From Heartache to Hope: A Two-Time 1st RU’s Journey

From Heartache to Hope: A Two-Time 1^st Runner Up’s Journey

When life has cut too deep and left you hurting
The future you had hoped for is now burning
And the dreams you held so tight lost their meaning
And you don’t know if you’ll ever find the healing

You’re gonna make it, you’re gonna make it.
And the night can only last for so long.

Whatever you’re facing, if your heart is breaking,
There’s a promise for the ones who just hold on.
Lift up your eyes and see. The sun is rising.

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I’ve probably played “The Sun is Rising” by Britt Nicole about a hundred times over the past few weeks. It’s an interesting feeling...when you believe with all your heart that your prayer could be answered and squeal at the thought that this is it – it could really, truly, finally happen.

Like the moment before the love of your life gets down on one knee to propose and you can barely breathe. Or after dozens of interviews, you get a phone call and this could finally be the job. Or after four years of competing, placing 1^st Runner Up, winning double prelims, and taking time off law school to train, this could actually, finally be “your year” to win Miss Texas.

For years, ever since high school, I had my guard up. I was afraid to let myself believe things like that could happen for fear of being let down. So instead, I built a glass box around me. People could walk up and I’d smile and wave hello, but I was very cautious about who I let inside my box and into my life to know the real me.

But this year, all that changed. This was my fourth and final year to compete for Miss Texas. I had gone from Top 10, to Top 5, to 1^st Runner Up and double preliminary winner, and this year I was going ALL in. No regrets. I was going to break down that glass box once and for all, train ten times harder than last year, and just let myself believe that my dreams could actually come true. I just knew it would be worth it. So I took off a semester of law school to train full time.

Thanks to my incredible prep team, they set up about fifty mock interviews to ensure I was more than prepared. I had phone prep sessions with my coaches twice a week, worked out twice a day, learned how to home cook all my healthy, low-sodium, low-fat, high-protein meals, and practiced piano morning and night.

I made dozens of appearances, spoke before thousands of students across Plano, collected backpacks and suitcases for foster children in support of my platform, and did everything possible to make my dream come true.

And the thing is...sometimes we can do everything possible, and it still doesn’t come true. For one simple reason: God didn’t create us to have a perfect life; He created us to have a close, intimate relationship with Him. And sometimes it takes heartbreak for us to grow closer.

The night I was called as 1^st Runner Up was undoubtedly the most difficult night of my life. When they called my name it was like slow motion, and my heart shattered into a million pieces all over the stage.

In addition to winning double preliminary awards as the pageant’s only double prelim winner again, I also ended up winning Overall Talent, Overall Fitness, and Overall Evening Gown. Which was such an honor to receive, but also made the pageant outcome even harder to swallow.

That night was like a crashing tsunami of so many unfamiliar emotions – pain, hurt, shock, heartache, and grief. You anxiously await for what you’ve let yourself believe will be the happiest night of your life, to be bursting with joy, but instead, suddenly you’re struck with a raging tidal wave of sorrow and pain, and when you’re finally alone, you collapse from the weight of your grief and crumple into a ball to the floor. Poof. Your dream is gone. And it’s never coming back.

"The Miss Texas title was never mine; it belonged to God. He could choose to give it to anyone He wanted to and I believe His plan is always best." - Christine Tang

It’s been exactly one month since that night. In the weeks that followed, while my family and I tried to quietly heal and recover, we found out my sweet grandfather got diagnosed with aggressive cancer. So it’s been quite a rough month for our family. When things like that happen, I want to look back and just ask God “why?” but instead, I’ve had to daily choose to look forward with faith. We have to choose to be grateful. We have to pursue joy. We have to actively persist living a life full of light and love. I believe with all my heart that when we entrust our life into God’s hands, He plans the absolute best for us.

So when something doesn’t go our way, we can find comfort and strength in the fact that God has something even better. We can never understand the magnitude, the depth, and brilliance of God’s magnificent plans, but I personally find comfort in reflecting on His faithfulness in my life for the past 24 years. And since He has never left my side, I will not leave His. I will not let myself be filled with anger or bitterness – I won’t give in.

People may say, “Christine, you were robbed.” But I wasn’t. The Miss Texas title was never mine; it belonged to God. He could choose to give it to anyone He wanted to and I believe His plan is always best.

My parents named my middle name “Diana” after Lady Diana, Princess of Wales, and I’ve always loved her for her compassion, humility, and grace. Despite having her crown and royal title taken away, she was and is still deeply, forever cherished by the world as the “Queen of Hearts.” Proving that we don’t need crowns, titles, or trophies to change the world – just a selfless, loving heart and a joyful spirit!

So I’m choosing a life of joy by being grateful. Grateful for the opportunity just to simply stand on the Miss Texas stage. Grateful for the chance to have had four years of priceless training and experiences. Grateful for my scholarships and awards. Grateful for my coaches, trainers, mentors and friends. Grateful for the life-changing lessons of learning how to break down the glass box...how to pick yourself up off the ground when you get hurt...and how to move on with faith knowing no good thing does the Lord withhold from those who love Him.

As we journey through the hills and valleys of life, we have to trust that God gives us those valleys to give us depth and dimension. And in that exhausting, tear-stained struggle climbing out of the ditch, tired but stronger, braver, and more resilient than before, that’s how He equips His best soldiers. God uses a degree of pain to change who we are, to make us better fit and able for the beautiful life He has planned for us to live. I wouldn’t have it any other way. So cheers to living lives of joy and gratitude!

May we never be defined by what we gain, but by how we live.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us.” – Ephesians 3:20

For His Glory,

Christine Tang - Miss Plano 2014

1^st Runner Up to Miss Texas 2014, Overall Talent, Overall Fitness, Overall Evening Gown, Overall Fitness Preliminary Award, Overall Talent Preliminary Award, Quality of Life Top 10 Finalist

March 24, 2014December 5, 2018

Inside the Making of a Gown (N. Davuluri)

GUEST BLOG: Gown designer Gaspar Cruz

I met Nina from her local director, Johnny Triquet, over the phone as he had served as one of the judges on the panel at the local she had won and then was assigned to her as her “mentor/local director”.

Johnny said he instantly knew that he was going to contact me after having watched Miss America 2013 when Mallory Hagen from New York had won. I worked with Lexie Madden from Wyoming and had designed the black gown she had competed in and placed 3^rd runner up to Mallory.

So when Nina and I connected...Nina, Johnny, and myself did a lot of texting back and forth. She described and sent me text messages of dresses she liked and possibly wanted.

Taylor Swift Side by Side — Taylor Swift's white gown at the People's Choice Awards 2013

Her ideas were great but she said she wanted to make a statement and have an impact. The dresses she was showing me were very pretty and very red carpet but not much for impact.

Her favorite gown was a white crepe dress worn by Taylor Swift. I used the gown as inspiration with some modifications. I built a corset into the dress to maximize her small waist and give her great structure for her bust.

I wanted to be sure to add the cap sleeve so that it would define her shoulders and not make her look too wide with excess fabric.

Nina sketch — Gaspar Cruz's original sketch of Nina's gown

I also wanted to show off her back, so we cut a keyhole in the back so when she turned around it would have some detail.

Then of course I added the two foot train to make her look taller as she walked off.

I sent over one of my measurement charts and she said to me she had lost over 60lbs at that point and wasn’t sure if she was going to lose any more weight.

I said let’s make the dress to the size you are now and we can work on the small details after the fact. We discussed chiffon, crepe, and a few other fabrics and decided to go with 2 layers of chiffon and charmeuse as lining.

I sent her photos of a few dresses, one of them was for a client that I had designed for competing in my pageant.

Nina Top 5 Miss America 2014 — Nina Davuluri with the Top 5 at the Miss America 2014 pageant

She liked the idea but was a little nervous about the color and the plunging neckline because she is Hindu and wanted to be sure she didn’t embarrass her parents or insult her religion.

I told her that I would add some sheer netting to it so that it would be classy and tasteful at the same time. After a week or so, I emailed her and her director and see if they had decided on what she was going to do. We went back and forth on color and finalized yellow.

Up until she received the dress I think she was still a little nervous. As you know she eventually won Miss New York 2013 and was headed to Miss America.

Initially I wanted to add rhinestones to the gown should she have won Miss New York but she was firm on keeping it completely simple.

I had this gut feeling that she was going to win Miss America regardless of what gown she had on. I think the fact that she had this very “red carpet” sort of gown separated her from the other contestants more typical pageant type gowns.

January 26, 2014January 28, 2014

Top 10 in Swimsuit for 2013

Similar to the Top 10 Pageant Gowns of 2013, this list was also designed to be the most relevant and comprehensive to determine the top contestants competing in the swimsuit competition. Additionally, I wanted the opportunity for readers to gain a inside look and learn from those who were the best in swimsuit for 2013.

To make this the most comprehensive Top 10 list, I contacted pageantry’s leading authorities across the country including gown designers, boutique owners, pageant coaches, seasoned pageant judges, hair and makeup stylists, photographers, and current and former state and national titleholders from the Miss America and Miss Universe organizations.

Once the final rankings were calculated, I personally contacted the majority of the Top 10 to interview them about their fitness training, nutritional plan, and overall preparation for their pageant.

Those eligible for nomination were ANY contestant competing in ANY pageant, in ANY system during the 2013 calendar year, then ranked in Top 5 format with points for each placement. People’s Choice was determined by popular vote by the public.

I present to you the Top 10 in Swimsuit for 2013.

“On the bubble”

These ladies barely missed cracking the Top 10, but deserved special recognition.

Constanza Baez, Nastassja Bolivar, Megan Ervin, Lauren Guzman, Gabriela Isler, Brittany Deaville (People's Choice)

10. Miss South Carolina 2012

Our first to appear in the Top 10 in Swimsuit for 2013 is Miss South Carolina 2012 - Ali Rogers.

Ali gave thePageantGuy.com some insight on preparing for the swimsuit competition at Miss America 2013:

"My key focus while preparing to compete in swimsuit at Miss America 2013 was to stay healthy and more importantly, happy. I had competed in swimsuit only two times before, at Miss Laurens County and at Miss South Carolina.

While maintaining a balanced diet, I never let myself become miserable with the same boring foods. I mixed in foods I like with fruits, vegetables, and high-protein, low-carb dishes.

I even left room for biscuits and gravy...that kept me happy, which was undoubtedly more important than being thin. When it came to working out, I didn't stay confined to a treadmill and weights in the gym. I grew up playing sports, not competing in pageants so swimsuit competition gave me the chance to utilize my passion for sports.

I mixed things up with CrossFit, Zumba, running outside, and anything to give my workouts variation. For me, cardio was key. I began and ended every workout with cardio...running, biking, or rowing. With multiple speaking engagements and appearances everyday for the six months leading up to Miss America, I used the month of December to really buckle down before I left for Las Vegas.

I worked out twice, sometimes three times a day, but I never let myself get bored. Balance was key. While I may have not been the thinnest, I learned very quickly that skinny doesn't always win swimsuit. I was healthy and of course, happy."

9. Miss West Virginia 2013

Coming in at 9th place is Miss West Virginia USA 2013 - Chelsea Welch.

Chelsea shared with thePageantGuy.com her process of preparing for the Miss USA 2013 pageant:

"To prepare for swimsuit competition I worked with Nancy Bond at Complete Physique and there's no way I could have been swimsuit ready without her help.

I started 4 months before my state pageant on a clean eating lifestyle. 3 small meals and 2-3 snacks every day, never more than 3 hours between eating.

I only ate clean foods like complex carbs, fruits, veggies, lean protein, healthy fats, and didn't take any supplements.

I also drank over 1 gallon of water each day. As for workouts, I trained for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours a day, 6 days a week, which included high intensity cardio intervals and quite a bit of strength training (I even used a squat rack). I dropped nearly 15 pounds in 3 months and became so toned.

My confidence in my body skyrocketed and I was so proud to show it off on stage. Working with Complete Physique was key to my success."

8. Miss Wyoming 2012

Placing 8th on the Top 10 in Swimsuit for 2013 is Miss Wyoming 2012 - Lexie Madden.

When asked about her preparations for the Miss America 2013 swimsuit competition, Lexie offered thePageantGuy.com this:

"To prepare for the swimsuit portion at Miss America, I did a variety of cardio 6 times a week, generally trying to keep my heart rate in the fat burning zone.

I also added in weight lifting, incorporating low weight with lots of reps to create leaner muscle.

In terms of nutrition, I ate a lot of fruit, veggies and lean protein and drank a gallon of water a day.

I definitely have a sweet tooth so I would still occasionally treat myself to sweet snacks.

Being healthy doesn't mean depriving yourself of everything, it means making smarter eating choices and eating things in moderation."

7. Miss Oklahoma USA 2014

Next on our list of the Top 10 in Swimsuit for 2013 is current Miss Oklahoma USA 2014 - Brooklynne Young.

Brooklynne gave thePageantGuy.com a quick glimpse on how she prepared for the Miss Oklahoma USA 2014 swimsuit competition:

"I made sure to go to the gym at least 3-5 times a week and if I didn't make it I would do some work outs at home.

I would always start out doing some form of cardio and then would transition into circuit training using weights to target specific muscle groups.

To mix it up, I enjoyed trying new workouts I would find on Pinterest or on a good fitness website.

As for my nutrition plan, I have grown up liking healthy food so it makes it easier to keep good eating habits.

I did not completely cut out any food group because otherwise I would end up craving it all the time. My go-to meal (also my favorite) would be Greek yogurt with granola and fruit.

I believe that the best plan is to focus on whole, natural, unprocessed foods and stay away from artificial sweeteners and so-called 'diet' foods."

6. Miss North Carolina USA 2013

Narrowly missing the Top 5 is Miss North Carolina USA 2013 - Ashley Mills.

When asked about her workout routine to plan for the swimsuit competition at Miss USA 2013, Ashley explained:

"My workout regimen in preparation for the Miss USA 2013 pageant was rather simple.

I only worked out around 3 times a week.

I did some cardio and weight training but the key in how my body was shaped for Miss USA came down to my diet.

From the moment I was crowned Miss North Carolina USA 2013, I ate healthy and in moderation.

I definitely ate what I wanted, which included a lot of thin crust pizza lol but I stayed away from juice and soda.

Drank nothing but water. Ate lots of veggies, fruits and consumed a ton of protein (cans of tuna, chicken, salmon).

I was very disciplined for a period of 7 months up until the Miss USA 2013 pageant and even now, I still maintain the same diet."

5. Miss Nevada USA 2013

The first to appear in the Top 5 in our list of the Top 10 in Swimsuit for 2013, is Miss Nevada USA 2013 - Chelsea Caswell.

Here is what Chelsea explained to thePageantGuy.com about her fitness and nutrition plan leading up to Miss USA 2013:

"I am a firm believer in being fit is 70% what you intake and 30% what you workout.

I worked out at least 5 days a week and really focused on my overall fitness. I did all different types of workouts to ensure I was getting the best results.

Everything from 'Insanity' to hiking, I tried to do it all. It also helped keep my workouts fun, and not so mundane!

Like I said 70% what you intake, therefore I was extremely strict about what I ate. I followed a pretty true "Paleo" diet (which I learned after the fact) but I essentially ate only natural foods, nothing processed, no dairy, sugar, or grains.

I'll admit the hardest part was candy! I have an addiction to sour gummy worms like none other, but in the end it was all worth it.

Something I thought I could never give up was coffee. If I could have an IV of coffee everyday I would! Hahah...it was hard but so worth it, I felt the best if ever felt in my entire life going to Miss USA."

4. Miss Utah USA 2013

Placing 4th on our list is Miss Utah USA 2013 - Marissa Powell.

Marissa also explained her routine to prepare for the Miss USA 2013 swimsuit competition:

"I was very fortunate to have an amazing trainer for Miss USA. I trained with Scott's Training System out of Arizona.

Although I was not in the same state as him, it was no problem at all. He was wonderful about calling and emailing back and forth 2 to 3 times a week to make sure that I was sticking to my nutrition plan and exercises.

Before starting to train, I told Scott exactly what I wanted to work on to obtain my ideal Miss USA body, and he helped me know what exercises and nutrition plan I needed in order to make it happen.

I grew up playing a lot of sports, so I was excited to do cardio and light weight lifting at the gym three times a week along with eating clean and natural foods.

Every week I would take photos of myself in my swimsuit in order to see the progress that I was making and it made me very excited and motivated to see the changes I was working for! I was thrilled when I got on the Miss USA 2013 stage and felt perfectly beautiful in my own skin.

I had worked hard and stayed dedicated. I knew that all my hard work paid off because I had reached my personal fitness goal that I had set for myself. Scott help me every bit of the way, and I could not have done it without him!"

3. Miss Illinois USA 2013

Placing 2nd runner up is Miss Illinois USA 2013 - Stacie Juris.

Stacie explains to us her "no fun diet" helping her to place in the Top 5 at the Miss USA 2013 and in our list of the Top 10 in Swimsuit for 2013.

"To prepare for the Miss USA 2013 swimsuit competition, I went on what I call the no-fun-diet.

I worked with personal trainer and former Miss Illinois USA, Ashley Bond 2-3 times a week and the other 4-5 times a week I would train on my own, at Lifetime Fitness.

As I got closer to leaving for Miss USA, my diet became more and more boring.

Eventually I cut out all grains, dairy, alcohol, and processed sugar.

I was eating a lot of vegetables, chicken, and egg whites.

Yawn.

It was really important to me that my hard work was evident when I hit the stage.

I didn’t just want to be skinny, I wanted to look fit and feel great. Getting ready to be on national television -- in a bikini -- may not be fun, but it is worth it!"

2. Miss Great Britain Universe 2013

Our 1st RU for the Top 10 in Swimsuit for 2013 is Miss Great Britain Universe 2013 - Amy Willerton.

To prepare for the Miss Universe 2013 pageant KX, an exclusive health and fitness club based in the UK, provided Amy a custom program consisting of personal training, spa treatments, and a particular diet and nutritional plan.

Courtesy of KX, here's a look at Amy's specific diet for Miss Universe 2013.

The diet that Amy followed for the Miss Universe 2013 pageant is a Mediterranean Paleo Menu.

This includes three meals per day consisting of a wide variety of lean proteins, fruits and vegetables and healthy fats from nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, fish oil and grass-fed meat.

Following this diet, combined with regular exercise, can help you stay lean, strong and energetic.

Below is Week One of Amy Willerton’s Miss Universe 2013 diet:

Monday: Smoked salmon and spinach / Super green salad & Cod / Chicken Paillard, green beans and broccoli
Tuesday: Poached eggs & grilled tomatoes / Tuna Tartare & Quinoa side / Salmon, beans salad & asparagus
Wednesday: Chicken, avocado & spinach / Vegan pasta & prawns / Beef filet stracchetti with mushrooms & kale
Thursday: White omelette w/red pepper / Beetroots soup & chicken w/green salad / Dover sole broccoli & carrots
Friday: Chilean sea bass, mushrooms and baby spinach / Spicy vegetable & chicken soup & wild rice side / Beef Bresaola & cherries tomatoes
Saturday: Steamed chicken and kale / Lentils Prawns soup / Veal filet green beans mixed salad
Sunday: Scrambled eggs & asparagus / Salmon salad & buckwheat side / Cod & shitake mushrooms

1. Miss Virginia USA 2013

Receiving the highest 1st place votes and placing in Top 5 on over three-fourths of all our expert polls, Miss Virginia USA 2013 - Shannon McAnally earns her the top spot in the Top 10 in Swimsuit for 2013!

Shannon exclusively spoke to thePageantGuy.com about her fitness and nutrition lifestyle and preparing for the Miss USA 2013 swimsuit competition:

"While I have been a vegetarian my entire life, I was definitely more strict than ever with my eating habits leading up to Miss USA.

I took in about 100 grams of protein per day, included lots of fresh veggie and fruit juices I made at home using a juicer, ate all healthy natural and organic foods, and cut out anything processed or things with a lot of sodium or sugar.

I can honestly say I have never looked or felt better in my life after practicing this diet for several months straight.

As far as my workout routine, I did a lot of low impact cardio several times per week, and worked out with light machines and free weights about 5 times per week.

I also Skyped with my trainer, Mark some towards the end to make sure I was targeting all the right spots correctly.

My workout routines were extremely intense and efficient, but well worth the time and effort!"

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So what do you think? Do you agree with the Top 10 in Swimsuit for 2013?

Who was your favorite? Was there a contestant you thought was worthy to be listed on our Top 10 list that we missed?

Let me know what you think in the comments below!

-Will the Pageant Guy

September 14, 2013September 14, 2013

VIDEO: Ivana Hall – Miss Texas 2013

Twenty-three year old Ivana Hall from Cedar Hill, TX, along with over 50 of the country's finest young ladies will compete for the title of Miss America 2014 on Sunday, September 15, 2013 in Atlantic City, New Jersey live on ABC.

Before Ivana left for Atlantic City, she made some time to visit with me for a quick interview and the opportunity for everyone to get to know a little more about Miss Texas 2013!

Thanks as always to Zac Grimaldo/PixelBroom Studios for the video work!

For more information about Miss Texas 2013 - Ivana Hall check out her Miss America 2014 contestant bio page.

-Will the Pageant Guy

January 22, 2013

VIDEO: A Day in the Life of MAOTeen 2013

Rachel Wyatt in her own words:

"Being able to put the crown on these little girls' heads is really special because they just look at it and see a crown and they think, 'Wow, you're a princess!' but the meaning behind it and the four points mean so much more than that. For me to be able to tell them about that and let them try it on and take pictures, its really neat, fun, and special for them...and and it means a lot too!"

Last month, Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2013 - Rachel Wyatt visited Dallas and I was invited to document a typical day in her life as MAOTeen.

We began as she arrived at the airport in Dallas and dinner afterwards. Early the next morning, Rachel attended a private session with Mental Management Systems. During her short time in Dallas, Rachel was able to make a few appearances to speak to children and give back to the community. She spoke to the children of Heart House Dallas, spent time with them and handed out books to the group. Following the Heart House, Rachel helped with the Toys for Tots toy drive. Concluding her long day was a relaxing dinner with friends from Baseball Diamonds and a few laughs 🙂

Come take a glimpse into "A Day in the Life of MAOTeen 2013" video below...

Video by thePageantGuy.com. Photo by Jenn Cady.

-Will the Pageant Guy

January 12, 2013December 5, 2018

POLL: Miss America 2013 Predictions

53 contestants. 1 title.

On January 12, 2013, 1 lucky young lady will take her walk as Miss America 2013.

The odds are that a preliminary award winner has a better chance to take home the Miss America crown, but will a non-preliminary award winner come out on top?

We took this question to the fans and polled their prediction on who will be crowned the next Miss America 2013.

Hundreds of votes were submitted and here are the results of the Miss America 2013 - Prediction Poll.

Photos and bios courtesy of the Miss America Organization.

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10th place (tie): Alabama - Anna Laura Bryan

Name: Anna Laura Bryan
Hometown: Decatur, Alabama
Age: 22

Education:
Decatur High School
Samford University

Platform Issue: P.A.W.S. for Autism: People and Animals Working Side-by-side

Scholastic Ambition: To attend graduate school in the design field.

Talent: Classical Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Dean's List, Gamma Sigma Alpha Greek Academic Honor Society, Samford University Academic Achievement Scholarship

Career Ambition: To become a Registered Interior Designer and work for an Architecture Firm.

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Hoover

10th place (tie): Florida - Laura McKeeman

Name: Laura McKeeman
Hometown: St. Petersburg, Florida
Age: 23

Education:
Celebration High School
University of Florida

Platform Issue: The Miracle League

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain my Master of Art's Degree in Mass Communications-Multimedia Journalism

Talent: Ballet en pointe

Scholastic Honors: Dean's List, UF College of Journalism - Red Barber Award for Broadcasting, UF College of Journalism Award for Storytelling

Career Ambition: To produce/host an original television show and to be a College Professor of Broadcast Journalism

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Pinellas County

10th place (tie): Illinois - Megan Irvin

Name: Megan Ervin
Hometown: Rushville, Illinois
Age: 23

Education:
Rushville-Industry High School
Western Illinois University

Platform Issue: "The Heptathlon of Healthy Habits"

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology

Talent: Lyrical Dance

Scholastic Honors: WIU Dean's List, National Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society

Career Ambition: To own and operate my own dance and fitness studio; Eventually, marketing my "Cross-Lates" Fitness Method on DVD.

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Quincy

Preliminary Awards: Winner of Lifestyle & Fitness award on Night Two of preliminaries

9th place: Mississippi - Marie Wicks

Name: Marie Wicks
Hometown: Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Age: 23

Education:
Ocean Springs High School
University of Mississippi

Platform Issue: eyeS.TA.R.-Eyesight To All Regions

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate of Medicine.

Talent: Piano

Scholastic Honors: The Salley McDonnell Barsdale Honors College, Ole Miss Hall of Fame, Graduated Magna Cum Laude

Career Ambition: To pursue a career in Ophthalmology.

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Dixie

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Mississippi Corporation

8th place: Missouri - Tippe Emmott

Name: Tippe Emmott
Hometown: Springfield, Missouri
Age: 21

Education:
Glendale High School
Drury University

Platform Issue: "POINTE" Towards Self-Confidence to Achieve Success

Scholastic Ambition: To graduate with honors from Drury University.

Talent: Ballet en Point

Scholastic Honors: ACT Achievement Award

Career Ambition: To own and operate my own dance studio.

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Branson

7th place: District of Columbia - Allyn Rose

Name: Allyn Rose
Hometown: Newburg, Maryland
Age: 24

Education:
La Plata High School
University of Maryland

Platform Issue: Breast Cancer: Planning a Marathon, Running a Sprint

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain my Juris Doctorate in Constitutional Law.

Talent: Artistic Roller Skating

Scholastic Honors: Dean's List 8/8 Semesters, University of Maryland Senate Member, NAVSEA Environmental Protection Award

Career Ambition: To serve my country in public office.

Local Competition Sponsor: N/A

6th place: Minnesota - Siri Freeh

Name: Siri Freeh
Hometown: Lake Park, Minnesota
Age: 22

Education:
Park Christian High School
University of Minnesota

Platform Issue: Living Heartstrong

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate degree in Cardiac Research.

Talent: Contemporary Ballet

Scholastic Honors: 4.0 College GPA, 2012 Hartford Emerging Scientist Award, 2011 Camp Odayin Staff Scholarship

Career Ambition: To conduct Cardiac research with Mayo.

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Northwest

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4th RU: Texas - Danae Couch

Name: DaNae Couch
Hometown: Coppell, Texas
Age: 24

Education:
Trinity Christian Academy High School
Baylor University
Texas Tech School of Law

Platform Issue: Hope for Family Recovery: Life Beyond Addiction

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate of Jurisprudence

Talent: Twirling

Scholastic Honors: Defended Honors Thesis on Complete works of Oscar Wilde, 1L/Adv Mock Trial Champion & Best Advocate, CALI Criminal Procedure & Jurisprudence Award Criminal Law

Career Ambition: Civil litigation or criminal prosecution

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Dallas Organization

3rd RU: Kentucky - Jessica Casebolt

Name: Jessica Casebolt
Hometown: Pikeville, Kentucky
Age: 19

Education:
Pikeville High School
Georgetown College

Platform Issue: Heart Health Awareness

Scholastic Ambition: To graduate with a BA in Political Science, and continue my education in pursuit of a Law degree.

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Oxford Honors Scholar, Presidential Scholar, Christian Leadership Scholar

Career Ambition: To pursue a career as an Attorney in the field of Corporate Law.

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Goldenrod

2nd RU: Wyoming - Lexie Madden

Name: Lexie Madden
Hometown: Torrington, Wyoming
Age: 21

Education:
Torrington High School
University of Wyoming

Platform Issue: Forever Fit

Scholastic Ambition: Obtain a Doctorate degree in Pediatric Physical Therapy.

Talent: Piano

Scholastic Honors: Hathaway Honors Scholarship Recipient, Cardinal Key National Honors Society, Sheridan College Dean's List

Career Ambition: To provide rehabilitation care for children as a Pediatric Physical Therapist.

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Goshen County

1st RU: Oklahoma - Alicia Clifton

Name: Alicia Clifton
Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Age: 21

Education:
Moore High School
University of Oklahoma

Platform Issue: "Tap" Into Lifelong Volunteerism

Scholastic Ambition: To receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism.

Talent: Tap Dance

Scholastic Honors: University of Oklahoma Honors Scholar, University of Oklahoma President's Honor Roll, President's Outstanding Academic Excellence Award

Career Ambition: To become a National News Anchor.

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Edmond LibertyFest

Preliminary Awards: Winner talent award on Night Two of preliminaries

WINNER: South Carolina - Ali Rogers

Name: Ali Rogers
Hometown: Laurens, South Carolina
Age: 20

Education:
Laurens District 55 High School
Clemson University

Platform Issue: Make a Difference

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies and a Master's Degree in Public Relations

Talent: Piano

Scholastic Honors: P.W. McAllister Full Scholarship Recipient, Dean's List, Academic Advisory Board & College Representative

Career Ambition: To own a public relations firm

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Laurens County Organization

Ali was the Lifestyle & Fitness winner on Night One of preliminaries. If Ali does win, this would first time since the inception of Miss America's Outstanding Teen in 2005 that both Miss America and Miss America's Outstanding Teen would come from the same state.

We weren't the only ones that have Ali as the front runner for Miss America 2013. In a recent article, Johhny Avello, Director of Race and Sports Operations for the Wynn and Encore has Ali Rogers as the odds on favorite to win at 8-to-1.

In case you are wondering, it's illegal in Las Vegas to bet on the Miss America pageant, but for entertainment purposes here are the remaining contestants and their odds to win:

Miss Oklahoma (Alicia Clifton, 10-1), Miss Wyoming (Lexie Madden, 12-1), Miss Kentucky (Jessica Casebolt, 13-1) and Miss Minnesota (Siri Freeh, 15-1), Miss Missouri (Tippe Emmott, 16-1), Miss Kansas (Sloane Lewis, 18-1) Miss Maryland (Joanna Guy, 20-1), Miss Florida (Laura McKeeman, 22-1) and Miss Arkansas (Sloane Roberts, 24-1).