| |
2009 Ms
Plus America
Steph DeWaegeneer
VISIT MY FACEBOOK PAGE!
Photogenic Shot |
Finals Introduction |
Fashion Pant-Wear Top 15 |
Top 15 Evening Gown |
Excited To Get Crown! |
Steph & Her Court |
Q&A With The New
Ms Plus America!
| MPA |
What made
you enter MPA? |
| Steph |
I’ll admit it. I live, what seems to
most people, to be a fun life. As a professional improviser with
ComedySportz®, and the person who handles our special event
bookings, I make my living making people laugh. What a
blessing!
I was dabbling in a little bit of
plus-size modeling, and had an opportunity to participate in a
cruise sponsored by Figure magazine. I was selected to
participate in a runway show onboard the Carnival Glory.
It was a terrific experience; and very different from performing
comedy. It really spoke to the glam-diva part of my soul.
I was also sharing an office at ComedySportz®
with a reigning Galaxy system queen. She was a pageant pro. It
always sounded so interesting. When I returned from the cruise,
I wanted to take challenge myself and another big step outside
the box of my fun life. I Googled “plus size pageant” and found
MPA.
When I read about the community service focus and the integrity
of MPA – I knew this was the opportunity for me! I was already
working with Gilda’s Club and supporting prostate cancer
awareness. Being an MPA queen would give me an official platform
to serve and inspire even more people. |
| MPA |
How did
you feel as you were traveling to the pageant? |
| Steph |
I’m a somewhat independent person; but
this time I carpooled with Shavon Phelps, Miss Texas Plus
America (and now our new Miss Plus America Elite 2009!) We had
both been working very hard to prepare for the national pageant
since being crowned at the Texas state pageant 6 weeks earlier.
I was excited the week had finally
arrived, felt very confident that I had done everything I could
possibly do to prepare myself for this competition.
Shavon and I had my car packed pretty tightly, but joked that we
should leave some room for two big new crowns. Irony? |
| MPA |
What was
your favorite part of the Orientation? |
| Steph |
At Orientation, there are big bags set
up around the room. One for each delegate. Each of the state
queens brings a small token to share with the other delegates.
(I brought packaged chili from my sponsor Cin Chilli.) There is
a time at the beginning of Orientation for all the delegates to
go around and drop their gift in the bags. It reminds me of
Valentine’s Day at elementary school.
Some of the girls are sooooooo creative! There were customized
gifts with our names, energy boosting snacks, and hand-made
gifts. Later in the evening, I dumped the bag out on the bed I
my hotel room. It was like Christmas morning. What a great way
to start the week! |
| MPA |
Tell us
about the new friends you made. |
| Steph |
Naturally I went into the pageant with
the support of my Texas sisters, Shavon (Miss Texas) and
Toniette (Mrs. Texas). It was great to be able to lean on each
other throughout the week. We had a little pinky swear moment
backstage on Saturday.
I think I’ve been unofficially adopted
by the 3 Oklahoma queens, Candace (Miss), Ellaleilani
(Ms.), and Monique
(Mrs.) By the way, all 3 of them happen to be simply gorgeous.
During dinner one night we started planning some sort of Texas &
Oklahoma queen fundraising activity centered around the OU vs.
TX game. Even though I’m now a national queen – I still hope to
participate. I think we should do a bull riding challenge!
The MPA Forum is a great place for the delegates to break the
ice during the months leading up to the pageant. All sorts of
topics, from silly to serious, are discussed on the forum. I
made a point of sitting with different girls at each meal so
that I could get to know as many of the girls as possible. It
was great to finally match the faces to the names.
By the time the MPA Pajama Party rolled around on Thursday
evening, I thought this must’ve been what it was like to be in a
sorority. I looked around at all these great gals dressed in
their “flower power themed” pj’s, dancing up a storm, and
sharing a laugh over a hot dog and realized anyone of these
women could walk around with the crown. They all had something
great to offer the world! |
| MPA |
What was
the toughest part of the competition? |
| Steph |
The Louisiana humidity! It was wreaking
havoc on my hair!
On Thursday during the Group B
preliminary competition, my hair stylist was running behind and
it snowballed into me being a little rushed. I only had 10
minutes for make-up! I was trying to keep my hair nice, but
running around like a maniac trying to get dressed, perspiring
like crazy – and we were indoors! Manic is NOT my normal mode.
I could feel my lips shaking through my smile during the
elegant pant wear modeling. That never happened to me before.
I shook it off and blew off the nerves
at the MPA Pajama Party later in the evening.
You better believe I made sure I had plenty of time to prepare
for the finals on Saturday – and some anti-frizz spray! |
| MPA |
What was
the most difficult question to answer in interview? |
| Steph |
None of the questions threw me per se.
The panel of judges seemed firm but fair. I felt like I was
having a discussion with them, more than being interrogated. I’d
consider interview my strongest skill, and I went in very
prepared.
I
actually thought my live question on stage during the finals was
sort of funny, and almost a trick question. (“Do you believe
that the
U.S. should print more currency to help the economy?”)
I was able to show a combination of my sense of humor and solid
political views in my answer. |
| MPA |
What
was one of your favorite memories during pageant week? |
| Steph |
Befriending a delightful young lady
from Arizona, named Marie Gray.
I brought a national news story to the other delegate’s
attention, about fifteen year-old honor student Marie. She had
a very rough end of her freshman year due to some insensitive
comments about her that made the final print of the school’s
yearbook.
After reading about her story, MPA kicked into gear and invited
Marie and her mother Ray to Louisiana for a complimentary trip
to the pageant. That plan? The delegates would envelope Marie
into the positive and uplifting sisterhood of MPA. We all
brought gifts and photos for her. The biggest surprise of all
was that Marie was presented with her very own crown, sash, and
the title Miss Teen Plus America Ambassador. You
should’ve seen her confidence blossom in just 3 days! |
| MPA |
How did
you feel during the opening number? |
| Steph |
We all looked great in our sassy
magenta tops from
www.Zaftique.com. I think
Saturday night was the only time I danced the opening number
without any mistakes!
The number was very girl power and so fun! I am not a
dancer, but Deidra choreographed a number that looked great and
was easy to remember. We all came up with little nicknames for
certain moves to help cement the routine in our heads (“Tysons”,
“Jackson 5”, “Praise-Pull”…) |
| MPA |
What was
the mood back-stage? |
| Steph |
Electrical! There was a great mixture
of nerves, support, and focus thinking going on backstage.
However, I could happily live out the rest of life without
hearing the phrase “Watch out for my train!” ever again.
Naturally, I felt bad for some of the girls who didn’t make the
finals. But things are moving at such a fast past you don’t have
to much time to commiserate. What is amazing is that those
non-finalists stepped right up and help me change clothes. Now
that’s a queen! |
| MPA |
What was it like knowing that
National Geographic was filming you? |
|
Steph |
It was very natural for me. I even
allowed them in the room during my panel interview with the
judges!
After crowning, I thanked Jeremy & Geoff from the Nat Geo crew,
because I really fed off of the energy of them being there. I
know that a crew like this is supposed to remain objective and
in the background; but I think they secretly had as much fun as
we all did. |
| MPA |
What was the first thing that went through
your mind when you heard your name called for top 15? |
|
Steph |
I was the last one called for top 5
Finalist in the MS. division. That was a little bit of a
nail-biter. Even my uber-confident interior was about to
crack. Especially after not hearing some really terrific
delegates’ names get called.
At the end of the pageant, if you win
the national title you don’t actually hear your name called
initially. You hear who the 1st runner-up is. If
it’s not you – you’ve won!
The emcee began announcing the MS. division court. There I was
standing on stage holding Nicole (Ms. Illinois) hands. She is
absolutely hilarious, and had just been awarded Miss
Congeniality. She was crying, and I kept whispering “It’s down
to the two funny girls. It’s you and me. Look at the audience.
Look at your audience…” As if I’m the calm one. Which was
ridiculous because 10 seconds later when Nicole was announced as
1st runner-up, I turned and looked at the audience
and just mouthed “WHAT?!??!?!” really big…and tried not to go
into the ‘ugly cry’. |
| MPA |
Describe
your crowning moment. |
| Steph |
I think if you asked any of the
delegates, they would tell you that I was very confident
throughout the week. But that Moment -- the Significant Split
Second when I realized I had achieved my goal; was magnificent.
I looked out in the audience and could see the silhouette of
Texas State Director & MPA Lifetime Queen, Nanette Watts
standing up in the back of the audience and applauding. And I
could hear the visiting local-level Texas queens cheering; which
was incredible.
When I was crowned Ms. Texas Plus America 2009 the queens were
having trouble crowning me because I am so tall, and my feet
were so sore, I had trouble crouching down. When I realized I’d
won the national crown, I thought to myself, “Girl, dig deep and
crouch really low”. Kim & Calandra were laughing at me because
at first they were just trying to hand me my roses, scepter, and
banner. I heard Calandra say, “She wants that crown!”. |
| MPA |
What went through your mind when you heard that you may have a
chance to play for $500,000 on the syndicated daytime version of
“Deal or No Deal”? |
| Steph |
I love the excitement and risk of “Deal
or No Deal”, and enjoy playing along at home. The daytime
syndicated version has a great twist and is an even faster-paced
game! I’m looking forward to getting the audience really
rallying behind me. I appreciate that the Producers want to do a
themed Pageant Week and have a variety of title-holders
represented on their stage.
If I get a chance to play and win some money, I plan on using it
to support my platform and some of the non-profit organizations
I endorse. |
| MPA |
What
plans do you have for your year's reign? |
| Steph |
I hope to bring my message
Live Life with P.O.P. (Power Of the Positive) to a
variety of audiences. It’s been a whirlwind since I’ve been
crowned. I’ve already been asked to lead the invocation & pledge
of allegiance at networking luncheon this week; and invited to
emcee an upcoming Houston business conference.
There are so many ideas I want to
execute, and places I want to visit. I’m going to organize a
“Princess for a Day” program for at-risk girls in Houston. In
October, I’m planning on traveling to L.A. to support Chenese
Lewis (Miss Plus America Lifetime I) and participate in Love
Your Body Day (www.loveyourbodyday.com)
I’d also love to do some sort of event
with The Glamazons! |
| MPA |
How do
you plan to promote your platform? |
| Steph |
People need to say “Yes!” more.
First and foremost, I try to live a
“Yes!” life. I’m not always 100% successful, but consciously
focusing on being open and accepting to new ideas and
opportunities seems to make me more aware.
Today is a confusing time. The
constant barrage of 24-hour news feeds has pushed negativity to
the forefront. In this economy it’s hard to be sure how to
proceed with life and get the most out of it.
It’s so easy to say, “No” or the even
sneakier “Yeah, BUT…” Imagine if one simple change could give
a person new view and surprisingly new experiences…to simply say
“Yes” more.
The concept of Live Life with P.O.P.
(Power Of the Positive) started for me as a rule of improv
comedy: Say “Yes! And…”.
I saw that to be successful onstage I
had to accept and agree with their ideas (“Yes”). We’d
work together; to build each other’s ideas into successful
comedy (the “And…”) what we created as a group was
stronger and funnier than anything that just one of use might
have produced on our own.
I started sharing the positive results
of saying “Yes! And…” with my non-actor friends and clients.
Then I read Danny Wallace’s book “Yes Man”. In the book Danny
chronicles what happens during the year he committed to say
“Yes” to every offer and opportunity presented to him. It also
highlighted how easy it is for one to become complacent and
bitter.
I knew I had to take “Yes! And…” out of
the improv community and share it with the world.
Since I work in the meetings & hospitality industry, I am
fortunate to be connected to meeting planners and speakers
bureaus. I look forward to traveling throughout the U.S. and
making appearance, attending events, and presenting my programs
“The 40-year Old Pageant Queen” and the audience
interactive “Oh! By the Way, You’re Welcome: How to Talk
to Human Beings”. |
| MPA |
What
advice would you give to anyone looking to enter the Miss Plus
America pageant? |
| Steph |
#1 – Do it! Don’t wait!
If entering MPA is weighing on your
mind, say “Yes! And…” to the opportunity. Don’t worry about how
you’re going to do it. Just set the goal and commit. Sponsors,
blessings, and support will appear.
#2 – Keep the structural engineering of
your gown simple!
This is a lesson I learned the hard
way. I love my hot pink gown, but it had snaps, a zipper, hook &
eye, and a lace-up back. You only have minutes to change and
that was way too much to deal with. Give yourself the gift of
simplicity. Purchase a gown that flatters you, fits well (or is
altered to fit well), you can sit it, makes you feel beautiful,
and that you can wear comfortably for more than 15 minutes!
Seize this opportunity! I’d love to
crown you at 2010 Miss Plus America Pageant! |
Choose The Month You Wish
To Read!
(Updated Monthly)
July Diary Entry
Wow! It’s only been 3 weeks since being
crowned MS. Plus America 2009 in Louisiana. The excitement
has just been spreading. I’ve received congratulatory emails from
family, friends, business associates, and acquaintances.
The minute the President of the Houston West
Chamber of Commerce heard about my title, she asked if I would lead
the Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance at a special combined chamber
luncheon with the Galleria Area Chamber. It was the first time for
many of my business contacts to see me in my new banner and pin! I
was delighted to share a table and meal with the keynote speaker
John C. Beddow, Publisher of Houston Business Journal. I also
met Della Henry, who leads a fascinating life and is trying to
figure out how Ms. Plus America might be able to appear Brasilia
Super Radio.
L to R: Della Henry, John C. Beddow, Steph DeWaegeneer)
Speaking of radio, I was asked to call into
Steven Kay’s radio program on CNN Radio 650AM
http://www.StevenKayLive.com I know
Steven through a professional organization, and it was sweet of him
to congratulate me on my new title on the air.
I wrapped up the month, by emceeing the
Christian Networking Group’s 2nd Annual Business
Conference. This 1-day conference offered informative programs for
people of all faiths who were interested in expanding their current
business, or starting a new one. I was honored to again wear my
banner & pin at this event. The highlight of the day for me, was to
introduce Houston Mayor Bill White to the luncheon
attendees. Mayor White presented a casual, from-the-heart
presentation about how his faith affects his decisions every day.
This is
only the beginning! I’ve committed to attend events throughout the
nation this year to promote MPA and my platform “Live Life with
P.O.P. (Power Of the Positive)”. Please visit my
Facebook fan page and let me know where
you’d like MS. Plus America to make an appearance!
Until next
month!
Steph
DeWaegeneer
Ms Plus America
August Diary Entry
This was supposed to be the month to figure
out how to be the best possible, Ms. Plus America and still
live meet my business and other personal commitments. Unfortunately
I was side-tracked with a very extensive chest cold that kept me
from doing as much as I wanted to in August. I am sure there is a
life lesson for me in there somewhere!
I did focus on creating a PR splash this
month, and it seems to be working! One of the first entries on
Peep, the Houston Chronicle’s big new entertainment blog was
about your’s truly:
Life is a Plus for Katy Queen
http://blogs.chron.com/peep/2009/08/life_is_a_plus_for_katy_queen.html
The blog post spawned an in-print feature about both Shavon (Miss
Plus America Elite) and I, in the Lifestyle section of the
Sunday 8/30/09 issue of the Houston Chronicle:
Houston Pair Take Crowns
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/main/6589650.html
I met
with two more reporters, and they were intrigued to learn more about
MPA and my platform Live Life with P.O.P.! (Power Of
the Positive). I’ll be sure to post links to their articles.
Houston is known for having a respected and
diverse museum district. I had the privilege of attending the
opening of the Omar Perez: Stilett"O"s exhibit at the
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft.
You don’t have to have a closet full of shoes to be enthralled by
this exhibit in which the artist has created impossibly sexy,
sky-high platform shoes from turned wood and accents such as band
saw blades, snakeskin, leather, feathers, and Swarovski
crystals. My favorite incorporated U.S. currency! In addition to
touring the exhibits, I was able to observe some live demonstrations
and classes. I might have to go back, because the glass bead making
class looked so interesting. The instructor said she’d be
delighted to have Ms. Plus America in her class! Photographs are
not allowed inside the museum, but here is a photo from the lovely
garden on the museum’s grounds.
Click the thumbnail to see the photo!
There are
some fun appearances coming up in September. I’ll join Shavon and
some of the Texas state queens at a meet and greet at Torrid
located in Willowbrook Mall in northwest Houston on Saturday,
September 19th. I also am planning on attending the Red
Knights Motorcycle Club charity event on Saturday, September 26th.
My
Facebook fan page continues to grow and I
am excited to see fans signing up from around the globe, including:
Italy, Belgium, Australia, and Bangladesh! They seem to appreciate
“a real goddess of beauty”; to quote a new member. That makes me
smile. It also makes me hopeful that I will truly get to spread the
MPA message around the world.
Be sure to visit the
www.facebook.com/MsPlusAmerica2009 to get
all the latest news and updates on appearances.
September Diary Entry
Word is spreading about my title! A
September 15, 2009 feature for the Katy News edition of the
Houston Chronicle titled, Katy Woman Big Winner at Pageant
went out on their feed and ended up being posted on USAToday.com,
World News Network (www.wn.com) and various blogs.
I was asked by the MISS Foundation to
be a celebrity contributor for their project MISSing Ingredients:
A Re-member-ing Cookbook. The MISS Foundation is a 501 (c) 3,
volunteer based organization committed to providing crisis support
and long term aid to families after the death of a child from any
cause. The
hardcover cookbook will be available for purchase and delivery in
December 2009, just in time for holiday gift giving. You can
pre-order a copy now! Visit the MISS Store at:
http://missfoundation.org/miss_shop/index.html
On Saturday, September 19th
on the northwest side of Houston, I joined our Miss Plus America
Elite, Shavon, and some of the Texas queens at a Miss Plus America &
Texas Plus America meet & greet at
Torrid located in Willowbrook Mall.
All the reigning queens modeled the latest from their trendy and
affordable fall line. I loved my look inspired by the tv series
Mad Men. I spoke to girls of all ages about the Miss Plus
America system, took lots of photos, met Facebook fans…and shopped!
My
Facebook fan page continues to grow. We’re
over 150 fans now!
Be sure
to visit the
www.facebook.com/MsPlusAmerica2009 to get
all the latest news and updates on appearances.
Steph DeWaegeneer
Ms Plus America
October Diary Entry
I love the Fall season! The changing weather, the changing colors.
One of the first signs of Fall in the Houston-area is the start of
the 8-weekend annual
Texas Renaissance Festival
(http://www.texrenfest.com)
in Plantersville TX. On Sunday, October 18th, I
was honored to be a special guest of King Herny VIII’s
kingdom. Celebrating their 35th season, the Texas
Renaissance Festival is one the nation's largest and most acclaimed
renaissance themed fairs. With 21 stages, period costumes, 300
shops, and plenty of food & drink, the 53-acre village provides more
than a day's worth of fun. I was especially delighted to share this
day-long appearance with my family, including my 5 year old nephew
James and 3 year old niece Samantha. My day included riding with
King Henry & Queen Catherine in the royal carriage during the
Noon Grande Parade…and throwing flowers to the peasants. I
also was escorted to the royal reviewing stand in The Arena for the
best seats from which to view the 5:00pm joust. Even though I
cheered for the Green Knight, he didn’t fare too well. Producer
Jeffery Baldwin said, “You’re the only one out here who isn’t
pretending. You are real royalty!”. (Thanks, Jeff! ) That
was just the tip of the amazing reception and hospitality I received
from the PR staff, Performance Company, and vendors at the Texas
Renaissance Festival.
On Saturday,
October 24th I joined our Miss Plus America Elite,
Shavon and Mrs. Texas Plus America 2009, Toniette Haynes Robinson
for a poolside photo shoot at the very chic and brand new Hotel
Sorella (www.hotelsorella-citycentre.com).
The shoot was a part of a Texas state pageant prize package donated
by photographer Mike Smith of MBM Studio Photography. In September,
I was attending a chamber of commerce networking event at the new
hotel, and the minute I saw the sophisticated floor pool/lounge area
I knew it would be a great location for some beautiful photos. A
special THANK YOU to hotel Sales Director, Jodi Doughty and the
staff for helping make out shoot a success.
Be sure to visit the
www.facebook.com/MsPlusAmerica2009 to get
all the latest news and updates on appearances. The community keeps
growing!
Photo #1: With
Renaissance Festival Producer, Jeffrey Baldwin
Photo #2:
My family (l to r) bro-in-law Dave, nephew James, my sister
Melissa, and my niece Samantha.
Photo #3: With the
ladies of the court at the joust arena
Happy Harvest!
Steph DeWaegeneer
Ms Plus America
November Diary Entry
In November I had the chance to experience a
pageant from the other side of the judges table. I was invited by
Sandi Maxwell of Texas Choice Pageants to be a judge at the Miss
Hill Country pageant in New Braunfels on November 7th.
The Hill Country pageant is an area preliminary pageant to the
Texas State Pageant
Believe it or not, this was my first time to
see a little girls & teens pageant live and in person. The Texas
Choice system (
http://www.littlemisspageant.com/ ) is not
a ‘glitz’ system, and it was great to see the natural presence of
the tiny competitors shine through on stage. I particularly enjoyed
watching siblings compete across a variety of age divisions.
I guess I must’ve been a conscientious judge,
because Miss Sandi invited me to be a judge at the Texas State
Pageant which will be held in Houston on June 12 & 13, 2010.
I was personally invited
by a Casting Associate to audition for Oxygen’s Dance you’re A**
Off, in December. I’ve never put dancing at the top of my
marketable talents, but I’d love to have the opportunity to share my
“Yes! And…” attitude and upbeat personality with a nation of
viewers. We’ll see…
Be sure to visit the
www.facebook.com/MsPlusAmerica2009 to get
all the latest news and updates on appearances. We’re only 5 fans
away from a milestone!
Steph DeWaegeneer
Ms Plus America
Awaiting
photos from the pageant director!
December Diary Entry
Whew! December flew by! The joke between my friends and I was
“Christmas comes early this year!” (Of course it’s the same date
every year…)
I had a little reminder of my decade in
Chicago
when it snowed in
Houston
on December 4th! I have to say this was a pretty decent
snowfall for
Texas.
It caused two of my clients at ComedySportz to scramble and
reschedule their events, for a later date in January. No worries
though – and it was fun to dig out my Uggs!
I attended the
Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce
holiday mixer, at Mo’s A Place for Steaks, in Houston’s fabulous
Galleria/Uptown area. The GHWCOC is a non-profit business
organization of highly influential and diverse women and men
dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of women through
avenues of leadership, education, advocacy, and mentoring.
Chamber President, Suzan Deison was a gracious hostess, and I
was inspired to hear about her passion for non-profit work. I look
forward to partnering with the chamber on a future event. The event
was also a chance to connect with Mia Monroe, Ms. Houston
Texas Plus America 2010. Mia is working on an opportunity for
MPA queens to ride in a Martin Luther King Day parade in January.
Good work, Mia!
I’ll be attending
The Texas Pageant Expo on
Saturday, January 9, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown
Houston, TX. The Texas Pageant Expo is pageantry's premier
tradeshow in
Texas
and offers attendees a complete marketplace of diverse pageant
resources of products and services to pageant delegates & fans of
all systems. Producer Will Henderson, encouraged me to make sure MPA
gals attend the event!
Be sure to visit the
www.facebook.com/MsPlusAmerica2009 to get
all the latest news and updates on appearances. We’re over 200 fans
now!
Steph DeWaegeneer
Ms Plus America
January Diary Entry
When I’m not wearing my crown I’m the Sales
Director for ComedySportz (www.comedysportz.com),
the nation’s top interactive Improv comedy show. I’ve also been
performing in ComedySportz nearly every week for the past 17 years!
I book ComedySportz show and team building programs for corporations
and organizations all over the US. 2010 started off great, because
business seems to be picking up. In January, in addition to
Texas
shows, I got to travel to
Ft.
Worth,
Miami, and sent performers to Cincinnati. I hope January is
bringing prosperity for you too and that this upswing keeps going --
up!
I attended The Texas Pageant Expo (www.texaspageantexpo.com)
on
Saturday, January 9, 2010
at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Houston, TX. The Texas Pageant
Expo is pageantry's premier tradeshow in
Texas
and offers attendees a complete marketplace of diverse pageant
resources of products and services to pageant delegates & fans of
all systems. I ran into my old friend Eleese Lester. Eleese used to
perform in ComedySportz with me, is a fabulous actress, acting
coach, and now a pageant coach with a winning record! The
expo was also a great chance to catch-up with Shavon Phelps (Miss
Plus
America Elite 2009), Rachel Ratliff (Miss Texas Plus
America 2009), and Shaurese Linwood (Ms.
Texas Plus America 2009).
 |
 |
On
January 20, 2010
the “Fat” episode of National Geographic channel’s Taboo
aired. I’ve received a lot of positive feedback and I’m very pleased
with how I was portrayed (except for that “runner-up” v.o. comment –
LOL!) I think it put a very positive button on the episode and all
the delegates looked stunning! If you missed it, there are clips on
www.Hulu.com and its being rerun
throughout the month.
If you’re looking to support a great cause, check out the
American Liver Foundation. I’ve been asked to emcee the
2010 Liver Life Walk
Houston
in April 201.
http://www.liverfoundation.org/chapters/arizona/
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Whether you’re
single or part of a couple, I give you permission to treat yourself
with a little gift or pampering. As the fabulous RuPaul says, "If
you don't love yourself, how the he** you gonna love somebody
else?!?!"
Be sure to visit the
www.facebook.com/MsPlusAmerica2009 to get
all the latest news and updates on appearances. We’re at nearly 250
fans now!
Steph
DeWaegeneer
Ms Plus America
February Diary Entry
When I was attending the Texas Pageant Expo
back in January, pageant pal Kristina Rowe (Ms. Classic Texas United
America 2009) recommended me to the local director as a judge for
the upcoming Miss Woodlands United America pageant which is a Texas
Preliminary pageant for the official Miss Texas United America
pageant. On Sunday, February 21, 2010 I had the pleasure
of judging lovely contestants in five divisions from Jr. Teen to
Mrs, in the Nancy Bock Theatre for Performing Arts.
I’ve been asked to emcee the American Liver
Foundation’s Liver Life Walk Houston 2010 on Saturday,
April 17, 2010. Recruit a team, lace up your walking shoes, and
bring your dog out to Terry Hershey Park in west Houston for a
beautiful morning. As of April 2009 there were over 16,000
registrants awaiting a liver transplant. Many of these patients are
children. Liver disease isn’t just a binge drinker’s
problem. I met a family whose adorable 5 year was born with
Biliary Atresia and had a long 9 hour surgery when he was 2
years old. Many forms of liver disease are preventable, and many
more can be cured if detected early. Yet tens of thousands of people
in the U.S. are living with liver disease and don’t even know it.
Please visit
http://go.liverfoundation.org/site/TR/LiverLifeWalk2010/LiverLifeWalk?fr_id=1920&pg=entry
to join the Houston walk, or find the
American Liver Foundation office nearest you.
Had a
little challenge in February and I had to rebuild by
Facebook Fan Page.
I need your support again since I lost over 225 ‘fans’, including
all my international fans.
Please
visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ms-Plus-America-2009/323958960325?ref=ts&v=wall
and click “Become a Fan”. It’s the place the
latest pageant news and updates on appearances!
Spring is right around
the corner!
March Diary Entry
On Saturday, March 20 I headed to
Dallas for the Texas Plus America Boot Camp. It might have been
rainy and chilly outside, but inside spirits were sunny as many of
the 2010 Texas Plus America Pageant delegates, as well as visiting
pageant girls from other pageant systems and outside the state
gathered for a day chock full of pageant training & tips. I can’t
believe it’s been a year since I was sitting in one of those seats
as a delegate! As the visiting national queen, Texas state director
Nanette Watts gave me some time to address the ladies and their
families. I was able to share an insider’s view from competing in
the Texas and national pageants. In addition to shoe, hair, and
keeping-yourself-sane tips, I was frank with the ladies as I covered
points regarding Smart Internet Dating. After lunch Rachel Ratliff
(Miss Texas Plus America 2009), Shaurese Linwood (Ms.
Texas Plus America 2009), and I modeled competition worthy
examples of after-five pant wear outfits. Thank you
Sebastian Fashion Model Management for
providing a venue for our boot camp.
The Houston Liver Life Walk, that I was
scheduled to emcee has announced a date change. The
pet-friendly walk has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 5, 2010.
Besides being a date that will not compete with other high-profile
fundraising events, this gives participants more time to raise
funds! I won’t be able to emcee the event due to another
commitment. However, we can all support my team the
ComedySportz Charity Chucklers – or register your own team.
It’s for a great cause!
http://go.liverfoundation.org
Be sure to visit my
Facebook page,
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Ms-Plus-America-2009/323958960325?ref=ts
to get all the latest news and
updates on appearances.
Steph DeWaegeneer
Ms Plus America
April Diary Entry
I feel like we’re about to start pageant
season; at least Plus Pageantry season! I’ve been online and in
stores searching for the perfect gowns for upcoming appearances,
emcee opportunities, and my final walk as Ms. Plus America
2009. Some great deals are available on
www.Ebay.com and my new favorite online
gown retailer
www.blowoutbridal.com
On Saturday, April 24th I
was a guest at the 2nd Annual Houston Women’s Show.
(Thanks, Julie!) [www.houstonwomensshow.com
] This informative event, held at the Norris Conference Center, is
getting bigger and better each year. From chocolate tastings, plenty
of bling, and the latest in great ideas to make our lives
easier; this 3-day show provides a unique opportunity to connect
with the diverse women of the Great Houston area. I even received
complimentary tanning from my new ‘personal tanning consultant’
LaTausha from Premier Mobile Tanning. Anyone want to have a
Tanning Party?
http://www.premiermobiletanningllc.com/welcome.php
On Friday, April 30th I
traveled to Norman, OK for the 2010 Miss Oklahoma Plus America
Pageant. Executive State Producer, Franchesca Thomas graciously
invited your’s truly to be the emcee for Saturday evening’s
pageant. I made sure I arrived on Friday night though, for the
Optionals competition, Little Miss & Princess crowning, and the
Pink Pajama Party. The three massage therapists that came to
the pajama party were my favorite treat! Nothing like a relaxing
massage after a day of air travel! I had a chance to catch-up with
my sister queen, Monique Miles-Bruner (Mrs. Plus America
2009) and the always entertaining Candace Scott (Miss OPA
2009) and Elleleilani Wiggins (Ms. OPA 2009). The
delegates and queens exchanged gifts and it was a great chance to
get to know all the girls before we dove into the long day on
Saturday. Congratulations to the new 2010 state queens: Tiffany
Howell (Miss), Rae Wilson (Ms.), and Susan Vineyard (Mrs.)!
See you in Louisiana at nationals!
I hope to see some of you at the Texas Plus
America Pageant over Memorial Day Weekend. I’ll be emceeing on
Saturday evening.
Be sure to
visit the
www.facebook.com/MsPlusAmerica2009 to get
all the latest news and updates on appearances. Help me get back to
over 100 fans!
Photos coming soon!
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