Miss Delaware Wrap-up

Shew...I think I'm finally starting to recover from Miss Delaware Week.  I have been sleeping like it's my job! I apologize to those of you who were looking for a Miss Delaware Blog on Thurs, Friday, and Saturday.  I was getting about four hours of sleep each night and literally could not gather up the energy to miss another hour of sleep to blog.  I literally didn't have 5 minutes to myself during any of those days to catch up.

The week was crazy, frustrating, amazing and overwhelming and at the end of the day, I was reminded why I continue to volunteer year after year for this wonderful organization.  The 23 contestants who competed this year were outstanding.  I am so happy that I have had the opportunity to go through this experience with them and see the growth in each of them.  This group of contestants have huge hearts and are seriously going to change our state for the better.  I loved seeing lasting friendships develop and I also enjoyed seeing the way they handled the pressure, lack of sleep and nerves.  I think that those circumstances often bring out the true nature of person and I was overwhelmingly impressed.  For the most part, the contestants are just good souls through and through.  I am so very excited for the future of the Miss Delaware Program.

As always I enjoyed spending time with my Miss Delaware Sisters.  Every single time I find myself among I group of them I am just in awe!  I can't believe I get to be a part of that group!!!! I swear they all grow more impressive with each passing year.  Many of my "Big Sisters" have no idea how much of a role model that they have and continue to be to me.  I can only hope that some of my Little Sisters look at me the same way.

Congratulations to the entire Miss Delaware Board!  We did it again and even more sucessfully I might add:)

I want to give a huge thanks to the entire tech crew.  Gino, John, Kevin and Austin are a dream to work with.  I can honestly say that I look forward to our time together each and every year.  And of course...Kenney Workman...you know I adore you and I'm looking forward do our next adventure together.  I hope everyone will attend Les Mis in the fall to see us do our thing!

I also owe a huge thanks to Susan Powell.  I seriously love this woman!  Thanks for all you do and for loving this organization like it's your own:)

I am so proud of Miss Delaware 2011, Alyssa Murray.  What an amazing year of service she has had!  Alyssa won both a non-finalist interview award and was a quality of life finalist at Miss America but I would still be willing to bet that her lasting legacy will be the pure love and adoration she shared with the children of Delaware.  I think that says a ton about who Alyssa really is.  Welcome to the family of formers Alyssa!  You are going to love and treasure the relationships you will develop with your sisters!

And of course you already know this but the newest Miss Delaware is Becca Jackson.    When I last spoke with Becca she was just completely overwhelmed and in awe of this amazing opportunity she has been given.  Watch out Delaware....this one is ready to go and I predict big things for her!

To my four little dancers who performed in finale, Juliana, Alyana, Olivia and Ari.   I LOVE YOU!  You were just beautiful and I loved having you there with me.  It made the whole thing so much more special.  You are each so talented and I look forward to the day that I will see you competing on that stage:)

A huge thanks to my girls Carie and Misty:  I love you!  Thanks for all of your help this week.  It was so fun having you both there this year!!

To my very own super-nanny Tori:  It was so amazing to watch you compete in your first Miss Delaware pageant.  It made the week more exciting...and stressful. What a rookie season you had!  Congrats on everything and especially my favorite award...Aimee Voshell Rookie of the Year:)

Rookie of the Year

Finally, I want to give a huge shout out Dan, Brynn and Colton.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for your endless support.  Miss Delaware week wouldn't be nearly as fun if I didn't get to share it with you.  Dan you always end up with the wrath of "sleep-deprived/stressed Aimee" and you don't even complain (well...not a ton anyway).  Brynn and Colton have attended more Miss Delaware rehearsal than most humans will ever attend in their lifetime.  You two are always my biggest fans and helpers.  I love you all tons!

Here are some pageant results and pics:

Spirit Award Winners

Preliminary Talent Winners

Preliminary Swimsuit Winners

Preliminary Evening Gown Winners

Victoria Brown-O'Brien (4RU), Angelica Nardi (2RU), Becca Jackson (Miss DE), Alix Gardner (1RU), Brittany Lewis (3RU)

Other Awards Include:

Semi-Finalists:  Rebecca Lusk, Alix Gardner, Jamilia Mustafa, Angelica Nardi, Victoria Brown-O'Brien, Jacki Wahlquist, Stephanie Bailey, Brittany Lewis, Erin Magnin, Renee Bull, Becca Jackson

Non-Finalist Talent Awards:  Amanda Debus and Rosa Yancey
Judges Award of Distinction:  Rosa Yancey
Artistry Spirit Award: Angelica Nardi
Miss Congeniality:  Jamila Mustafa  (This girl is hysterical and such a pleasure to work with!  Well deserved Mila!)
Audience Favorite:  Janey Covel
Miss America Community Service Award:  Brittany Lewis
CMN Miracle Maker Award:  Amanda Debus
Miss America Academic Award:  Rebecca Lusk

Carol Maclary Excellence in Education Award:  Alix Gardner (3rd), Becky Albini (2nd), Victoria Brown-O'Brien (1st)
Miss Delaware Community Service Award:  Kaitlin Repella (3rd), Sarah Timmons (2nd), Rebecca Lusk (1st)