Archive for the ‘Pageant Preparation Tips’ Category

Christina McCauley: Journey to Miss Georgia 2010

Christina McCauley,miss georgia 2010,Miss america,pageant,miss ga,pictures

Miss Georgia 2010 Pictures

Miss Georgia 2010, Christina McCauley, sat down with Candace Howard, a Pageant Planet journalist, to talk with Miss Georgia about her journey to the crown.

Q: Though I am sure you have been asked this question a million times…how does it feel to be Miss Georgia 2010?

A: Having just been crowned Miss Georgia is one of the most rewarding and exciting feelings I’ve ever experienced. Anyone who has ever competed at the local, state, or national level knows what it feels like to work tirelessly toward a goal and a dream. To finally realize my dream is beyond words, and that excitement keeps me motivated to be the best Miss GA I can be!

Q: You competed for the title of Miss Georgia three times prior to winning the crown. What motivated you to continue trying and what did you learn about yourself during that process?

A: The Miss America Program to me has always been about personal development. I still remember how amazed I was when I watched the Miss Georgia pageant five years ago as a contestant in the Outstanding Teen program (my first pageant.) Just witnessing the level of performance across the board from talent to swimsuit to public speaking, I was inspired to be one of those incredible young women someday. Each year that I competed, I learned something new about myself and what I wanted to improve both in myself and in my community. I have learned that when I am at my personal best, nothing and no one can stop me.

Q: You recently just graduated from college…what advice would you give titleholders who are competing while simultaneously completing their educations amongst many other things?

A: Miss America is a Scholarship Program, first and foremost. It can be very easy to lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel when pageant prep kicks in, but a contestant must always maintain her focus. After all, Miss America is a smart cookie!

Q: I know that family togetherness and unity is something you hold very near and dear to your heart…what advice and encouragement would you offer to others in maintaining that “close bond” with your family while competing on a local and/or state level.

A: My family is everything to me. My parents taught me how to be a lady when classy wasn’t “cool.” Having two younger sisters taught me to be a positive role model as well as an educator. The bond that we all share is what built me up and made me strong before I became Miss GA, and it is what will remain afterward, lifting me up to continue growing and developing for the rest of my life.

This post was submitted by Candace Howard.

How to Train for the Crown and Stage

crowning moment,crowning,queen being crowned

Crowning of Miss Florida 2007

When thinking about your journey to your crown, I’m sure that beautiful gowns, tearful waves, and huge bouquets of flowers flash through your head. Your crowing moment will be one that you can cherish for a lifetime. There’s just one problem. Between you and your crowning glory is a lot of long nights, volunteering, and exercise. Your path to your title will be a weary one to say the least, and sometimes much longer than you expected. Here are some questions you might want to answer before you are too far down the road:

What happens if I don’t win?

Not every pageant will a be the kind of victory that you desire. You won’t always walk away with the crown. You need to decide now on this side what is your true crowning jewels. Is it the crowd or love of performance? Do you champion the values of the system? Maybe you just want to have fun. If you cannot get more out of your pageant experience than the crown, it might be time for you to consider something else to do. No one likes crown-chasers. Make a choice on what you will walk away with before the lights hit you and you will never be empty handed.

Who is in my corner?

This is not a one gal show. Include your loved ones in your journey every step of the way. Your sister, friend, or parent, may not be able to coach you, however, they love you. What is more inspiring than that. Keep them close to you as your prepare. This will help you on the stage because you know the people who are standing behind you all the way. That is what is going to light up the stage.

How will I grow as a person?

Take time to write down a list of things that you want to be able to take away from the pageant as a person not a pageant girl. Decide that you will become a healthier person not just look great in swimsuit. Make the choice that you will fight what for what you believe in, not just take pictures to build your platform portfolio. Point out how you will become a more authentic and real version of yourself, not just a image of what the judges want to see.

With a little careful planning and insight into your true desire, you will be able to set a strong foundation to rest on when days are getting long and patience is short. It is not easy to do. Your passion for your true crowning jewels, loving support from family, and beneficial personal growth will be worthwhile. You want to be able to look back at your competition days and have more than a faded crown, but a bright and enduring experience that you can carry with you where ever you go.

This post was submitted by Kristen Darden.