Miss America Send-Off & Trunk Show Set

Save the date of Tuesday, January 5, 2010 for the Viva Las Vegas - Miss America Send-Off and Trunk Show featuring the wardrobe, talent, and intellect of Miss Montana 2009 Brittany Wiser.  The celebration will commence at seven o'clock in the evening and will take place at the Glendive Moose Lodge.

Please join the Miss Montana Scholarship Program in showering Brittany with warm wishes as she heads to the Miss America Pageant!

Just in Time for the Holidays!

UPDATE:  Due to an overwhelming response, we have sold out of our crown ornaments.  We hope to receive an additional shipment.  Thank you for supporting the Miss Montana Scholarship Program - happy holidays!

Add a crowning touch to your holiday decorating or surprise your favorite princess with a crown ornament, which likens the Miss America crown!  Ornaments are $10 plus $3.50 for shipping and handling; all proceeds benefit the Miss Montana Scholarship Program!  A limited quantity are left - contact Therese @ tiwaniak@midrivers.com to place your order!

Avice Hoff Inducted into Montana 4-H Hall of Fame

Congratulations to Miss Montana Scholarship Program Executive Director Avice Hoff on her recent induction into the Montana 4-H Hall of Fame.  Active as a volunteer 4-H leaders for over 35 years, Avice has willingly served in a myriad of roles, including serving as the State Ambassador Advisor, Montana State Leaders Council President, and President of the Montana 4-H Foundation. 

"Avice is a get-it-done type person and has been a real asset to the Montana 4-H Foundation board where she is currently serving as past president," said Sandra Germann, executive director of the Montana 4-H Foundation.

"When help is needed with a project, one can count on Avice stepping up and often going above and beyond in response. Avice's commitment to the 4-H program and youth in the state qualifies her as very deserving of the 4-H Hall of Fame award," Germann said.

Kudos, Avice, on your well-deserved honor!

Miss America Contestant Groups Selected

The Miss America 2010 contestant groupings are set!  Miss Montana 2009 Brittany Wiser will compete as the third contestant in the Sigma Group for the preliminary competition; Brittany's preliminary competition order is as follows:

Sigma Group #3

Tuesday, January 26 (AM) - Interview

Tuesday, January 26 - Swimsuit/Evening Wear

Wednesday, January 27 - Talent

Thursday, January 28 - On-Stage Question

For the complete preliminary competition order, click here!

Peggy Iba: Feeding the Community

The following article on Peggy Iba and the Farm to Table Program recently ran in the Williston Herald. An initial MMSP Board Member, Peggy continues to be a valued member of the Miss Montana family. Thanks, Peggy, for all you do!

Feeding the community

By Nick Smith Staff Writer

North Dakota and Montana are major agriculture states, but it's strange to only have roughly 10 percent of the state's food that is sold in stores to come from local sources.That's a fact Peggy Iba of the Farm To Table Cooperative Project in eastern Montana wants to help change. Iba spoke to members of the Williston Lions Club over lunch Tuesday about the Farm To Table Co-op based in Glendive, Mont.

Her talk with the Lions Club was one of several stops she made in Williston Tuesday to visit with area stores about carrying local foods on their shelves. She also spoke to the Rotary Club on Monday and visited various stores that day.Iba said the group is a non-profit organization whose goal is to develop a local food system in eastern Montana and western North Dakota.

She said having more local growers getting their food on local store shelves makes stronger, more sustainable rural communities."Back in the 1950s and before, the amount of local food was around 70 percent. Now it's down to 10 percent; we're shipping everything out as a commodity," said Iba.

Iba said with the wealth of various crops and foods produced in Montana and North Dakota, there shouldn't be such a small percentage of local foods on shelves.

"The other day, for example, I had an apple from South Africa. I was thinking, why am I eating something from so far away when you could get apples locally, or from some trees nearby?" said Iba.

Iba said getting local food also can reduce the risk of having older or potentially contaminated foods."Food changes hands an average of 33 times before it gets to the store shelves," said Ida.

To aid in reducing that number of hands, the Farm To Table Co-op focuses on a 150-mile radius around Glendive. The area the group is trying to make connections in includes 16 eastern Montana counties and 11 counties in western North Dakota.

"We're trying to establish our connections in North Dakota," said Iba.Iba said the co-op, which began in 2005, has a few dozen members so far and is looking to increase its numbers to make the local food system stronger.

She added it also has other projects to improve access to local food. One of them is a Culinary Arts Program it is trying to help establish at Dawson Community College in Glendive.

"A hometown boy from here recently came back and may be able to teach the course, once it's received approval for DCC," said Iba.

Another program in its initial stages is for a shared-use commercial kitchen. Iba said having a commercial kitchen would encourage local value-added food enterprises to start.

"It doesn't have to be a multi-million dollar investment or purchase," said Iba, referring to space for a kitchen they've recently purchased.

"We bought it for $5,000 and it doesn't take rocket science to operate."A major project already under way in Glendive is a restaurant and microbrewery.

She said the Farm To Table Restaurant and Microbrewery showcases food grown and produced in the region, with a seasonal menu and retail outlet.

Iba said the opportunity to extend its reach in Williston began a year ago when the Rev. David Halaas of Williston's Gloria Dei Lutheran Church graduated from the Leadership Williston program. At that time, he chose as his project assisting Farm To Table's efforts to reach the Williston area. He met with Iba and began talking about getting her to come to Williston this fall.

"Being here in town for only about 25 hours, I've already met with other local groups and met with various vendors and local stores. I feel it's been very successful," said Iba.

Iba said looking forward, Farm To Table is to establish more contacts and reach into North Dakota and increase co-op membership. She added there are several ways area residents can help.

"Buy local, and practice eating local. Check the labels before purchasing and support your local growers and producers. Encourage schools to use local or state-grown food," said Iba.

Iba said increasing the amount of local food sold in stores strengthens the local as well as the state economy.

"For each percent more that we eat of locally produced food, we add between $22-$30 million to our states' economies."

For more information on the Farm To Table Cooperative Project, visit the group's Web site at www.farmtotablecoop.com or call 406-377-4277.

Catching Up with Miss Montana Brittany Wiser

Since her coronation as the sixtieth Miss Montana, Brittany Wiser has maintained a full schedule advocating her platform QPR: Suicide Prevention Education, championing the Children's Miracle Network, and preparing for the Miss America Pageant. Enjoy the following articles highlighting Brittany and follow her adventures through her new blog.

MSU News Service: MSU student says Miss America pageant is her Olympics

DU Today: Alumna wins Miss Montana competition

MT Public Radio: Montana Evening Edition (Story by former MMSP State Finalist and current University of Montana graduate student Gillette Vaira; story starts at 6:30).

Sweetheart Recap from Holly Matz

Miss Montana's Sweetheart recently returned from the National Sweetheart Pageant. Enjoy the following journal entry from Holly, who continues to be an exceptional representative of the program!

This past week I competed in Miss America's National Sweetheart Pageant in Hoopeston, IL. The pageant is comprised of all the 1st runner-ups (or next available runner-up) from the Miss America state pageants. This year was a record breaking year with 41 contestants!

The friendly farming community of Hoopeston, welcomed us with generosity and support. We toured three factories. Did you know that 90% of PAM cooking spray in America comes from Hoopeston? We also toured an 11 thousand acre sweet corn farm (they even let us drive one of the tractors after the tour). The town came together to provide us with great food. We had homemade casseroles, fruit salad, homemade ice-cream and pie, and of course sweet corn. I think the food was one of my favorite parts =)

Of course the highlight of the competition was the three day performance. We performed an opening number called “Small Town Girl”. I was number 36 so I had talent the first night and swim wear and evening gown the second night. I enjoyed every part of the competition! It was exciting to see both Minnesota’s and South Dakota’s Outstanding Teens from 2006 (We competed at MAOTeen together). We had so much to catch up on and it was great to see them again after 3 years.

On Friday, we talked to an elementary school and four of us performed our talents. I showed the kids my jump rope routine. They loved it! When we were leaving a teacher came running down the hall and said “Are you the jump roper? Our class has something to show you”. When I entered into their class room I saw about 30 kids sitting on the floor practicing one of the jumps that I demonstrated. It made me smile for the rest of the day.

The final night was also filled with excitement; we even had a pizza party to celebrate. The top 5 finalists include Miss Akansas- Allison Waldrip (4th), Miss Maryland- Mary King (3rd), Miss California- Jenna Harvey (2nd), and Miss Virginia- Shannon Beam (Miss National Sweetheart 2009).

I would like to extend a huge 'thank-you' to everyone who helped me prepare and be able to attend the competition. Special thanks to Avice, Dr. Glenn Harman, Cami, Mom, Dad, and the Miss MT Scholarship board.

If you're ever in Hoopeston, remember to thank the locals for what they're doing. And don't forget to sample their sweetcorn ;)

Kudos to Annie Anseth & Sheridan Pope

Kudos to Annie Anseth (4th RU to Miss Montana 2009 and PEW) and Sheridan Pope (1st RU to MMOT 2009 and Talent Winner) on their achievements at the recent Miss Montana and Teen USA pageants.

Annie was crowned Miss Montana USA 2010 and embarks on an exciting year! A 2009 Miss Montana Preliminary Evening Gown winner, Annie won the honors wearing a stunning gown from MMSP sponsor Regalia Magnificent Appearel. Competing in the Teen division, Sheridan earned Fourth Runner Up honors. Emceeing the event was Meredith McCannel (1st RU to Miss Montana 2005).

Congratulations, ladies! We are proud of you!

Holly Matz to National Sweetheart Pageant

Holly Matz, Miss Montana's Sweetheart 2009. Photo by Mark Bryant.

Holly Matz, first runner up to Miss Montana 2009, is off to represent Montana at the National Sweetheart Pageant! Held annually in Hoopeston, IL over Labor Day weekend, the National Sweetheart Pageant is an annual competition that invites the first runner-up from each Miss America state pageant to attend. In 2009, over 40 runners-up will compete for the coveted National Sweetheart title.

At the Miss Montana 2009 Coronation Reception, Holly was officially crowned as Miss Montana's Sweetheart. Our sincere appreciation to Dr. Glenn Harman for generously sponsoring the official crown, sash, and scholarship to helping Miss Montana's Sweetheart attend the national competition. Good luck wishes can be sent to Holly at:

National Sweetcorn Festival/Sweetheart Pageant Attn: Holly Matz, Montana's Sweetheart Box 28 Hoopeston, IL 60942

Best wishes, Holly!

Miss America Pageant Featured on USA Today's Ten Great Places to Find True Americana List

With its rich history and tradition, the Miss America Organization was recently recognized on USA Today's list of the Ten Great Places to Find True Americana.

Here is what USA Today had to say...Beauty contests are an American staple, but this is the Super Bowl. McKechnie says the event has enjoyed a renaissance of popularity since moving from Atlantic City six years ago. There are three days of preliminaries before the finals in the pageant (the next one is Jan. 26-30), and tickets are sold for each round. "One night they do talent, one night evening gowns and so on, so it is pretty easy to buy tickets. Whatever they choose to do for the talent show they do very well, so the quality of the performance is as good as any show on the Vegas Strip." Tickets go on sale in December. 609-653-8700, missamerica.org

Miss Montana Board Welcomes New Members

At its August meeting, the Miss Montana Scholarship Program warmly welcomed three new members to its Board of Directors, including Peggy Handran, Vaughn Jenkins, and Staci Knuths. Each brings tremendous knowledge, profesisonalism, and experience to the program. Welcome!

The Miss Montana Scholarship Board of Directors kindly thanks the volunteer efforts of outgoing board members, Ardie Adams, Sandra Cargill, Jamie Ausk Crisafulli, and Cara Nelson. Each provided invaluable contributions towards growing the Miss Montana and Outstanding Teen programs in the state. Thank you, ladies, for your dedication and insight; it will be missed!

All individuals interested in volunteering with the Miss Montana Scholarship Program are encouraged to visit the Miss Montana website to learn more.

Watch the Final Night of MAOT on October 10

Dont' worry if you missed the August 16 stream of the 2009 MAOT Final Competition, featuring Montana's own Alysse Charlesworth. The online broadcast airing has been moved to October 10 - mark your calendars and save the date!

Avice reported back from Orlando that Alysse did exceptionally well and that Brittany had a great time getting to know her 52 Miss America sisters!

The official announcement follows:

ONLINE BROADCAST AIRING on Enterteenment on October 10th

Due to Enterteenment's new broadcast deals including MAOT, Varsity TV, Youniversity TV and the High School Sports Network, Enterteenment has decided to release everything on their new video network platform at the same time so that all the channels will benefit from each other's audience, growing both audience and sponsorship participation.

In addition to MAOT airing on Enterteenment on October 10th, Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2010 will grace the cover of their new magazine debuting on Oct 12th! Stay tuned for more details!

Miss Montana & Wedding Bells

Congratulations to Miss Montana 2007 Kristen Mantooth on her recent marriage to Jeff Yeley! Several Miss Montana board members and volunteers, including former Miss Montana 2006 Christie Hageman, attended the special event and toasted to the couple's happiness!

Wishing you much happiness, Mr. and Mrs. Yeley!

Congratulations to Danielle Wineman!

Danielle Wineman, Montana's Junior Miss 2010, is congratulated by the outgoing representative (left) and MJM 2005 Josie Adams.

Congratulations to Danielle Wineman, Montana's Junior Miss for 2009! An incoming senior at Cut Bank High School, Danielle will promote the Be Your Best Self program, in addition to competing at America's Junior Miss in Mobile, AL June 2010.

Emceeing the 2009 competition was the entertaining Josie Adams, former Montana's Junior Miss (and national Self-Expression winner) and runner up to Miss Montana.

Danielle is a familiar face to the Miss Montana Scholarship Program having earned First Runner Up honors to Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen. Along with her mother, Kim, and sister, Amanda, Danielle has also been a volunteer with the program. Best wishes, Danielle - we are proud of you!

Enterteenment Network to Webcast Miss America's Outstanding Teen

Can't make the trek to Orlando to cheer on Alysse at Miss America's Outstanding Teen? Here is your chance to share in the excitement!

Author: Prom & Pageant Expositions, LLC/Miss America's Outstanding Teen, Inc.San Ramon, CA (July 8, 2009) -

Enterteenment announced today that they have entered into a two-year partnership with Miss America's Outstanding Teen to broadcast the national teen pageant on the Enterteenment Network, which will serve as the pageant's exclusive broadcast partner. Miss America's Outstanding Teen, the sister pageant to Miss America, returns for its fifth year and will be hosted by Miss America, Katie Stam and Todd Newton with feature guest performances by American Idol's Jasmine Murray. Ben Eleazer and Elena LaQuatra will be hosting the behind the scenes footage for Enterteenment.

"We are excited to be able to offer the 2009 competition and behind-the-scenes footage online for the first time. We are so pleased with our partnership with Enterteenment," said Kim Parrish, President of Miss America's Outstanding Teen, Inc. "We feel they are leaders in this industry with a focus on wholesome and important topics for teens such as college, earning scholarships and going to proms. MAOT is a perfect fit."

"We're thrilled to bring the Miss America's Outstanding Teen program to our audience", said Amanda Mills, President & CEO of Enterteenment. "This scholarship based pageant is exactly the type of programming we desire as part of our premiere online video network. It is yet another step toward our mission to engage, empower and entertain teens everywhere and is a real win/win for all involved."

The two-year broadcast partnership kicks off at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida August 12th with a fabulous behind-the scenes four-day 'teen e' pre-series followed by the 2010 Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant on August 15th 2009, airing online August 16th on the Enterteenment Network at www.enterteenmentonline.com/enterteenment.html.

Send-Off Set for Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen

Send Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen Alysse Charlesworth off in style as she heads to the Miss America's Outstanding Teen competition! A send-off party and trunk show will be held in Alysse's honor on Sunday, August 2 at the Glendive Moose Lodge at 2:00 pm. Alysse will debut her competition wardrobe and share her talent she'll showcase at the fifth Miss America's Outstanding Teen competition. Miss Montana 2009 Brittany Wiser will also be on hand to wish Alysse her best and entertain.

New Miss Montana Wins Crown on First Attempt

Miss Montana Brittany Wiser enjoys ice cream at Nutt-N Better in Sidney Monday with pageant “little sisters” Chantel Wilcoxon, left, and Coutney Hecker. Miss Montana will take part in the Town and Country Festival Saturday.

By Bill Vander Weele Sidney Herald

Experience wasn’t a factor when the new Miss Montana was crowned in Glendive Saturday. Brittany Wiser, Bozeman, competed in her first pageant ever and came away as Miss Montana.

“I actually wasn’t going to try this year, but was going to wait until next year,” Wiser, 21, said during her time in Sidney Monday. She was told by friends, however, that it usually takes a couple of pageants for experience before a person wins the crown. “I was kind of coming for practice.”

But Wiser enthused judges with her singing talents of “Night and Day,” her graceful swimsuit presentation and her solid interview statements. The new Miss Montana got to discuss the pageant with the judges on Sunday.

“It was really hard to get any criticism from them,” Wiser said of the judges. “They felt I did a real good job. I thought the judges were super nice.”

Prior to the pageant, Wiser did her homework by viewing DVDs of the last two Miss Montana pageant and last Miss America pageant. “I was fairly familiar with what will happen when I was there. That helped me feel more comfortable.”

She explains the first time she actually thought she could earn the crown was when a couple other contestants mentioned they hoped she would win.

Still, she really wasn’t prepared to have her name called as the new Miss Montana. “I can’t really remember much except I started crying,” Wiser, who shared the Miss Congeniality honor, said. “I was just in shock the rest of the night.”

She also won the most outstanding Academic and Children’s Miracle Maker awards.

Her platform deals with mental health and suicide prevention. Wiser said she decided on the topics because suicide has hit close to home and Montana always ranks in the top five for suicide rates.

“It’s hard to find help, and people think they can work it out themselves instead of having people help them,” Wiser said.

She is also on the board of directors for the Montana Chapter of American Federation for Suicide Prevention. During her school tour, she plans to show videos aimed at students to show how they can help others and themselves.

Wiser recently graduated with a major in communication and minors in chemistry and leadership from the University of Denver.

“I’ve really always wanted to be in the Miss Montana pageant,” Wiser said. “For me, it was a great time. I knew if I won, I could devote all my time to it.”

Instead of applying for medical school now, she will put those plans off for a year. Along with making stops to visit residents across Montana, Wiser’s plans now include preparing for the Miss America pageant to be held in Las Vegas during January.

editor@sidneyherald.com

Miss Montana Crowned

Congratulations Miss Montana 2009 Brittany Wiser and her Court of Honor

First Runner Up Holly Matz

Second Runner Up Josie Adams

Third Runner Up Chantell Bury

Fourth Runner Up Annie Anseth

Semi-Finalists Ashten Purviance, Kylee Hoiland, & Olivia Dowler

State Finalists Katie Undem, Whitney Sjostrum, Megan Farmer, Caitlin Haaland, & Hannah Brown

Overall Interview Josie Adams

Prelim Talent Ashten Purviance & Hannah Brown

Prelim Evening Wear Annie Anseth & Josie Adams

Prelim Swimsuit Annie Anseth & Holly Matz

Non-Finalist Interview Hannah Brown

Non-Finalist Talent Hannah Brown

Non-Finalist Evening Wear Whitney Sjostrum

Non-Finalist Swimsuit Whitney Sjostrum

MISS MONTANA 2009 - AND THE WINNER IS!

Glendive - The tall, elegantly beautiful Brittany Wiser from Bozeman has won the title of Miss Montana 2009! First Runner up for this year’s title is Holly Matz of Missoula.

Las Vegas has nothing on the talent showcased in Glendive during this pageant. Brittany Wiser showed her classy and fun side with a romantic Frank Sinatra song that amazed the audience with its perfection. The tall, elegant Brittany wore an off-white evening gown that was softly draping with an off side waste. Her long dangling diamond earrings set off the 4 cornered winner’s crown.

During the swimsuit competition, Brittany chose an eye-catching black with pink metallic trim two piece. She rode the wave with style.

For a final question, Brittany was asked that should she win the title, how would she market the Miss Montana Scholarship Program. Her answer showed her high degree of intelligence and her intention and dedication toward being a good role model. In addition to the excellent cash, scholarships and long list of gifts she will receive, Brittany also won the award for the most outstanding Academic and Children’s Miracle Maker award.

As First Runner Up, Holly Matz receives cash and scholarships and the title of MT Sweetheart. She will compete at the National Sweetheart Pageant.

Second Runner Up, Josie Adams receives cash, scholarships and gifts and won the award of Overall Interview.

Third Runner Up, Glendive’s own Chantell Bury won the Montana’s Choice Award, the Promotion Award and the Most Community Service award. She will receive wonderful cash and scholarships and gifts.

Fourth Runner Up, Annie Anseth receives excellent cash, scholarships and gifts.

The 2009 Miss Congeniality went to…both Britney Wiser and Kylee Hoiland – a tie! Both will receive the award and accompanying gifts.

Semi Finalists were Kylee Hoiland, Ashten Purviance, and Olivia Dowler. Katie Undem won the prestigious Four Points Scholarship award, Megan Farmer won the Spirit and Leadership award and Hannah Brown and Ashten Purviance won preliminary talent awards. Olivia Dowler won the Most Photogenic award.

What an amazing week this has been that culminated in three days of the Montana’s most wonderful Miss Montana Scholarship Program ever. The contestants this year were outstanding for beauty, poise, grace and elegance. It certainly makes one proud to be Montanan!

The new Miss Montana is Brittany Wiser of Bozeman! Congratulations Brittany and to all the contestants.

Miss Montana Special Scholarships Presented at Awards Brunch

The following awards were presented at the Awards Brunch Saturday morning:

Promotion - Chantell Bury (received a check for $1,000)

International Air & Hospitality Academy - Caitlin Haaland

Photogenic - Olivia Dowler

Congeniality - Brittany Wiser and Kylee Hoiland

Spirit & Leadership - Megan Farmer

Four Points - Katie Undem

MAO State Scholar - Brittany Wiser

MAO Community Service - Chantell Bury

CMN Miracle Maker - Brittany Wiser (who raised over $2,800 for CMN)

Thank you to Glen Newhart (Shodair Hospital), Montana's Champion Child Zach Bell, and his grandmother for joining MMSP at the Awards Brunch!

Following the Awards Brunch, the State Finalists and their Princesses were the special guests at the Royal-Tea, which was hosted by the Scepter Society (former Miss Montanas) and featured the talents of the Elissa McMorris and Paula Swenson of the Judges Panel

Miss Montana State Finalists Arrive!

The Miss Montana Class of 2009 arrived in Glendive on Saturday, June 13 to begin Sweet Home Miss Montana Week!

Following registration, the State Finalists were treated to an inspirational welcome by Montana's Governor Brian Schweitzer and enjoyed visiting with Montana's First Lady, Nancy Schweitzer and their famous Border Collie, Jag.

Then, it was off to the Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen competition, where the ladies walked the red carpet with Miss America's Outstanding Teen Taylor Fitch and Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen 2008 Victoria Valentine. The State Finalists cheered on the ten Outstanding Teen Finalists and warmly welcomed Alysse Charlesworth as Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen 2009.

Along with rehearsals and preparing for the competition, the State Finalists shot a photo campaign for SRS Crisafulli, enjoyed an etiquette dinner hosted by Glendive's Rotary Club and the Elks Lodge, participated in print and radio interviews, were pampered with spa services, and delighted in wonderful meals sponsored local businesses and service groups.

Thanks to The Right Impression Photography of Glendive for capturing and sharing highlights of this week!

Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen Results

Presenting....

Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen 2009 Alysse Charlesworth of Glendive and her Court of Honor...

First Runner Up Sheridan Pope of Sidney

Second Runner Up Amy Fox of Belgrade

Third Runner Up Kehley Grosulak of Billings

Fourth Runner Up Amanda Wineman of Cut Bank

Congratulations to Sheridan Pope (Talent Winner) and Kehley (Congeniality) and all State Finalists, including Hallie Davis, (Helena), Brittany Fair, (Livingston), Hannah Harris (Miles City), Kendra Hubbard (Glendive), and Kayla Smith (Great Falls).

Thanks to Miss America's Outstanding Teen Taylor Fitch, Dianne Sarchet of MAOT, and Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen 2008 Victoria Valentine - our special guests!

Check out photos from the event taken by Camille Clausen Photography!

Caroline Hayden Article

The following is an article printed in today's Grand Forks Herald about our sponsor, Caroline Hayden Brost. We are proud of Caroline and are greatly appreciative of her sponsorship and friendship to the Miss Montana Scholarship Program!

Grand Forks HeraldSat. June 6th, 2009 - Both Miss Grand Forks and Miss Empire will leave for Williston early this morning to begin their pageant week. They saw their finished gowns designed by Caroline Hayden of Crookston, MN for the first time Friday during final fittings at the Empire Arts Center in Grand Forks, where they won their titles in March.

Kirkeide’s form-fitting black duchess satin and chiffon dress, with its sweetheart neckline and mermaid style skirt, was inspired by the gown Rosemary Clooney wore in the 1954 movie “White Christmas” in a nightclub scene where Clooney sang about her broken heart.“Rosemary Clooney sang, "Love, You Didn’t Do Right by Me," Kirkeide said, “I’ve been wanting that dress basically since I was 4 or 5 years old!”

Hayden said she knew the style would be perfect for Kirkeide’s Jennifer Lopez-like curves.Stofferahn knew Hayden's work and said she trusted her instincts in choosing an evening gown style for the Miss North Dakota pageant.

For Stofferahn, Hayden went with a design she’d wanted to do for a long time, a white gown with a hand-beaded bodice and a flowing bias draped skirt of raw silk. The bodice is embellished with Swarovski crystals and pearl beads.“I beaded all of this myself. It took hundreds of hours. I love her that much,” Hayden said, looking at Stofferahn and laughing. “And I’m a little crazy.”

Hayden grew up in Perham, Minn., where her mother, Sarah Hayden, is a successful business owner of Bay Window Quilt Shop.“When I was little, I would go to my mom’s store and I would sew these little makeshift pants and tops for friends,” Hayden said. “I was exploring how to make things.” But she never really wore what she made, Hayden said.“I think what held me back was I’m kind of a perfectionist and it was never good enough,” she said. “That’s something I still struggle with.”

After high school graduation, Caroline enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie and channeled her creative talents, including art and music, into fashion. In the last month of school, Hayden said she got her first real inkling of her future career when the “wearable art” gowns she designed won Best of Show and Designer’s Choice in a studio show. She then was one of nine young designers nominated for the Fashion Group International's annual design competition in Chicago. She also interned for Donna Karan in New York City.

During this time, Hayden competed in the Miss Minnesota, Miss Wisconsin, and Miss North Dakota Pageants. After she finished competing, she began designing pageant gowns for friends. She now works with an experienced seamstress in Grand Forks as well as a new production source overseas while developing her first line of gowns and cocktail dresses. She is careful to follow her mother’s advice — “Be patient” — in growing her business.

So far, her success has been primarily from positive word-of-mouth, she said.“I’ve only been doing this full time for two years, but in those years I’ve had a few clients come back for multiple custom garments just because they can’t imagine getting them anywhere else,” she said. “That’s probably the biggest compliment I’ve received.”

If her business grows as she hopes, she’s adamant about designing and creating high-quality gowns.“I don’t want to send a gown out that doesn’t fit right, that’s too short or isn’t beaded right,” Hayden said. “I am really working with the factory now to get them to understand — It’s not a prom gown. It’s not your typical off the rack pageant gown. It’s special.”

Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen Program Nears

BY DENIECE SCHWAB Sidney Herald Lights! Camera! Action! Yes, you’ve got it – it’s the Miss Montana Outstanding Teen Pageant Scholarship Program June 13 at the Sidney Middle School auditorium. The theme is “Dancing with the Stars,” and it will be an evening to remember.

This year marks the fifth year running the pageant in Sidney. Production director Cara Nelson is very busy tying up loose ends for the 7 p.m. production.

“We’re so excited to include 12 young women from Montana for Sidney’s festivities,” Nelson said. “Wednesday, the contestants and their parents will arrive in town, and we’ll have a parents reception at the MonDak Heritage Center, hosted by the Sunrise Ambassadors of the Sidney Chamber of Commerce.”

Once the parents are welcomed and they are given schedules and directions, contestants are whisked away for an evening of workshops to help prepare them for the competition. Parents are free to roam about the community and area.

Contestants will be in workshops on Wednesday evening including relaxation tips from Cyndee Brown, owner of The Green Leaf Nutritionals and Body Therapy. Next is a public speaking workshop, followed by dietician June Lewis from the Sidney Health Center. “She will be giving the contestants nutritional tips, and then the contestants will prepare their own supper,” Nelson said.

After supper, reigning Miss Montana Outstanding Teen, Victoria Valentine from Missoula, will talk with the contestants about walking, turning and poise while on stage.

June 11 starts production practice as the contestants learn the opening and fitness numbers. The evening holds a treat for the young women as they will attend the Miss North Dakota preliminaries in Williston, N.D.

After returning from Williston, the entire party, contestants and parents will hold a reception for Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, Taylor Fitch, at the airport.

On June 12 at 9 a.m., everyone is encouraged to bring vehicles to the IGA parking lot for the contestant car wash. “Taylor Fitch and Victoria Valentine will be available for photo signings while the contestants work on vehicles,” Nelson said. “All proceeds from the car wash will go toward the scholarship fund, and IGA’s food trailer will be serving lunch as well.”

Later that afternoon, contestants will be fitted for style show designs chosen from participating Sidney businesses. Contestants will be back at the middle school for a photo shoot provided by Picture Perfect beginning at 5:30 p.m. The contestants will meet the Little Sisters, who are escorts for Big Sisters (contestants), and photos will be taken of the entire “court.”

Camille Clausen Photography will follow the contestants during the four-day period, to produce a souvenir CD for each contestant. Clausen will also video tape the production.

The style show, emceed by Cami Skinner, Wells Fargo, will be held June 13 at the Moose Lodge beginning at 10 a.m. and will include a full, sit-down, china brunch.

“The ladies at the Moose are pulling out all of the stops for us, and we want to thank them for all they do,” Nelson said.

A silent auction will include handbag selections from Head to Toe Salon as well as Planet Hair Salon and each contestant has been asked to bring a purse that shows off a little of their own personality. You will see some of these handbags used in the production pageant entertainment “purse-n-ality.” Nelson encourages businesses or individuals to donate a handbag for this event in which your name will be included in the program.

Fitch and Valentine will be at Veterans Memorial Park June 13 beginning at 2:30 p.m. for a “pink” social, along with handing out autographed photos.

Ticket packages are available at the Lucky Buckle, Farm Bureau Financial Services and the Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. A STAR package includes the style show and pageant ($25). For individual tickets, the style show by itself is $15, and the production is $15, which includes a book. For children 5-13, ticket price is $8, and children 4 and under are free.

Miss Montana contestants will be escorted from Glendive by bus to walk the red carpet at 6:15 p.m. Saturday in front of the Middle School.

All of the hard work boils down to the June 13 pageant emceed by JD Nelson of Power 95-KEYZ and Deniece Schwab, Sidney Herald.

“The production has a lot of new things in it, so we’re looking forward to a great time together,” Nelson said.

Anyone wanting to help with the program can come to the Farm Bureau Financial building at 302 W. Main in Sidney Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. until production.

Assistance includes stage crew, dressing room help, concession help, ticket-takers, etc. Give Nelson a call at 488-8131/489-1515 or 433-4416 for more information. homespun@sidneyherald.com

Miss Montana & Outstanding Teen State Finalists Participate in CMN Telethon

Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen Victoria Valentine, joined by ten Miss Montana and Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen State Finalists, participated with the CMN/Shodair Hospital Telethon on May 30 to raise funds and awareness for the cause. The ladies hosted the phone bank and were interviewed by the local media.

In 2009, the Miss Montana State Finalists raised over $8,000 for CMN!

Former Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen Earns Scholarship

Chantell Bury from Glendive, is the Montana winner of the 2009 AXA Achievements Scholarship in association with U.S. News & World Report. Bury is one of the 52 students-one from each state, plus Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico- who have been awarded scholarships of $10,000.

All scholarship recipients known as AXA Achievers-will be highlighted on the U.S. News & World Report website, http://www.usnews.com/, through May 28, 2009 and featured in the magazine's May 2009 Career/Education Guide issue.

Who Will Be Miss Montana 2009?

Meet the Miss Montana Class of 2009 - one who will be crowned the sixtieth Miss Montana!

• Josie Adams, Helena
• Annie Anseth, Billings
• Hannah Brown, Billings
• Chantell Bury, Glendive
• Olivia Dowler, Kalispell
• Megan Farmer, Frenchtown
• Catilin Haaland, Melstone
• Kylee Hoiland, Missoula
• Holly Matz, Missoula
• Ashlen Purviance, Hamilton
• Olivia Shjeflo, Kalispell
• Whitney Sjostrom, Townsend
• Katie Undem, Circle
• Brittany Wiser, Bozeman

Check out the Miss Montana website for updates!

Miss Montana Tickets On Sale

Taking a bow before heading to the gala.

Contestants at the Royal-Tea.

Tickets for the 60th Miss Montana Scholarship Program are on sale! In addition to the three nights of competition, several wonderful events are planned that you won't want to miss. Here is a glimpse into each:

• Rhinestones & Beaus Gala: This is a great time to kick up your heals and dance to the music of the fantastic live band! Located at the Yellowstone River Inn (a wonderful MMSP sponsor), the event kicks off following the Friday preliminary competition. Dancing commences with a Father/Daughter dance for our state finalists, after each is trumpeted in to the event.

• Awards Brunch: The Awards Brunch is a special event that honors our special scholarship and award recipients. The judges will address the attendees, in addition to a keynote speaker.

• Royal-Tea: An event fit for royalty! Don your hats and gloves and enjoy an afternoon garaden tea at the Yellowstone River Inn. Former Miss Montanas will be featured and our special guests for the event include our Miss Montana Princesses!

Miss Montana State Finalists Celebrate!

Marianne, Cami, Avice, Berni, Josie, Britt, Nanna, & Betty enjoy

Butterfly Homes

Avice, Annie, Heather, Nanna, & Britt post race!

Britt, Nanna, & Betty

Josie performing "Taylor the Latte Boy" Britt performing "Music of the Night" at Butterfly Homes

The 2009 Miss Montana State Finalists celebrated Mother's Day one day early on Saturday, May 8 in Billings. Along with Executive Director Avice Hoff and Miss Montana 2002 Heather Rathbun Nitz, State Finalists Annie Anseth, Hannah Brown, and Britt Wiser participated in the Montana Women's Run, in which a record 6,790 women participated. Also participating were Britt's mother and grandmother! Congratulations to Miss Montana 2007 Kristen Mantooth (first place, 5-mile), Annie Anseth (fifth place, 5-mile), and Avice Hoff (fifth place, 2-mile) on their overall finishes in their respective age divisions!

A Ladies Luncheon was hosted at McCormick's Cafe in downtown Billings, prior to a Miss Montana Talent Revue at Butterfly Homes, an assisted living center in Billings. The residents were treated to the beautiful talents of Josie Adams and Britt Wiser. Thanks to Berni Brown of Butterfly Homes for coordinating this wonderful performance opportunity!

The 2009 Miss Montana State Finalists and Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen Victoria Valentine will participate in the Shodair Hospital Children's Miracle Network Tele-thon in Helena on May 30.

Education Is Our Goal!

In 2009, over $235,000 in cash and applied scholarships will be offered to the Miss Montana State Finalists! Each young woman who participates receives at minimum a $750 cash scholarship and an applied scholarship to Dawson Community College. MMSP is grateful to the following in-kind scholarship sponsors:

• Dawson Community College, Glendive ($100,275
• Comfort Dental, Lakewood, CO ($50,000)
• Alverno College, Milwaukee ($38,000)
• University of Great Falls, Great Falls ($9,585)
• International Air & Hospitality Academy, Vancouver, WA ($7,000)
• Dolphin Talent, Miami ($5,000)
• Carroll College, Helena ($3,000)
• Montana State University-Billings ($3,000)
• Eagle U, Plano, TX ($2,500)
• Dale Carnegie ($1,700)

Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen Flips Pancakes for CMN!

Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen Victoria Valentine recently teamed up with Shodair Hospital, Montana's sole Children's Miracle Network hospital, and IHOP as part of a fundraiser for CMN. Check out the following stories and videos of Victoria in action:

Pancakes stacked in Helena for Children's Miracle Network

Kids Pancakes

In 2007, the Miss America Organization partnered with the Children's Miracle Network to create the first national platform. The partnership has been a resounding success with over $3.0MM raised for CMN by the Miss America Organization. Throughout her year of service, Miss Montana supports CMN, including Shodair Hospital, by volunteering for its various events and bringing hope to its precious patients.

2009 State Finalist Forum

The 2009 Miss Montana Scholarship Program will host its State Finalist Forum on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28 at the Mansfield Health Education Center on the campus of St. Vincent's Hospital. The Forum is open to all Miss Montana State Finalists, their families, and suppport teams.

Throughout the event, presenters will provide seminars on what to expect during Sweet Home Miss Montana Week in Glendive, share helpful hints on planning wardrobe and preparing for the competition, and offer one-on-one guidance and mentorship during the Miss Montana journey. A special community service project will conclude the the two-day Forum.

Registration will commence on Friday, March 27 at 4:30 pm. A registration fee of $15.00 for the state finalist and $10.00 for each of her guest's is requested. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hilltop Inn for March 27-28 with a rate of $63 + tax for each night. To reserve a room, please call the Hilltop Inn at 800.878.9282 and reference Miss Montana by March 13.

RSVP to Avice Hoff, MMSP Executive Director, by March 20, 2009.

Welcome to the Miss MT Scholarship Program!

Welcome to the official blog of the Miss Montana Scholarship Program! 2009 is a year to celebrate as we toast to sixty years of Miss Montana and five years of the competition in Glendive! Follow our blog as we post updates and share the success stories of our Miss Montana family. And, don't forget to save the dates of June 18-20, 2009 in Glendive as we celebrate one of Montana's most treasured traditions!