Mrs. California International Pageant

Isn’t La Quinta beautiful?

This weekend I found myself waking up on the West Coast, in La Quinta which is a charming community just outside Palm Springs, California

I met this adorable 5year old who wanted a glimpse of the crown. She was incredibly sweet!

Eddie Peterson is the director for Mrs. California International. He also is a beloved person to all those who meet him. It was a privilege to be a part of his beautiful pageant this year. I was a chance to catch up with three of the judges from this year’s Mrs. International pageant. I owe them SO much for giving me this year of opportunities. The judges for the 2014 Mrs. CA International pageant were each former Mrs. California Int’ls along with Rebekah Negrete, who won Mrs. International 2007. I had THE BEST time having lunch and late dinners with everyone and even pulled a side muscle from laughing so much with them!

Although the weekend was very busy, I was so happy to sit and talk for a while with Shana Smith, Mrs. California Int’l 2013. Shana is a devoted mother and supportive military wife. The work she has accomplished on behalf of the “Got Your Back Network,” is just the beginning of all she will be accomplishing in years to come.

The New Mrs. CA International 2014, Eddie Peterson and me.

Congratulations to the new Mrs. California international 2014, Staci Ortiz – Davis! She is providing scholarships through an organization she started on behalf of her late grandmother. She is now part of a wonderful family that is California International and with the support of her sister queens and Eddie Peterson, she's going to have a fantastic journey ahead of her.

Be the change!

Amy Gregorio
Your Mrs. International 2013

www.californiaintl.com

Tennessee International Pageant

Thank you to Tiffany Porter, Director of the Tennessee International Pageants, for inviting me to serve as a judge for a day filled with tons of sparkle! Ms. Tiffany and her mother Robin obviously pour their heart and souls into making each participant, volunteer, titleholder, and supporter feel special.

I also have to send a big THANK YOU out to my personal hostess for the day, the warm and wonderful Jurnee Carr – Miss Teen International 2011! And it was fabulous to see one of my class of 2012 sisters, the “rock’in hot” Traci Pangonas - Mrs. Tennessee International 2012!

I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed spending time with each of these ladies!

Traci Pangonas, Mrs. Tennessee International 2012

Chelsea Chandler, Miss Tennessee International 2012

Crowning Ashley Lambert-Wise, Mrs. Tennessee International 2013

Abby Robinette, Miss Tennessee International 2013

With Kaitlyn, Abby and Ashley

Traci & Ashley

Gotta have fun!

Following a wonderful dinner with Jurnee at Cheddar’s Casual Café!

My sincere appreciation to Tiffany and Jurnee for everything!

With love,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

2013 Alabama International Pageants

Last year, I represented the wonderful state of Alabama at the 2012 Miss Teen International Pageant. I was so honored to bring the crown back home with me! Since my journey with the International system began, I have met so many wonderful people and made countless memories that I will treasure forever! I will always be thankful to those that helped me begin my journey as Miss Teen Alabama International 2012. As I prepared to crown the new Miss Teen Alabama International, I was flooded with emotions! It was a little bittersweet to think that it has already been a year since I was crowned, however I was so thrilled to crown the new Alabama International queens and Miss Teen Alabama International 2013, Laura McKenny!

Check out the cover of the 2013 Alabama International Pageants program book. Weren’t they fabulous?

The new Miss Teen Alabama International 2013, Laura McKenny.

THE CROWN!!

Ashlyn Cullifer, Miss Teen Florida International 2013 and Laura McKenny, Miss Teen Alabama International 2013

Caroline Crowley

Judging Mrs., Miss & Miss Teen Arkansas International

Before I participated in the National Pageant, I remember feeling very intimidated by the southern girls.  I knew that pageants were more popular and prevalent in the southern states and that many of those ladies were experienced.  I recently learned that this notation is TRUE!

Several weeks ago I was granted the privilege of judging the Mrs, Miss and Teen Arkansas pageant.  This pageant is directed by Mrs. Burnee Thurow, a true icon in the International pageant family.  She put together a lovely collection of contestants many of whom have returned for multiple years of competition because they enjoyed the experience so much.  There seems to be a great deal of community support for this event and I could tell that Miss Burnee had built an impressive network of appearance and volunteer opportunities for her winners.  

As many people will attest the role of judge is not easy.  Not only is a judge required to do their homework but they also need to avoid “comparing notes”.  We ladies love to discuss our opinions but judges are prohibited from doing so.  

Our first chance to see the contestant was during interviews and I was very impressed. All the ladies were primped and polished to perfection.  Not only did they look like winners, their southern charm and manners made me love each one of them.  Although many of the ladies were amazing, I was especially impressed by the teens who were actively involved in their communities.  Learning the benefits of service at an early age is wonderful and often overlooked by busy teens who are balancing school, extra circulars and just trying to find their way.  Most of them were far more focused than I was at 15.

As the final competition began, I’m sure I felt as much pressure as the contestant, because I have literally been in their shoes and I understand the pressure. The venue was very nice and production quality was very high.  The judges were intensely focused on trying to give each contestant our full attention.  Between segments, the current titleholders gave their farewell speeches.  This break in competition allows the judges a minute to relax, but I found myself completely absorbed as I listened to the emotional journeys of each graceful queen.  Kola Brown’s heartfelt words left me misty and wishing I had put on the waterproof mascara.

As the crowning moment was announced I became so excited, as I was not quite sure who would be the next Mrs, Miss or Teen AR.   As the queen’s court was called I watched as each contestant responded with pose and grace.  Then the newly crowned queens took their places as the 2013 titleholders.  Congratulations to all of you!

In between our judging duties, Miss Burnee’s husband Rick acted as host, chauffer and Judge’s coach.  He provided excellent care and attention as he shuttled us for lunch, dinner and various activities.  He is an absolute charmer and introduced me to several southern dishes; Cajun chicken and dumplings, and Crawfish bisque.  I would happily return to Little Rock for the hospitality and the food!

Krista Wanous

Miss International 2012

Minnesota International Pageant

Oh the effort that goes into a state pageant! On Friday and Saturday, March 15th and 16th, it was time to crown a new Mrs., Miss, and Teen Minnesota International 2013. For me, the weekend was really about focusing on the ladies competing and making certain they had the best experience possible. And my “Rock Star” husband Joseph maybe did too good of a job assuring the husbands enjoyed themselves.

Admittedly, this would have been a far more emotional event if I were not able to continue my reign as Mrs. International 2012, with so many more appearances to attend and countries to see! Regardless, I am now a “former” in the state of Minnesota, and I had the privilege of being the first to welcome the beautiful Andrea Bennett Xiong to the sisterhood of Mrs. Minnesota International titleholders as I assisted her fabulous husband Tou with placing the crown on her head!

I want to wish each of the ladies who challenged themselves to compete in the pageant this year my sincere congratulations, as you each did an outstanding job of representing yourselves, your families, your communities, and most importantly the causes for which you so eloquently spoke. I told you I was proud of each of you. I meant it then…and I mean it now…regardless of there being only one titleholder.

It is also so very fun to be able to welcome the new Miss Teen Minnesota International – Megan Muehlberg and Miss Minnesota International – Charity Bess to our pageant family. I hope for each of you a year filled with moments that you will cherish forever both individually and together as the 2013 queens.

Please enjoy a variety of photos from a most amazing Minnesota International Pageant:

Registration on Friday afternoon!

Mr. and Mrs. joined us for a bite to eat and time together!

2012 Minnesota Queens…MMXII forever!

Ladies in their on-stage interview outfits!

Husbands looking so very handsome!

Meet & Greet time prior to the show!

Mrs. Minnesota 2013 with Mrs. Minnesota formers

My very best wishes to all of you,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

Illinois International Pageant!

Congratulations to the newly crowned 2013 titleholders; Amy Gregorio – Mrs. Illinois International, Season Winesburg – Miss Illinois International, and Megan Riesner – Miss Teen Illinois International! And, a huge congratulatory and well deserved shout out to the fabulous Illinois directors Beverly Turkowski and Jennifer Naida , who obviously poured their hearts and souls into producing their first International state pageant! I was so thrilled to be a part of the event and cannot give enough accolades to my wonderful Class of 2012 pageant sister Terri Karch!

With my friend, the lovely…Mrs. Illinois International 2012 Terri Karch!

From orientation, through rehearsals, the interview process, and throughout the competition, these ladies were absolutely spectacular! I had a chance to visit with each one, hear their stories, and exchange both giggles and tears. It was my privilege to conduct the on-stage interviews, which was one of my favorite parts of the competition. In the dressing room, I witnessed so many acts of kindness between all three divisions, which always makes my heart feel good. In my opinion, this is the beauty of pageantry.

Orientation. 

Paula Preston being introduced to the ladies. 

All the Mrs. Contestants with Terri and Beverly. 

My pageant sister forever! 

Moments before the Interview. 

The amazing Beverly, Mrs. Illinois International 2005!

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible support and sisterhood of former Illinois titleholders who turned out to make this event special for all of the participants. What a fabulous and gorgeous group of women! It was a sincere pleasure to meet each of you. Thank you again to Beverly, Jennifer, and Terri for your including me in this fabulous weekend!

XXOO!

With the new Illinois titleholders - photo courtesy of PageantCast.

With love and appreciation,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

Meet & Greet

As the reigning Miss Minnesota International I had the pleasure of meeting the new contestants for the Miss Minnesota pageant at the annual Meet & Greet Party.  This event which is hosted by our Director Allison Stavrakis, includes the contestants from the Teen, Miss and Mrs. categories, local coaches, pageant sponsors and the reigning title holders.

Although it was a very chilly night in Minnesota, the contestants arrived up in cocktail dresses and other fancy outfits. Below zero temperatures does not keep a pageant girl from looking fabulous.  After some light refreshments and introductions the party took off.  I was thrilled to meet the new girls and they had a chance to ask questions about various aspects of the main event.  As ladies tend do, we mingled and traded contact information as well as a pageant advice.

For me, the most interesting aspect of this event is learning about the various platforms and why the individual was drawn to it.  Most individuals seem to develop a passion due to a personal connection.  I met individuals who have dealt with medical issues, bullying or a disability, but were able to move past that and now desire to inspire or teach others.  There were some amazing stories and some very interesting women.  I can’t wait to get to know them better.

I really enjoy this event, because it doesn’t take much conversation before you view your competition as your friend.  I noticed an air of genuine friendliness and concern during my pageant last March. I believe that is due to having the opportunity to meet the other contestants before being thrust into competition.  I’m not sure if other states provide this type of event but it really helps to eliminate some of the pre-pageant jitters and helps to build those bonds connections that we all desire.

Krista Wanous

It may have been below zero degrees outside...but in true Minnesotan fashion, approximately 50 guests including; Teen, Miss, and Mrs Minnesota International 2013 contestants and supporters bundled up and turned out for a casual Meet & Greet event held at the Linwood Senior Center. 

It was a nice opportunity for Miss Teen Minnesota International 2012, Gabby Taylor, Krista and myself to visit with the ladies.

Several of the state sponsors and coaches joined us for the event, and even with the freezing temps outside, we shared a warm and wonderful time inside.

Introductions were shared.

Krista, Sarah, Gabby and Brad. 

The participants along with Krista, me and Gabby.

Sarah Bazey

Banner Presentation

It is always a treat to meet someone who has decided to take the big step forward and embark on a journey that starts with a City/County title within the International Pageant System. Recently, I met not only the new Mrs. Scott County International 2013, Amy Lyon, but also her husband Chad Lyon who joined her for her banner presentation in the Scott County Government Center.

Amy and I were asked to address the Scott County board members and the relatively full board room. The Chairman introduced me first, and I was happy to share the meaning of the International title, along with a brief message about both our alliance with “Go Red for Women” and my personal platform as it relates to burns. I then introduced Amy, who shared a touching message about her platform and some details about her life.

Me addressing the group

Once the banner was presented, we enjoyed two touching retirement acknowledgements and then posed for a few photographs with the Scott County Dignitaries. Thank you to Amy for inviting me to participate in her banner presentation and those who allowed us the time to share our message.

Scott County Board, Chad, Amy and me

Warm Regards,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012