Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler from Kenosha, Wisconsin was crowned Miss America 2012 at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The final night of the 2012 Miss America Pageant was broadcast live from Las Vegas on ABC.

Laura's triumphant walk across the stage was just the beginning of a journey that will take her to every corner of the country during her year of service as Miss America 2012. Miss America 2012 will spend her year touring the country to encourage all young women to pursue a college education, and will focus on driving interest in the arts, as well as science, technology, engineering and math (also known as STEM) education. The Miss America Organization will work with national and community partners to create an unconventional approach to driving young women’s interest in STEM. Their efforts coincide with the national momentum to target female students who are currently underrepresented in STEM professions.

 

In addition, she will travel approximately 20,000 miles each month speaking to audiences about her platform Circles of Support - Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents and acting as the official National Goodwill Ambassador for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals, is the national platform partner of the Miss America Organization.

Laura is a graduate of Carthage College. Her scholastic ambition is to obtain a Master's degree in Speech and Language Pathology and she ultimately hopes to become a speech therapist. Along with the title of Miss America 2012, Laura won a $50,000 scholarship to continue her education. For the talent portion of the competition, Laura performed an operatic rendition of "Il Bacio."

The first runner-up was Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson who earned a $25,000 scholarship. For her talent, she performed an Irish Step Dance to "Warriors" and her personal platform is MILK, It Really Does a Body Good! Betty was also the winner of ABC's America's Choice an online competition where viewers got the opportunity to vote for their favorite Miss America contestant. The contestant was announced at the beginning of the Miss America broadcast and became the 1st finalist to compete in the live finale.

Second runner-up honors and a $20,000 scholarship were awarded to Miss New York Kaitlin Monte. Her talent was a vocal performance of "Disneyland," and her personal platform is "That's Enough! Coming Together to End Bullying."

Miss America 2012

• Miss Wisconsin, Laura Kaeppeler

Top 5

• Miss Oklahoma, Betty Thompson
• Miss New York, Kaitlin Monte
• Miss Arizona, Jennifer Sedler
• Miss California, Noelle Freeman

Top 10 (In Random Order)

• Miss Arizona, Jennifer Sedler
• Miss Illinois, Hannah Smith
• Miss Oklahoma, Betty Thompson
• Miss Texas, Kendall Morris
• Miss Wisconsin, Laura Kaeppeler
• Miss New York, Kaitlin Monte
• Miss Louisiana, Hope Anderson
• Miss Tennessee, Erin Hatley
• Miss Iowa, Jessica Pray
• Miss California, Noelle Freeman

Top 13 (In Random Order)

• Miss Louisiana, Hope Anderson
• Miss Iowa, Jessica Pray
• Miss Illinois, Hannah Smith
• Miss South Carolina, Bree Boyce
• Miss New York, Kaitlin Monte
• Miss Wisconsin, Laura Kaeppeler
• Miss Florida, Kristina Janolo
• Miss Tennessee, Erin Hatley
• Miss Arizona, Jennifer Sedler
• Miss Texas, Kendall Morris
• Miss California, Noelle Freeman
• Miss Oklahoma, Betty Thompson
• Miss Alabama, Courtney Porter

Semi Finalists (In Random Order)

• Miss Oklahoma, Betty Thompson
• Miss South Carolina, Bree Boyce
• Miss Florida, Kristina Janolo
• Miss New York, Kaitlin Monte
• Miss Iowa, Jessica Pray
• Miss Texas, Kendall Morris
• Miss Virginia, Elizabeth Crot
• Miss Illinois, Hannah Smith
• Miss Arizona, Jennifer Sedler
• Miss Alabama, Courtney Porter
• Miss Tennessee, Erin Hatley
• Miss Wisconsin, Laura Kaeppeler
• Miss North Carolina, Hailey Best
• Miss California, Noelle Freeman
• Miss Louisiana, Hope Anderson

From left: 2012 Quality of Life Award Winners:
Miss Michigan Elizabeth Wertenberger,
Miss New Hampshire Regan Hartley,
Miss Kentucky Ann Blair Thornton

This year's Quality of Life Award winner is Miss Kentucky Ann Blair Thornton. Ann Blair was recognized for her work on her platform, "Alzheimer's Awareness and Research" and she will receive a $6,000 scholarship. The announcement was made at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino during Friday's Miss America press conference and marks the last day of preliminary competition for the 2012 Miss America Pageant.

Ann Blair has had the opportunity to call to action tens of thousands of Kentuckians this year with her platform work. As a teenager, in 2006 struggling with a beloved grandfather suffering from the disease, she discovered the need for Alzheimer's support groups for a younger generation and founded a teenage support group: ALZ Teens. In 2009, Ann Blair established a memorial fund honoring her grandfather, with an online donation component. She has lobbied Kentucky State Legislature to pass multiple bills promoting the Alzheimer's Association's efforts, teamed up with college students to raise over $25,000 for research, and organized her hometown Alzheimer's Memory Walk, which raised over $172,000 for the Alzheimer's Association. As Miss Kentucky, she has gathered the names of people she has met this year who are currently battling the disease and those who have already lost the fight. One by one, she has sewn them to the back of her sash so that she will be continually reminded of her purpose.

The first-runner up is Miss New Hampshire Regan Hartley whose personal platform issue is "Stand Up: Bullying Awareness in Our Community." During the past three years, Regan has spent more than 2,000 hours working to combat bullying: by educating others on the subject of bullying, encouraging open discussion between educators, parents and children, and serving as the spokesperson for numerous anti-bullying efforts. She has lobbied for passage of New Hampshire's first modern bullying law, House Bill 1523 in June of 2010. She has also spoken to children about the importance of treating yourself and others with respect.

The second runner-up is Miss Michigan Elizabeth Wertenberger, whose personal platform is "Continue to Dream - Giving Hope to Children with Chronic Illness. Being diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis inspired Elizabeth to make her platform a life-long mission to inspire other children dealing with the disease. Elizabeth has encouraged people to join her at the Annual Arthritis Walk, bringing over 100 people to walk with her. She has spoken to the Juvenile Arthritis Association, telling her personal story to groups, so that children who suffer from the disease do not feel that it defines how they should grow up or develop.

The Quality of Life Awards were introduced in 1988 to recognize contestants who excel in their commitment to community service. The awards are available to each of the 53 contestants competing for the title of Miss America 2012. In order to be considered for the Quality of Life Award, contestants must have submitted an application describing their involvement with Children's Miracle Network, the national platform of the Miss America Organization, and their own personal platform issue.

An honorable mention goes to the remaining five finalists: Miss Arkansas Kristen Glover, whose platform is "Second Chances Through Mentoring;" Miss Hawaii Lauren Cheape, whose platform is "C.A.R.E.: Collegiate Athletes Reaching Everyone;" Miss Minnesota Natalie Davis, whose platform is "Autism Awareness: The Missing Piece;" Miss New York Kaitlin Monte, whose platform is "Anti-Bullying Through Youth Leadership;" and Miss Ohio Ellen Bryan, whose platform is When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors: Promoting Lightning Awareness."

fourpoints Scholarship Award winner,
Miss Idaho Genevieve Nutting
and MAO President and CEO Art McMaster

The fourpoints Scholarship Award is a $2,000 award offered to all of the 53 contestants. Each of the contestants had to write an essay describing how THEY represent the Four Points of the Crown which are Service, Scholarship, Success and Style. The winner of this award is Miss Idaho Genevieve Nutting.

Below is the list of the what the 53 contestants did for talent.

Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler was named Tuesday night's preliminary Talent winner for her Operatic Vocal performance of "Il Bacio," during the first night of competition of the 2012 Miss America Pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Laura will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Also in the spotlight was Miss Utah Danica Olsen, who was the preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness winner in a Deaville Kompliqué swimsuit with 18K gold and Swarovski crystal accents. Danica will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Laura started singing in the 4th grade. Once she got into high school and college, she decided it was something she wanted to pursue as a career. She studied music in college as an undergraduate and currently teaches private piano and voice lessons.
When asked what was the most important thing Danica did to prepare herself to be up on stage in a swimsuit and to promote a healthy lifestyle, she said it is all about discipline, getting up early in the morning and pushing yourself further than you think you can go. Eating right is important and knowing that presentation is everything when you walk into a room.

Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson was named Wednesday night's preliminary Talent winner for her Irish Step Dance performance to "Warriors," during the second night of competition. Betty will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Betty has been dancing Irish Step Dance for 12 years.

Also in the spotlight was Miss Texas Kendall Morris, who was the preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness winner in a Monte Carlo Kompliqué swimsuit. Kendall will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Kendall stated this was the first time has won a swimsuit award and she really had to work for it. She encouraged girls to go with your body type and be the best you can be. Her healthy diet consists of high protein and low carbs, which is very typical of the Miss America contestants. Every day she does some form of exercise

 

Miss Hawaii Lauren Cheape was named Thursday night's preliminary Talent winner for her jump rope routine performance to "Hawaii Five-O," during the third night of competition of the 2012 Miss America Pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Lauren will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Also in the spotlight was Miss New York Kaitlin Monte, who was the preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness winner in a Monte Carlo Kompliqué swimsuit. Kaitlin will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
In an interview with Chairman of the Board, Sam Haskell, Kaitlin shared that a year ago she found out she had a gluten allergy and this led to a major lifestyle change. She didn’t work with a trainer for the Miss America pageant. She did her fitness herself because she wanted to develop a lifestyle program she could do year after year for long term results.
Lauren has been jumping rope since age 5. A demonstration team from the American Heart Association came to her school and she wanted to be just like them. For Miss America, Lauren worked with René Bibaud, a 5 time World Rope Jumping Champion and works for Cirque Du Soleil, to develop her routine.
All photos and information is courtesy of the Miss America Organization. To see videos from the awards ceremony and behind-the-scenes visit www.facebook.com/missamericaorganization.
http://missamerica.org
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA74E3DBA6164388F&feature=plcp

Pageant Preparation Special for the Pageant Princess or Queen in your life for $59 (+$12 S&H). Only 55 left at this price!

To celebrate the launch of my new 60 minute training DVD, Take The Stage, I am offering the 60 minute training DVD, the Pageant Planner and a set of 12 interview cards for $59 (+$12 S&H). Individually, these items would cost $89.

This is an affordable training kit for the pageant princess or queen in your life.

WTP Take The Stage Training DVD

The Winning Through Pageantry Take The Stage™ training DVD is a must have training tool for natural beauty pageants. The depth of information shared in this video will further polish your on stage presence.

Remember, the judges cast their final vote when you are on stage in your evening gown. Your overall stage presence and appearance will determine your final placement.

In this 60-minute DVD, you will learn:

• proper posture and alignment,
• foot positioning,
• timing of your turns,
• multiple walking patterns,
• stage presence,
• microphone etiquette,
• Numerous tips as Rhonda demonstrates all of these techniques.

The modeling style taught in this video will work for those contestants competing in the following natural pageant systems:

• Miss American Coed (MAC),
• National American Miss (NaMiss),
• Miss America,
• America's Outstanding Teen,
• Miss Teen USA,
• Miss USA,
• Mrs. America,
• Mrs. United States,
• Teen, Miss and Mrs. International,
• America's National Teenager (Antso),
• Any of the numerous systems that follow the standards of a natural pageant.

Contestants who are brand new to pageantry or have done a couple pageants in the past; and those who do not have pageant preparation resources close to them will benefit most from this DVD. Even if you feel confident in your modeling skills, the numerous tips shared in this DVD will take your onstage presence to the next level.
Please allow up to 14 days to receive your DVD. This is being shipped from a separate vendor. The DVD is readable in all countries around the world but should you receive a defective DVD, a replacement one will be sent.

Rhonda Shappert, is both an iPEC and ICF certified expert pageant coach. In addition to holding multiple titles herself, her clients have won titles at local, state, national and internationals pageants. Her award winning newsletter is received weekly by thousands internationally. She has helped her clients win local, state, national and international titles.

With over 30 years experience in the pageant industry as a contestant, titleholder, judge, emcee, staff member, coach and mother of daughters who compete, there isn't an area of pageantry she doesn't fully understand.

The WTP Pageant Planner

The Winning Through Pageantry Pageant Planner from Holdon contains organizational pages for logging and tracking 100 pageant related events. Each form records Event Details, Contact Info, Event Expenses, and Post-Event Info. There is also an Income Management Section to record payment details.
Now logging & tracking your pageant-related event details is easy!

• High-quality product
• 8.5" x 11"
• Finished coil-bound spine
• Vinyl front and back covers for durability

What's Inside...
Contact Page

• Your contact information
• Important pageant contacts (i.e. - coach, director, salon, etc.)
• Other contact information

Live Performance Forms

• Logging & tracking forms to track up to 100 pageant-related events (i.e. - consultations, media events, autograph signings, etc.)
• Log event requirements (i.e. - crown & banner, opening number wardrobe, script, etc.)
• Record all of your event expenses and mileage for tax purposes
• Post Event area (i.e. - what you wore, who you met, guests, etc.)

Income & Reimbursement Management
Record income & reimbursement details (Pageant/Event Name, Event Date, Payment, etc.)

Pageant Target List
Target Pageants, know special requirements, competition, categories, entry fees, etc.

Pageant Contacts
A section dedicated to Pageant Industry professionals you wish to keep in contact with

Notes Section

• Keep your notes handy and accessible
• Add any thoughts, suggestions or ideas

Calendar Section

• 12-month, day-by-day, fill-in calendar section (non-time sensitive, fill-in as you go)
• 24-month quick-view calendar section

Storage Pockets

• Promo Material Pocket to hold self-promotional material that you can pass around (i.e. - promo postcards, headshots, flyers, etc.)
• Notes Pocket to store any speeches, top-5 question notes, etc.

The WTP Interview Card Set

What kind of questions will the judges ask me in interview?
What if I don't have an answer?

The ability to answer questions about you, your family, platform, goals, community and pop culture in a clear way is an important life skill. The more practice you have in conversing with people, the better your speaking skills will become.
Over 1000 contestants from ages 7 to 80 around the world have used these cards and reported back to me that they were confident and prepared for their pageant interview. Many of my clients receive the highest interview scores.
As a contestant and judge, these are real questions that I have asked, been asked, or heard other judges ask in the interview room. I know they are effective and relevant because my clients and pageant family on Facebook have told me several times that they have experienced other pageant coaches and judges using my cards. By the way, I take this as a compliment, not a threat :).
Outstanding features of this 12 card set includes:</ p>

• Over 200 questions covering 12 diverse subjects. Each card has questions dedicated to one topic. For example, there are 56 questions on the "favorites" card.
• The back side is blank so you can jot down your ideas for answers.
• Being the size of a recipe card, they are easy to carry and you can practice anywhere.
  The DVD will arrive separately from the planner and the interview cards. With the holiday mail delivery, please allow up to 14 days for delivery.

$89 $59 (+$12 S&H)
while supplies last

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).
She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®.
She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.
Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 22 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com.

 

What did she just say? Words that are mispronounced and poor grammar can influence people’s opinion of you and your education level. For example, just because the word “ain’t” is in the dictionary doesn’t mean you should use it. The dictionary will tell you if the word is spelled correctly. That doesn’t necessarily mean the usage of the word itself is “proper” or viewed in a positive light if you say it. Over the years, many slang words have been added to our dictionaries.

I am not an English major, but here is my shortlist of mispronounced words that drive me crazy:

• The words are “wasn’t, business, isn’t, and didn’t” not “wadn't, bidness, idn’t, and din’t.”

• "I have a ways to go" should be "I have a way to go."

• The “t” in the word “often” is silent. You will find both pronunciations in the dictionary but in the United States; the silent “t” version is preferred. It’s “off-en” not “off- ten”.

• The word is regardless, not irregardless.

• This is important for all pageant girls to know. The word is “jewelry” (jewel- ree) not “jew-ler-ee”. No extra syllable.

• It is “with” not “wit”.

• It is “that” not “dat”.

• “Ask” me something but don’t “ax” me. Pronounce that “s”

• Say all the consonants in the word “important”. I’m going to have a hard time taking you seriously if you say the word “im-poor-unt”.

• Do say “across”, don’t say “acrossed”.

• The place where we borrow books is the “library” not the “ly-berry.”

 

• ESCAPE / ESPRESSO / ET CETERA

           • Incorrect pronunciation: ex – cape / ex – presso / ex – set – err – uh 
           • Correct pronunciation: ess – cape / ess – presso / ett – set – err – uh

 

• FOR ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES
  • Incorrect pronunciation: “for all intensive purposes”
  • Correct pronunciation: “for all intents and purposes”

 

• SHERBET
  • Incorrect pronunciation: sherr – berrt
  • Correct pronunciation: sherr – bet

 

Here is a list of other commonly mispronounced words.
http://www.alphadictionary.com/articles/mispronounced_words.html

WTP Take The Stage Training DVD

The Winning Through Pageantry Take The Stage™ training DVD is a must have training tool for natural beauty pageants. The depth of information shared in this video will further polish your on stage presence.

Remember, the judges cast their final vote when you are on stage in your evening gown. Your overall stage presence and appearance will determine your final placement.

In this 60-minute DVD, you will learn:

• proper posture and alignment,
• foot positioning,
• timing of your turns,
• multiple walking patterns,
• stage presence,
• microphone etiquette,
• Numerous tips as Rhonda demonstrates all of these techniques.

The modeling style taught in this video will work for those contestants competing in the following natural pageant systems:

• Miss American Coed (MAC),
• National American Miss (NaMiss),
• Miss America,
• America's Outstanding Teen,
• Miss Teen USA,
• Miss USA,
• Mrs. America,
• Mrs. United States,
• Teen, Miss and Mrs. International,
• America's National Teenager (Antso),
• Any of the numerous systems that follow the standards of a natural pageant.

Contestants who are brand new to pageantry or have done a couple pageants in the past; and those who do not have pageant preparation resources close to them will benefit most from this DVD. Even if you feel confident in your modeling skills, the numerous tips shared in this DVD will take your onstage presence to the next level.
Please allow up to 14 days to receive your DVD. This is being shipped from a separate vendor. The DVD is readable in all countries around the world but should you receive a defective DVD, a replacement one will be sent.

Rhonda Shappert, is both an iPEC and ICF certified expert pageant coach. In addition to holding multiple titles herself, her clients have won titles at local, state, national and internationals pageants. Her award winning newsletter is received weekly by thousands internationally. She has helped her clients win local, state, national and international titles.

With over 30 years experience in the pageant industry as a contestant, titleholder, judge, emcee, staff member, coach and mother of daughters who compete, there isn't an area of pageantry she doesn't fully understand.

$27 (+ $7 S&H)

The WTP Interview Card (Set of 12)

What kind of questions will the judges ask me in interview?
What if I don't have an answer?

The ability to answer questions about you, your family, platform, goals, community and pop culture in a clear way is an important life skill. The more practice you have in conversing with people, the better your speaking skills will become.
Over 1000 contestants from ages 7 to 80 around the world have used these cards and reported back to me that they were confident and prepared for their pageant interview. Many of my clients receive the highest interview scores.
As a contestant and judge, these are real questions that I have asked, been asked, or heard other judges ask in the interview room. I know they are effective and relevant because my clients and pageant family on Facebook have told me several times that they have experienced other pageant coaches and judges using my cards. By the way, I take this as a compliment, not a threat :).
Outstanding features of this 12 card set includes:</ p>

• Over 200 questions covering 12 diverse subjects. Each card has questions dedicated to one topic. For example, there are 56 questions on the "favorites" card.
• The back side is blank so you can jot down your ideas for answers.
• Being the size of a recipe card, they are easy to carry and you can practice anywhere.

$25.00

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).

She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®.

She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.

Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three has been married 23 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com.

 

There are goals and then there are S.M.A.R.T. goals. If you want real results, then make the S.M.A.R.T. decision right now and get started. Today is a new beginning for you. Let go of the excuses, fear, complaints, anger, envy, and frustration of the past.

What is it that you want to accomplish this year? If entering a pageant or two is one of your goals, then you need to start preparing now. If you’re not competing in a pageant this year, then what three things do you want to look back on next December and say with great pride “I did that”? Write them down.
Not later. Right now.

When it comes to pageantry, there are three different phases of goal setting and achievement. It’s important to begin with the end in mind. Focus on what you ultimately want to do with the opportunity when you win the title.

If you don’t have a clear plan as to what you want to do BEFORE you win the crown, you will lose valuable time and all you’ll have from your year is a piece of metal that now requires dusting. Don’t think your director, or anyone else is going to make things happen for you. It is up to you.

The first set of goals revolves around the logistics of preparing for the pageant.
The second set of SMART goals will be what you will do when you win the title.
The third focuses on what you will do when the experience is over.

So if you didn’t win the title this time, what’s next? If you won the crown or are a current title holder, what are you going to do with the rest of this opportunity? Perhaps you just crowned the next queen, and you’re going through an identity crisis or slight depression because you don’t have your next steps planned out.S.M.A.R.T. goals can help you.

Here are what S.M.A.R.T. goals are:

S- Specific. The details of what, how and why are completely covered. The big picture is broken down into bite sized pieces. What is the very first step you need to take?

M-Measurable. How are you going to measure your results? Be concrete, detailed and specific. For example, let’s use the over used New Year’s Resolution about losing weight. Do you REALLY just want to lose scale weight? Or is it more about firming up and going down two pant sizes? Muscle weighs more than fat, but muscle is smaller, solid and compact. What is it you really want the end results to be? If it’s to lose inches and firm up, then taking your measurements is going to be a better way to track your results than stepping onto the scale.

A-Achievable. Is your goal realistic? Do you really believe you can do it? Be honest. You’re not going to do anything if in your heart you truly don’t believe it is possible.

R-Reasonable. Is your goal do-able? How realistic is it for you to accomplish it at this time in your time?

T-Timely. Give yourself a deadline. When I look at my calendar “someday” and “soon” are not one of the days of the week or the months.

Here is the most important element that will determine your results and success.

You need to find someone BESIDES yourself to hold you accountable to your SMART goals. This is the number one reason why people hire coaches and mentors. Great coaches not only help you create your plan; but they hold you accountable through the process so you take the ACTION you say you’re going to do.

I totally believe that the Divine power of God and the coaching process can help you accomplish your great commission on this earth. Your first step is to dare to believe in yourself the way our Heavenly Father believes in you.

Dare To Believe

Everybody knows:
You can’t be all things to all people.
You can’t do all things at once.
You can’t do all things equally well.
You can’t do all things better than everyone else.
Your humanity is showing just like everyone else’s.

So:
You have to find out who you are, and be that.
You have to decide what comes first, and do that.
You have to discover your strengths, and use them.
You have to learn not to compete with others,
Because no one else is in the contest of “being you.”

Then:
You will have learned to accept your own uniqueness.
You will have learned to set priorities and make decisions.
You will have learned to give yourself the respect that is due.
And you’ll be a most vital mortal.

Dare To Believe:
That you are a wonderful, unique person.
That you are a once-in-all-history event.
That it’s more than a right, it’s your duty, to be who you are.
That life is not a problem to solve, but a gift to cherish.
And you’ll be able to stay one up on what used to get you down.
Author Unknown

 

WTP Take The Stage Training DVD

The Winning Through Pageantry Take The Stage™training DVD is a must have training tool for natural beauty pageants. The depth of information shared in this video will further polish your on stage presence.

Remember, the judges cast their final vote when you are on stage in your evening gown. Your overall stage presence and appearance will determine your final placement.

In this 60-minute DVD, you will learn:

• proper posture and alignment,
• foot positioning,
• timing of your turns,
• multiple walking patterns,
• stage presence,
• microphone etiquette,
• Numerous tips as Rhonda demonstrates all of these techniques.

 

The modeling style taught in this video will work for those contestants competing in the following natural pageant systems:

• Miss American Coed (MAC),
• National American Miss (NaMiss),
• Miss America,
• America's Outstanding Teen,
• Miss Teen USA,
• Miss USA,
• Mrs. America,
• Mrs. United States,
• Teen, Miss and Mrs. International,
• America's National Teenager (Antso),
• Any of the numerous systems that follow the standards of a natural pageant.

 

Contestants who are brand new to pageantry or have done a couple pageants in the past; and those who do not have pageant preparation resources close to them will benefit most from this DVD. Even if you feel confident in your modeling skills, the numerous tips shared in this DVD will take your onstage presence to the next level.

Please allow up to 14 days to receive your DVD. This is being shipped from a separate vendor. The DVD is readable in all countries around the world but should you receive a defective DVD, a replacement one will be sent.

Rhonda Shappert, is both an iPEC and ICF certified expert pageant coach. In addition to holding multiple titles herself, her clients have won titles at local, state, national and internationals pageants. Her award winning newsletter is received weekly by thousands internationally. She has helped her clients win local, state, national and international titles.

With over 30 years experience in the pageant industry as a contestant, titleholder, judge, emcee, staff member, coach and mother of daughters who compete, there isn't an area of pageantry she doesn't fully understand.

$27 (+ $7 S&H)

The WTP Interview Card (Set of 12)

What kind of questions will the judges ask me in interview?
What if I don't have an answer?

The ability to answer questions about you, your family, platform, goals, community and pop culture in a clear way is an important life skill. The more practice you have in conversing with people, the better your speaking skills will become.

Over 1000 contestants from ages 7 to 80 around the world have used these cards and reported back to me that they were confident and prepared for their pageant interview. Many of my clients receive the highest interview scores.

As a contestant and judge, these are real questions that I have asked, been asked, or heard other judges ask in the interview room. I know they are effective and relevant because my clients and pageant family on Facebook have told me several times that they have experienced other pageant coaches and judges using my cards. By the way, I take this as a compliment, not a threat :).
Outstanding features of this 12 card set includes:

• Over 200 questions covering 12 diverse subjects. Each card has questions dedicated to one topic. For example, there are 56 questions on the "favorites" card.
• The back side is blank so you can jot down your ideas for answers.
• Being the size of a recipe card, they are easy to carry and you can practice anywhere.

$25.00

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).

She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®.

She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.

Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 22 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com.

2011 Christmas Special for the Pageant Princess or Queen in your life for $59 (+$12 S&H). A $89 value when purchased separately

In the spirit of Christmas and to celebrate the launch of my new 60 minute training DVD, Take The Stage, I am offering the 60 minute training DVD, the Pageant Planner and a set of 12 interview cards for $59 (+$12 S&H) until December 31. Individually, these items would cost $89.

This is an affordable training kit for the pageant princess or queen in your life.

 

The WTP Take The Stage Training DVD

The Winning Through Pageantry Take The Stage™training DVD is a must have training tool for natural beauty pageants. The depth of information shared in this video will further polish your on stage presence.

Remember, the judges cast their final vote when you are on stage in your evening gown. Your overall stage presence and appearance will determine your final placement.

In this 60-minute DVD, you will learn:

• proper posture and alignment,
• foot positioning,
• timing of your turns,
• multiple walking patterns,
• stage presence,
• microphone etiquette,
• Numerous tips as Rhonda demonstrates all of these techniques.

 

The modeling style taught in this video will work for those contestants competing in the following natural pageant systems:

• Miss American Coed (MAC),
• National American Miss (NaMiss),
• Miss America,
• America's Outstanding Teen,
• Miss Teen USA,
• Miss USA,
• Mrs. America,
• Mrs. United States,
• Teen, Miss and Mrs. International,
• America's National Teenager (Antso),
• Any of the numerous systems that follow the standards of a natural pageant.

 

Contestants who are brand new to pageantry or have done a couple pageants in the past; and those who do not have pageant preparation resources close to them will benefit most from this DVD. Even if you feel confident in your modeling skills, the numerous tips shared in this DVD will take your onstage presence to the next level.

Rhonda Shappert, is both an iPEC and ICF certified expert pageant coach. In addition to holding multiple titles herself, her clients have won titles at local, state, national and internationals pageants. Her award winning newsletter is received weekly by thousands internationally. She has helped her clients win local, state, national and international titles.

With over 30 years experience in the pageant industry as a contestant, titleholder, judge, emcee, staff member, coach and mother of daughters who compete, there isn't an area of pageantry she doesn't fully understand.

 

The WTP Pageant Planner

The Winning Through Pageantry Pageant Planner from Holdon contains organizational pages for logging and tracking 100 pageant related events. Each form records Event Details, Contact Info, Event Expenses, and Post-Event Info. There is also an Income Management Section to record payment details.
Now logging & tracking your pageant-related event details is easy!

• High-quality product
• 8.5" x 11"
• Finished coil-bound spine
• Vinyl front and back covers for durability

What's Inside...
Contact Page

• Your contact information
• Important pageant contacts (i.e. - coach, director, salon, etc.)
• Other contact information

Live Performance Forms

• Logging & tracking forms to track up to 100 pageant-related events (i.e. - consultations, media events, autograph signings, etc.)
• Log event requirements (i.e. - crown & banner, opening number wardrobe, script, etc.)
• Record all of your event expenses and mileage for tax purposes
• Post Event area (i.e. - what you wore, who you met, guests, etc.)

Income & Reimbursement Management
Record income & reimbursement details (Pageant/Event Name, Event Date, Payment, etc.)

Pageant Target List
Target Pageants, know special requirements, competition, categories, entry fees, etc.

Pageant Contacts
A section dedicated to Pageant Industry professionals you wish to keep in contact with

Notes Section

• Keep your notes handy and accessible
• Add any thoughts, suggestions or ideas

Calendar Section

• 12-month, day-by-day, fill-in calendar section (non-time sensitive, fill-in as you go)
• 24-month quick-view calendar section

Storage Pockets

• Promo Material Pocket to hold self-promotional material that you can pass around (i.e. - promo postcards, headshots, flyers, etc.)
• Notes Pocket to store any speeches, top-5 question notes, etc.

 

The WTP Interview Card Set

What kind of questions will the judges ask me in interview?
What if I don't have an answer?

The ability to answer questions about you, your family, platform, goals, community and pop culture in a clear way is an important life skill. The more practice you have in conversing with people, the better your speaking skills will become.
Over 1000 contestants from ages 7 to 80 around the world have used these cards and reported back to me that they were confident and prepared for their pageant interview. Many of my clients receive the highest interview scores.
As a contestant and judge, these are real questions that I have asked, been asked, or heard other judges ask in the interview room. I know they are effective and relevant because my clients and pageant family on Facebook have told me several times that they have experienced other pageant coaches and judges using my cards. By the way, I take this as a compliment, not a threat :).
Outstanding features of this 12 card set includes:</ p>

• Over 200 questions covering 12 diverse subjects. Each card has questions dedicated to one topic. For example, there are 56 questions on the "favorites" card.
• The back side is blank so you can jot down your ideas for answers.
• Being the size of a recipe card, they are easy to carry and you can practice anywhere.
  The DVD will arrive separately from the planner and the interview cards. With the holiday mail delivery, please allow up to 14 days for delivery.

$89 $59 (+$12 S&H) until
December 31st or
while supplies last

This week I chose to feature a new pageant system that will be debuting May 3-5, 2013 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Dublin, Ohio. I interviewed pageant director, Theresa Bucklew about her new system.

Age Divisions based on the age
as of January 1, 2013:

• Princess 3-5 yrs.
• Sweetheart 6-8 yrs.
• Pre-Teen 9-12 yrs.
• Jr. Teen 13-15 yrs.
• Teen 16-18 yrs.
• Miss 19-24 yrs. (Married or unmarried)
• Ms. 25 & Up (Married or unmarried)

Scoring:
http://americanroyalbeauties.com/american-royal-beauties-scoring.html

• Escorted* Formal Eveningwear competition 30%
• Interview with Judges 30%
• Personal Introduction 30%
• Community Service 10%
• Optional competitions will be scored on a range from 1-10
• The contestants will not be re-ranked at the finale unless there is a tie.
• The highest score will win the pageant.

*If you don’t have an escort for the competition please let one of the staff members know during rehearsal and we will provide you with an escort for the competition
*Every contestant will receive a beautiful participation trophy on stage

Tell me about your pageant background and experience?

I have been a heavily involved member of the pageant community for over 22 years now. My daughter competed in her first natural pageant at 18 months. We have been hooked since our very first pageant! Over the years, I have gained experience as a judge, director, and my favorite experience was being a “Pageant Mom” and making my own set of pageant friends!

What made you decide to start your own pageant system?

I love everything pageantry stands for, and truly believe it can change young women and girls’ lives. I am reminded of this every day I see my daughter, and remember what a shy little girl she was growing up. Now, she is outspoken, and a leader in her community. Of course, I would like to take all the credit ? - but I do know a lot of that is a result of what she learned through pageants. I have wanted to start my own system for over five years now. With my youngest son preparing to graduate from high school, I now have the proper time to dedicate to American Royal Beauties. I wanted to make sure my system, its queens, and my contestants got as much time, detail and attention put into them as possible, so everyone involved will leave with a great experience after pageant weekend.

What qualities are you looking for in your queens?

An American Royal Beauties Queen needs be a positive young woman who will excel in academics, be active in their communities through service events, and an excellent future leader of tomorrow. She will carry herself with grace, have positive morals, and overall, be a glamorous girl that others can look to as a role model. Our Queens, throughout their reign will promote our Motto “Pass It On,” which asks our ladies to do a good deed, in turn, inspiring others around them to also do a good deed for another, and continuing to, “Pass it on”. Our Queens will be asked to do at least six parades or community service projects together, and they will be asked to promote American Royal Beauties as much as they can. We do not have “no compete” restriction, so our queens may also compete and hold titles with other pageant systems.

What is your long term vision for your pageant system?

I hope that girls will enjoy my system, and long term, hope to witness my efforts unfold into a national pageant.

What sets your pageant apart from the other pageants out there?

We are looking to build not only individual skills for these girls to use the rest of their lives, but also are looking to create lasting friendships! We hope that by focusing a little more on community involvement, we can get youth interested in giving back to the communities or organizations that mean something to them. We also hope to bring class and glamour back into style. American Royal Beauties want our girls to feel as beautiful on the inside as they all are on the outside.

Is your first pageant just for Ohio residents, or can contestants from other states compete?

Our first pageant will be for Ohio residents only. Contestants who live out of state, but have proof on an Ohio residence may also compete.

What do you want people to know about you or the pageant system?

We are working hard to make sure the American Royal Beauties Pageant will be a fun and exciting experience for all of our girls! We are offering more optional competitions, as well as keeping the entry fee and other costs as low as possible! Pageant weekend will take place at the beautiful Embassy Suites Hotel in Dublin, Ohio, that has suites for everyone discounted. Everyone staying at the hotel will get a full service breakfast every morning, and cocktails and hors d'oeuvres every evening. I am allowing everyone to make payments up until three weeks before pageant weekend. Our official American Royal Beauties’ crowns are very distinct, and our sashes are stylish silver, accented with hot pink trim.

Vendors will be present in the atrium during pageant weekend also. All of the vendors will be affiliated with pageantry. Our first pageant will be held in 2013! Giving our contestants plenty of time to prepare, get involved in the communities, gather potential sponsors to compete, and will also allow us more time to come up with even more exciting events to hold during or around pageant weekend! We hope to see you on our stage May 3-5, 2013!

http://americanroyalbeauties.com

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).

She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®.
She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.

Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 22 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com.

 

Today, December 6th, is the Feast of St. Nicholas. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and thus became the model for Santa Claus.

The obvious recipients of our gift giving efforts this month are our children, family and friends. But why stop there?

As a family, go serve a meal at a soup kitchen. If your children have never been to a nursing home, make some homemade cards and cookies and go visit the elderly who wait for people to come visit them. Better yet, if your family is musically inclined work up some Christmas carols and sing for them. There are veterans in hospitals who would love nothing more than to see a friendly warm smile enter the room.

Here’s a radical suggestion. Instead of multiple gifts under the tree for each family member, buy one gift for each person (or set a price limit) and use the money you would have spent to buy food and gifts for people who have very little this season. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said “Self-sacrifice is the real miracle out of which all the reported miracles grow.”

If you are a titleholder, there are numerous opportunities for you to give of your time and talents to reach out to people in your community. When the public sees queens being of service, those actions are what begin to break down the myths of pageant girls being superficial. Crown or no crown. Get involved and be the “secret Santa” in your community. By the way, the word Santa comes from the Latin word Sanctus which means saintly or holy.

Happy Feast of St. Nicholas Day. Embrace the joy of giving and I leave you with a sweet little poem.

Santa's Christmas Prayer
By Warren D. Jennings

The sleigh was packed,
the reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt
by the side of the bed.

"Dear Father," he prayed
"Be with me tonight.
There's much work to do
and my schedule is tight.

I must jump in my sleigh
and streak through the sky,
Knowing full well
that a reindeer can't fly.

I will visit each household
before the first light,
I'll cover the world
and all in one night.

With sleigh bells a-ringing,
I'll land on each roof,
Amid the soft clatter
of each little hoof.

To get in the house
is the difficult part,
So I'll slide down the chimney
of each little heart.

My sack will hold toys
to grant all their wishes.
The supply will be endless
like the loaves and the fishes.

I will fill all the stockings
and not leave a track.
I'll eat every cookie
that's left for my snack.

I can do all these things Lord,
only through You,
I just need your blessing,
then it's easy to do.

All this is to honor
the birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us,
Your most Holy Son.

So to all of my friends,
lest Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them,
who gave me this job."

INTERVIEW CARD

The ability to answer questions about you, your purpose, current events, and controversial topics in a clear way is an important life skill. The more you practice, the better you will get. This handy interview card is a great way to practice with a partner or to use by yourself.
The Beginning 10 Questions are the staple interview questions everyone must know the answers in an interview. Now preparing for your interview is easy and for a limited time FREE.

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).
She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®.
She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.
Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 22 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com.

 

Your expectations lay the groundwork for how positive your national pageant experience will be. Today I share 5 tips that will help you at your national pageant.

• Get plenty of rest before you leave for the pageant. The schedule is packed and you will get very little sleep at the pageant. Any FUN events should be done either before or after the actual competition. Once the competition schedule begins, it’s WORK time. If the whole family goes, get them their own room or have something for them to do off site so you can get ready in your own space. Pageants are VERY stressful. When there are too many people under foot, drama will happen.

• The most positive and ideal situation is to have only ONE of your children compete at a time. All three of my daughters competed at the MAC national pageant last week and I will never do all three at the same time again. It’s too overwhelming and not enjoyable. I’ve now done all combinations at all levels of competition and I can firmly say that one at a time is the best way to go.

• You will need support a team. Surround yourself with people who work well under pressure, keep you in a positive state of mind, and who are punctual, detail oriented and organized. Know your weaknesses and enlist the help of those who have the strengths you need to keep things moving in the right direction. Avoid situations and people who push your buttons. The more self reliant you are, the better; but you can’t do everything alone.

• Expect the unexpected. Expect to be surprised by people’s behavior and who shows up at the national competition. If you know ahead of time that someone or something will catch you off guard, you’ll be expecting it.

• Expect to feel every human emotion possible during pageant week. The key is not to let the feelings define who you are or paralyze you. If an emotion is taking you to a negative place, you need to have a plan as to how you can flip the situation quickly. This might mean physically leaving the situation or mentally escaping to your “happy” place.

To all of you who have worked with me one-on-one, attended my boot camps, received my interview cards and used the abundant information I freely give in my newsletters, I congratulate each and every one of you on your accomplishments this past week at the national MAC and NAM pageants.

My focus has and always will be on the positive growth process leading up to the pageant. What you have learned in that process is applied not only to the pageant; but in your life after the crowning moment.

It takes a whole team of people to help you succeed; but at the end of the pageant, it is YOU who has won the honor—not your stylist nor one of your many coaches. YOU.

But remember to give proper credit where credit is due, be humble in your attitude, and be respectful in your words and actions. Forget no one who has helped you along the way.

 

“The more credit you give away, the more will come back to you. The more you help others, the more they will want to help you.” Brian Tracy

 

 

Request my free special report, 10 Insider Secrets to Winning, and receive my free award winning newsletter weekly. Just click here to GET YOUR FREE REPORT.Then fill out your name and email address in the boxes.

INTERVIEW CARD

The ability to answer questions about you, your purpose, current events, and controversial topics in a clear way is an important life skill. The more you practice, the better you will get. This handy interview card is a great way to practice with a partner or to use by yourself.
The Beginning 10 Questions are the staple interview questions everyone must know the answers in an interview. Now preparing for your interview is easy and for a limited time FREE.

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).

She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®.

She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.

Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 22 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music.  For more information on Rhonda, visit  www.WinningThroughPageantry.com .

 

It’s perfectly normal to feel blue when certain events and chapters of your life come to an end. Whether it is people coming into and moving out of your life, or events you have long prepared for come to an end, there is going to be a period of time when you feel let down and you ask yourself “what now?” This feeling is especially common at the end of a pageant and when a queen passes on her title to a new person.

The first thing you need to realize is that the feeling of loss is a natural part of the healing and growth process. Don’t try to skip it or devalue it. It’s important for you to take your time and fully go through it. Recognize the emptiness you are feeling and embrace it for a short time. Take the time to reflect on your memories so you feel like you have had closure. Look at photos, hold trinkets, and read old letters. Do whatever it is you are feeling led to do. Here are a couple questions to think about while you are in this reflective period of time:

 

• What was it about the experience that I enjoyed most?
• Whose life did I make a difference in the most?
• What did you like the least about this experience?
• How could you have made more of the situation?
• Where would I spend less of my time and energy on if I could do it again?
• Where would I spend more of my time?
• How can I take what I have learned and continue with it?

 

Using my own personal life as an example, when I felt the pageant “blues”, they usually lasted from one day to a week depending on the level of the pageant I was competing in and how long my preparation time was leading up to it. Certain situations that happened at the pageant would also affect the intensity of my feelings. Controversy and conflict always took more time for me to process than a well run system. That’s why I said up to a week. During this time, I was in complete low maintenance mode- no hair styling, no makeup, no high heels, no working out and I ate everything I wanted.

I just needed that “me” time to decompress and feel bad. Yes, you heard me right. I gave myself permission to feel bad; and if you need someone else’s permission, I give you my permission to feel bad, too. It’s alright to feel sad.

The key is not to stay stuck in the dark. Just like a beautiful garden flower must die in order to produce multiple seeds for new flowers, the beautiful moments of our life must also come to an end so that the “seeds” can be planted and new opportunities present themselves. You won’t know at the time which seeds will grow and which ones will remain dormant. Just believe that every seed serves its purpose and at its perfect time.

You must keep moving forward. Take time to reflect, and then take action. This week, we had to have our dog who was 16 ½ years old put to sleep. I lost my dad to cancer 6 months ago and my dog in the same way - with me holding on to both of them at the end. It has been a week of sadness and reflection; but now it is time to move on. In my life I have learned that the end is never the end. Instead, endings are gateways to new beginnings which are filled with hope, opportunities and promise. I’m sending my deepest blessings to you today and always.

Request my free special report, 10 Insider Secrets to Winning, and receive my free award winning newsletter weekly. Just click here to GET YOUR FREE REPORT.Then fill out your name and email address in the boxes.

 

INTERVIEW CARD

The ability to answer questions about you, your purpose, current events, and controversial topics in a clear way is an important life skill. The more you practice, the better you will get. This handy interview card is a great way to practice with a partner or to use by yourself.
The Beginning 10 Questions are the staple interview questions everyone must know the answers in an interview. Now preparing for your interview is easy and for a limited time FREE.

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).

She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®.

She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.

Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 22 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music.  For more information on Rhonda, visit  www.WinningThroughPageantry.com .

At some point in your pageant experience, you are going to be asked questions about politics. A contestant’s level of ignorance (the condition of being uneducated, unaware, or uninformed) is quickly revealed based on her answers about general politics and government.

Having been an elected member of council, former mayor of my community, and a current school board member, I have learned a lot about politics in the past 13 years. I’m not an expert, but I know and understand how government works. I also know where to go and what to do if I feel a social ill needs to be changed. The system no longer intimidates me nor do the people holding elected offices. I respect their authority; but I am not intimidated as I once was in my youth.

I understand why people think it is complicated and don’t want to get involved. Growing up I had no interest in politics. I didn’t understand politics, I had no idea of how the governing process affected me, and it wasn’t a topic talked about in my home. Plus, I always had the impression that it was a “guy” thing. Oh my, I shudder at even saying that.

The switch came almost 15 years ago when a housing development issue happened in my town and I needed to get involved. There will come a time in your live when something will happen to you, your family or community where you will need to understand how our government works in order to have something corrected. Start now by educating yourself on the basics and work your way up.
The way to educate yourself is to become familiar with the basic vocabulary used in politics and certain fundamental laws in your state.

Become very familiar with the Sunshine Law, or Open Meetings and Public Records Act, within your state- just search those words online. This law explains how meetings are open to the public, how to request public records, and other very important topics regarding meetings and records. Violation of this law may render a law invalid along with other legal ramifications. Also check with your state Municipal League for educational materials and Google your state’s Codified Law, or Revised Code. Again, I am not an attorney but rather a very informed citizen and former public official.

It’s important to note that government was set up with a system of checks and balances so no one branch of government goes on an ego trip thinking they have more power than they actually do…LOL.

All branches are intended to be of equal importance. The different governing powers are split up amongst the three branches- executive, legislative and judicial.
The national level of our legislative body is called Congress and is made up of the House of Representative (called Congressmen) and the Senate (called Senators). Both make laws.

Our country is politically divided and subdivided. Realize that every division and subdivision has its own set of laws. Don’t assume what is law in one state or town is going to be the same in another. I’m going to use Ohio as an example to illustrate the dividing. Below is a photo of how Ohio is divided into the 88 counties.

 

States are divided into counties. Counties are divided into townships. Within townships, there are incorporated municipalities of towns and cities, and rural farmland areas which are unincorporated. Every piece of land in the United States falls under someone’s authority. It’s important for you to know which governing authorities control the law making processes where you live and provide services to you. Each level of government is responsible for different types of services and have specific law making authority. This is a photo of how Pickaway County is divided into the fifteen townships.

In a township, the Board of Trustees is the governing body. This would include the rural, farming areas and the towns and cities within the township. So if the your farm road needs more gravel or pavement, that is an issue for your Trustees.

In municipalities, you’ll either be a town or village based on the population. Towns and villages have smaller populations. Every state has a different scale but towns and villages generally have populations under 5000 people. Cities are usually over 5000 people. There are different governing laws for towns/villages than for cities, so you have to know which one your municipality is.

Here is a very general explanation of the different levels of government and what they do.

National Level

• Legislative Branch - Congress which is made up of the House and the Senate. They make the laws.
• Judicial Branch - Supreme Court Judges interpret the meaning of the constitution and national laws.
• Executive Branch - The President is the head of the executive branch and puts the laws passed by Congress into action and enforces them. He does this will the help of his cabinet, which the President selects. Some positions need the approval of Congress.

State Level

• Legislative Branch - The Legislature is made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate. They make the laws.
• Judicial Branch - State Supreme Court Judges interprets the meaning of the state laws.
• Executive - The Governor is the head of the executive branch at the state level. He puts the laws passed by the legislature into action and enforces them. He does this will the help of his cabinet.

County Level

• The County Commissioners are the governing body for the county.
• Judicial Branch - The county courts interpret county wide laws.

Township Level

• The Board of Trustees govern within the township.

 

Local Municipalities

• Legislative Branch - The Council makes the laws within a town or city.
• Executive Branch – The Mayor is the head of the local executive branch and the responsibilities are to put the ordinances (local laws) passed by the council into action and enforce them.
• Judicial Branch - Mayor’s Court interprets and upholds local ordinances (laws).

 

So why is it important to understand the division of power in our government? Because every time I’m judging a pageant and a contestant answers the question “If I were President (or insert the word Governor, or Mayor) of my area, I would make a law to …” I role my eyes because these offices do not make the law. Same goes if they say they want to be a judge because they feel it’s important to make laws to keep the criminals off the streets. Sigh… honorable intention, but judges DO NOT make laws, they interpret the meaning of the laws.

And that concludes my politics 101 class for today. I hope that helps. Maybe I should have done a clever You Tube clip in the theme of Schoolhouse Rock to share my thoughts…LOL. Hmmm, now there’s a thought.

Request my free special report, 10 Insider Secrets to Winning, and receive my free award winning newsletter weekly. Just click here to GET YOUR FREE REPORT.Then fill out your name and email address in the boxes.

INTERVIEW CARD

The ability to answer questions about you, your purpose, current events, and controversial topics in a clear way is an important life skill. The more you practice, the better you will get. This handy interview card is a great way to practice with a partner or to use by yourself.
The Beginning 10 Questions are the staple interview questions everyone must know the answers in an interview. Now preparing for your interview is easy and for a limited time FREE.

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).

She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®.

She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.

Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 22 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music.  For more information on Rhonda, visit  www.WinningThroughPageantry.com .

One of the most common comments you may receive after your pageant interview is that you sounded too rehearsed. The judges can say this in a number of different ways including the words “sounded too coached, memorized, programmed, stiff, fake, pageanty, formal, intellectual, nervous” and the list goes on. It boils down to the fact that you didn’t speak WITH the judges, but rather TO them.

The interview must be a conversation. A good conversation requires listening and speaking by both parties. Notice, I did not use the word “telling”. Telling is when you are focused on you. When you are truly listening to the other person, you are turning your attention from yourself and focusing on them. That’s when the conversation becomes magical and you will connect with the judges.

Here are 5 common mistakes that I see when I am judging a pageant or working with a client on interview.

• Being a copy cat. If you are imitating someone else’s style, using their words, or copying their information, you will come across as fake. You must take time to explore and reflect on who YOU ARE and expressing yourself.

• Thinking instead of feeling. In other words, speaking from your head and not your heart will back fire on you. Don’t waste your time trying to figure out what the judges are looking for or coming up with answers you think will sound impressive and great. Stop thinking. People connect with you when they “feel” something, not “think” something. Speak from your heart.

• Focusing on the words and not your message. Do you to remember why you hated history class in school? It was a class filled with too many facts, quotes, or words that didn’t mean anything to you. Focus on sharing your message instead being the next Jeopardy contestant. You do need to know your facts. It’s the way your present the facts that make the difference between being real and fake.

• Failing to prepare- Never memorize interview answers word for word. Even if you have been asked the same question 5 times before, when you answer the question your answer must sound like it is the first time you are answering it. This takes time and practice to develop. And the answer is no if you are thinking that you’ll sound more natural by not practicing and you’ll just winging it.

• Letting your thoughts and nerves control you. You need to be aware of your internal dialogue at all times. It can be both your best friend and worst enemy. Same thing goes for your nerves. You need to learn how to quickly relax when you get stressed.

If you can work on these 5 areas, not only will your interview scores go up; but you will become a better communicator and the quality of your relationships will increase in life beyond the pageant.

Request my free special report, 10 Insider Secrets to Winning, and receive my free award winning newsletter weekly. Just click here to GET YOUR FREE REPORT.Then fill out your name and email address in the boxes.

INTERVIEW CARD

The ability to answer questions about you, your purpose, current events, and controversial topics in a clear way is an important life skill. The more you practice, the better you will get. This handy interview card is a great way to practice with a partner or to use by yourself.
The Beginning 10 Questions are the staple interview questions everyone must know the answers in an interview. Now preparing for your interview is easy and for a limited time FREE.

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).

She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®.

She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.

Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 22 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music.  For more information on Rhonda, visit  www.WinningThroughPageantry.com .

 

As a titleholder, you will participate in many parades. Here are a few survival skills I have picked up over the years that will help make it as enjoyable as possible.

• Contact the organizers weeks to months ahead of the event.  Every parade has different rules as to who may participate and the type of vehicle that may be driven through the parade route. Assume nothing. Always ask questions for clarification. Some parades have very strict rules about NOT handing anything out along the parade route or throwing things from your vehicle.

• Have cling signs with your name and title made shortly after your crowning. Never use any type of tape on your car, not even one time. It’ll ruin the paint. Posters written with markers will run and make a mess in the rain. Magnetic signs are great IF you have a car that has enough steel in it for the signs to stick. The cling ones, for about $20, are the best option. They safely go on the side of any vehicle without damage and are reusable. A good size for your sign is 9” x 24”. Anything smaller than this size people won’t be able to read.

• Arrive hours before the actual parade time. Traffic, parking your car and finding your float or vehicle will consume most of your time. If it’s just you, not a court of people, it is best to meet your driver at a location and ride to the parade route together. There is nothing more frustrating that trying to find people in a sea of thousands.

• Print out maps, instructions, directions, contact information and anything else you will need for the parade. Don’t depend on your cell phone. You may not get a signal. I always bring a set of Motorola walkie talkies in addition to our cell phones.

• Dress in layers, bring umbrellas, gloves, earmuffs, camera, business cards, pageant brochures, flashlights, foot warmers, hand warmers, sunglasses, cash, bottled water, lap blanket, cream colored bathroom rug (it has the grip stuff on the bottom so you won’t slid off the hood of your car) a portable chair, snacks, hand wipes, small packet of tissues (for when the port potties run out )and know where your car keys are at all times.

• Don’t wear your expense gowns and shoes outside. Keep in mind you will be outside with the sun, wind, rain, and snow for several hours. Floats and cars are dirty and get hot. I always had parade attire aka clothes and shoes I wouldn’t cry about if they got ruined by the elements; and inside appearance clothes. Same thing goes for jewelry or any other accessory you might bring with you.

• Request my free special report, 10 Insider Secrets to Winning, and receive my free award winning newsletter weekly. Just click here to GET YOUR FREE REPORT.Then fill out your name and email address in the boxes.

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INTERVIEW CARD

The ability to answer questions about you, your purpose, current events, and controversial topics in a clear way is an important life skill. The more you practice, the better you will get. This handy interview card is a great way to practice with a partner or to use by yourself.

The Beginning 10 Questions are the staple interview questions everyone must know the answers in an interview. Now preparing for your interview is easy and for a limited time FREE.

 

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).

She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®.

She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.

Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 22 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music.  For more information on Rhonda, visit  www.WinningThroughPageantry.com .