Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Wishing everyone a happy wonderful year!

Introductions

Jr. Teen Contestant Taylor Hanson in

Interview attire.

Teen Contestant Amanda Jordan Hoy

Public speaking is the number one fear above spiders, snakes, you name it. Having the courage just to be on stage giving an introduction is an accomplishment in its own.

One of the benefits of competing is being able to overcome this fear, and given the opportunity to practice just makes it that much better.

At your state pageant, all you have to do is have an introduction ready and memorized, and at rehearsal you will have a chance to practice it, while at the workshop you will learn how to deliver it.

The biggest mistake girls make is stressing out on what to say, what matters really is how you say it. You can have the greatest, catchiest introduction but if your delivering it with a frown or no enthusiasm or any voice fluctuation it is not going to stick out.

What makes you want to pick up a magazine or a movie? Something catches your attention, you can do that same thing with your introduction!

It is your chance to show the judges that you are confident enough to speak to a crowd, because as Miss Missouri American Coed you will have many opportunities to take part in events, represent MO at the national pageant, be at parades (and in them), and interact with many different people all involving social skills, and speech proficiency.

Help is all around you, practice with friends, family members, and even the directors. Before you know it, not only will you feel like a pro, but you will sound like one too!

Workshop FUN!

Before the Queens go off to Nationals the directors hold a workshop to prep the girls, and answer any questions or concerns the ladies may have.

Everything is covered. Everything is practiced.

There is nothing more important than to feel like your going to set your best foot forward when competing.

Practice, practice, practice. It makes a world of difference, know your introduction by heart so there is NO way you can forget it. Practice holding a microphone properly, watch your facial expressions, and your voice fluctuations. You want to make sure you smile while you talk, so its heard in your voice, and make sure you talk at a good pace while staying at the 20 second time limit. If you can record yourself, do so because you are your own best judge!

During interview, be yourself. Do not try to say what you think the judges want to hear, say what you really feel. Think about it, they are interviewing ALL the girls, do you think they want to hear the same boring answer over and over again? No. Be yourself. Now with that said it is important to practice interview questions too, because this helps your brain start flowing and its easier for you to think fast and deliver within the given time frame with each judge. The whole point of interview is so the judges can get to know you. If they ask whats your favorite color is, don't just say blue.. say why your favorite color is blue.. and what it reminds you of .. etc.

Be prepared for questions like :

Why do you want to be Miss American Coed?

Tell me a Joke. (Not a question but have heard this one multiple times)

What sets you apart from the rest of the girls competing?

Tell me about your hometown, where would we go, what would we do?

The interview is really relaxed and the judges are really nice, don't let the idea of interview overwhelm you or scare you. It is all about you, and YOU know best about you. :)

Some tips for interview

1. Don't shake Judges hand unless they reach their hand out to you

2. Sit properly at the edge of your chair with your ankles crossed with your hands resting on your lap

3.Stay away from Umm .. or take too long to answer (You only have a minute or so with each judge.. so dont try to give the perfect answer and waste your interview time) Say the first thing that comes to mind and stick with it.

Perfect example: Once asked, If you could make a commercial about anything what would it be and why?

The first thing that popped in my head was watermelon, so I went with it. I said watermelon, because now a days when you turn on the tv there is a lot of time spent advertising unhealthy foods like candy, and fastfood etc.. and if we spent time advertising healthy but tasty things as well it would help us rethink and make healthier choices that benefit our overall health.

What I thought at that point after all that came out of my mouth was wow, im glad I trusted my own instinct. Trust yours, and you will do great!

Last but not least for evening wear, take your time follow the dress guidelines never clench on or grab your dress, just go slow, look at the judges, and smile like you mean it!

Teen USA History!!

I would like to take a moment to put a spotlight on a very special girl, Miss Theresa Huellinghorst! Theresa is also a former Coed queen, baby sister to Miss Breanna, and youngest daughter to Miss Lonnie!

I have had the privelege to grow up with these girls, and being in the older divisions I have always had a chance to watch and cheer Theresa on!

You always hear people talking about a certain "IT" factor, you have no idea what it is.. but you just KNOW that this person has it! Beyond having the "IT" factor, Theresa is just the sweetest, silliest girl that will make you laugh and have fun! It goes without saying that she is a beautiful, but truly knowing her and getting to know her personality just makes her even more incredible!

Theresa, you are going to ROCK the USA Stage.. and not only follow in your sister's footsteps but also in your own way! :)

More exciting news!!!



At this years 2011 Miss Missouri USA,and Miss Missouri Teen USA pageant, the Huellinghorst girls could be making USA history as the first SISTER QUEENS!!!!!!!!!! Ladies, if anyone can do it, it is you two!


What an incredible experience that would be to share such a journey with not only your sister but your best friend!

Coed girls, YOU make us proud! :)

From COED to USA!

Wishing Miss Breanna Huellinghorst, and Miss Francesca Mirabella the best of luck at the upcoming Miss Missouri USA and Miss Missouri Teen USA pageant!

Both Breanna, and Francesca got their start in American Coed Pageants, since then Breanna has conquered many pageant systems and captured many titles including the prestigious Miss Missouri Teen USA title in 2006!

Francesca, who also won her very first time in a pageant 2 years ago at Missouri Coed went on to place 6th at Nationals, and recently just won a National title for the America's U.S. Miss Pageant!

We wish these former Coed Queens the best of luck at their pageants this November! Truly amazing girls, beautiful inside and out! You ladies both have what it takes, let's go Coed girls! You will make us proud!

On top of the World!

The pageant on the final night begins with the opening production number, the dance is one of the best times to let loose, and a time for the judges to see how much fun the weekend has really been for all the girls!

So many friends are made during pageant weekend, and its not uncommon to see these girls be friends for years after! It's honestly one of the best things you take away from pageant weekend (among so many other things) .. only one girl per age division takes home the crown, but everyone makes a friend, and takes so much away from the experience!

Pictured above are a few of the teen contestants hanging out before the opening production number!

From left to right, Cassandra Brown, Lynsey Gilleylen, Jonna-Kaye Jones, and Amanda Jordan Hoy!

Jr. Teen, Teen, and Coed Girls dancing to 2010 Opening production number "On top of the world".

Rehersal and learning the dance choreography are always such a blast! A great ice breaker to really get to know the other contestants, and a time to just enjoy yourself with new friends, while having a really great time!

Featured Video: Miss Breanna Huellinghorst (Co- Director & Dance Choreographer) teaching the dance!

The dance was so much fun to learn, and Breanna was able to break it down step by step so we would have it down perfectly (or our best) :) on pageant night!

If you would like to share pictures or videos of yourself or with friends during pageant weekend, with a fun message to share please, send to missouricoedpageants@yahoo.com subject "Blog" for a chance to be featured!

Jonna Kaye Jones visits Mayor

Miss Missouri American Coed Teen Jonna Kaye Jones,

alongside Mayor, Keith Samford

One of the many amazing opportunities as being a Miss Missouri American Coed Queen, is getting the opportunity to meet local and state officials! Participating in community events, and parades!

If you would like to book Coed Queens for your event, you may email missouricoedpageant@yahoo.com

Dreams do come true, and THIS is where they start!

(Photo from website)

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/stlsa-renaissance-st-louis-airport-hotel/

Welcome to the Miss Missouri American Coed blog page!

Exciting News! Mrs. Lonnie Ledbetter, one of MO wonderful pageant directors has announced the date and location for next years (2011) state pageant!

Date: May 13th - May 16th, 2011

Location: Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel
(314)- 429- 1100

Whether you are new to pageantry or not, you have come to the right place! :) Here is your chance to show the world you, and YOU are exactly what MO COED is looking for! Coed is a FUN pageant, for girls between the ages of 3-22**! It's a great opportunity for personal growth, and development in areas like public speaking during Personal Introduction, or being poised and confident as you sparkle and shine during Evening wear, or letting your awesome personality show during interview!

At MO COED, they are looking for a natural All-American girl (No make- up for contestants under the age of 13), someone just like you! No previous pageant experience is necessary, you will learn everything in the newsletters, and during pageant weekend!

One of the most rewarding things about pageant weekend is making new friends, and spending time with family!

For more information about Missouri Coed please visit http://www.missouricoed.com/
**There is also a division for babies! (See website for details!)

Sparkle and Shine with American Coed!