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.