2009 Junior Teen, Teen, Miss, and Ms. United States

Pushing It to the Limit ... Vegas Style!

The lights of the Vegas strip were not the only things burning bright this past July. Seventy two State Delegates from around the country wowed the town as they checked in at the beautiful Orleans Hotel and Casino for the 2009 United States National Pageants, greeted by the five story illuminated hotel marquee featuring photos of the reigning 2008 National queens, Miss Junior Teen United States, Camille Sims, Miss Teen United States, Stephanie Rozier, Miss United States Brittany Williams, and Ms. United States, Graziella Baratta. The United States Pageant week started with Orientation, followed by a fun round of Human Scrabble. Things calmed down and everyone quickly began learning the steps and chic walks patterns for both the Fashion Show and On Stage opening numbers beautifully choreographed by Natalie Carson. The evening proved to be nothing but glamour and fun at the Ball Gowns and Bowling Shoes Kick Off Event. Getting strikes didn’t matter to these delegates, it was all about getting to know each other, making new friends, smiling for the cameras, and enjoying non-stop laughter.

Starting with poolside photo shoots and a full day of rehearsal, Monday night’s glamour event was the annual Fashion Show Contest. Modeling to upbeat tunes, the show started with each division’s reigning queen showcasing her own personal flair for fashion and modeling style before introducing each delegate in her division. Las Vegas native Gabrielle Boyadjian brought her fabulous stage and singing talents to this year’s contest. After taking her bows to a standing ovation, Copelyn Jue, Miss Junior Teen Georgia, Courtney Turner, Miss Teen South Carolina, Britnie Turner, Miss North Carolina, and Quiana Anderson, Ms. South Carolina won the coveted title for their division. The evening came to an end as the cameras captured all the glitz, glamour and smiles of the winners and their home state favorites. Tuesday was a big day of rehearsals, focusing on the opening number, and technical patterns for the swimsuit, evening gown, and parade of gowns segments. A well-deserved night off with family and friends ended the day. Finally ... Wednesday morning and it was on to Phase One - Judges’ Interviews. As each delegate waited her turn, the official Pageant Photographer, Joe Pier, and his assistant, Ernesto Castro, were busy taking pictures of all the delegates in their beautiful suits. Once the Interview Segment was completed, the girls were free to have lunch and get ready for their respective Preliminary Shows.

The fun had started, and there was excitement in the air. As family and friends arrived at the Box Office to show their support, it was finally SHOWTIME, and the girls were ready to "Push It To The Limit." Preliminaries continued with the Swimsuit and Evening Gown Competitions. At the end of the day, all 72 beautiful delegates were able to take a deep breath and wind down, the Finals was less than 24 hours away! Thursday, July 16 .. here at last, pageant Finals. As the curtains were raised, a beautiful video tribute to each delegate in the 2009 National Pageant started the evening’s competition. The stage was set, the top six delegates in each division were announced, and the competition began. Each of the six finalists was scored in the popular On-Stage Question, Swimsuit, and Evening Gown Competitions. Vocal entertainment between competition phases was presented by Host Jay Joseph and Choreographer/Entertainer Natalie Carson.

After intermission, the audience took pleasure in a unique video tribute to the four outgoing Queens, showcasing their year’s community activities and appearances. Each of the 2008 queens had a moment for her final walk away and floral presentation ... a beautiful and fitting farewell to four very special ladies. The elegant Parade of Gowns featuring all 72 of this year’s National Pageant delegates was choreographed to the beautiful This is the Moment, sung by Pageant Host, Jay Joseph. Following awards for Congeniality, Photogenic, Pageantry Spirit, and Creative Advertising, the new Queens and their courts were announced. The crowning moment had arrived, and the winners in each division took center stage ~

Thunderous applause, cheering crowds, 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 that fell from the rafters is an indication of all the colorful days ahead.