Introducing the Miss America Exclusive Apparel Line

As the Miss America Organization prepares to celebrate its 90-year anniversary, the organization has entered into a licensing agreement with Central Ohio-based Airwaves, Inc. to offer branded apparel. Available under the Miss America Brands umbrella, apparel will include graphic tees, shirts and bottoms for the baby/toddler and teen/tween markets.

“The Miss America Organization is so excited to launch this new, contemporary, age-appropriate clothing line during our 90th anniversary celebration, inspiring little girls everywhere to dream big. I think the entire country will love it!” said Art McMaster, President/CEO, Miss America Organization. Designed to appeal to girls who want to wear fashionable clothes that make a positive statement, moms who need tasteful, mix-and-match options for their daughters, and pageant participants, clothing will be fashion-forward, casual and age-appropriate.

Part of the proceeds will go toward the Miss America Organization Scholarship Fund, which makes more than $45 million annually available in scholarships to young women to further their education.

“The Miss America brand is iconic. Our clothing will live up to the strong values displayed by crown recipients throughout the years, especially empowerment, inner-beauty, integrity, goodwill and pride,” explained Kyle Kantner, president of Miss America Brands.

Miss America Brands is currently in the process of finalizing designs and exploring exclusive retail partnerships.

Miss America returns to ABC for 90th anniversary of pageant

Linwood, NJ – May 24, 2010 - The Miss America Organization (MAO) is proud to announce it has reached a multi-year deal with the ABC Television Network to return as their network television partner for the 2011 Miss America Pageant that will be presented on January 15, 2011! The news was announced today by Sam Haskell, III, Board Chairman for the Miss America Organization and MAO President & CEO, Art McMaster.

ABC aired the Miss America Pageant previously in 2004 and will once again retain the exclusive telecast rights through 2013. "After thorough discussions and negotiations, we are confident that Miss America has reunited with the perfect network partner, ABC, which shares many of our same ideals and tradition," said Haskell. "Miss America's move back to network television is perfect timing as we celebrate our special 90th anniversary and look ahead to reach new heights and create a new path for the future of Miss America. Our brand is so rich in both philanthropy and history, and this new multi-year partnership will not only preserve this great institution, but it will also mark a new milestone in television with our friends at ABC."

“We’re thrilled to have the Miss America pageant back on ABC and for the opportunity to be a part of this historic tradition,” said Vicki Dummer and John Saade, Senior Vice Presidents, Alternative Series, Specials and Late-Night, ABC Entertainment Group. “We look forward to working with the Miss America Organization for years to come.”

Art McMaster, President and CEO for Miss America Organization stated, “MAO will maintain and oversee the creative direction of the pageant with the addition of the award winning production company, Tall Pony Productions with Anthony Eaton and Lauren Harris as the Executive Producers. McMaster added, “’Miss America is one of this country’s great enduring institutions, and creatively we are introducing new ways to honor the pageant’s rich tradition, while also producing a spectacular show that will offer true entertainment appeal to ABC’s viewers.”

Last year, the Miss America pageant telecast experienced new record growth, with its highest-ever ratings on cable television, and is now perfectly positioned to surpass that record with ABC on network television.

MAO proudly acknowledges Mark Pedowitz of Pinestreet Entertainment, John Ferriter of Octagon Entertainment, and Billy Goldberg and Kevin Kroos of The Buckeye Group for their efforts on this television partnership. Tall Pony Productions and the Miss America Organization are represented by Octagon Entertainment. Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron Meets Prince Edward

Miss America 2010 Meets Prince Edward

Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron is currently in South Carolina with Board Chairman Sam Haskell, President & CEO Art McMaster and the Miss South Carolina Scholarship Organization, where she is participating in events around HRH Prince Edward's visit this weekend at Greenville's Scottish Games and the 2010 Duke of Edinburgh's Award presentation to Miss South Carolina and Miss South Carolina Outstanding Teen recipients.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a program that encourages young people to develop into responsible, active citizens who will positively contribute to society. Sam is President of the program and is working to grow the program throughout the United States -- the award is already featured in 120 countries!

The Miss America Organization has united with the Duke Of Edinburgh's Award Young Americans' Challenge. In fact, contestants in South Carolina and Ohio will be among the first Duke of Edinburgh's Award medal recipients in the nation!

Caressa's events this weekend include speaking to graduating high school seniors, assisting in a presentation with the Mayor of Greenville to the South Carolina Incentive Winners, a CMN fundraiser, a parade in downtown Greenville, participating in the Scottish Games, and assisting Sam Haskell and HRH Prince Edward to present the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. It is a busy weekend, but full of exciting events!

Former Miss America Colleen Kay Hutchins Dies

Miss America 1952 Colleen Kay Hutchins passed away early this morning in her home in Newport Beach, California at the age of 83, according to her son, Kiki Vandeweghe. Kiki said his mother had been ill for about six months.

Colleen was a Salt Lake City resident when she was crowned as Brigham Young University Homecoming Queen in 1947. Five years later she won the Miss America title. Crowned just prior to the television era, Colleen graciously stood over six feet in heels, and was said to have stopped a basketball game at the University of Pennsylvania by arriving late and walking down the sidelines. As a Miss America contestant she was not only an accomplished athlete, but had already achieved an undergraduate degree and was well on her way to earning a Master's Degree in Drama.

Following Colleen's year of service as Miss America, she performed on Broadway and toured Europe. She married her husband who was a physician and a member of the New York Knicks. They honeymooned at Queen Elizabeth's Coronation. The Hutchins made Wiesbaden, Germany, their home for some time, developing lifelong friendships with many prominent Europeans. They later settled in Bel Air, California, and raised four All-American College and Olympic athletes who are now accomplished professionals in their own right. Colleen and her family have enjoyed a happy and fulfilling life, contributing to many social and community causes. She resided in Palm Springs, California, and devoted much energy to her philanthropic objectives and enjoyed the opportunity of guiding her grandchildren in their athletic and scholastic accomplishments.

Colleen is survived by her husband and four children, including Kiki Vandeweghe, who is the interim coach and general manager of the NBA's New Jersey Nets.

Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Colleen’s family at this time of sorrow. We will treasure the memories and the legacy of our beloved Miss America 1952 Colleen Hutchins.

Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron Visits Hawaii!

Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron takes her official dip in the ocean -- the Pacific Ocean that is! Within weeks of being crowned, Miss America 2010, Caressa Cameron hit the beach in Maui, and while most in the country were digging out from snowstorms, our Miss America was in sunny Hawaii on her first official visit with our cosmetic and skincare provider, Artistry by Amway Global. This wonderful trip, sponsored by Amway, was to support their annual event on the big island.

Caressa was able to work with the sponsors and their VIP's and shoot some beautiful promotional videos. "The trip to Hawaii was absolutely wonderful. It has been an incredible month and I can't wait to see what the months ahead will bring. It has been a dream come true," said Caressa. While in Hawaii, Caressa officially dipped her toes in the Pacific and followed the tradition established long ago in Atlantic City when Miss America would take the first dip after being crowned. Congratulations Caressa - you have made a splash!

Miss America to Appear on Fox Business News

Miss America 2010, Caressa Cameron will appear on Fox Business News today. Cameron will visit Fox Business Channel's Bulls & Bears program on February 16 to talk about becoming Miss America 2010 and her national media tour that has included memorable moments in New York and at the Superbowl! Don't miss it!

Miss America begins her national media tour

Tune-in as our newly crowned Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron embarks on a New York City media tour following her crowning in Las Vegas at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. As part of her media tour, Caressa will also appear on Inside Edition to discuss her being crowned the new Miss America! Monday, February 1, 2010. She will appear on Live! with Regis and Kelly at 9:00 a.m. and on Extra at 7:00 p.m. Caressa Cameron interview on Inside Edition

Miss Virginia Wins Miss America Title!

In the evening gown competition Cameron wore a stunning form-fitting yellow gown, a strong statement in light of the long tradition of Miss America's usually wearing white gowns. In contrast, in pageant circles, yellow is viewed  as being a difficult color for contestants to carry off in formalwear.  Interestingly, during the pre-show that aired prior to the pageant, Miss Virginia's choice of a yellow gown,  was noted by former Miss America, Erica Dunlap, who observed that she had won her Miss America title wearing a yellow gown. 

The 1st runner-up was Miss California, Kristy Cavinder, who had also won a preliminary talent award for her ballet en pointe earlier in the week.  Cavinder was asked to share her views on the responsibilities of being a role model during the on-stage interview.  Cavinder.  She was awarded a $25,000 scholarship. 

Stefanie Wittler, Miss Tennessee, was named the 2nd runner-up.  A vocalist who performed "I Will Always Love You" in the talent competition, Wittler was asked to address the issue of tough love versus gentleness in giving criticism during the onstage interview,  

Miss Louisiana, Katherine Putnam was named the 3rd runner-up, after performing "Handel's Messiah" on the piano during the talent competition and discussing why the USA should send emergency aid to Haiti given our own country's current financial woes.

Miss Kentucky, Mallory Ervin, was named the 4th runner-up after performing the vocal "On My Own" and fielding an on-stage question about if athletes who use performance enhancing drugs should be permanently banned from sports.

Fifteen contestants competed in the semi-finals during the broadcast: Miss Tennesee, Stefanie Wittler; Miss Colorado, Katie Lucille Layman; Miss California,Kristy Cavinder (a preliminary talent winner); Miss Indiana, Nicole Pollard; Miss Hawaii, Raeceen Anuenue Woolford; Miss Louisiana, Katherine Putnam; Miss District of Columbia, Jen Corey; Miss New Mexico, Nicole Miner; Miss Virginia, Caressa Cameron (a preliminary talent winner and the eventual Miss America 2010); Miss Texas, Kristen Blair; and Miss Nebraska, Brittany Jeffers.

Three contestants were chosen by public popular vote to join the others in the Top 15: Miss Oklahoma, Taylor Treat, Miss Arkansas, Sarah Slocum and Miss Kentucky, Mallory Ervin.  Ervin was later named the 4th runner-up.  In another new move from pageant organizers to add an element of reality show style interaction, contestants who failed to make the semi-finals, were allowed to vote one contestant into the Top 15 as the "Contestants' Choice".  The results of the live vote placed Miss Oregon, CC Barber, as the 15th semi-finalist.  Barber had won a preliminary swimsuit award earlier in the week.

2010 Miss America Pageant - Court of Honor
1st runner-up Miss California Kristy Cavinder	2nd runner-up Miss Tennessee Stefanie Wittler	3rd runner-up Miss Louisiana Katherine Putnam	4th runner-up Miss Kentucky Mallory Ervin
2010 Miss America Pageant - Top 15 Semi-finalists
Miss Oklahoma Taylor Treat America's Choice Winner Top 15	Miss Arkansas Sarah Slocum America's Choice Winner Top 15	Miss Kentucky Mallory Ervin America's Choice Winner 4th runner-up	Miss Tennesee Stefanie Wittler 2nd runner-up
Miss Colorado Katie Lucille Layman Top 15	Miss California Kristy Cavinder Prelim Talent Winner 1st runner-up	Miss Indiana Nicole Pollard Top 15	Miss Hawaii Raeceen Woolford Top 6
Miss Louisiana Katherine Putnam 2nd runner-up	Miss District of Columbia Jen Corey Top 8	Miss New Mexico Nicole Miner Top 6	Miss Virginia Caressa Cameron Prelim Talent Winner Miss America 2010
Miss Texas Kristen Blair Top 8	Miss Nebraska Brittany Jeffers Top 8	Miss Oregon CC Barber Prelim Swimsuit Winner Contestants' Choice Winner

Top 10 - Talent Competition

Miss California - Kristy Cavinder - Ballet en pointe (Preliminary Talent Winner)
Miss Virginia - Caressa Cameron- Vocal "Listen" (Preliminary Talent Winner)
Miss District of Columbia - Jen Corey - Vocal, classical, Puccini
Miss New Mexico - Nicole Miner - Vocal, "Somewhere"
Miss Louisiana - Katherine Putnam - Piano, "Handel's Messiah"
Miss Nebraska - Brittany Jeffers - Jazz Dance, "So Much Better"
Miss Tennessee - Stefanie Wittler - Vocal, "I Will Always Love You"
Miss Texas - Kristen Blair - Vocal, Pucchini
Miss Kentucky - Mallory Ervin - Vocal, "On My Own"
Miss Hawaii - Raeceen Anuenue Woolford - Hula Dance

Top 7 - On-Stage Questions

Miss California - Kristy Cavinder (responsibilities of being a role model)
Miss New Mexico - Nicole Miner (Learning second languages)
Miss Virginia - Caressa Cameron (Teen obesity)
Miss Hawaii - Raeceen Anuenue Woolford (Safety of social networks)
Miss Tennessee - Stefanie Wittler (Tough love vs. gentleness in giving criticism)
Miss Louisiana - Katherine Putnam (Should USA send emergency aid to Haiti)
Miss Kentucky - Mallory Ervin (Athletes using performance enhancement drugs)

Miss America Contestants   Complete results

Miss Michigan and Miss Oregon win Miss America Thursday Preliminaries

Miss California and Miss New York win Miss America Thursday Preliminaries

Miss Virginia and Miss Puerto Rico win Miss America Wednesday Preliminaries

Miss America 2010 Contestants are online!

Miss America 2009 Katie Stam was on hand at the American Legion National Convention in Louisville, KY this week to support their community service initiatives and talk about her own volunteering experiences.

On Sunday, Katie spoke to the Sons of the American Legion about the importance of community service and rode in the National Convention Parade in Downtown Louisville.

The next day she spoke to the America Legion Auxiliary and commended them for initiating their new service project, Call to Service Corps, which is designed to enhance the capacity of Auxiliary to generate volunteer service targeted toward poverty alleviation by and for military veteran families.

On her final day in Louisville, Katie had the wonderful opportunity to sing the National Anthem at the National Convention Opening Ceremonies.

Later that evening she had the honor of attending the National Commander's Head Table Reception and Banquet. The convention was a great opportunity for Katie to honor the American Legion and promote her passion for community service and involvement! -- Article and photo courtesy of the Miss America Organization

Miss America 2009 Katie Stam will speak at Mobile County high school leadership event

SEMMES, Ala. -- The Do Something! leadership event at Mary G. Montgomery High School will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 14. Keynote speaker for the conference will be Katie Stam, Miss America 2009, who is the National Goodwill Ambassador for the Children's Miracle Network and the official spokesperson for Zerosmoke. Stam's personal platform is "Passion for Service: Promoting Community Service and Involvement." Also on the program will be Leshay Brannan, a 1998 graduate of MGM who is associate director of Baptist Campus Ministries at Florida State University. The one-day event for high school students who are ready to "do something" is open to those in leadership classes, student government groups, service organizations and any other students who want to make a positive impact in their community. A Community Expo at the conference will showcase local nonprofit organizations seeking student volunteers.  -- blog.al.com   Read full article   

Miss America 2009, Miss Tennessee visit Children's Hospital

Katie Stam, Miss America 2009, and Stefanie Wittler, Miss Tennessee 2009, visited with patients and families at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt on Thursday, Aug. 27. They each performed one song and played with the children. Stam, from Seymour, Ind., won the Miss America pageant in January. She is the National Goodwill Ambassador for the Children's Miracle Network, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals nationwide, including Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and four others in the state. Wittler was crowned Miss Tennessee 2009 on June 20. She is a senior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, majoring in communications. She has been a volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House Charities since 1990 and is the Tennessee Goodwill Ambassador for the Children’s Miracle Network. Contact: Laurie Holloway at 615-322-4747 or email: laurie.e.holloway@vanderbilt.edu  -- sitemason.vanderbilt.edu/    Read full article

Miss America 2009 Katie Stam and the 2010 Miss America Contestants Welcomed by the Sunshine State

Miss America 2009 Katie Stam with Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2010 Jeanette Moreland and Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2009 Taylor Fitch 

The Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant was held on Saturday with the crowning of 14 year-old Jeanette Moreland from Wisconsin!  The week was a memorable one for the Miss America Organization and the MAO family that was in Orlando to support MAOT.

Miss America 2009 Katie Stam was proud to be a part of the week's festivities that included being the on-stage host for the pageant, as well as supporting the Teen contestants, and offering her love and support for our wonderful sister program.  The events were filled with magical moments including Miss America who was also able to meet with the Teen's little princesses for a special luncheon.