Sunday night--the suitcases are unpacked, the laundry done and it's time to re-engage in the working world again in just a few hours. SIGH!
As you all know, Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund is the new Miss America. She's lovely and talented and I know she will do a great job representing the United States. I'm sure we'll see her this week on some of the talk shows and I'm guessing she'll be on TLC soon!
Jennifer had a great night--she loved the show and loved spending the night with the rest of the contestants. She looked lovely, as always in her evening gown--it flows like magic when she walks! There's a great slide show of photo's from the pageant posted on AOL.com -- Jenn is featured in shot 101 wearing her evening gown . . . check them out--some great shots of Kirsten in her first hours as Miss America.
The visitation last night was fun too--lots of excitement when the contestants came in and lots of hugs and a few tears from all of us. It was such a fun week even with the emotional roller coaster ride! The Minnesota delegation made lots of noise--the people right in front of us would cringe when we stood up and whooped and hollered for Jenn!
What did you think of the production last night? The reviews were mixed--some people liked the aspect of people being eliminated that way and others didn't. I wish the rest of the contestants would have been in a production number or something during the show. I think parts of the show were kind of boring because it was such a small group of contestants that you were watching. But hey--I'm not a television producer! :-) I really liked Miss Washington--she has a great personality and I enjoyed her talent. And how about a woo hoo for our sister state and Miss Wisconsin! She did very well--and she's a fun person too!
I know we will all take a few days and decompress . . . there are lots of photo's so once we get organized, we'll try to post some more pictures.
Thanks for being part of the journey with us--it's been terrific! And when you see our beautiful, talented Miss Minnesota--give her a hug and high five for doing us proud.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
It's finally SHOWTIME!
Hello from Vegas once again!
First of all--we're all safe--thank you for your concern yesterday after hearing about the fire at the Monte Carlo. It was scary for our Mankato local committee---they were staying at the Monte Carlo--they're all safe and sound and have been relocated but it was frightening. The hotel sustained significant damage but no loss of life which is what's most important!
Sorry we've been out of touch--it's been kind of a couple of crazy days! Our Miss Minnesota is so HOT! She is getting lots of attention from everyone here--the newspapers love her; she's been featured on CNN; Fox News; the Twin Cities television stations; Mankato television stations and has been requested for satellite tv feeds to places we don't even know! :-) I think Jenn is a favorite of the media because she has such a fun personality. The camera loves her and she's not been without a smile in the past week!!!
Before the show on Thursday, the contestants walked the red carpet for the Rambo premiere. Jenn wore her black sequined cocktail dress and red heels. She looks awesome--sorry--no pictures from the red carpet event!
Thursday night, Jenn performed her talent. She did a great job--looked fabulous in her red dress and shoes--(her shoes have gotten a lot of attention here too!). She was the third contenstant to perform and she was awesome. The crowd liked her which is always good!
There was lots of good talent on Thursday night--singers and dancers and even a yodeler!
We got to see her at visitation again and she just is having so much fun here.
Yesterday morning, some of us attended the Miss America breakfast which was really fun. We sat at Dorothy's (Benham!) table and had a great time. There were a lot of formers there--Lee Meriweather; Donna Axum; Vonda Van Dyke; Phyllis George; Dorothy Benham; Susan Powell; Heather Whitestone; Chantal Smith; Heather French; Katie Harmon; Erika Dunlap; Deidre Downs; Jennifer Barry and of course, Lauren Nelson. (Minnesota's Gretchen Carlson is here too--she stopped by the Minnesota party last night to support Jenn!) There was a ceremony for the retiring traveling companion--she's retiring after 18 years of traveling with the reigning Miss America. I'm sure she's got some great stories!
Last night Jenn and the contestants attended a gala fundraiser for Miss America. Jenn called when she got back to her room and said it was great fun but They got home to0 late to watch the final episode of Reality Check on TLC! SO . . . HOW ABOUT OUR MISS MINNESOTA? Making the top 10 on the show? WOO HOO --- wasn't that something??? The state board, and former Miss Minnesota's Tiffany Ogle and Nicole Swanson (Allyson Kearns is here too but haven't caught up with her yet!)gathered in a hotel room to watch the show together--it was so exciting! I know you're all so happy for her too!!
And now . . .it's Saturday! Tonight the show begins for us at 5 so we have to be at the theater and in our seats by 4:30. We talked to Jenn this morning and she said she got a good nights sleep and is feeling good about tonight. We're very excited and very hopeful for her. At the same time--you never know what the judges are thinking at any pageant . . . . What I do know, and I know I speak for all of us involved in the entire Minnesota America system, Jenn is a remarkable Miss Minnesota. She's worked so hard for this day, and has been a passionate supporter of rights and acceptance for those with with autism. She is a great advocate and spokesperson for the Miss Minnesota program and our hope, support and love will be with her on that stage tonight! Watch for her head on stick and listen for the shout outs for Jenn tonight. We are so incredibly proud of our Miss Minnesota! SHINE SHINE SHINE JENN!!MINNESOTA LOVES YOU!
First of all--we're all safe--thank you for your concern yesterday after hearing about the fire at the Monte Carlo. It was scary for our Mankato local committee---they were staying at the Monte Carlo--they're all safe and sound and have been relocated but it was frightening. The hotel sustained significant damage but no loss of life which is what's most important!
Sorry we've been out of touch--it's been kind of a couple of crazy days! Our Miss Minnesota is so HOT! She is getting lots of attention from everyone here--the newspapers love her; she's been featured on CNN; Fox News; the Twin Cities television stations; Mankato television stations and has been requested for satellite tv feeds to places we don't even know! :-) I think Jenn is a favorite of the media because she has such a fun personality. The camera loves her and she's not been without a smile in the past week!!!
Before the show on Thursday, the contestants walked the red carpet for the Rambo premiere. Jenn wore her black sequined cocktail dress and red heels. She looks awesome--sorry--no pictures from the red carpet event!
Thursday night, Jenn performed her talent. She did a great job--looked fabulous in her red dress and shoes--(her shoes have gotten a lot of attention here too!). She was the third contenstant to perform and she was awesome. The crowd liked her which is always good!
There was lots of good talent on Thursday night--singers and dancers and even a yodeler!
We got to see her at visitation again and she just is having so much fun here.
Yesterday morning, some of us attended the Miss America breakfast which was really fun. We sat at Dorothy's (Benham!) table and had a great time. There were a lot of formers there--Lee Meriweather; Donna Axum; Vonda Van Dyke; Phyllis George; Dorothy Benham; Susan Powell; Heather Whitestone; Chantal Smith; Heather French; Katie Harmon; Erika Dunlap; Deidre Downs; Jennifer Barry and of course, Lauren Nelson. (Minnesota's Gretchen Carlson is here too--she stopped by the Minnesota party last night to support Jenn!) There was a ceremony for the retiring traveling companion--she's retiring after 18 years of traveling with the reigning Miss America. I'm sure she's got some great stories!
Last night Jenn and the contestants attended a gala fundraiser for Miss America. Jenn called when she got back to her room and said it was great fun but They got home to0 late to watch the final episode of Reality Check on TLC! SO . . . HOW ABOUT OUR MISS MINNESOTA? Making the top 10 on the show? WOO HOO --- wasn't that something??? The state board, and former Miss Minnesota's Tiffany Ogle and Nicole Swanson (Allyson Kearns is here too but haven't caught up with her yet!)gathered in a hotel room to watch the show together--it was so exciting! I know you're all so happy for her too!!
And now . . .it's Saturday! Tonight the show begins for us at 5 so we have to be at the theater and in our seats by 4:30. We talked to Jenn this morning and she said she got a good nights sleep and is feeling good about tonight. We're very excited and very hopeful for her. At the same time--you never know what the judges are thinking at any pageant . . . . What I do know, and I know I speak for all of us involved in the entire Minnesota America system, Jenn is a remarkable Miss Minnesota. She's worked so hard for this day, and has been a passionate supporter of rights and acceptance for those with with autism. She is a great advocate and spokesperson for the Miss Minnesota program and our hope, support and love will be with her on that stage tonight! Watch for her head on stick and listen for the shout outs for Jenn tonight. We are so incredibly proud of our Miss Minnesota! SHINE SHINE SHINE JENN!!MINNESOTA LOVES YOU!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Night Two!
Second night of preliminaries and once again our Miss Minnesota was beautiful on stage! Jenn looked amazing last night--her evening gown was spectacular. We were only able to get one photo but I hope it showcases how awesome she looks in her gown!
She looked fabulous in her swimsuit too--and she worked it!!!!
Miss Massachuesets was the talent winner last night and Miss Michigan was swimsuit winner.
We have more people from the Minnesota delegation arriving today, so we're excited! Jackie and Kevin arrive this morning, Dorothy Benham and her family are coming today, and Mary Barker -- all will be here today!
This afternoon is the red carpet arrival for the Rambo premiere--so Jennifer is looking forward to that. And tonight . . . Talent! We saw rehearsal this morning and she did a great job so I'm sure she'll sell it for all she's worth tonight!
We're having a great time and we're so very proud of Jenn. I hope all of you who are following her experience know how lucky we are to have this amazing young woman representing our state.
More to come tomorrow . . . think good thoughts for Jenn tonight!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
First Night of Prelims
Good Morning from Las Vegas!
Last night was the first night of prelims and it was good to see all of the contestants. Winners for the night were Iowa for talent--and she was amazing! She did an unbelievable baton routine--now I know you're rolling your eyes about a baton twirler but she did things I didn't think a human being could do! At one point she had three batons going and was literally all across the stage. At the end of her performance she got a standing ovation! (I felt a little guilty standing for someone other than Jenn but . . . .) So congrats to Miss Iowa!
Swimsuit winner was Rhode Island. She looked terrific and really took command of the stage. The swimsuits are a little weird--the sponsor of the suits this year is Win Wear--so the contestants had just a few suits to choose from. All of the contestants looked good!
Jenn did her on stage question--she was asked about the impact of autism education and she had a great answer: focus on the unique talents and gifts that everyone has and she wants to try to dispel some of the misconceptions about autism.
Overall, it was an interesting night--lots of different talent selections and lots of heavily beaded gowns. Tonight--Jenn does swimsuit and evening gown--so it will be a big night for her!
We couln't bring cameras into the theater last night (which made me really crabby!) but at visitation they announced we could have cameras each night except for Saturday. Woo hoo!
So hopefully tomorrow we'll have some photo's from the competition tonight!
Pictures attached of Jenn with her Mom and brother Caleb; her proud grandparents from Alabama and those of us from the State Board that here already.
Hope you're staying warm! Gotta go--the slots are calling my name . . . .
Last night was the first night of prelims and it was good to see all of the contestants. Winners for the night were Iowa for talent--and she was amazing! She did an unbelievable baton routine--now I know you're rolling your eyes about a baton twirler but she did things I didn't think a human being could do! At one point she had three batons going and was literally all across the stage. At the end of her performance she got a standing ovation! (I felt a little guilty standing for someone other than Jenn but . . . .) So congrats to Miss Iowa!
Swimsuit winner was Rhode Island. She looked terrific and really took command of the stage. The swimsuits are a little weird--the sponsor of the suits this year is Win Wear--so the contestants had just a few suits to choose from. All of the contestants looked good!
Jenn did her on stage question--she was asked about the impact of autism education and she had a great answer: focus on the unique talents and gifts that everyone has and she wants to try to dispel some of the misconceptions about autism.
Overall, it was an interesting night--lots of different talent selections and lots of heavily beaded gowns. Tonight--Jenn does swimsuit and evening gown--so it will be a big night for her!
We couln't bring cameras into the theater last night (which made me really crabby!) but at visitation they announced we could have cameras each night except for Saturday. Woo hoo!
So hopefully tomorrow we'll have some photo's from the competition tonight!
Pictures attached of Jenn with her Mom and brother Caleb; her proud grandparents from Alabama and those of us from the State Board that here already.
Hope you're staying warm! Gotta go--the slots are calling my name . . . .
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
We're here!
Viva Las Vegas!!!
We arrived in Vegas today around noon and we able to see Jenn while she was having lunch. She looks great! She's so happy and so excited to get on stage tonight. She's really having so much fun--she loves her roommate--Miss New Jersey--and said they are having the time of their lives!
Her interview was yesterday--she thought it went well--lots of questions about Autism and her thoughts on new treatments and causes. She said they also asked some off the wall questions too but felt she did well.
Tonight she will answer an on stage question--it will platform based---so she shouldn't have any worries about that! We're all very excited to actually have the competition begin!
It's cool in Vegas--nothing like Minnesota though! High today was 48 and about the same for tomorrow--so we're not exactly basking in the sun here. . . .
Planet Hollywood is the host hotel and it's quite lovely. Last year it was still under construction but it's all complete now and really looks wonderful. We were busy today--a meeting for all the state boards; hanging Jenn's banner in the theater; unpacking and getting settled--so there was no gambling time today! :-)
Jenn's family arrived today too--I know she's looking forward to seeing them tonight too. I know former Miss Minnesota, Tiffany Ogle arrived today and the board from Jenn's local pageant, Miss Mankato is here too. Miss Minnesota 2006, Nicole Swanson called today--wishing Jenn well---she and her husband will be here for the week-end. Friends, neighbors, family -- she'll have a grand cheering section!
More to come tomorrow--hopefully we can get a few pictures after the competition tonight and can post them!
We arrived in Vegas today around noon and we able to see Jenn while she was having lunch. She looks great! She's so happy and so excited to get on stage tonight. She's really having so much fun--she loves her roommate--Miss New Jersey--and said they are having the time of their lives!
Her interview was yesterday--she thought it went well--lots of questions about Autism and her thoughts on new treatments and causes. She said they also asked some off the wall questions too but felt she did well.
Tonight she will answer an on stage question--it will platform based---so she shouldn't have any worries about that! We're all very excited to actually have the competition begin!
It's cool in Vegas--nothing like Minnesota though! High today was 48 and about the same for tomorrow--so we're not exactly basking in the sun here. . . .
Planet Hollywood is the host hotel and it's quite lovely. Last year it was still under construction but it's all complete now and really looks wonderful. We were busy today--a meeting for all the state boards; hanging Jenn's banner in the theater; unpacking and getting settled--so there was no gambling time today! :-)
Jenn's family arrived today too--I know she's looking forward to seeing them tonight too. I know former Miss Minnesota, Tiffany Ogle arrived today and the board from Jenn's local pageant, Miss Mankato is here too. Miss Minnesota 2006, Nicole Swanson called today--wishing Jenn well---she and her husband will be here for the week-end. Friends, neighbors, family -- she'll have a grand cheering section!
More to come tomorrow--hopefully we can get a few pictures after the competition tonight and can post them!
Anxious
I'm getting a little anxious! Barb, Rod and David are on their way to Las Vegas this morning while my husband and I won't be on our way until Thursday! They will be there for the prelims and to keep us filled in on how Jenn is doing this week during prelims.
Jenn's interview was yesterday with all other stage competition starting this evening. Although she hasn't had much time to chat on the phone what she has been able to share with us is that she is having the time of her life! She loves her roommate, Miss New Jersey and is feeling very confident about the competition.
Until I leave for Vegas I will try to post as many pictures of Jennifer as possible. Once the entire state board is in Vegas later this week we will post more pictures and details of what is going on.
If any of YOU have pictures or good luck wishes for Jenn please feel free to email them to me: jackie@missminnesota.org and I will post them here for Jennifer to read.
P.S. Don't forget to vote for Jennifer www.tlc.com/missamerica
Sunday, January 20, 2008
It's Sunday
Only a few more days until we leave for Miss America! I've been thinking about Jenn so much today--her interview is tomorrow . . . so I'm sure she's studying up on her current events today! We sent flowers to her today so she'll know we're all cheering her on from Minnesota. They must be keeping her really busy . . . She called on Thursday night when she got the news she was a Quality of Life finalist but none of us were around to talk to her and we haven't heard from her since then. Isn't it just the greatest news that she is a Quality of Life finalist? If you know Jenn--you know that the most important thing to her is her platform, Understanding Autism, The Missing Piece. She told us she's been living her platform for 18 years--and she really has. I'm thrilled the Quality of Life judges were able to see that too.
Last week-end was Jenns' send off and gown showing. It was a great crowd and she looked fabulous. It was fun to see her competition wardrobe and see her talent. Lot's of 'heads on sticks' and buttons too! Before the gown showing, some of us went to Gillette Children's Hospital and did a craft project with the kids. It was really fun--many of the local titleholders were able to attend and they had fun helping make crowns and door hangers. Gillette is the Childrens Miracle Network Hospital in Minnesota and Jenn volunteers there weekly. I am astounded when I'm there and you can actually see the impact the hospital has on the kids that are there.
Today is a day of packing and getting all those last minute things done . . . I'm excited to get to Vegas--excited to see Jenn--excited to try my hand at the slots--and I have to admit--it will be wonderful to get away from this cold!!!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Jennifer is a Quality of Life Finalist!!
2008 MISS AMERICA “QUALITY OF LIFE” FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Winners to be Announced at January 24 Press Conference
Las Vegas, Nevada – January 17, 2008 – This year’s Quality of Life finalists were announced today at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas during the 2008 Miss America Live! Arrival Ceremony.
The nine finalists and their personal platform issues are:
Miss Alabama Jamie Langley: Cardiac Care – From the Heart
Miss Florida Kylie Williams: Realistic Support for our Troops
Miss Massachusetts Valerie Amaral: Encouraging Youth to Volunteer
Miss Minnesota Jennifer Hudspeth: The Missing Piece – Understanding Autism
Miss Nevada Caleche Manos: MADDMiss North Carolina Jessica Jacobs: “Read to Me”
Miss Oklahoma Makenna Smith: Seatbelts Save Lives, What’s Holding You Back?
Miss Rhode Island Ashley Bickford: The kNOw HIV/AIDS Campaign
Miss Tennessee Grace Gore: Graceful Sounds “Bring Music to Their Ears.”
Quality of Life Awards were introduced in 1988 to recognize contestants who excel in their commitment to community service. In order to be considered for the Quality of Life Award, contestants must submit 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 winner of the Quality of Life Award will receive a $6,000 scholarship, the first runner-up will win a $4,000 scholarship, and the second runner-up will win a $2,000 scholarship. Winners will be announced at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on January 24 during the 11 a.m. (PST) press conference.
As the world’s largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women and one of the nation’s leading achievement programs, the Miss America Organization last year made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance. The Miss America Organization provides young women with a vehicle to further their personal and professional goals and instills a spirit of community service through a variety of nationwide community-based programs.
Additional information about the Miss America Organization can be found at www.MissAmerica.org.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
