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2007 Miss Plus
America Elite
Click here for diary entries!
Jenna Vaught
Q&A With The New
Miss Plus America Elite!
| MPA |
What made
you enter MPA? |
| Jenna |
MPA is a great organization, I have watched it evolve throughout
the years. I just believed that the pageant would be a
wonderful way to celebrate my life as a successful plus-sized
woman. Over the years, I worked hard to get into medical school,
lose over 170 lbs., raise a beautiful daughter, and travel the
world. I am always up for meeting a variety of interesting
people, I was certain MPA would have many women to learn from.
I envisioned the pageant as the perfect opportunity to come out
and just be myself, show the world what I was made of. |
| MPA |
How did
you feel as you were traveling to the pageant? |
| Jenna |
Traveling to the pageant was full of anticipation. I
couldn't wait for all the events to begin; I wanted to meet all
of the delegates and queens. It was wonderful to finally put
the names and faces together. |
| MPA |
What was
your favorite part of the orientation? |
| Jenna |
Hearing all of
the introductions made by the staff and reigning queens and
realizing how much heart and soul was put into this pageant by
so many great women. It really was touching to understand that
this pageant was created for women just like me. I couldn’t
think of a more empowering event that I had attended in my
life. |
| MPA |
Tell us
about the new friends you made. |
|
Jenna |
I met so many
wonderful women during the pageant; it is hard to list all of
them. I had a lot of laughs with Robin, Mrs. Louisiana, and I
got to witness the kindness of Cynthia, Miss Plus America Elite
2006. Ashley, Miss Florida was an absolute doll. The
Ambassadors and reigning queens, everyone was just wonderful to
me. I saw how supportive everyone was, the greatest testament
to that was watching several women come together a find a new
dress for a delegate that had a problem with her evening gown.
I couldn't believe how quickly these ladies came together and
solved the situation. That is an amazing demonstration of the
quality of women participating in MPA.
Also, I really want to say that I am so proud of our new
queens: Sabrina, Sarah, and Erin. I cannot wait to learn
even more about them and their journey this year.
|
| MPA |
What was
the toughest part of the competition? |
| Jenna |
By far, it was just pacing myself through the events of
the competition. You only have a limited time for clothing
changes. In the end, it was very manageable, and I even had
plenty of time to spare! |
| MPA |
What was
the most difficult question to answer in interview? |
| Jenna |
You know, I didn't find
the interview difficult. I was confident, prepared, and I just
looked at the meeting as an opportunity for the judges to really
get a glance of my personality. In essence, I just wanted the
judges to have a chance to know me. |
| MPA |
How did
you feel during the opening number? |
| Jenna |
It made me think back to all of my days in color guard and
winter guard. Performing was always something I liked to do. So,
the opening was a lot of fun. I knew I didn't have to be
perfect, just enjoy myself. |
| MPA |
What was
the mood back-stage? |
| Jenna |
The mood was overall energetic and lively. All the contestants
were really supportive, giving out words of encouragement and
praise. It was pleasant to see everyone just help one another.
I knew before the pageant even started that this was going to
be a moment I would take with me forever, just because of the
support and ease provided by the other women. |
| MPA |
What was it like knowing that
Entertainment Tonight was filming you? |
| Jenna |
It’s funny, I didn’t even really notice the Entertainment
Tonight crew besides when they were backstage. I am sure the
cameras were on me a time or two, but I never realized it! It
wasn’t until the very end when they interviewed me that I was
telling myself not to be to excited about the camera. They were
interviewing me as soon as the coronation was over, so I was on
the biggest “cloud 9” you could imagine! |
| MPA |
What was the first thing that went through
your mind when you heard your name called? |
| Jenna |
Disbelief, are you calling my name, Jenna Vaught Miss Plus
America Elite? It was one of the most glorious seconds of my
life. Words cannot describe all the emotions I was feeling.
All I could think was how far I had come, how hard I had worked
in life, this was such an incredible award for just being
myself. I just wanted to get up and thank the judges for
choosing me. |
| MPA |
Describe
your crowning moment. |
| Jenna |
Wow, still I cannot define it. The crowning was like a myriad
of joyful feelings coming together at one moment in time. I
couldn’t help but cry a little, it was just so surreal. I could
see myself five years ago, barely even able to walk down my
driveway without losing my breath. Here I am now, walking in
front of everyone beautiful, healthy, confident, and happy.
Having the crown placed on my head, adjusting the banner,
smelling the flowers, taking my walk was like a far away dream
that suddenly found me. Never in my life have I felt such
appreciation and recognition as a woman. On a funny note, after
taking my walk, I even asked if I could do it again! |
| MPA |
How has
your life changed since being crowned? |
| Jenna |
Since being crowned, I have come to realize on a deeper basis
how important it is to have joy in your life, be appreciative of
the gifts given to you, share yourself with others, and get out
and make things happen. I knew before MPA that I had incredible
abilities as a future doctor and mother, I always knew I had it
in me. Now, I just feel even more energized and ready to take
on my life. |
| MPA |
What
plans do you have for your year's reign? |
| Jenna |
I have so many plans! I really want to promote my campaign “Put
that first foot forward”: A Realistic Approach for Type II
Diabetes Prevention.
I plan on attending some conferences and seminars on the
subject, to help better inform myself. Also, I will make
appearances not just for diabetes, but for all service
opportunities and organizations that I believe in. Already, I
have had people contact me and ask me to appear at functions and
have articles written about the pageant and my role as Miss Plus
America Elite. I just look forward to representing MPA in a
positive way, get the word out, be a great role model for all
women, and not just plus-sized women. I think that when you can
just share yourself with other people, it helps plant something
within others that can make a difference. Ultimately, I want to
show by example that there are positive, intelligent, and
beautiful plus-sized women that can serve as wonderful role
models today. I look forward to sharing my journey with
everyone this year, so please check back with me throughout the
year! |
| MPA |
How do
you plan to promote your platform? |
| Jenna |
Unfortunately, Type II diabetes is a huge problem in the states
today. According to the National Institute of Health, it is
estimated that about 7% of our overall population has Type II
diabetes, and there are 1.5 million new cases every year! The
good news, people have a lot more control than they think when
it comes to preventing or delaying the onset of Type II
diabetes. Evidence suggests that moderate weight reduction and
exercise are more beneficial in delaying or preventing diabetes
than drugs alone. I want to share this message with people, not
only as a future physician, but as someone who has made the
weight loss and diet changes necessary for prevention of the
disease. I believe that when people see from example they can
implement changes more effectively. Because of medical school, I
have the unique opportunity to attend seminars and presentations
on a regular basis. I am also creating a website with diabetes
information that can help steer people in the right direction,
let them know if they are at risk for diabetes, and how they can
better educate themselves on the subject. |
| MPA |
What
advice would you give to anyone looking to enter the Miss Plus
America pageant? |
| Jenna |
Enter the pageant with confidence and the desire to
learn from others. If you come to the pageant prepared,
friendly, and with a positive attitude; you will gain an
experience that will touch your for a lifetime. Be yourself,
enjoy the moment, and celebrate who you are as a plus-sized
woman! Take a chance and do it for yourself, you deserve it! |
Choose The Month You
Wish To Read!
(Updated Monthly!)
July Diary Entry
Hello everyone! This is Jenna Vaught, and I
am your new Miss Plus America Elite 2007! I cannot express enough
how much of a dream come true this entire experience has been for
me. Not long ago, I was sitting from afar, wishing to be Miss Plus
America Elite. I am here to tell everyone, that dreams do come
true! My goal this year is to use my experiences in life to help
plant a little seed in others.
My platform is “Put that first foot forward”:
A Realistic Approach for Type II Diabetes Prevention. My campaign
is about how small changes in exercise and diet can help delay or
prevent the onset of Type II Diabetes.
Like all the lovely ladies that I have met
this year, I have a unique story to share. That begins with being a
third year medical student, having a beautiful six year old
daughter, and a 170lbs. weight loss. Hopefully, you will follow me
and all my friends through our journey this year. I am so proud to
have been chosen as your Miss Plus America Elite.
Let me tell you, walking into the Fairmont
Hotel in Dallas, I was so excited! I just could not wait to meet all
the state delegates and queens. Registration was wonderful,
everyone was so helpful, and I finally got to put the names and
faces together. Most of all, I got to meet many of the reigning
queens I had admired for such a long time. It was great to finally
meet our director Melissa, I felt like she was someone I already
knew. As the day went on, one by one, I began to hear such wonderful
stories and accomplishments. I was proud to be apart of such a
supportive and empowering event. I thought to myself, “When else in
my life am I going to be surrounded by such strong and successful
women in one room?” For me, I have never endured anything like
this! I had the pleasure of forming bonds with women such as:
Cynthia Gilbert; Miss Plus America Elite 2006 and Ashley Focer; Miss
Florida Plus America. Those are just a few! Dance rehearsal was
lively and fun, and I especially enjoyed the coronation rehearsal.
At the preliminary competition, I was anxious
for just a second. I just told myself to have fun, enjoy the
moment. The judge’s interview was better than expected! The
interview was actually relaxed, although the questions were
challenging.
Throughout the week, I just reminded myself to
savor the experience, take it all in. When they announced my name
in the top 15, that is when I just lit up like a light bulb! My
sportswear and evening gown walk was everything I dreamed it would
be. Answering the onstage question, I just hoped I wouldn’t mess it
up! When they called my name as Miss Plus America Elite, I just was
on top of the world. I could hear my mother’s joy in the audience.
No one could have explained that feeling of being crowned.
All the years of hard work, the weight loss,
the acceptance to medical school, they were second to this moment.
Of course, the tears were flowing! It was really surreal having all
these wonderful women next to me, supporting me. The coronation was
the highlight of the entire experience. Wow! Talking with
Entertainment Tonight, I really hope I didn’t look too excited!
The most unique part of the night was being
invited upstairs to a wedding reception and having everyone
congratulate me. There must have been two hundred people there. I
hope you will follow my journey this year as Miss Plus America
Elite. Please join me in my reign. I look forward to all the
wonderful people and events I will have the honor of learning from.
Best wishes,
Jenna
Miss Plus America Elite 2007
August
Diary Entry
Hello again everyone! I am so glad to be back
in touch and let everyone know about how life has been as the new
Miss Plus America Elite! Yes, I am sure everyone can imagine that
there are days where I just feel so honored and amazed at this new
life of mine. From the moment I came back from the pageant to
Cleveland, people have been absolutely incredible. Adjusting to
this new life has been surreal and a joy.
So let me tell you what I have been doing for
the past month or so. Well, for one...STUDYING! As most of you
know, I am a third year medical student. I just finished two
weeks of midterms, in addition I am rotating through the hospital
and clinic. Needless to say, I am an active woman. To add to my
daily schedule, I have also been training for the Nationwide
half-marathon on October 22nd. The event will be in Columbus,
Ohio. I will fill everyone in on all the details next entry, so
come back and see how I am doing! Also, I also made a commitment
in July to lose 5% of my body weight by the end of September, to
support my campaign of "Put that first foot forward": A Realistic
Approach for Type II Diabetes Prevention.
Opportunities have just been knocking at my
doorstep in ways that I could never believe. I have had the
opportunity to do several interviews for newspapers, online
magazines, and I have two TV appearances coming up, so stay
tuned!. I can't spill all the details at once can I? ;) My
medical college, the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, has
been supportive and proud of me. I have received numerous
thoughtful emails praising my win as Miss Plus America Elite, my
weight loss, and life as a medical student. I want everyone to
know that I appreciate all the thoughtful words and wishes. It is
an honor.
Well, I had the opportunity to travel back to
Louisville in late July for a party that was held in my honor.
How great was that? I got to see old friends and family, people I
would not normally have the chance to see. Everyone has been so
supportive. I even made an appearance in late July at a Weight
Watchers meeting in Solon, Ohio held by one of my favorite meeting
leaders. I even had a new member see me with my crown on in the
lobby and she made the decision right then and there to join!
That was great!
The new first year students started medical
school this month, so I was there to greet them when we had our
orientation period. I also appeared at my medical college's OPEN
HOUSE, sponsored by the Alumni. It was special to meet so many
people that have such a part in the school.
Of course, I had my FIRST set of photos taken
with my crown! I promise, it won't be my last set. I can't wait
to have more done. As a matter of fact, I might be traveling to
my favorite city in the entire world to have my shots done by a
very famous photographer as Miss Plus America Elite! HMMM, stay in
touch because you need to see if everything works out for me.
September and October look to be wonderful
months for me. From charity events, marathons and races, to
parades. Come back and see me soon, I can't wait to share my life
with all of you. Everyone, remember that beauty comes in all
varieties. Be patient with yourself, love yourself, and just
remember that this life is a journey worth working for. I wish
everyone the greatest!
September Diary
Entry
Of course, it is hard to believe that September
has come and gone...the leaves are falling, everything seems to be
changing right before my eyes. September was a wonderful month, I
spent a lot of my time arranging up and coming events as Miss Plus
America Elite, and as always, STUDYING! Also, I have been
running/walking a great deal for my half-marathon next month. My
daughter Kyla is getting back into routine with school and
friends, she is ready for dance class and ice skating lessons, so
it should be interesting to see how that works out with my
energetic schedule.
The first event on my list was the fundraiser
for the Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland, benefiting
their camp for Type I/II diabetes. On a down note, it ended up
RAINING on the outdoor event, and I arranged a donation on my part
as MPA Elite.
On September 15th, I ran the 5K Susan G.
Komen Race for the Cure event in downtown Cleveland! That was a
lot of fun. All of my fellow classmates of AAWP ( American
Association for Women Podiatrists) were there volunteering their
time for the event while I got the great workout. I socialize
with the crowd and meet tons of memorable and inspiring women that
had survived cancer. I met one woman who was a breast cancer
survivor for over 30 years! Everyone was so supportive and
caring, such a positive event. I recommend this event to anyone.
September 17th-18th: I flew to Los
Angeles for a pilot taping of the Bo Dietl show. And guess who I
was appearing with? Your Miss Plus America Lifetime, Chenese
Lewis. I literally flew to L.A. in the evening, taped in the
morning with Chenese, and flew back that afternoon. It was a
quick trip but incredible. The television studio was actually
connected to the Four Seasons Resort! Can you believe that? What
a great idea. My room and accommodations were first class. The
show itself was about plus-sized women in society today. Chenese
and I were discussing this issue with the founder/president of the
National Action Against Obesity, Meme Roth. Despite the heated
discussion, it was a good experience that I have taken a lot
from. And Bo Dietl, what a great host!
September 29th: DIVABETIC, Makeover
Your Diabetes event in Cleveland, Ohio. This event was so much
fun. I have never experienced anything like it. They had make-up
artists, photographers, fashion shows, manicurists, stylists, and
health professionals all in one venue. Every event showed women
how to take control of their diabetes and feel like they were in
control again. Very empowering. And the surprise of the day was
meeting up with Mrs. Robin Gaines, our 2007 Mrs Plus America
Louisiana. Certainly, DIVABETIC will be seeing more of MPA Elite,
I really enjoyed every moment.
October is a whirlwind of a month for me. I
have two photo shoots, my half-marathon, premier party for the
Flawless calendar, a parade, and a wonderful fundraising event for
Kosair Children's Hospital of Louisville, Kentucky. I am off to
New York City, and my home of all homes, Paris FRANCE! Did I also
mention five exams and seeing patients most days of the week? As
the french would say, oh mon dieu! I can't wait to share
my plans with you, and wish me luck! Just remember everyone, life
is worth working for and above all. Love yourself. I am excited
about life and wish the very best to all of you.
Jenna Vaught
Miss Plus America Elite
www.JennaVaught.com
October Diary
Entry
Hello Everyone!!! I am so happy to be back
and letting everyone know what I have been up to these days! I
bet you already know what I am about to say??? STUDYING for
one, that my friends, will never end. :) But a lot of
interesting things have happened for me this month.
First, I had the chance to travel back home
to the Louisville, Kentucky area and do the Harvest Homecoming
Parade the first weekend in October. It was so much fun. All I
could hear from the crowd were people yelling my name saying,
"It's about time"! The crowd was amazing and I could not have
asked for a more beautiful day. Later that day, I appeared at a
charity event for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for Kosair
Children's Hospital of Louisville, Ky. To raise funds for the
NICU, they brought in The American Girl Tea and Fashion Show.
Talk about amazing!!! These girls were dressed to nines and with
personalities to fit. I was so touched by all the young ladies I
met, and I believe that I spoke to over seventy five young
ladies that day. What an event, I really look forward to doing
another very soon.
Then guess who I got to see at the premier of
her new FLAWLESS calendar signing in New York City?? Our one
and only Miss Plus America Lifetime, Chenese Lewis. Talk about
fun, oh and did I mention we were roomies?? The event was so
much fun, and I was really proud to see Chenese achieve so much
that night. That's our girl. The next day, I had an incredible
photo shoot with Lucas Photography, which I am delighted to
showcase for you.
Oh and the best thing ever!!! I finished a
half-marathon!!! Can you believe it?? Miss Plus America Elite
2007 finished a half marathon without losing all sensation in
her legs or breaking a bone!! Ha ha. I was thinking at five in
the morning while getting ready, wow...I really have come a long
way! It seems like yesterday I only DREAMED of achieving
something like this. Well everyone, I did it. And it just goes
to show that you don't have to be perfect or "ideal" to achieve
your goals. Just go for it! By far, one of the most incredible
moments of my life was finishing that race. And guess what, I
will be doing another half-marathon in January, held in
Phoenix.
Now, between all of this, I have been very
sick. It has been a fun month but full of challenges and
mountains to overcome. But no worries everyone, I am going to
be just fine!
Next month, I have a great adventure I want
to share with you, so come back and see me... I will give you a
hint, it involves a lot of croissants. I will let you in on some
magazine interviews, charity events, and all of my
future travels. I have had the pleasure of meeting and shooting
with a world famous plus-model, actress, and photographer. So
you MUST come back for all the details.
I am so happy and honored to be your Miss
Plus America Elite, this experience has opened doors and
opportunities that I just could never dream of. Please find joy
in the simple things, love yourself, and keep working hard...you
are worth it. Big hugs everyone!
Jenna Vaught
Miss Plus America Elite 2007
www.jennavaught.com
November Diary
Entry
Here I am again, and let me tell you the
time is flying! This past month has been a blur, between
medical school and traveling, I just feel blown away! But
life is great everyone, I am so excited to share with you some
of my ventures this month.
I was happy to attend a fundraiser/social
event for PAD ( Podiatrist Against Diabetes). It was the
groups first fundraiser, and all the proceeds went to the
American Diabetes Association. It was great to see all of my
great friends and future doctors pull together for a good
time. Especially since I really am trying to stress the
importance of Type II Diabetes Prevention by just moderate
lifestyle changes. All it takes is switching the fries for a
baked potato or salad. Take a walk instead of watching TV.
Little changes add up to huge results. I should know, I have
lost 180 pounds! Everyone wants to know my secret. My secret
is small steps that add up to big results over time!
Speaking of weight loss, I made an
appearance at my favorite Weight Watcher group in Wickliffe,
Ohio this month. I was excited to stand up and share my story
of weight loss. It is great to know that what I am doing as
Miss Plus America Elite or even just regular ol' Jenna...
really does touch people. I love getting out and sharing my
view because I think it is important for people to know that
there is not an "ideal" of what weight loss success is all
about.
Also, I had a great interview with Melissa
from Today's Woman Magazine in Louisville, Kentucky. The
article is about how busy women "keep it together". We talked
about how I balance parenting, medical school, and Miss Plus
America Elite. So, I will make sure and let everyone know
when that appears. Today's Woman Magazine was a regular read
in my life, almost all of my teen and adult life. I feel
honored to be featured.
Finally, the best update. Shooting with
Velvet D'Amour in Paris, France. For all of you that do not
know her, this woman is making a huge dent in the plus-world.
She is an actress, plus-model, singer, and photographer. She
has even taken the runway for Jean Paul Gautier. I admire
this woman for her social message, she really touched me. The
shoot was wonderful. I have some breathtaking shots. I will
release those when I get the OK. I am waiting to see if a few
magazines are picking the images up for an editorial. So wish
me luck ladies!!
Alright, now this coming month of December,
I will be all over the place. From taking finals, traveling,
to making many appearances for the holiday's, and preparing
for some great projects in the New Year. Again, I cannot
stress enough, ladies, be proud of who you are. Make the best
out of any situation you are in right now. Be grateful for
each waking moment. I wish everyone the world. Big hugs!
Bises mes amies...
Jenna Vaught
Miss Plus America Elite 2007
www.jennavaught.com
December
Diary Entry
Happy New Year everyone! Another year come and gone. This
is the time for resolutions. I hope that everyone will make
the decision this year to get up and celebrate their life!
I know I have an exciting year ahead, and I cannot wait to
share with you my experiences and progress.
December was here and then it was gone.
I spent two weeks of it taking eight exams! Talk about
stress. Then I spent two weeks in Los Angeles and San
Diego. I was actually running on the beach Christmas day!
Coming from Cleveland, that seems no short of a miracle to
me. New Years was spent at a wonderful Bash at Hotel Ivy in
San Diego.
Yet before heading out of town, I had
some Miss Plus America Elite business to take care of!
First was a visit to Ms. Tammy's Pre-School class in Euclid,
Ohio. We had a great time reading stories, answering
questions, and having Christmas snacks. Those kids were
great. Their questions were priceless. This curious young
man asked, " do you live in a castle and are you a
millionaire"? They really made me laugh.
I also did a photo shoot with Cleveland
Magazine! They named your Miss Plus America Elite as one of
Cleveland's Top 20 Singles of 2008. I was so excited to do
the interview and the shoot. I still cannot believe that
they picked me. What an honor. The Singles will also
participate in a live auction on Valentine's Day to benefit
a charity. So, participating is really for a great cause.
I also went to a fundraiser that
benefited the Providence House. This is an organization
that provides emergency shelter and support for children in
need. I love what this organization does. With that, I
also donated 100$ worth of toys. If any organization I know
deserves a helping hand, it is the Providence House.
Once in Los Angeles, I did two photo
shoots back to back. I will send you a little sample. Well
January is going to be a ton of fun. You know where Miss
Plus America Elite will be? Vegas baby! Because it is time
to welcome our new Miss America. Also, I will be traveling
for a photo shoot to Chicago. Then there will be Cleveland
charity events, and a lot more. There are surprises coming
up for 2008. I cannot wait to share them with
you. Remember, celebrate your life as a woman...you deserve
it!
Much Love,
Miss Plus America Elite
Jenna Vaught
January
Diary Entry
Hello everyone, I'm back! January went by
so fast, it is hard to believe a month has come and gone.
Hope everyone is living up to their New Year Resolutions! I
know I am, just trying to take better care of myself, eat
healthier, try new workouts, and above all be happy within my
own skin.
So here is what has been going on. Well, as most of you know,
my article came out in Today's Woman Magazine out of
Louisville, Kentucky! The editor for the magazine was
absolutely beyond generous with the article. I was so honored
to be a part of something I have been reading since a child.
I went and visited my old friends at the Euclid Child
Development Center, for story time. These kids were a
complete joy and a riot! They loved taking pictures of me
with my camera.
Of course, the event of the month was Miss America in Las
Vegas, NV!!! Talk about a good time! I love Las Vegas but it
was really special to appear there as Miss Plus America
Elite. I met so many wonderful people that I had heard of for
so long but never quite got the chance to meet. People were
coming up to me left and right asking for pictures, wanting to
congratulate me. It felt great to see that the world does
really appreciate the beauty of a plus-sized woman...what a
confidence booster! Really it was a joy, and Miss
Michigan absolutely deserved to win. She did a lot of hard
work to earn that crown, she shines internally and
externally. It was pretty amazing sitting there in the
audience watching these women. How surreal! I even got the
opportunity to meet our own Ms. New Mexico Plus America
Kimberly. She was such a doll, it was great to see some of my
own sisters there. There re ally are too many ladies to list,
all I can say is that I was blown away by the positive
responses. I really thanked God that night for such a
positive experience.
Well a lot of wonderful things are coming up for me. From my
Crush party as one of Cleveland Sexy Singles, to a new article
coming out in Just As Beautiful Magazine, fitness events,
another trip to France that includes a photo shoot with one of
the best, to charity events...I am really excited about the
next few months. I can't wait to share with everyone what I
am doing. As always, remember that in life, stay positive,
work hard, and the rest will follow.
Miss Plus America Elite
Jenna Vaught
February Diary Entry
Hello everyone, I'm back! Things have been
moving faster than usual. I've had some great fun in
February, and I cannot wait for spring to come again. These
Cleveland winters are nothing to mess with, that is for sure!
Well to begin, I was really excited about the article that
came in "Just As Beautiful" Magazine, based out of Great
Britain. MPA is even reaching out overseas!! They were
really excited to talk to me about MPA, what I am doing, and
about my person life. I finally got to show the
photography that Velvet D'Amour did of me in Paris! For those
that have not gotten a sample of the shoot, check out my
myspace page, they are up and ready to be seen. The article
was so plus positive, I was really thrilled with the results.
Thanks so much to Ronni, the editor of "Just As Beautiful" for
doing such great work. I really appreciate it.
The second big event, the article from Cleveland Magazine came
out! I was one of Cleveland's Sexy Singles of 2008. The
point of the sexy singles was to raise money for Easter
Seals. The fundraiser was held on Valentine's Day, it was
called the CRUSH party. Most of the singles showed their
support by participating in a live auction. It was really an
experience, talk about confidence! You need it to stand up
there and be auctioned off to a complete stranger. But it was
a lot of fun, and I can add it to another great experience as
Miss Plus America Elite. This one is surely going in the
record books! Thank you Cleveland Magazine!
I also participated in an event with a lot of my medical
school friends. Every year, KTE holds a dinner where we can
all get together and socialize out of school. It was a lot of
fun. KTE is a social fraternity that I am a member of.
Then, I went over and spoke with Crystal at the Providence
House in Cleveland. This house is devoted to children between
the ages of 0-6 years. It is an emergency shelter, which
particularly helps parents that are in need when extenuating
situations occur in life. It was really great to go and
visit, to actually see all the love and hard work that goes
into such an organization. The kids were adorable and so
happy, it was good to see happy faces. Hopefully, I will be
doing some fun events with the Providence house in the next
two months.
Finally, I attended a black tie event held by the Northern
Ohio Breast Cancer Coalition at the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame. This is a great organization that devotes it's time and
energy to helping fund a variety of breast cancer related
projects. I met a variety of people, from lawyers to doctors,
even survivors. Surely, it was the end to a perfect month.
So I guess everyone wants to know what is coming up?? Well,
March will be spent in Paris, France. I cannot wait, I will
also be training for another half marathon that will be held
in April. Get ready because I am going to be doing a lot of
events in the remaining quarter of my reign. Everyday, I feel
so privileged and honored to be your Miss Plus America Elite.
Remember, work hard, believe in yourself...the rest will fall
into place.
Your Miss Plus America Elite 2007
Jenna Vaught
www.jennavaught.com
www.myspace.com/drbellefemme
March Diary Entry
Bonjour à Paris mes amis, C'est ton amie Jenna. Hi everyone,
I am in Paris for all of March and April and it is amazing. I
had some time in my life, so I decided to seize the
opportunity and take my time here in Paris. You know I have
always loved Paris, I really cannot explain why. There is a
mystery about this city that I just adore. Not to mention the
bread and the wine that I am loving.
So what am I doing here? Well having the time of my life of
course. My best friend Todd and I started here together but
he has since gone home. I spend my time doing even the most
normal things, such as cleaning my apartment and even going to
gym. I have been to Paris many many times...so going to the
EIFFEL TOWER and places like that are not really on my list.
I have also been spending some great times with my
photographer and friend VELVET D'AMOUR. If you want to know
an amazing plus positive woman, Google this woman and you will
see what she is doing for the plus world.
So look for many pictures coming soon. and I have some good
stories to share about a TV show that everyone knows about and
many events to come. My reign is about to end but there is
still much to do. I love being MPA Elite and everyone
remember that in this life, it is all about loving yourself in
whatever situation you are in. Be proud of who you are,
embrace every moment, when you do this...all is possible.
Much love,
Jenna
April Diary
Entry
Hi everyone! I am still in Paris for all
of April! I am so excited to take the extra time and have a
few more "bonheurs" as they would say in France. Yet, as most
of you know by now, I had the opportunity to fly to New York
to appear on the Mike and Juliet show. This is a live morning
show that is produced by the FOX network. Let me say, getting
the call from Paris to appear was quite a fun change of
scenery. I literally flew out on a Monday from Paris, taped
the show Tuesday morning, and took the red eye back to Paris
Tuesday night. Next thing you know, I was landing in Paris
Wednesday morning. The show was great, the producers and
staff were wonderful, and of course I really loved meeting Dr.
Jennifer and being featured with Meme Roth. Oh and I don't
want to forget that Juliet is so beautiful and Mike is quite
the charmer!!!
You know, there was a lot of talk about my appearance and the
bold statements that I made. I have to tell you, there is
something more to me than being Miss Plus America Elite. I am
also a strong minded woman, extremely intelligent, and I know
I am a great role model for all women, not just plus-sized
women. Everyone can see a little piece of themselves within
me. That is why I made the statements I did. As MPA Elite, I
receive many emails about my weight and why I continue to
exercise, train for races, and strive for weight loss. The
answer is simple, I believe in health and fitness! I know
what my life was like before I had the great habits I have
today, and I choose to maintain and promote them. Fitness and
health belong at any age, size, or position in life. I really
stand behind those statements not just with words but by
example. Thus, that is why I enjoy facing Meme Roth and
expressing my side. I was in much agreement with Dr.
Jennifer, she was fantastic. It was a great experience, and I
tell you, it really flew by fast!
Also when I was in Paris, I had the honor of interviewing
with a plus-sized magazine called Modeuses Rondes. They did a
great article on your MPA Elite, in FRENCH of course. I adore
the French people and their culture, but the plus-sized
industry is really in its infancy in France. It is very
difficult to find nice fashions for plus-sized women. I
really love what the magazine is doing and promoting in
France. It was a real honor for them to contact me about the
piece. I know the French women loved it because I received
many emails from women expressing their excitement about the
pageant and my confidence as a plus-sized woman.
In May, I will be doing a few races, coming back to the
States, getting back in tip top shape, preparing for the
pageant, and beginning to wrap my year up. I look forward to
the moments that are to come....I am sure they will be moments
I will remember forever...
Lots of Love,
Jenna
Miss Plus America Elite
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