First Round of Miss Montana & MT's Outstanding Teen State Finalists Selected

The Miss Montana Scholarship Program is honored to present the first round of young women and teens selected to compete this June for the Miss Montana and Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen competitions!  State Finalists are:

Who will carry the Miss Montana & Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen legacies in 2010?

Miss Montana Preparing for Miss America Competition

Enjoy the article from Glendive's Ranger Review highlighting Miss Montana 2009 Brittany Wiser and her preparations for the upcoming Miss America Pageant!

Miss Montana send-off parties in Glendive, Bozeman

Sidney Herald - Published on Thursday, December 31, 2009 1:33 PM MST

The public is invited to the Viva Las Vegas send-off party for Miss Montana Brittany Wiser, Bozeman, Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Moose Lodge in Glendive.

Cheer her on as Miss Montana performs her vocal talent, Sway, is interviewed and speaks about her platform, suicide prevention, and models the wardrobe she will be wearing at the Miss America pageant.

Attendees will enjoy refreshments and entertainment and can write notes to Brittany that will be delivered during pageant week Jan. 22 -30 in Las Vegas.

The crowning of Miss America 2010 will be aired live on cable channel TLC Jan. 30.

Bozeman will also host a send-off party for Wiser, their hometown girl, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. at Whittier School. Wiser, daughter of Lee and Betty Cure Wiser, Bozeman, graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from University of Denver and will be attending medical school next fall.

From her first pageant whereWiser was crowned last June in Glendive, she has blossomed in preparation for Miss America. With help from former Miss Montanas and winning pageant specialists across the nation, including interview coach Don Baker of Texas, hair, make-up and modeling coaches, and voice coach Esther England, Missoula, she will proudly represent Montana.

At the send-off parties, Miss Montana will be modeling gowns and outfits worn on stage and during special events at Miss America including a custom evening gown and a talent competition gown designed and sponsored by Gregory Ellenburg, Greenville, S.C.

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.