Miss Grand Forks wins Miss North Dakota!

photo Williston Herald

We are excited to announce that our very own Miss Grand Forks 2013 Laura Harmon won the title of Miss North Dakota 2013 last weekend in Williston, ND. Laura is a native of Grand Forks and student at the University of North Dakota. This was her 4th attempt at the state title. She will now compete for the title of Miss America this September in Atlantic City, NJ as well as travel the state of North Dakota for one year promoting the Miss America Organization and her personal platform of Energy Kids! Encouraging education and action towards renewable resources in today’s youth.

We are also very proud of our Miss Empire 2013 Cara Mund who received 3rd runner up honors at the pageant! She did a beautiful job representing our local organization and her personal platform of the Make-A-Wish foundation. Cara has done quite a bit of work with the program in North Dakota and Rhode Island, where she attends Brown University, and is the founder of a Make-A-Wish Fashion Show, raising money and awareness for the cause in her hometown of Bismarck, ND.

Currently, our Miss Grand Cities 2013 Paige Meyer is competing at the 2013 Miss Minnesota Scholarship Pageant. Wednesday and Thursday were prelim competitions and this Sat. she will see if she has made the top ten and advance to the finals of the on stage competition, held in Eden Prairie, MN and along with 21 other local titleholders. For updates on all three of our miss titleholders as well as our teens and upcoming local competition and events, please visit us at http://www.facebook.com/missgrandforks!

-Miss Grand Forks Scholarship Org.

Preparing for the State Pageants

Miss Grand Forks 2013 Laura Harmon and Miss Grand Cities 2013 Paige Meyer visit Tres Chic Bridal downtown Grand Forks with their official pageant posters.

It’s the end of May and we’ve made it through another brutal winter in the Grand Forks/East Grand Forks region. Our remaining 5 titleholders are currently very busy preparing  for the upcoming state pageants (Miss MN’s Outstanding Teen happened earlier this spring; Miss ND, Miss ND’s Outstanding Teen & Miss MN are all happening in June). This weekend, our girls had the unique opportunity to further prepare for the interview portion of competition by attending a ‘mock interview’ set up by our pageant committee and featuring community leaders. They also had the chance to practice talent on the Empire Arts Center stage and finalize wardrobe with our director and Official Wardrobe Sponsor Tres Chic Bridal, located downtown Grand Forks.

Every year at this time, I’m reminded of how much work truly goes into preparing for the chance of a lifetime, the chance to become Miss ND or MN’s Outstanding Teen, Miss Minnesota, or Miss North Dakota. We are so proud of our girls and know they are all ready to represent this community and our local pageant organization well at the upcoming competitions. We also start to focus on preparing for our 2014 local competition around this time and will update you on Prep Day 2014 and how to become a contestant very soon. Follow us at http://www.facebook.com/missgrandforks for updates on our pageant as well as updates from the titleholders as they put the finishing touches on their pageant prep and while they experience the state competitions.

-Miss Grand Forks Scholarship Org.
http://www.grandforkspageants.org

2013 Outstanding Teens

Winter has been a tough one this year, hitting hard during the months of Feb. and March; In fact, it’s the middle of April and we are experiencing yet another storm in the Grand Forks region. Our titleholders remain focused and working towards their state competitions, so it’s time to give you an update on their progress and our growing pageant family. We welcomed three new teen titleholders to “Team Grand Forks” in Feb. Miss Grand Forks’ Outstanding Teen Klaudia Price (Grand Forks, ND), Miss Empire’s Outstanding Teen Emily Simmons (Bismarck, ND), and Miss Grand Cities’ Outstanding Teen Alyssa Mitzel (East Grand Forks, MN). The state pageant for MN’s Outstanding Teen is held in the spring and Alyssa just returned with 1st runner up honors! We are so proud of her accomplishment and now look forward to preparing our ND girls for the Miss ND’s Outstanding Teen Pageant, happening this June in Williston, ND. The new Miss MN’s Outstanding Teen is Corrina Swiggum of Prior Lake, MN.

Miss Grand Forks’ Outstanding Teen 2013 Klaudia Price

Miss Grand Forks Scholarship Org.

http://www.grandforkspageants.org
http://www.facebook.com/missgrandforks

 

Christmas at the Empire

Miss Grand Forks 2013 Laura Harmon with community kids during the opening number of Christmas at the Empire 2012
photo courtesy Van Larson

It’s Christmas time in the Grand Cities and around the world. On Dec. 16th, our newly crowned Miss Grand Forks 2013 Laura Harmon celebrated the Christmas spirit, along with the best in music and dance from the Greater Grand Forks region, by hosting and starring in the Christmas at the Empire concert. This multifaceted event brought together many well known and talented individuals and groups and raised money for the Empire Arts Center, home to the pageant for many years and a beloved restored and historic non-profit theater downtown.

The night began with a lyrical dance to Thankful by Josh Groban performed by two former Grand Forks’ Outstanding Teen titleholders Grace Sproule and Ellie Unkenholz. The song reminds me of how thankful we each truly are to have friends and family in our lives, food and shelter, and to have the ability to choose our own paths in life, including what we do to make a difference and how we treat others. For five years now, I have met a group of young women each year that are no doubt talented and beautiful, but of whom are also full of life and love and I am thankful for what they’ve done for this community and for our program.

The first big production number was to We Need a Little Christmas, performed by Miss Grand Forks 2013 Laura Harmon and community kids and choreographed by former Miss Grand Forks 2010 | Miss ND 2010-2011  Beth Dennison. A Christmas concert without kids is like a pageant without gowns and our group of young volunteers did a terrific job bringing a joy to the stage that was both adorable and highly contagious. Later in the evening, Laura had the opportunity to sing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas to the same group of youngsters. One of my favorite moments from the night was seeing Beth prep the kids before their number with Laura and listening to their excitement about the night and about being on stage… one little boy had the idea of doing a dance solo during her song, followed by an even better idea of pretending to be Superman. Beth just laughed and said, “your mom will probably not like that.”

Grace Sproule and Ellie Unkenholz of NDBC dance to Thankful at Christmas at the Empire 2012
photo courtesy Van Larson

Miss Grand Forks 2013 Laura Harmon sings to community kids at Christmas at the Empire 2012
photo courtesy Van Larson

The pageant was further represented by the volunteer efforts of our current Miss Grand Forks’ Outstanding Teen Alyssa Black and Miss Grand Cities’ Outstanding Teen Mia Pagnac. They did a great job as our backstage helpers for the evening. The entire event was co-directed by former Miss Grand Forks 2011 and current Executive Director of the Empire Arts Center Emily Burkland and myself, pageant director for the Miss Grand Forks Scholarship Org. Additional performers:

North Dakota Ballet Company dancers Brooke Erickson & Emily Theurer
Dance Etc.
David Adams- vocalist
Maria Williams Kennedy- vocalist
Sophia Maruska- vocalist
Northern Valley Youth Orchestra
Grand Forks Central HS Drum Line
Empire Theater Company
Calvary Lutheran Choir
and the Varsity Gentlemen

Dance Etc.
photo courtesy Van Larson

Varsity Gentlemen
photo courtesy Van Larson

David Adams and Maria Williams Kennedy
photo courtesy Van Larson

Calvary Lutheran Choir
photo courtesy Van Larson

Brooke Erickson of NDBC
photo courtesy Van Larson

Dance Etc.
photo courtesy Van Larson

Miss Grand Forks 2013 Laura Harmon
photo courtesy Van Larson

Northern Valley Youth Orchestra
photo courtesy Van Larson

Finale to White Christmas with entire cast
photo courtesy Van Larson

With Christmas right around the corner, we thank our sponsors and volunteers, contestants and titleholders for their continued support of the Miss Grand Forks Scholarship Organization. A special thank you to Katie Norby of Tres Chic, the official gown sponsor for the pageant, who styled Miss Grand Forks for this event.

Next, we will focus on planning our 2013 Miss Grand Forks & Miss Grand Cities’ Outstanding Teen Pageant, happening on Sat. Jan. 12th, 4pm at the Empire Arts Center downtown Grand Forks, ND. We look forward to welcoming two teens to our pageant family. If you or someone you know is between the ages of 13-17, up to a junior in high school, and from either MN or ND please sign up to become a contestant at http://www.grandforkspageants.org.

Merry Christmas!

Miss Grand Forks Scholarship Org.

http://www.grandforkspageants.org
http://www.facebook.com/missgrandforks

Miss Titleholders Crowned!

Miss Grand Forks 2013 Laura Harmon, Miss Empire 2013 Cara Mund, and Miss Grand Cities 2013 Paige Meyer
photo Manstrom Photography

The 2013 Miss Grand Forks Scholarship Pageant took place on Sat. Nov. 24th, 7pm at the Empire Arts Center downtown Grand Forks, ND. Three titleholders were crowned. Miss Grand Forks 2013 is Laura Harmon of Grand Forks, ND. Laura’s platform is about renewable resources and her talent is an operatic solo. Miss Empire 2013 is Cara Mund of Bismarck, ND. Cara’s platform is the Make-A-Wish foundation and her talent is a jazz dance. The 1st ever Miss Grand Cities title (a MN local title) was given to Paige Meyer of Perham, MN. Paige’s platform is about quality education in America and her talent is ballet. Miss Grand Forks and Miss Empire will advance to the 2013 Miss North Dakota Scholarship Pageant this June in Williston, ND. Miss Grand Cities will advance to the 2013 Miss Minnesota Scholarship Pageant, also this June, in St. Paul, MN. Both state pageants are preliminary competitions to the 2014 Miss America Pageant.

The current Miss Minnesota Siri Freeh (Audubon, MN) and Miss North Dakota Rosie Sauvageau (West Fargo, ND) were on hand to welcome the new titleholders to the Grand Forks pageant family. They will both compete for the title of Miss America 2013 on Jan. 12th, airing live on the ABC network at 8pm CST.

Additional awards were given to the following contestants at the conclusion of the Nov. 24th competition:

2nd Runner Up to Miss Grand Cities: Emily Lundgren of Aikin, MN
1st Runner Up to Miss Grand Cities: Michelle Stahlecker of Crookston, MN

1st Runner Up to Miss Empire: Megan Yahna of Larimore, ND

2nd Runner Up to Miss Grand Forks: Abigail Mattson of Grand Forks, ND
1st Runner Up to Miss Grand Forks: Christina King of Grand Forks, ND

Miracle Maker Award: Michelle Stahlecker of Crookston, MN
Z94.7 People’s Choice Award: Chandler Kallock of East Grand Forks, MN
Miss Congeniality: Abigail Mattson of Grand Forks, ND

Tres Chic High Score in Evening Gown Award: Laura Harmon of Grand Forks, ND
Wild Hog High Score in Talent Award: Laura Harmon of Grand Forks, ND
CK Shoppe High Score in Interview Award: Cara Mund of Bismarck, ND
Anytime Fitness High Score in Swimsuit Award: Megan Yahna of Larimore, ND

2013 Contestants
photo Manstrom Photography

The pageant is currently recruiting contestants for the 2013 Miss Grand Forks and Miss Grand Cities’ Outstanding Teen Pageant, happening at the Empire Arts Center downtown Grand Forks, ND on Sat. Jan. 12th, 4pm. Teens between the ages of 13-17, up to junior status in high school, and from anywhere in Minnesota or North Dakota may sign up to become a contestant at www.grandforkspageants.org (2013 pageant- TEEN CONTESTANTS).

Home Sweet Home

I am now in my hometown spending the week with my family and my dogs before heading back to Grand Forks. I am almost caught up on rest and this last week has started to sink in. It went by so fast that it seemed like a blur!

I went there focused and ready for the job of Miss North Dakota. Unfortunately, it did not happen for me but I am still very proud of myself. I did my best and stayed true to myself. My talent could not have gone better, I walked with confidence in swim and evening, and I stayed confident and true to myself in the interview. Looking back, I would not change a thing. I am proud of my performance- which landed me into the top ten. I also won Miss Photogenic, I have 3 year of modeling to thank for that one 😉

The weather, volunteering opportunities, and friendliness of the community of Williston made this a week to remember. I am not leaving here with a crown, but something far greater- I leave here with fond memories, new friends I will have forever, and a new found confidence.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of my friends who have supported me throughout this process, to my family who was there with me every step of the way, to the community of Grand Forks for encouraging me, to Derek for always being there for me, to the Miss ND board for being so welcoming, and finally to Caroline- thank you for always being there for me, pushing me to always do my best, and for always believing in me.

My year of Miss Grand Forks is not over. I look forward to continuing to work with children and to represent the Miss Grand Forks Organization, an organization that means the world to me. I am truly thankful for this experience and the road doesn’t end here. Congratulations to Rosie Sauvageau for being named Miss North Dakota 2012! I’m so happy for you and thankful that I got to know you over the past week! You are such a sweet girl and will represent ND well! I can’t wait to cheer you on at Miss America.

Kate Wilson
Miss Grand Forks 2012

“Let go, and let God”

Today we had an early appearance at a cafe were I  helped serve tables, followed by rehearsals at the high school. Tonight I competed in evening gown and swimsuit and had such a fun time modeling on stage as well as dancing in the new production number Love Miss America with my pageant sisters! After the pageant, we all enjoyed the Miss ND Gala, along with our family, friends, and pageant supporters. Here is where the major fun began! My little sister and I danced the night away and it was such a terrific chance to unwind and make memories that will surely last a lifetime.

Tomorrow is the night Miss North Dakota will be crowned, the night I have been waiting for since I was crowned Miss Grand Forks in November, and the night I have had in mind every time I made an appearance, set foot in a gym, practiced my clogging, and worked with my director. This has been one of the most challenging but rewarding years of my life  and I am grateful for every moment I have had on this amazing journey! I fell in love with the Miss ND Organization and, as a result, have become much less shy and much more outgoing. I am now the strong women I have always wanted to be and I have the Miss America Organization and my experiences as Miss Grand Forks to thank for that.

I am proud of how I have done thus far and I know that everything is now out of my hands. Should I become Miss North Dakota, I will work hard every single day to serve the state that I call home, empower children to dream big, teaching them that through education, everything is possible, and I will strive to be a memorable Miss North Dakota that my state will be proud of. I have no idea what is going to happen tomorrow and although it’s frustrating and a little scary, all I can do now is trust that God has a plan for me, and to “Let go and let God” at this point. What I do know, however, is that I’m ready and so thankful for the memories and friends made this week at Miss ND!

Kate Wilson
Miss Grand Forks

Miss ND Competition-Day 1

I can’t believe the competition has finally started and I am having a lot of fun!

The morning started off with my interview. I believe it went very well and it was fun for me to meet the judges for the first time. We have a great set of judges this year! As the competition continues, I just need to keep focused, take my moments, and remember to appreciate every second that I am here.

Tonight I performed my talent, and answered two on-stage questions. My talent couldn’t have gone any better- I nailed it! It was such a rush to see and feel all of my hard work come together in just 90 seconds on stage. My on-stage questions were a little tricky but I was still able to answer them confidently. My favorite production number routine from tonight was the finale because I got to dance with my little sister Jocelyn! She gave me a pretty pink rose and told me I did great. After the show, I got to see my local director, Aly Wilhelmi my pageant’s Business Manager, and my boyfriend and his family. They all congratulated me and it was so good knowing that I have their support. This journey is just as much about the people I’ve met as it is about the competition itself… I have the best support system!

I have another big day tomorrow. I will be signing autographs at a local bank and rehearsing during the afternoon. I compete tomorrow night in the swimsuit and evening gown category. So far, I am very proud of how I’ve done and thinking back on my experience tonight I realized that I have grown so much in just one short year. I was able to share my beliefs and connections to this organization during my interview, answer the onstage question with confidence, and performed my talent very well while having a blast doing something I’ve loved for most of life-clogging. I was able to perform well because of my hard work and because of my love for this organization.

Thank you, everyone who came tonight and I look forward to seeing my family and the rest of my supporters tomorrow evening after the pageant!

Kate Wilson
Miss Grand Forks 2012

Practice Makes Perfect!

I had another exciting day in Williston! Today was full of lots of rehearsals, on stage practice, news interviews, and great food!

Right away in the morning we were interviewed by the local Williston news. We had the opportunity to introduce ourselves, and share our talent and platform. It was great practice- because Miss North Dakota spends a lot of time doing interviews for both the paper and the news. After the interviews we headed to a pizza place called “Wildcats.” They had some of the best pizza I have ever had! I wanted to eat a whole pizza, but I kept in mind that the swimsuit competition is coming up 😉 We finished up lunch and went back to the high school where we practiced our production numbers for the pageant.

Today we were picked up by our pageant “moms” and driven around town. My roommate Becca and I have a great lady named Barb, along with her daughter in law Jessica. They are both so excited about the pageant and it is great to have their support! Barb has been a pageant mother for 21 years and said it is one of the highlights of her year… We hope to make Barb and Jessica proud this weekend!

I was also happy to see my little sister again. Today, I gave her the official little sister “princess” crown and she could not have possibly been any more excited. My little sister Jocelyn is such a sweet girl! The day came to an end with Becca and I riding back to the dorms with two former Miss North Dakotas, Jacqueline Johnson and Annette Olson. It was fun to speak with them about their experiences and hear about how much they love this program. Both are lovely women and perfect representatives of the Miss ND Org.

Tomorrow is my interview and the start of prelims. I will perform my talent and answer the on-stage question tomorrow evening at the pageant.  It seems crazy that the day I have been waiting for all year is finally here. I’m having a terrific time with my pageant sisters and can’t wait to start competing… wish me luck!

Kate Wilson
Miss Grand Forks 2012

Rehearsals, Little Sisters, & Man Camp-Day 2 at Miss ND

Wow! What a long, but fun day!

To start the morning, we got right into learning production numbers for the show. There are going to be some fun performances this year from the North Dakota Dancers, Ariana Walker Miss ND 2011, singing by Annette Olson Miss ND 2007, and of course all of the contestants. There are some fun songs we will be dancing to and I’m looking forward to showing the audience these entertaining routines.

After working on the production numbers for quite some time, we got a much needed break this afternoon. A few of us headed downtown to a coffee shop called “Daily Addiction” and it was our lucky day because we ran into an intern at the Williston Herald and will be featured in the paper sometime this week. I then found time to practice my talent on the stage of the Old Armory. This was nice because the dance floor is much like the one I will be performing on in the high school. I am really looking forward to performing my talent for the audience in just two short days!

The highlight of my day was meeting my “little sister” named Jocelyn! We walked into the auditorium and searched for the little girl who was holding up our picture. I looked around and finally saw a sweet girl jumping up and down with my picture and I ran up and gave her a hug! She was grinning from ear to ear and said she was going to be my number one fan! I gave her a few gifts- including a picture album, princess school supplies, and her favorite- a “little sister” pink necklace that matched mine that says “big sister.” She gave me a bottle of hairspray and lotion- perfect for pageant week! She seems like a very nice girl and is she’s excited to be here for the first time. I am excited to get to know her better and see her throughout the week.

The last stop of the day was at the Halliburton Man Camp. I had heard about these man camps before but never really knew what they were. I learned a lot about them on our tour today! I found it interesting that the exact man camp we were touring was once used in Vancouver, CA for the winter Olympics.  It was rather small, but it would be quite convenient for someone working on the oil fields. They had everything you could possibly need- a hot tub, computer lab, exercise room, laundry, and GREAT food! We ate supper at the man camp and it was absolutely amazing!

I understand that Miss North Dakota will be this busy with her schedule for an entire year and, although I’m sure it’s exhausting, it’s so rewarding! Kate Middleton was once quoted in People Magazine stating her life was “Exhausting. But I wouldn’t have it any other way!”… exactly how I feel right now before going to sleep.

Kate Wilson
Miss Grand Forks 2012