Contestant Workshop
On March 31, the 22 young women vying for the title of Miss Minnesota 2012 met in one place for the very first time at our contestant workshop! I look forward to workshop every year. I get kind of nerdy about it actually; in fact, I only slept 3 hours the night before because I was so pumped up. You can feel the energy, hope, drive and determination circulating throughout the room. It is an exciting time for these young ladies as they strive to reach their personal best! Stay tuned for a special contestant showcase to learn more about each of these incredible young women. For now, check out some fun photos of our local titleholders below.
I would like to take the time to thank my mentor and good friend, Don Baker, for coming to Minnesota to give a special presentation about what it means to have the competitive edge. Competing for Miss Minnesota is not about the pageant itself or the "honor" of being crowned; It is about your attitude. It is about viewing the pageant as a vehicle to reach the big picture goal: the JOB of Miss Minnesota, the VOICE to be a change agent for a social issue you care deeply about, the OPPORTUNITY to network and develop as a business woman in order to pursue your career goals. I know our contestants were inspired by Don's message! Don has made such an impact on the way I view pageants and life in general. His lessons will follow me for the rest of my life. I encourage all the young women competing for Miss Minnesota this year to remember that only one woman will win the crown. But there is so much more to be gained than the title of Miss Minnesota through this experience. Enjoy every moment and strive to be your personal best. Don't ever lose sight of the big picture.
A New Chapter
The Miss Minnesota Organization is facing an exciting new chapter this year as it transitions to new leadership.
I would like to start by recognizing the 6 years of passionate service delivered by the outgoing board of directors. This includes David Shepardson and Jennifer Hagman, co-Executive Directors; Ann Swanson, President; Barb Gehlen, Business Manager; Jackie Vranicar, Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen Executive Director; and Julie Carlson, Secretary. I would also like to recognize several highly active volunteers, Rod Simonson, Nicole Swanson Sutterfield, and Paula Davidovich. They brought the Miss Minnesota Organization out of debt and into financial fortitude; they gained new sponsor relationships; and they helped many young women like myself grow and develop through their involvement in the Miss Minnesota Organization. I am so thankful for all the time, phone calls, emails, hugs, shopping trips, mock interviews, good luck cards, and hard work that was given selflessly by them to help me have a successful, fulfilling year as Miss Minnesota so far. God bless you as you begin a new chapter in your lives! Thank you for your service!
I would like to start by recognizing the 6 years of passionate service delivered by the outgoing board of directors. This includes David Shepardson and Jennifer Hagman, co-Executive Directors; Ann Swanson, President; Barb Gehlen, Business Manager; Jackie Vranicar, Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen Executive Director; and Julie Carlson, Secretary. I would also like to recognize several highly active volunteers, Rod Simonson, Nicole Swanson Sutterfield, and Paula Davidovich. They brought the Miss Minnesota Organization out of debt and into financial fortitude; they gained new sponsor relationships; and they helped many young women like myself grow and develop through their involvement in the Miss Minnesota Organization. I am so thankful for all the time, phone calls, emails, hugs, shopping trips, mock interviews, good luck cards, and hard work that was given selflessly by them to help me have a successful, fulfilling year as Miss Minnesota so far. God bless you as you begin a new chapter in your lives! Thank you for your service!
Dorothy Benham
The Miss America Organization recently announced its new Co-Executive Directors, Bruce Vassar and Miss America 1977 Dorothy Benham. Under the leadership of Dorothy and Bruce, the new Miss Minnesota Organization will continue its rich history of providing scholarship awards to state and local contestants. Dorothy, Bruce and their Board of Directors will continue to empower young women throughout Minnesota to strive for scholastic excellence and become role models and positive forces for social awareness. Dorothy and Bruce are joined by President, Kathy Shellum; Vice President, Doug Killian; Secretary & Treasurer, Karla Boettcher; Business Manager, Lisa McKinnis; and Teen Directors, Mackenzie Erickson and Renee Ross.
I could not be more excited about our new leadership and the fresh energy they will bring to the program. I know they have many ideas in store, with the purpose of pushing the Miss Minnesota Organization to the next level. I hope you will all welcome them to the Miss Minnesota family and work with them to achieve the goal of helping more young women grow and develop through their involvement with our program.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or donating to our scholarship fund, please visit www.missminnesota.org or email bruce@theweddingguys.com.
I could not be more excited about our new leadership and the fresh energy they will bring to the program. I know they have many ideas in store, with the purpose of pushing the Miss Minnesota Organization to the next level. I hope you will all welcome them to the Miss Minnesota family and work with them to achieve the goal of helping more young women grow and develop through their involvement with our program.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or donating to our scholarship fund, please visit www.missminnesota.org or email bruce@theweddingguys.com.
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