Miss Plus America Press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Franchesca Thomas, ptp_inc@yahoo.com

Re:  "2008 Miss Oklahoma Plus America Titleholders Crowned!"

"I'm Coming Out!" was the theme for the 1ST exclusive full-figured pageant in the state of Oklahoma, The Miss Oklahoma Plus America Pageant held on May 3rd at the newly renovated Holiday Inn & Suites, Oklahoma City, OK.  Plus size women from across the state of Oklahoma competed for the coveted titles of Miss, Ms, & Mrs. Oklahoma Plus America. Three stunningly attractive, plus sized women walked away as state title holders of this event. Amid flashing cameras and thunderous applause, Alysse DeSelle, (Oklahoma County) was crowned 2008 MISS Oklahoma Plus America, she also received the Miss Congeniality Award, Overall Optional Competition Awards, and Woman of Initiative Award. Giselle Alexander, (Lawton) was crowned 2008 MRS. Oklahoma Plus America; she also received the Woman of Inspiration Award. Joyce Lewis, (Oklahoma County) was crowned 2008 MS Oklahoma Plus America; and also received the Director's & Peoples' Choice Awards and Overall Best Interview. These ladies will serve as the first three official ambassadors for the state of Oklahoma at the National Miss Plus America Pageant. Christina Williams, (Haskell County) was crowned 2008 Miss Oklahoma Plus America Ambassador and 1st runner up to MISS Oklahoma Plus America.  She also received the Woman of Perseverance Award. The 2008 Queens walked away in excitement and anticipation of competing in the National Miss Plus America Pageant to be held in Dallas, Texas at the Fairmont (a 5 Star) Hotel July 2-5, 2008.  They will compete for the National Division Titles-Miss, Ms. And Mrs. as well as the Miss Plus America Elite Title.

"It is my privilege and honor to present this new and exciting program to the great State of Oklahoma.  The Miss Oklahoma Plus America Pageant is committed to excellence in pageantry.  We believe in healthy competition, that promotes individuality, confidence and overall achievement among all contestants.  Miss Oklahoma Plus America is an organization devoted to promoting the sophisticated, ambitious, responsible and community service oriented full-figured woman of the new millennium.  All of the delegates have exhibited qualities of excellent leadership skills, shown the ability to overcome personal obstacles, and have given un-canning support in community service, which are all characteristics of success!

"I would like to congratulate each and every one of the delegates for taking the challenge to step out- daring to be different and taking pride in whom they are!", said Franchesca Thomas, 2005 MS Oklahoma Plus America now Executive State Director.

The ladies have already begun promoting their community platforms with their participation and appearances at the Armed Forces Day Parade and The Inner City Talent Show in Lawton, Oklahoma, Supporting Good Health Program-The Health Food Store/Southwest Oklahoma City, Benefits Workshop for the Alzheimer's Association, and held a silent basket auction for the Oklahoma Family Network-an organization that gives assistance to families with children that have disabilities.  Let's make Oklahoma the premier state at the national competition by attending and showing our support.

For interviews or public appearances with the 2008 Miss Oklahoma Plus America Queens, please contact Franchesca Thomas at ptp_inc@yahoo.com or phone 769-2788.  For more information about the Miss Oklahoma Plus America Pageant, visit our website at www.missplusamerica.com/oklahoma.asp

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nanette Watts, nwatts3737@yahoo.com

Re:  “2008 Texas Plus America Titleholders Crowned!”

March 15th, the Longview Community Center in Longview, Texas was the setting for the 3rd annual Texas Plus America Pageant. Plus sized women from all over the state of Texas competed for the coveted titles of Miss, Ms and Mrs. Texas Plus America.  Amid Flashing cameras and thunderous applause, Lauren Stewart, (Carrollton, TX) was crowned 2008 Miss Texas Plus America; Calandra Griffin, (Cedar Hill, TX) was crowned 2008 Ms Texas Plus America; and Miesha Medford, (Lancaster, TX) was crowned 2008 Mrs. Texas Plus America.  The 2008 Queens walked away in excitement and anticipation of competing in the National Miss Plus America Pageant to be held in Dallas, Texas at the Fairmont Hotel in July.

The 2008 Texas Queens Court As Follows:

Lauren Stewart Miss Texas Plus America	Calandra Griffin Ms Texas Plus America	Miesha Medford Mrs. Texas Plus America
Constance Pullam 1st Runner-up	Regina Linwood 1st Runner-up	Suzie Bernal 1st Runner-up
Rachel Ratliff 2nd Runner-up	Kristina Rowe 2nd Runner-up	Anita Rodriguez 2nd Runner-up
Ashley Henderson 3rd Runner-up	Trinia Dotson 3rd Runner-up

The Texas Plus America Pageant gave special awards during the finals ceremony.  The following is a list of the winners.

Congratulations to all of the winners.  For more information concerning the 2008 Texas Plus America Pageant Queens, private interviews or public appearances, please email Nanette Watts at nwatts3737@yahoo.com.  For more information on Miss Plus America, visit our site at www.missplusamerica.com/texas.asp. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Hey, all Oklahoma Full Figured Females!  Here is the pageant that you have been waiting for!

Pageant Tree Productions, Inc. and Singer's Choice Karaoke Warehouse will hold Free- Exclusive Auditions for the 2008 Miss Oklahoma Plus America Pageant at Crossroads Mall, Oklahoma City- located on the lower level on Saturday, March 1, 2008 from 10am to 4pm. Auditions will be held for the following divisions:  MISS (age18-29); MS (age 20 and up); MRS (age 20 and up/married).

Interested persons must:

• Wear professional attire for the audition. NO JEANS!

• Must be at least a size 14 and up

• Be prepared to share a 1 minute commercial or sales pitch for a community cause

• Brief biography (High School Students must provide a copy of birth certificate & transcript or current grade report)

• Bring one 8x10 picture of yourself and photo I.D.

• Review the MOPA website at: http://www.missplusamerica.com/Oklahoma.asp

Contact Franchesca Thomas, Executive State Director/Recruiter at 405-769-2788 or email: mopa_auditions@yahoo.com for more information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Melissa Stamper, director@missplusamerica.com

Re:  “2007 Miss Plus America Titleholders Crowned!”

July 4 to July 7, 2007 the beautiful Fairmont Hotel, Dallas, Texas was the setting for the 5^th annual Miss Plus America Pageant. Thirty-one stunningly attractive, plus sized women competed for the coveted title of Plus America Elite.   Amid flashing cameras and thunderous applause, Jenna Vaught, (Ohio) was crowned 2007 Miss Plus America Elite; Sarah Hays, (Texas) was crowned 2007 Miss Plus America; Sabrina Mathis, (Texas) was crowned 2007 MS Plus America; and Erin Hagerty, (California) was crowned 2007 Mrs. Plus America.  The 2007 Queens walked away with cash and prizes worth thousands.  

2007 Queens Courts As Follows:

Miss Plus America  (18-29)	MS Plus America (30-39)	Mrs. Plus America (20 + )
1st runner up:  Krystal James, Arkansas	1st  runner up:  Steph DeWaegeneer, Illinois	1st runner up: Shayla Patton, Mississippi
2nd runner up:  Lacreshia Witcher, Arizona	2nd runner up:  Deontrae Sherrard, Washington	2nd runner up: Jessica Manson, Kentucky
3rd runner up:  Justine Stevens, Washington	3rd  runner up: Ardren DeBerry, Tennessee	3rd runner up:  Brenda Johnson, Texas
4th runner up:  Rachel Ratliff, Wyoming		4th runner up:  Wonder Lowe, Arkansas

Twenty-seven states were represented in the 2007 Miss Plus America Pageant.  The thirty-one delegates were treated to dinners, parties, a photo and a video shoot while they were there.  Wednesday morning began the festivities to include registration, orientation and ended with the ‘Welcome Reception’ that evening where the ladies exchanged special gifts from their states.   Competition began on Thursday morning with interviews and concluded that evening with preliminary Cocktail wear and Evening Gown competitions.  Friday was a repeat of Thursday, however the evening culminated with the traditional ‘MPA Viva La Diva’ party where family and friends joined in to have a roaring time.  The top five delegates of each division from the preliminary competitions were selected to compete in the Final Competition held Saturday evening.  

In order to compete in the Miss Plus America Pageant, the state delegate must be a size 14 or greater.  There are three age divisions in which to compete: Miss (18-29), MS (30-39) and MRS (20 and above).   Each delegate must compete in Interview (50% of the total score), Cocktail Wear (20% of the total score), Evening Gown (20% of the total score) and Photogenic (10% of the total score).  Overall high scorer in all competitions is crowned Miss Plus America Elite.

Quotes from 2007 participating delegates

Wonder Lowe, 2007 Mrs. Arkansas Plus America

“MPA is truly a blessing for ALL women! I went into this pageant with the hopes of winning a crown, but I think I came out with a lot more. I made friends with some of the most awesome women on earth! There is no way I could walk away from this pageant and not be better. My confidence has increased tenfold.   I feel beautiful and I love it!”

Angela Miller, 2007 MS Oregon Plus America.

“I would never, never have expected something as powerful as this past week…”

Myisha Hill, 2007 Miss Illinois Plus America.

“You have begun a much needed revolution in the world, and I love you for that!!!”

Lacreshia Witcher, 2007 Miss Arizona Plus America.

“I have nothing less than the wonderful experience of meeting all of you ladies and hope you all are as determined as I am.  Continue to keep your eye on the crown and come back next year.”

Cynthia Willis, 2007 MS Maryland Plus America.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you. You've helped to give hope to so many people, and opened the eyes of others. This was quite an experience (one that I wouldn't trade for anything).”

For more information concerning the 2007 Miss Plus America Queens, private interviews or public appearances, please email Melissa Stamper at director@missplusamerica.com.  For more information on Miss Plus America, visit our site at www.missplusamerica.com.