2008 Junior Teen, Teen, Miss, and Ms. United States

2008 Pageant Diary

The lights of the Vegas strip were not the only things burning brightly this past July. Sixty-three lovely Delegates from around the country wowed the town as they arrived for the 2008 Miss Junior Teen, Miss Teen, Miss and Ms. United States National Pageant.

As the Delegates arrived at the beautiful Orleans Hotel and Casino, they were greeted by the five story illuminated hotel marquee featuring photos of the reigning 2007 queens, Cathy Hagman, Javante Ingram, Lauren Wanger, and Sophia Hall. The National 2008 Pageant kicked off with the traditional Registration and Orientation on Sunday, July 13. Each Delegate received her pageant tote, filled with sponsor goodies. Following some free time to "settle in," the ladies returned for a fun "human scrabble game", quickly allowing them to get to know each other, and start forming bonds of friendship. Rehearsals began with these talented young beauties perfecting their on-stage dance and chic walk patterns.

And to keep the pace exciting, later on in the evening, the Delegates were escorted in royal coach style down the bustling Vegas strip to the famed Freemont Experience in Downtown Las Vegas. Supporting the American Heart Association's, Go Red for Women Campaign, all the Delegates wore red. Crowds gathered around the group of beauties requesting autographs and photographs with their home state favorites. It was a busy evening for all, and the Delegates returned to the Orleans Hotel for a well-deserved rest. Monday kicked off a full day of rehearsals on stage and a free night to see the town with family and friends. Tuesday, the Delegates had lovely dinner hosted by the National Directors. Guests enjoyed exclusive seating and were on hand to support their favorite Delegate in the Supermodel with Style fashion show and contest.

Accompanied by upbeat music, and runway style staging, each Delegate had a chance to showcase her personal flair for fashion and modeling style. Four winners, one in each division, were awarded the Supermodel crown that evening! The winners were Andrea Price, Miss West Virginia Junior Teen; Maggie Krattiger, Miss Oklahoma Teen; Jessica Minch, Miss Florida, and Diane Piccolo, Ms. Connecticut.

After another busy day of rehearsals on Wednesday, the ladies anxiously prepared for their personal interview competition with their respective distinguished groups of judges.

Finally it was Thursday, and excitement built throughout the day in anticipation of the big event. Showtime, and the delegates, dressed in a color palette of blues, reds, oranges, greens, impressed the audience during the opening dance number, "Strut." Choreographer and Stage Manager, Natalie Carson, did a fantastic job showcasing each Delegate in the fabulously choreographed dance number as evidenced by the cheers of support from the lively and energetic audience.

Jay Joseph, Pageant Host and Las Vegas entertainer, presented vocals between competition phases. Scoring continued with the Swimsuit Competition, which included upbeat music and a dazzling bright colored light display. It was time for Dancing in the Streets, as Jay sang the lively song to the reigning queens! The Preliminary event culminated with the elegant Evening Gown Competition staged with dreamy mood lighting and serene, inspirational music. The traditional Parade of Gowns concluded the afternoon event.

It was 7:30 P.M. and time for finals. The show opened with a video Tribute to the 2008 Delegates, giving each and every member of the audience the thrill of seeing their delegate on the "big screen!"

Swimsuit and Evening Gown Competitions followed the On Stage Interview Segment. As scores were being tabulated, Jay Joseph serenaded the Delegates by singing This is the Moment, adding a magnificent touch to the beautiful and stunning Parade of Gowns segment.

The moment had arrived, and the winners were crowned:

Jr. Teen Division:
Camille Sims (Georgia)	Miss Junior Teen United States 2008
Kelsee Grant (Virginia)	First Runner Up
Ashley Witt (South Carolina)	Second Runner Up
Teen Division:
Stephanie Rozier (South Carolina)	Miss Teen United States 2008
Elle Bunn (Virginia)	First Runner Up
Jodie Schutt (Missouri)	Second Runner Up
Miss Division:
Brittany Williams (Nevada)	Miss United States 2008
Tifarah Brumback (Michigan)	First Runner Up
Jessica Minch (Florida)	Second Runner Up
Ms. Division:
Graziella Baratta (New York)	Ms. United States 2008
Kim Emery (Florida)	First Runner Up
Daphne Rice (Michigan)	Second Runner Up

Thunderous applause, tears of joy, photoflashes, and spotlights took over the Orleans Showroom as these four lovely women embraced their new titles. Each will go on to enjoy a year of memorable moments, starting with an evening they will not soon forget. Perhaps the confetti falling from the rafters is an indication of the colorful days ahead.