The Miss Berea Area Scholarship Organization is pleased to announce that they will be holding an additional local preliminary pageant for Little Miss, Pre-Teen and Outstanding Teen divisions.  The Southern Madison Pageant will be held on Sunday, February 12th, at Silver Creek Elementary School (75 Old US 25 North) in Berea.    For more information and application information please visit the following web pages:   Little Miss & Pre-Teen - http://new.missbereaarea.org/?page_id=228   Outstanding Teen - http://new.missbereaarea.org/?page_id=213   The pageant hopes to be able to award more than one title in the Outstanding Teen division but this will depend on the number of entries received.  If sufficient entries are received the pageant would also like to offer one of the teen titles to a contestant who has never won a MKOT preliminary title previously.  Contact pageant director Brenda Upton for more information at missbereaarea@yahoo.com or by phone at 859-200-5548.

Miss University of Kentucky, Ramsey Carpenter, will be participating in the Walk MS 2012 Louisville on Sunday, May 12th, at Waterfront Park in downtown Louisville (129 East River Road) in support of her platform Multiple Sclerosis Awareness. Opening ceremonies for the walk begin at 9:00 AM and the walk will begin at 9:30 AM.    Ramsey's team is called "Miss University of Kentucky" and she is serving as team captain.  If you would like to support her fundraising efforts with a tax-deductible donation by click on the link at the bottom of this article. If you prefer, you can send your contribution to the address listed below. Once you’ve clicked the link, click on the green(walk MS) icon , then on the left click, donate. Type in the search for team –(Miss University of Kentucky) this will populate her team name as a participant. Click on the team name, Miss University of Kentucky, this will bring you to the donation page.        Any amount, great or small, helps to make a difference in the lives of people with MS. No one knows what causes MS, but spreading awareness gets us closer to finding out. When we know the cause, we can find a cure! The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to creating a world free of MS but they can't do it without everyone's help! MS researchers have made extraordinary progress these last few years searching for a cure and a donation would help support these vital efforts. A donation from you will also help the Kentucky-Southeast Indiana Chapter provide necessary services for the people and their families living with MS.        For more information about the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, how proceeds from Walk MS are used, or the other ways you can get involved in the fight against MS, please visit www.nationalmssociety.org/kyw.      If you have questions for Ramsey you can contact her at (270) 363-0758 or by email at ramsey.carpenter@uky.edu or find her on facebook.

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 teenage, 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 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.

The Miss America Organization is proud to announce that the 2012 Miss America Competition Magazine is now underway and will be the perfect holiday treat for you and your friends! This 2012 special edition, is better than ever!  In addition to the features on our 2012 contestants – it will also include hundreds of photos reflecting on our 90th anniversary, current news about our Miss Americas and highlights of Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan's year of service, and so much more. This is a keepsake you'll treasure for years to come!  This special edition is $20 per magazine (plus shipping), and is the perfect gift of the season.  To get your issue in time for the holidays, please go to http://magazine.missamerica.org

The Miss Monticello Scholarship Organization will be holding a fundraising concert event on Saturday, October 22nd, beginning at 7 PM at the historic Wayne Theater located on Main Street in Monticello.  Tickets are $10.  Click on the poster above to view a larger version and see more details.

Jenna Day Miss Berea Area 2011 and 1st runner-up to Miss Kentucky, Jenna Day, represented our state in the 2011 National Sweetheart Pageant where she placed among the Top 10 Finalists. Sponsored by the Hoopeston (Illinois) Jaycees, the National Sweetheart Pageant is held annually in conjunction with the National Sweetcorn Festival.  It enables the first runners-up from state pageants to compete for a $1,000 scholarship, $500 savings bond and an assortment of prizes.  The pageant also gives them a taste of what Miss America is like on a smaller scale.  Preliminaries will be held on Friday, September 2nd and Saturday, September 3rd, and the final competition will be held on Sunday, September 4th.  There are approximately 35 contestants entered in this year's pageant. The Sweetheart Pageant has been held continuously with state runners-up competing since 1952.  In that time period Kentucky has won the title five times:  Diana Barker (1968), Linda Brownfield (1970), Carolyn Jones (1977), Chera-Lyn Cook (1997) and MacKenzie Mayes (2000).  To date seven Miss Americas have previously participated in the National Sweetheart Pageant.  For more information about the Sweetheart Pageant and Sweetcorn Festival visit: www.hoopestonjaycees.org   CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF JENNA AT THE SWEETHEART PAGEANT

Ann Blair and the prize winning ham Ann Blair helped to raise a significant amount of money for charity during the country ham breakfast at the Kentucky State Fair.  A team from Louisville-based Republic Bank submitted the top bid for this year’s Kentucky State Fair grand champion country ham.  The ham auction is the traditional end of the annual Kentucky Farm Bureau country ham breakfast at the fair. Republic Bank was the top bidder at $600,000 for the nearly 17 pound ham, produced by Broadbent B&B Foods in western Kentucky.  They will now select the charities who will receive the proceeds from the auction.

Miss Kentucky's Outstanding Teen 2011, Erynn Landherr

Best wishes to Miss Kentucky's Outstanding Teen 2011, Erynn Landherr, as she represents our state in the 2011 Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant in Orlando.  Preliminaries will be held August 16 - 18 with the finals occuring on August 20.  The pageant will be held at the Linda Chapin Theatre in the Orange County Convention Center.  For more information on tickets and upcoming events visit:  www.maoteen.org.  If you would like to send a gift or word of encouragement to Erynn you may do so by mail to:   Miss Kentucky's Outstanding Teen Erynn Landherr c/o  Rosen Centre Hotel 9840 International Drive Orlando Florida,   32819-8122   Cards, Gifts, letters, Gift baskets and small items are all acceptable,  but please NO FLOWERS!!

Click here to view the full preliminary line-up

This year's Miss America Contestant Lottery was held recently and Ann Blair was the 19th contestant drawn and she selected #17 in the Sigma Group.  She will compete in private interview the morning of Tuesday, January 10; swimsuit & evening wear on Tuesday night, January 10;  talent on Wednesday night, January 11 and on-stage question on Thursday night, January 12.  The finals will be held on Saturday night, January 14 and will be televised on ABC live beginning at 8 EST.  Good luck Ann Blair!

This year for the first time ever Miss America Tickets will be awarded on a first come/first served basis beginning with order received on August 15th.  In order to receive the best seats possible the Miss Kentucky Organization will be placing their ticket order on August 10th.  If you would like to order your tickets with the state organization you will need to contact Jamie Breeding for a ticket form either by email jamiebreed@aol.com or by calling him at 859-273-4931.  The Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort will once again play host to the Miss America Pageant for 2011. Preliminary competition will be held on January 10, 11 & 12 and the finals will be on Saturday, January 14th broadcast nationwide on ABC.  Tickets will be available for purchase through Ticketmaster in the future and we will keep you posted on that along with information about purchasing a badge to gain entry to visitation, pageant rehearsal and other events.  We hope many people will make plans to attend Miss America to support Ann Blair.

Click to view full size invitation As the 2011 Miss Kentucky Pageant quickly approaches the Miss Kentucky Alumni Association would like to invite everyone to participate in a fund raising event during pageant week.  The first annual Friday Night Mix & Mingle with Miss Kentucky event will be held immediatley following the Friday night preliminary competition and lasting until 11:30 PM at the Helen G. King Alumni House (across Rose Street from the Singletary Center).    The cost is $10 per person, but children under 12 and current contestants will be admitted free of charge.  Food for the event will be provided by Stanley J's Deli and it will be a fun chance to catch up with pageant friends and spend time together following the preliminary competitions.  The location is convenient enough so that you will not have to move your cars after the pageant in order to attend the event and there will be plenty of food to feed your entire family.  Please see the attached invitation with additional details.     Additionally, 75th anniversary commemorative posters will be distributed (while supplies last) and several current and former Miss Kentucky and Miss Kentucky's Outstanding Teen titelholders will be available for autographs and photos.  All proceeds from this event will benefit the Miss Kentucky Alumni Association's Spirit of Miss Kentucky Scholarship Fund.

Shelby Blake & Lindsey Phillips Fashion For A Passion Benefiting The Jordan Light Foundation             Fashion For A Passion was held on Saturday, July 9 in downtown Prestonsburg. Local boutiques Daffodils, Lad N Lassie Children’s Boutique, Simple Changes, and The Floyd County Chamber Of Commerce sponsored this event benefiting The Jordan Light Foundation. The event featured clothing, loungewear, and accessories modeled by local individuals from each of the events sponsors. Miss East Kentucky, Shelby Blake, and Miss East Kentucky’s Outstanding Teen, Lindsey Phillips emceed the event that raised money to support The Jordan Light Foundation. Little Miss East Kentucky, Allyson Stumbo, was a model in the event.           The Jordan Light Foundation was inspired through the life of one special little boy, Samuel Jordan Hughes, who was diagnosed with a childhood brain tumor, Ependymoma. Jordan’s life touched more hearts in his 7 years on Earth than most. The Jordan Light Foundation provides awareness, support and funding for families with a financial medical crisis. “We are so grateful and overjoyed at the support our community showed over the weekend.  Not only did our models look beautiful but we raised money for a wonderful charity”, said Kindra Horne, manager of Daffodils. Information about The Jordan Light Foundation can be found by visiting www.thejordanlightfoundation.com Allyson Stumbo

Jessica with the winning class Jessica Casebolt, Miss Renfro Valley 2011, coordinated a toy and book drive for the Childrens Miracle Network at her elementary school in Pikeville. She encouraged all the children to bring new toys and new or slightly used books to their teachers.  The week before the drive Jessica distributed flyers to all the parents as they dropped their children off for school and she also provided flyers for each student's backpack.  Despite a little rain, she was able to get the message out to everyone.  After keeping a log of all the donations, Jessica provided a pizza party for the classroom that had the highest quantity of donations.  She also involved her Bluegrass Princess - Isabella Rose - in the congratulations party.  Jessica was able to deliver 937 items to the hospital in Lexington.    Jessica distributing flyers

“I Believe in Miracles,” a fundraiser for Blessings in a Backpack and the Children’s Miracle Network will be held at Bearno's by the Bridge in Louisville (131 W Main Street) on Thursday, June 30th from 8 - 11:30 PM.    The Event will feature karaoke and some food will be provided by Jamie’s 14k Cupcakes.  A portion of all food purchased, as well as all money collected, will be split between both organizations.   The event is open to the public and there will be a $5 - $10 suggested donation at the door.    This event will be hosted by University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering student and professional dancer, Amelia Gandara, who captured the title of Miss Jefferson County 2011 in Louisville, KY on Saturday, April 2, 2011.                                                             As part of her role as a Miss America Organization local titleholder, Amelia has put an emphasis on community service.  She has joined forces with Blessings in a Backpack to help raise funds for the national organization that is having a huge impact locally through providing food for school children in need.  She is also fundraising for the Children’s Miracle Network, an official partner of the Miss America Organization. .    For information or Requests: Amelia Gandara, Miss Jefferson County 2011   http://www.missjeffersoncounty.org     Email: ameliagandara@live.com  Phone: 502-265-6853

Jefra Bland

Congratulations to Jefra Bland, Miss Wayne County Area 2011, who was crowned as the 81st Queen of the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival on Saturday, May 28th, in Pineville representing the University of Kentucky.  The Mountain Laurel Festival is one of Kentucky's oldest annual festivals.  Each year, representatives from Kentucky's colleges and universities participate in the festival and one of them is chosen by a secret panel to be the Queen and she is crowned by the governor.  Many past participants in the Miss Kentucky Pageant have also held this honor and many contestants have participated in this beautiful tradition over the years.  This year, Mira Baker, Miss Bluegrass Area, represented Georgetown College and Blair Walden, Miss Heart of the Parks' Outstanding Teen, represented South Laurel High School as a Mountain Laurel Princess candidate.  For more information about the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival CLICK HERE.

Hilda Bevins, left, and her twin sister, Wilda Bryant, right, of Clay City got extensive makeovers with the help of Janie Olmstead, owner of Images Model and Talent Agency in Lexington and Miss Kentucky 1966. To read more about how this former Miss Kentucky is still giving back to the community visit: http://www.kentucky.com/2011/05/25/1751789/tom-eblen-businesswomans-helping.html#ixzz1NNM8L1en

Arielle Evans Madison Evans Alexandria Oney

Three of this year's Miss Kentucky / Miss Kentucky's Outstanding Teen contestants have been selected among the 25 finalists from over 1,000 applications in Four Points magazine's Cover Model contest.  Arielle Evans, Miss Jeffersontown 2011; Madison Evans, Miss Jeffersontown's Outstanding Teen 2011 & Alexandria Oney, Miss Grayson, 2011 have been selected among the 25 finalists by a panel of judges and now it's time for the public to vote to decide who will be this year's Cover Model winner.  The 2011 Make Me A Cover Model will win an incredible pageant package! She will grace the cover of the August/September issue, but only after choosing a new gown (courtesy of La Casa Hermosa) and having a professional photo shoot done by fourpoints magazine. Voting is simple.  Click here to go to the voting page.  Then simply click on "VOTE" below the contestant(s) you wish to vote for.  A maximum of 100 votes per day per IP address is allowed for all voting. The final decision of the 2011 Make Me A Cover Model contest is based 50% on public voting and 50% on a panel of esteemed judges.  Show your support for all three of our Kentucky ladies by voting daily!

Hats Off to Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan On Her Visit to Kentucky!     Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan had a wonderful time as she traveled to Lexington, Kentucky this weekend to participate in events with the Miss Kentucky Scholarship Organization. She was interviewed by several media outlets, including WLEX-TV, where she ran into actress and comedienne, Aisha Tyler.     Teresa, along with Miss Kentucky 2010 Djuan Trent, made a joint appearance at the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital, visiting more than a dozen children room by room. Teresa and Djuan lifted the spirits of these courageous young fighters and brought a little sunshine into their hospital rooms.     That night, the Miss Kentucky Scholarship Organization held a fundraiser in celebration of the beginning of Kentucky Derby Week with the theme of “Hats Off to Miss America.” Teresa was provided a stunning red custom-made Derby hat by Christine A. Moore.   Miss America kicks off Kentucky Derby week with special events and festivities with her official wardrobe provider, The Joseph Ribkoff Company.   Teresa will  be the fashion correspondent for a store visit to the Willow Tree, a specialty boutique featuring Ribkoff.  Teresa will also be a celebrity judge for the Kentucky Derby’s Pegasus Parade and attend a celebrity luncheon to celebrate this beloved tradition.

Chera-Lyn Cook Kennedy

Miss Kentucky 1998, Chera-Lyn Kennedy, has a new album entitled "Blue" available for downloading on ITunes.  Also, Chera-Lyn will be featured as the opening act for John Michael Montgomery at this year's Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival.  The concert will be on Thursday, May 26th at 7 PM at Bell County High School.  The number to call to order tickets is 606-337-7070.

Ramsey Carpenter, Jenna Day & Jamie Nunnery On April 9th the Miss Berea Area / Miss Richmond Area / Miss Appalachia Area Scholarship Pageant was held at Berea Community School.  Three new Miss titleholders were crowned.  Jenna Day is Miss Berea 2011, Ramsey Carpenter is Miss Richmond Area 2011 and Jamie Nunnery is Appalachia Area 2011.      Three outstanding teen titles were also awarded.  The new Miss Berea Area's Outstanding Teen is Lauren Bohl, the new Miss Richmond Area's Outstanding Teen is Abigail Stanley, and the new Miss Appalachia Area's Outstanding Teen is Allyson Ledford.     Additionally, Emma Landherr was crowned Pre-Teen Miss Berea Area and McKenzie Bennett was crowned Little Miss Berea Area. Abigail Stanley, Lauren Bohl & Allyson Ledford

Lydia Allen

If you use Facebook we encourage you to VOTE for  one of our local Outstanding Teen titleholders for the  Miss America’s Outstanding Teen’s  In Training  Contest. Lydia Allen, Miss Commonwealth's Outstanding Teen 2011, has been selected as a finalist in "The Pageant Guy's" MAO Teen's in Training Camp Contest.  The winner of this contest will receive a FREE registration to MAO Teen’s In Training Camp this summer, valued at over $1,000.   The winner will be determined by the number of votes received on Facebook, so please share this information with your friends and colleagues and let them know about the contest;  If you would like to vote for Lydia, please follow the simple two-step instructions below.    Here is how to VOTE:   1)  "Like" thePageantGuy.com Facebook Fan Page at: www.facebook.com/thePageantGuy   2) VOTE for your favorite contestant  by clicking the "Like" Button next to her photo. Photos of the contestants can be viewed in the album labeled "Teens in Training Camp - Contestants".

Kathryn Robinson

Miss Monticello's Outstanding Teen, Kathryn Robinson, is one of Jovani Fashions Top 100 semi-finalists in the running to win a $15,000 contract with Jovani.  Please visit Jovani's Facebook page and "like" Kathryn's photo.  Also, CLICK HERE to read an article about Kathryn and the contest that appeared in her local newspaper.

Taylor Olivia Thomas

Taylor Olivia Thomas, a Bluegrass Princess and Little Miss/Pre-Teen Miss Kentucky contestant, has been selected as one of the Top 15 Precious Princess 2011 finalists in Fourpoints Magazine. Fourpoints is a magazine exclusively dedicated to the Miss America system and Taylor was the only young lady from Kentucky selected as a finalist so this is a big honor and she needs our support!    Fourpoints will be narrowing the Top 15 down to a Top 5.   Voting begins today, April 1, and continued through April 15th.  The votes cast during this time period will determine who will be the Top 5 Finalists and then another round of voting will help to determine the winner (a panel of judges will also assist in the final decision).  We are so excited that Taylor is a finalist and we want to help her get as many votes as possible!   This <http://fourpointsmagazine.com/precious-princess-contest-2011-voting> is a link to the main voting page.  By clicking on Taylor’s name, you will see that she has her own voting page.  At the bottom of that page, there are several ways to share this page via social media outlets like Facebook.  You can also share the link directly on Twitter or via e-mail.  Encourage all your friends and family to vote daily!

Djuan and some of her fellow contestants on their DC trip From March 28th - 31st Miss Kentucky Djuan Trent, Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan and several other Miss America contestants from this year were invited to spend a few days in Washington, DC.  Their stay featured a visit to the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a reception at the Embassy of Croatia and the opportunity to act in support of their platform while in the District and meet with members of Congress. It was an excellent opportunity for raising awareness about the critical good works that the Miss America contestants carry out.

Ashton Gooch, Kathryn Wilhoit, Aleigh Oney, Blair Walden & Julia Springate On March 26th the Miss Grayson / Miss Heart of the Parks / Miss Carter County Scholarship Pageant was held at East Carter High School in Grayson.  Three new Miss titleholders were crowned.  Aleigh Oney is Miss Grayson 2011 and also received the interview award.  Julia Springate is Miss Heart of the Parks 2011 and received the community service award.  Ashton Gooch is Miss Carter County 2011 and received the swimsuit award.      Two outstanding teen titles were also awarded.  The new Miss Grayson's Outstanding Teen is Kathryn Wilhoit and the new Miss Heart of the Parks' Outstanding Teen is Blair Walden.     Congratulations to the winners and all who participated in the event!

Abby Hamilton, Amelia Gandara, Olivia Henken, Jessica Wallace & Natasha Alvarez On March 9th the 2011 Miss University of Louisville Scholarship Pageant was held.  Olivia Henken was crowned Miss University of Louisville.  She is a 2010 graduate of the University of Louisville School of Business (Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management) and her platform is Breast Cancer awareness.  4th runner-up was Natasha Alvarez; 3rd runner-up was Abby Hamilton; 2nd runner-up was Amelia Gandara and 1st runner-up was Jessica Wallace.  The Community Service Award winner was Irene Andhika and the Photogenic Award winner was Lexie Bittel     CLICK HERE FOR OLIVIA'S WEBSITE

There will be a Little Miss, Pre-Teen & Outstanding Teen Pageant held in Lancaster, KY, on Saturday, March 19th.  This pageant will be held at the Lancaster Baptist Church Life Center.  Teen interviews start at 11 AM and the pageant will begin at 2 PM.  For more information contact Brenda Upton at missbereaarea@yahoo.com or by phone at (859) 200-5548.

Debbie Robbins

Former Miss Kentucky contestant and current Miss Jeffersontown board member, Debbie Robbins, is also a gifted Christian recording artist.  Below is a link to a video of Debbie performing "For What Earthly Reason" written by Dottie Rambo.   CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Miranda Sergent, Katy Moody, Ann-Blair Thornton, Brooke Powell & Chelsea Killman On February 12th the Miss Bowling Green Scholarship Pageant was held at the Capitol Arts Theater in Bowling Green.  Three new Miss titleholders were crowned.  Ann-Blair Thornton is Miss Bowling Green 2011, Katy Moody is Miss Mammoth Cave Area 2011 and Miranda Sergent is Miss Western Kentucky 2011.  The 1st runner-up was Wesley Ware.    Two outstanding teen titles were also awarded.  The new Miss Bowling Green's Outstanding Teen is Brooke Powell and the new Miss Mammoth Cave Area's Outstanding Teen is Chelsea Killman.  1st runner-up was Delaney Smith.   Congratulations to the winners and all who participated in the event!

Congratulations to Miss Kentucky 2000, Whitney Boyles Trowbridge, and family on their "new addition."  Colin Edward Trowbridge was born on January 20th, weighing 7 lbs and 13 oz.  CLICK HERE TO SEE HIS HOSPITAL PHOTO

Be sure to watch American Idol beginning Wednesday, January 19th on Fox.  Miss Magoffin County 2011, Jerica Blair, will be featured on the Wisconsin audition episode.  She makes it through to Hollywood but we will have to stay tuned to see how far she goes.  Congratulations!

Djuan's Miss America Send-Off Party has been scheduled for Sunday, January 2nd, beginning at 5 PM (EST) at the home of Ashley & Grant Gabbard at 2740 Red Leaf Drive in Lexington.  Please join us as we wish Djuan the best of luck at the 2011 Miss America Pageant!

Djuan Trent, Miss Kentucky 2010, in Kentucky Monthly magazine

Check out Djuan in the December issue of Kentucky Monthly Magazine.  Click the photo to the left for a link to the online article and additional photos.

The Miss America Organization (MAO) is proud to announce your opportunity to vote for a finalist at the 2011 Miss America Pageant, presented by DSW live from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 15 on ABC. MAO has posted 53 exciting videos made by each of our 2011 contestants, showing off their style and personality and explaining why they should be chosen as the next Miss America! There are four ways to vote for your favorite 2011 Miss America Contestant! It’s as easy as pushing a button to vote: Using your mobile phone, text MAST (letters "ST" should be replaced by the state abbreviation you want to vote for) to 24470 (message and data rates may apply) Vote next to your favorite contestant's video on MissAmerica.org/VideoContest "Like" your favorite contestant's video at Facebook.com/MissAmericaOrganization. (Under the VIDEO CONTEST tab) "Like" your favorite contestant's video at YouTube.com/MissAmericaOrg Vote now for the contestant who you would like to see become America's Choice.You may vote once per contestant per voting method. Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. PST on January 13, 2011. Only votes cast through one of the official voting methods will count. "Likes" on videos posted on other Facebook pages, personal Facebook profiles or any other website will NOT count toward the final tally. Click here to read Voting Terms and Conditions.  Happy Voting!

Kathryn Robinson, Shaina Esser, Jefra Bland & Talia Horn On November 20th the Miss Monticello & Miss Wayne County Area pageant was held at the Pickrell Auditorium at Wayne County High School in Monticello.  The new Miss Monticello is Shaina Esser and the new Miss Wayne County Area is Jefra Bland.  The 1st runner-up was Mira Baker, 2nd runner-up was Sydney Lutz and 3rd runner-up was Miranda Sergent.    Two outstanding teen titles were also awarded.  The new Miss Monticello's Outstanding Teen is Kathryn Robinson and the new Miss Wayne County Area's Outstanding Teen is Talia Horn.  1st runner-up was Abigail Stanley, 2nd runner-up was Bailey Brown and 3rd runner-up was Lauren Rose.   Congratulations to the winners and all who participated in the event!

Miss River City, Ashley Ferry & Miss My Old Kentucky Home, Bethanni Wells The Miss My Old Kentucky Home / Miss River City Scholarship Pageant was held on October 30, 2010, in Bardstown.  The new Miss My Old Kentucky Home is Bethanni Wells and the new Miss River City is Ashley Ferry.  The 1st runner-up in the pageant was Shaina Esser.  Also crowned that night were the new Miss My Old Kentucky Home's Outstanding Teen, Kyle Hornback, and the new Miss River City's Outstanding Teen, Tiffany Cline.  1st runner-up in the teen pageant was Kristen Robinson, 2nd runner-up was Jordan Phillips and 3rd runner-up was Emily Bramel. Tiffany Cline, Miss River City's Outstanding Teen Kyle Hornback, Miss My Old Kentucky Home's Outstanding Teen

Lois Reynolds

The Miss Kentucky Scholarship Organization is pleased to welcome Lois Reynolds to the Miss Kentucky Board.  Lois has served on the Miss Kentucky committee for many years in various capacities and annually hosts a special dinner for the contestants at her home during pageant week.  She and her husband, Dr. Billy Reynolds, have also been scholarship and award donors to the state program for many years.  Lois is very involved in numerous civic and charitable organizations in the Lexington area.  With her knowledge and expertise she will be an enormous asset to the Miss Kentucky Organization as a member of the board.

Annie Franklin, Emma Parks and Courtney Norvell On a windy Sunday afternoon, October 24, 2010, the Miss Heartland Scholarship Organization “Made Strides toward a world with more birthdays.”  Annie Franklin, Miss Heartland 2011; Emma Parks, Miss Heartland’s Outstanding Teen 2011 and Courtney Norvell, Miss Elizabethtown Area 2011, along with family and friends, walked across the Ohio River to save lives and create a world with less breast cancer.  The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, held at Louisville’s Waterfront Park, raised $302,141.67.

The Miss Kentucky Organization is sad to announce that long time Miss Kentucky sound engineer, entertainer and friend of our organization, Dave Kazee, passed away on October 13th at age 51.  David was born August 13, 1959 in Chillicothe, Ohio to Ned and Lillian Barnett Kazee. David is also survived by his wife, Marci Connelley Kazee; one son, John David Kazee of Salyersville, Kentucky; one brother, Jeffrey Lewis Kazee of New York, New York and several Uncles, Aunts, Cousins and Friends. Funeral Services for David Kazee will be conducted at 1 P.M. Saturday, October 16, 2010 from the Salyersville First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Williams Cemetery on Mash Fork. Officiating will be Matthew Gullion and Hugh Brooks. Friends may call at the Salyersville First Baptist Church from 1 P.M. to 9 P.M. Friday and anytime Saturday prior to Funeral Services. In Lieu of Flowers please make contributions to the Salyersville First Baptist Church Music Fund in Honor of David Kazee. Salyersville First Baptist Church 131 Dixie Avenue Salyersville Ky 41465

Miss Heartland 2011, Annie Franklin Miss Elizabethtown Area 2011, Courtney Norvell

The 2011 Miss Heartland Scholarship Pageant was held recently and two new contestants for Miss Kentucky 2011 were crowned.   The new Miss Heartland 2011 is Annie Franklin and the new Miss Elizabethtown Area 2011 is Courtney Norvell who also received the Community Service Award.  The 1st runner-up was Ann-Blair Thornton and 2nd runner-up was Ashley Ferry who also received the Talent Award.  The Fan Favorite Award went to Taylor Sang. The pageant also crowned two Outstanding Teen winners who will compete in the Miss Kentucky's Outstanding Teen Pageant next June.  The new Miss Heartland's Outstanding Teen 2011 is Emma Parks who also won the Community Service and Talent Awards.  The new Miss Elizabethtown Area's Outstanding Teen 2011 is Holly Thompson.  1st runner-up was Jordan Phillips, 2nd runner-up was Talia Horn and 3rd runner-up was Tiffany Cline who was also named Fan Favorite in the teen division.

Nicole Anderson, Miss Lexington 2004

The Miss Kentucky Organization is sad to announce that Nicole Lynn Anderson, Miss Lexington 2004, sadly lost her lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. She lived her short life to the fullest, never letting her age constrain her passion for life or her commitment to strive for excellence. She demonstrated to all how to embrace life with exuberance. Born March 19, 1980, in Maysville, Kentucky, Nicole enjoyed childhood, friendships and especially schooling. She excelled academically while enjoying cheerleading, tennis, student council, and performing in drama productions. All this laid the foundation for her rewarding college experience. Nicole graduated Suma Cum Laude from Western Kentucky University, in May 2002, garnering many prestigious local and national awards for both her academic and leadership excellence; including receiving “The United States Achievement Academy Award”, two Grand Champion classical piano awards. While in college, she began her pageant success. She enjoyed being a member of the Western Kentucky Dance Team, participating in Greek life Phi Mu and studying internationally. Active community involvement was also a priority. During college, Nicole developed a passion for the law, recognizing that it could be used as an instrument for societal good. She held a research internship for the Kentucky General Assembly and also a policy internship in Washington D.C. Intensity, ardor, proficiency and servitude characterized the remainder of Nicole’s life. She earned her J.D. degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law, receiving the ‘Greenbaum, Doll &McDonald Legal Scholar’ award and her work was nationally published. She adroitly handled more than her academics during law school. Being a legal clerk in Lexington and a judicial clerk in Frankfort established the prerequisites for a Graduate Fellowship with the Appropriation and Revenue Committee for the Kentucky General Assembly in Frankfort. During this time Nicole served, charitably, at St. Joseph’s Hospital Heart Institute and was the founding chairperson for its ‘Living Lecture Series’. Nicole’s enthusiastic fervor for life was manifested in other areas including; beauty, poise and musical talent. She was Miss Lexington in 2004, going on to become the Miss Kentucky Non-Finalist Interview Winner and also receiving the ‘Miss America Community Service Scholarship’. After being admitted to the bar, Nicole became a contract attorney in Washington, D.C. for Cohen, Milstein, Hausfeld and Toll, primarily working on a class action suit against tobacco companies. Nicole continued her professional career as an attorney in the United States House of Representatives, for Congressman Ben Chandler from the Sixth District of Kentucky. In her personal life Nicole met her health challenges undeterred by adversity. She became a champion for healthy living, educating herself, and others, about the value of nutrition and living with optimism. Nicole Lynn Anderson was greatly loved and cherished by family and friends. She is survived by her mother Kitty Ward Milliken, step father Andy Milliken; her brother, John David Anderson and his daughter Reagan; grandmother Jeanine Ward; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Jeffery L. Anderson. As we mourn, let her spirit lift us and encourage all to embrace each day for the blessings it holds. There will be a Memorial for Nicole at the Signature Club at 3256 Lansdowne Drive in Lexington on Friday October 1, 2010 at 6:00 PM. There will be a reception immediately following the service. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to: Hospice of the Bluegrass, or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 9031, Pittsfield, MA 01202-9031

Miss Jeffersontown & Miss Louisville winners The 2010/2011 Miss Kentucky local pageant season has begun.  The first open pageant of the year, Miss Jeffersontown / Miss Louisville was held on September 11th.  The new Miss Jeffersontown is Arielle Evans and the new Miss Louisville is Candace Shoemaker.  Additionally, the new Miss Jeffersontown's Outstanding Teen is Madison Evans and the new Miss Louisville's Outstanding Teen is Erynn Landherr.  The winners are pictured above with Miss Kentucky 2010, Djuan Trent.  Congratulations to all!

You can now follow the Miss Kentucky Organization on Twitter and Facebook.   Miss Kentucky Pageant Facebook http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Miss-Kentucky-Pageant/130250473661456   Miss Kentucky Pageant Twitter http://twitter.com/Miss_KY_Pageant

Miss America Local Pageants Insurance Coverage       Miss America local pageant organizations should have insurance coverage in place before the date of their local pageant competition.  For years now the K&K Ins. Group has provided local pageants affiliated with the Miss America Organization the insurance coverage necessary for the local events. Local pageant organizations are to contact the association's agent--John Gallaher at 573-581-8330.       Please notice the attachment and the insurance company's website address,                  http://www.gtrinsurance.com/     There is a link at the bottom of the opening page of the website “Click here to order a pageant certificate of insurance” And email address, gtr@gtrinsurance.com        Ideally this should be done very early in the pageant year.  A document showing that you have insurance coverage from accident and liability is often times required by venues before they will approve use of their facility.

The Miss America Organization is proud to announce that negotiations with a new vendor, New York based K.A. Concepts, have been finalized.  As the new “official” crown provider, K.A. Concepts will supply the official State, Local, Outstanding Teen and Princess Crowns to all of our local and state organizations. A link to the K.A. Concepts’ crown store can only be found in the password protected Miss America Resource Portal located at www.maoproperties.com*. The secure shopping page will enable registered resource portal users to order the crowns on-line and pay with a credit card.   To order, go to www.maoproperties.com.  If you don’t have a username or password to access the Miss America Resource Portal, please register at http://www.maoproperties.com/register.asp.    Everyone who registers is verified with State Executive Directors before access to the resource portal is granted.   The secure shopping page will enable registered resource portal users to order the crowns on-line and pay with a credit card.   To order by phone, please call K.A. Concepts Ltd. at 1-800-528-4926. If you prefer to order by fax or mail: Please click on the banner above, shop, print and fax the shopping cart page with payment and preferred shipping information to fax: (631) 425-2332 or mail the shopping cart page with your check to: K.A. Concepts Ltd., 3 Somner Drive, Huntington station, NY 11746. The prices remain the same and all crowns are required to be ordered through K.A. Concepts.

Click the logo above to visit the Miss America/CMN website

Contestants at the local this year now have the opportunity to raise donations for the Miss America Organization's new national platform the Children's Miracle Network.  To begin, register at:     www.MissAmerica4Kids.org    If you are doing this for the first time you will need to click on "New Contestants" and set up your profile.  You must upload a .jpeg picture of yourself.  Then you can send emails to friends and family to obtain donations.  Contestants must raise $100 per each local entered.  After competing in 4 local pageants and raising $400 at the local level a contestant may enter as many local pageants as she would like without having to raise additional funds at the local level.  An additional $250 beyond the local donations must be raised in order to compete at the state level.  Please email Kim Canter at kimgocats@aol.com or Jim Morton at jmorton@sullivan.edu if you have any questions or you may contact the local director(s) with questions as well.

Official sash supplier for the Miss America Organization

Sashes are back after nearly a two decade absence.  The Sash Company is the new, official sash supplier for the Miss America Organization.  Miss America, Miss Kentucky and all the other 51 state representatives will be wearing offical sashes from The Sash Company.  Sashes are not mandatory to be awarded at local pageants at this point but they certainly make a lovely addition to the winner's prize package.  Please visit The Sash Company's website, www.thesashcompany.com, to view the new sash line.

For more information about the Miss Kentucky Scholarship Organization please contact us at:   Miss Kentucky Scholarship Pageant Attention: Jamie Breeding, Executive Director 3284 Shoal Lake Drive Lexington, KY  40515   Phone: (859) 273-4931   Email: misskyscholorg@yahoo.com