Miss America Press Conference

Today (Wednesday) was a day of meetings with the Miss America Organization. The man responsible for bringing the Pageant to CMT was introduced, along with Bob Bains who has been the producer for the past 5 years. The goal is to bring a “Contemporary representation to a Traditional Pageant”, meaning Swimsuit, Evening wear, Talent and Winner Presentation. Art McMaster, interim president and CEO of the Miss America Organization was referred to as the “Hero” in the room, for expanding the field and being a major proponent for the organization. MAO (the Miss America Organization) was referred to as a “Sleeping Giant”...only just beginning. The Pageant will be taken back to the tradition of getting to know the contestants. NAMASP (the National Association of Miss America Pageants) President, Valerie Clemens (Maine) presented Art McMaster and two key representatives from CMT with a pin and honorary membership to NAMASP. It was also announced that 40 of the 52 State Teen Pageant title holders will be present at the Fourpoints Seminar scheduled for Friday. The Miss America Organization Volunteers were referred to as the “Ultimate Mentoring Program” in the country. Pageantry Perfume also made its formal debut today. Each state will earn scholarship Funds with the sales of the perfume. Louanne Gamba of Rhode Island was presented with the first ever Volunteerism Award by Mr. McMaster. Bruce Robert of Massachusetts is the recipient of the 2006 Academy of Honor Award, earning his home State Pageant of Massachusetts $10,000.00 in scholarship funds!

Now for our Miss Maine, Megan Beals. Megan spent the day resting and is still trying to recuperate from her cold. She will be presented with her on stage question this evening, as well as her television profile to be seen on Saturday nights telecast. MAO representative, Marie Nichols said that even though Megan was performing her talent last night with a cold, it was clearly obvious that Megan could really sing! Indeed, we all agree...Megan did a fantastic talent performance!!

Now we are off to cover tonights preliminary, updates comming soon.