A week later, power is still a dream for many.
The Hilton Miami Airport has been our home away from home for the past
few days and we are blessed to have received such kind hospitality from
the entire Hilton staff. We are grateful to all that made us feel so
welcome.
From the Keys to West Palm Beach to Fort Myers & Naples, many lives have
been affected by Wilma. Please know that our hearts, thoughts and
prayers are with everyone during this difficult time.
Weathering storms is nothing new for the Miss Florida Board and we are
excited to look ahead, to next weekend – November 5 & 6, 2006 is our
Judging Workshop, Franchise Meetings, and Miss Florida’s crowning
luncheon. It will be great to see familiar faces, and hopefully, many
new ones also as we watch Mari’s lifetime dream come true!
Miss Florida, Mari Wilensky, has had a full and exciting schedule beyond
all expectations during the past four weeks. She has displayed amazing
energy and enthusiasm for the job of Miss Florida and we are all
enjoying her incredible success! Please take time to read Mari’s journal
on our website – it is an overview of her recent appearances. The Miss
America Organization has announced that the pageant’s final night will
be televised by CMT on January 21, 2006. The Preliminary Nights are
January 17-19, 2006. Once the venue has been announced, we will promptly
post the location on our website.
May you enjoy the Halloween Holiday, and the upcoming weeks as we look
to the pageant season, holidays, and the Miss America Pageant!
Warmest wishes, Mary E. Sullivan
Executive Director
Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant, Inc.
September 6, 2005
Miss America 2006
Preliminary dates January 17-19, 2006
Finals January 21, 2006
Changes this year:
There will be no Casual Wear Competition at the Miss America Pageant
There will be no Quiz Show Competition at the Miss America Pageant Top 5
will compete in Talent at the Miss America Pageant On Stage Question
will remain as a competition at the Miss America Pageant There has been
much speculation as to the Venue - and most of the speculation has been
that it is Las Vegas. Please note: We have not received an official
announcement from the Miss America Organization as to the Venue site to
date. I also do not have, to date, any information on tickets or badges.
Once this information is received, I will immediately pass it on to each
of you.
Mari is going to Nashville:
Mari and I were supposed to leave Sunday, 10/23. from Miami to
Nashville, but with Wilma threatening to also visit Miami that day, we
had an immediate change of plans. Mari and Business Manager Jennifer
Herrington will be flying to Nashville on Sunday from Jacksonville for
an exciting visit to CMT.
Mari's schedule includes:
CMT Interview & Press time CMT Photo Shoot CMT Radio Interview Dinner
with CMT staff & talent Publicity Event with CMT talent - Hosts Eddie &
Stuntboy Justin CMT Publicity - Reading at a local Nashville Elementary
School CMT On Air Promo
All this happens in 24 hours! Talk about a busy schedule! We'll hear all
about it when she returns and also at her Crowning Ceremony.
We hope you will be able to join us on Sunday, November 6, 2005, for the
Official Crowning Luncheon of Miss Florida 2005. Please do not forget to
RSVP. Since it is a sponsored Luncheon attendance is by invitation only
and we won't be able to accept last minute RSVP's. The deadline to RSVP
is November 1, 2005.
Our thoughts are with all of you in your respective homes as we wait for
Wilma to decide where she is going to land. May you each be safe!
Fondly,
Mary E. Sullivan
September 13, 2005
I am enclosing an e mail that was received today, September 12, 2005,
from the Miss Jacksonville/Miss First Coast Pageants.
A Statement from the Jacksonville / First Coast
Pageants:
We would just like to say "Thank You" to all that have
expressed their concerns for Candace Cragg, our former Miss Jacksonville
2005. She did a wonderful job at the Miss Florida Pageant, capturing the
title of Miss Florida 2005.
All of us had high hopes for Candace at the Miss
America Pageant. Candace's reign of roughly sixty days was an exciting
time, but SHE decided, (NO ONE ELSE), after much reflection and thought,
that her life's path was taking her a different direction both
personally and professionally. It was a difficult decision for her, but
she showed much character and strength, and further much consideration
to the Miss Florida Pageant and to the next titleholder, Mari Wilensky,
by making a quick decision to resign as soon as she realized her goals
and dreams had changed. This allowed enough time for a comfortable
transition. We respect the way Candace handled this situation.
No one could have realized the firestorm a simple
resignation could set off. The rude comments, the "off-color"
speculation, the outrageous accusations against Candace and the Miss
Florida Board are just a waste of time, energy and emotion. It is clear
that some people must have little to do but to sit around and speculate
on the unknown and the unchangeable. The Miss Jacksonville / First Coast
Pageants have nothing but praise and admiration for
the way the Miss Florida Board has handled these circumstances while
being the undue and unjustified victim of most of the blame.
The bottom line is that this was Candace's personal
decision. Should she choose at some point in the future to share her
thought processes, it would be her choice again to do so, not anyone
else's. It is her life to lead, and we ask that she be allowed to lead
it in her own way. Shame on anyone who believes any different. We would
suggest that everyone support her in her decision and move on without
question as the Miss Jacksonville / First Coast
Pageants have. We respect Candace's privacy and encourage everyone else
to do the same.
The Miss Florida Family should now turn its focus to
supporting Mari Wilensky as Miss Florida 2005 (our Miss Jacksonville
Teen 2001) and help her prepare for the Miss America Pageant and to
bring that National title back to Florida. Mari is a wonderful young
lady and we at the Miss Jacksonville / First Coast Pageants cannot say
enough good things about her. We believe in her and look for great
things from her as Miss Florida 2005 and in representing the Miss
Florida Pageant at Miss America in January 2006.
GOOD LUCK MARI !!!!!!!
*************************************************************************
We thank Kevin & Cammie Sanders, and Jennifer Herrington for their
written statement and continued dedication to the Miss Florida Program.
We hope that our local directors and pageant committees will join the
Miss Florida Pageant's Board of Directors in fully supporting not only
our state wide program, but also our Miss Florida 2005, Mari Wilensky.
This is going to be a great year!
September 6, 2005
It is with deep regret that we accept the resignation of Miss
Florida Candace Cragg that became effective September 4, 2005. The Miss
Florida Organization gratefully thanks Candace for her contributions
during her time as Miss Florida and takes this opportunity to wish her
every happiness in the future.
We are pleased to announce that Mari Wilensky, Miss University of
Florida and first runner up at the 2005 State Pageant has accepted the
title of Miss Florida 2005. Mari will step in to a busy appearance
schedule and actively begin preparation to compete for Miss America
2006.
An official announcement will be made soon as to the date of the Fall
Workshop. During the Workshop weekend, the Miss Florida Board will host
a Reception to celebrate Mari as Miss Florida 2005. An invitation will
be sent to our local executive directors, 2005-06 titleholders, sponsors
and friends of the Miss Florida Organization to join us in honoring Mari
as our Miss Florida.
We look forward to our 2005-2006 Pageant Season and to seeing everyone
during the year.
With all best wishes,
Mary Sullivan
President/Executive Director
Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant, Inc.
July
25, 2005
The finals of the 70th Annual Miss Florida Pageant were held on
July 2, 2005, at the Miami-Dade County Auditorium. A lively show to
“Steppin’ Out with Miss Florida” set the stage for the 43 contestants to
compete for the title of Miss Florida 2005. The Pageant was made
possible through the combined efforts of many – the Miss Florida Board
of Directors; sponsors & patrons; local pageant executive directors;
parents & friends.
We gratefully acknowledge the efforts of our volunteers – those
individuals that never stop giving whether it is their time, their
generosity, their knowledge. The Miss Florida contestants are affected
both materially and positively by the kindness and generosity of the
pageant’s volunteers, sponsors, and patrons.
We are sincerely appreciative for the talents of our Production Team –
Wayne Gentry & Company, Producer; Shea Sullivan, Choreographer; the Miss
Florida Dancers & Performers; our emcee Galen Kovash and the former Miss
Florida team that accompanied him – Dana Dalton Judge; Lissette
Gonzalez; Shauna Pender; Katherine Carson Molnar. Thank you for
providing entertainment that was far more than we could have anticipated
– yet, the perfect backdrop and setting for Miss Florida 2004, Jenna
Edwards and our 43 contestants for Miss Florida 2005.
We are much obliged to the judging panel for giving a week of their
time, away from their families, jobs and personal obligations to
adjudicate our pageant. McNeil Chestnut, Kevin McAleese, Ned Metcalf,
Cindy Morrison, and Betsy Bobel Opyt – thank you for bringing your
knowledge and expertise to the Miss Florida Pageant.
Miss Florida 2004, Jenna Edwards, bid a fond farewell as she closed this
chapter of her life. Thank you for representing the State of Florida
with such class and style. We will watch with pride as you continue to
walk the stairway to success.
To our newest member of the Miss Florida Family, Candace Cragg – Miss
Florida 2005 – we are excited to begin our journey with you. Please
accept the congratulations of all of us and know that we are committed
to helping you have the best year of your life!
Our best wishes are extended to all of the titleholders that competed in
this year’s pageant. We are in awe of all that you have accomplished,
and will continue to watch as each of you pave the way for tomorrow’s
future. Our hope is that we see each of you again soon!
In closing, please know that the support that we receive from our
pageant family is vital to the success of our organization. It is all of
us that contribute to building a solid program that benefits the young
women of Florida. Our Cash Scholarships totaled $60,000 this year – next
year let’s go for $75,000. We must think big, dream big, and it can
happen. Nothing can stop us now!
With every best wish,
Mary E. Sullivan, Executive Director
Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant, Inc.
May
29, 2005
Steppin’ Out to the Miss Florida Pageant
In one
month, the 70th annual Miss Florida Pageant will be held in
Miami. 43 young women, representing cities and communities from
throughout the state, will compete for the title of Miss Florida 2005.
The pageant’s Preliminaries will be held on June 29-July 1, 2005 at the
Miami Dade County Auditorium. On Saturday, July 2, 2005, Miss Florida
2005 will be crowned.
The contestants will be Steppin’ Out to a Florida Marlins Game,
the Miami Metro Zoo, South Beach, the historic Biltmore Hotel. They
will participate in Service Day – a day dedicated to Queen For a Day,
the 501-C3 non profit organization headed by Jenna Edwards, Miss Florida
2004.
Miss Florida 2004 Jenna Edwards has been an outstanding representative
for the Sunshine State. She sang the National Anthem on nationwide
television during race week at the Daytona 500; she was an invited guest
at the Presidential Inauguration; she participated in local parades,
signed autographs for hundreds, emceed local pageants and the Miss
Florida Outstanding Teen Pageant, visited our country’s disabled vets,
was a special guest at the Indianapolis 500, spoke with our school age
children, participated in numerous charity functions – and much more.
Her schedule was a busy one and she always wanted it to be busier. In
addition, Jenna Edwards has pursued a modeling career and headed up her
non-profit company, QFAD. She has made a profound impact on all of us
as Miss Florida 2004.
We invite each of you to “step out” and attend our 70th
annual Pageant this year to watch as Jenna crowns her successor.
Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster on June 1, 2005. This
year’s guest hosts will be Galen Kovash with Katherine Carson Molnar,
Shauna Pender & Lissette Gonzalez. The hosts for final night will be
Galen, Dana Dalton Judge, and from New York City, Aaron Caruso. The
pageant’s theme, a tribute to our Miss Florida 2004, will combine the
era of the 40’s with the present times. The Miss Florida Dancers,
under Choreographer Shea Sullivan & Producer Wayne Gentry, will set the
stage for our Miss Florida Contestants.
We hope to see you in Miami!
Mary E. Sullivan, Executive Director
Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant, Inc.
April
25, 2005
The Miss Florida Pageant Orientation Weekend was held April 23 & 24 in
Lakeland in conjunction with the Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen
Pageant. While it was a busy time for our Board of Directors, it was an
exciting time for both our Miss Florida titleholders and our Teen
contestants. The Lakeland Center was home to our Orientation, Reception
for Miss Florida, and meetings. The Polk Theater was the perfect
backdrop for our Teen Pageant.
43
Contestants will compete for the title of Miss Florida 2005 at the
Miami-Dade County
Auditorium, June 29-July 2, 2005. Steppin’ Out
with Miss Florida
will be an exciting show as the 40’s era moves in to our contemporary
times. During the past weekend we had an opportunity to meet our 2005
Miss Florida
contestants. We can’t wait to welcome them to Miami
where an exciting week of appearances and competition awaits them.
The 2nd annual Teen
Pageant was held as a fund raiser for the Miss Florida Scholarship
Pageant. It was highly successful as a fantastic group of 26 Teens
competed for the title of Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen and the
opportunity to represent the state at the National Pageant in August.
Sierra Minott, Miss Southwest Florida’s
Outstanding Teen was crowned by Ashton
Kunkle, Florida’s Teen 2004. The show, Feel the Beat, was
emceed by Ashton & Miss Florida 2004 Jenna Edwards, produced by Jay
Curtis & Richard Walker and choreographed by Shea Sullivan. After
having only several hours of rehearsal, it was a lively, upbeat and
smooth show that seemed to be very popular with the contestants and
audience.
An announcement was made that the new Teen directors for Florida are
Keith Smith & Marc Caglia, formerly directors of the Miss City Beautiful
Pageant. They will be initially joined by Kendal Jolly, Tom Boyko &
Jennie Sauder Mullowney and will be adding new board members in the
upcoming months. The Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant Inc. Board of
Directors will work closely with Keith & Marc to promote our Teen
Pageant in Florida. Rob Loy & Shannon Rees have done an exceptional job
the past two years with our Teen Pageant in addition to their roles with
the Miss Florida Pageant Board of Directors. Their tireless dedication
to the program has produced two very successful pageants and we are all
excited about the direction that the Teen Pageant will continue to take
in Florida!
Miss Florida Jenna Edwards had a
busy weekend. She emceed the 2 night Teen Pageant, greeted our Miss
Florida contestants as they registered, spoke during the afternoon
Orientation, and hosted & performed during the Reception for Miss
Florida which took place immediately following the Teen Pageant. Jenna
paid tribute to many individuals that have provided love and support for
her during this past year.
We offer our special thanks to everyone that attended and supported the
Miss Florida Pageant at our Teen Pageant, Reception and Silent Auction.
We look forward to seeing everyone in Miami for our 2005 Miss Florida
Pageant!
Warmest wishes to all!
Mary Sullivan, Executive Director
March 2, 2005
Congratulations to all of the newly crowned titleholders! We
continue to see an impressive mix of titleholders being crowned that are
new to the Miss Florida system and those that are returnees. Best of
luck to Miss Miami/South Florida Coast and Miss Apopka Pageants as they
add three more competitors for the title of Miss Florida 2005!
Information regarding advertising in
the Miss Florida Program Book has been mailed to the local executive
director and the titleholder. Additionally the information for
Orientation Weekend has been mailed -- only to the local
executive director. Please coordinate this weekend with your
titleholder and her family. Reminder: Attendance at Orientation
Weekend is
mandatory for all titleholders
and the local executive director or an appointed representative.
The next mailing will contain a checklist for all forms
that are to be turned in Orientation Weekend and a complete copy of
the forms, as well as some information from the Miss America
Organization on available scholarships.
SCORING CHANGES
Many of you have inquired as to whether
or not there are official scoring changes that will take place this
year at the Miss Florida Pageant. Effective for the 2005 State
Pageant, the following changes will be in effect:
Private
Interview 25%
On-stage
Question 5%
Talent 35%
Evening
Wear 15%
Casual
Wear 10%
Lifestyle and Fitness in
Swimsuit 10%
Total 100%
We will present additional information
and a Complete overview of the Scoring to our local executive
directors at the Franchise Meeting, April 24, 2005.
PHOTOGRAPHS:
We request that our local executive directors impress upon
their titleholder the importance of a good quality photo for
reproduction in the program book and judge's book. Photographs must
be turned in at the Contestant's Registration, April 23, 2005,
Orientation Weekend.
Teen Pageant
If you have a Teen Pageant or are
sponsoring a Teen Contestant in the State Pageant, please make certain
that all paperwork, photographs, entry fees, etc., are sent to Rob Loy
within the specified deadlines. Some have inquired as to whether or
not they could send additional representatives and we want to be fair
and equitable to each pageant. Thank you for helping us to have a
successful Teen event!
Princess Program
Thanks to those titleholders and local directors that have
forwarded the Sunshine Princess information. We are looking for 100%
participation. The Sunshine Princess (es) will be onstage during
Evening Wear competition and also will be featured in our final night
show.
If for any reason you are receiving this e mail and did not
receive the packet about Orientation weekend that included the
schedule of events, information about the Reception and Teen Pageant,
etc., please let me know. Those packets were sent out over a week ago
and should have reached each director by this time. The ad
information went out a few days ago and if you don't have it by the
beginning of next week, please let me know.
Have a wonderful & safe weekend!
Mary
E. Sullivan, Executive Director
February
9, 2005
To our Local Executive Directors, Contestants, Families & Friends:
We are at the halfway mark in our local pageants for the 2005-staging
year. Congratulations to all that have crowned new titleholders, and
continued best wishes to those that have pageants in the upcoming
months.
The next few months will be busy with our local preliminaries,
Orientation weekend, the Teen Pageant, and in June, our state finals. I
would like to thank the Local Executive Directors for their cooperation
in timely submitting the paperwork following their local pageants and in
helping us to keep our website updated and current! As you can see, our
website is constantly changing and improving to bring you all the latest
information.
I want to welcome our newly crowned titleholders. To date, we have an
impressive mix of newcomers and returning contestants that will compete
for Miss Florida 2005. Once the local titleholder is crowned,
please remind her to select a Sunshine Princess or Princesses.
The Princess program will be most successful if we have 100% involvement
from our local titleholders. Remember, not only is this a fundraiser
for the Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant but an opportunity for our
titleholders to act as mentors to these young ladies.
The final touches are being put on the contestant and local
executive director manuals and will be mailed this month. The manuals
will contain all of the necessary information for Orientation Weekend
and the State Pageant in June. As a reminder, the dates are:
Miss Florida Contestants Orientation Weekend, Lakeland
April 23-24, 2005
Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen Pageant, Lakeland
April 22-23, 2005
Miss Florida 2005 State Pageant, Miami
- June 26-July 2, 2005
Preliminary Nights: June 29-July 1, 2005
Finals: July 2, 2005
As always, please do not hesitate to contact myself or any member of the
Board of Directors with your questions, concerns or comments! We look
forward to seeing you in April at our 2005 Orientation/Teen Pageant!
Mary E.
Sullivan, Executive Director
November 22, 2004
Miss Florida Pageant finds new home!
