Can’t

Beat

Coed

The 26th annual American Coed competition takes over Orlando, Florida for a traditional family affair

The 26th annual Miss American Coed National pageant, held in Orlando, Florida, at the beautiful Hilton Resort at Walt Disney World, tore down the house with coun- try music openings, sparkled with magic and Disney princesses, warmed hearts with patriotic dance numbers, and bid farewell to a beloved staff member.

Families arrived at the Hilton Resort days before the official pageant registration was scheduled to begin the week of Thanksgiving. Located at Disney, the Hilton Resort allowed families to come together for a Disney family vacation and some extra excitement prior to the fun and competition of pageant week. As a tradition, the Disney Princess Kickoff Celebration featured special guests Cinderella, Jasmine and Sleeping Beauty. A dance party, complete with disco lights and popular music, followed orientation.

Nationals just wouldn’t be the same without a meet and greet party for all the contestants that included a punch, cookies and gift exchange. This event was followed by a very special open house in the Governor’s Suite, in which all the ladies had the pleasure of meeting with the founders of American Coed Pageants, Mary Jo Scarborough, George Scarborough and Carolyn Hawkins and National Director, Patty Hawkins.

After spending a day at the Magic Kingdom, the contestants began the optional on-stage competitions, including talent, speech, modeling, acting and cheerleading. Other optional competitions were offered in photogenic, volunteer service, academic achievement, scrapbook, “Thank you” letter and family art cowboy hat decorating contest categories.

The Coed family brought many pageant families from all over the country together to celebrate and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving buffet dinner. Flanked by the reigning national queens, the celebration attendants enjoyed visiting with ladies from other states and honoring the men and women of the armed forces, with a presentation of colors and the story of “Old Glory”. After desert, a large

line stretched from end to end in the ballroom introducing all of the grandparents present and crowning grandparents of the year.

On Thanksgiving night, the fifth annual Ms. Woman, Mr. and Baby Coed Pageants delighted the audience and raised money for Juvenile Diabetes Research foundation. Congratulations to the 2010 winners!

American Coed Baby - Brianna Stephenson, FL Master American Coed - Andreas Caruso, DE Mr. American Coed - Matt Karl, TN Mr. American Coed Gent - John Stagliano, CA Ms. American Coed Victory - Tiffany Raia, FL Ms. American Coed Woman - Lana Henry, CA Ms. American Coed Classic Woman - Dawn Futrill, GA Ms. American Coed Elegant Woman - Kennetta Schiller, WI

During the week, there were many rehearsals as all age divisions learned two separate dance numbers. Each age division danced a patriotic Coed signature number to open the optional contest pageant. Contestants in American Coed’s newest age division for women ages 23-29 participated in all rehearsals, competitions and activities held during pageant week.

Finals numbers had the contestants decked out in western shirts and cowboy boots as a country tribute to choreographer Carter Butler, who announced his retirement after 26 years with American Coed Pageants. Contestants danced to country favorites including Shania Twain’s “Man, I Feel Like a Woman”, Rascal Flatts’ “Life is