Representing the state of Virginia, Laura Eilers was crowned Ms. United States on July 14, 2011 in Las Vegas. Her platform is "Let's Move," the campaign enacted by First Lady Michelle Obama. This program encourages daily activity, nutritious eating, overall good health and positive self esteem. Through Let's Move, Laura educates men, women and children of all ages on how to support a healthy lifestyle.
“No, this is not the beginning of a new chapter in my life; this is the
beginning of a new book! That first book is already closed, ended, and
tossed into the seas; this new book is newly opened, has just begun!
Look, it is the first page! And it is a beautiful one!”- C. JoyBell C.
Completing my final duty as the 2011 Ms. United States, this weekend I had the pleasure of crowning Ms. Arizona United States Ashley Dickerson on Sunday, July 8 in Arlington, Virginia at the 2012 national pageant. First runner up was Ms. Texas Dr. Corinne Devin. Second runner up was Ms. New York Jeannette Josue. Top Five also included Ms. District of Columbia Tina Montgomery and Ms. North Carolina Lisa Patel.
Wishing you the best Ashley!
Ashley graduated from college with a degree in Business Management and
is currently the Co-Owner of a Remodeling Company here in the beautiful
Phoenix, Arizona. She has also played competitive volleyball for over 15
years.
The charity that she works closest with is The American
Cancer Society. She choose this charity because its something that hits
very close to home. This past October she was diagnosed
with Thyroid Cancer. She was unaware of the symptoms or how common of a
disease it is in women. Ashley plans to use her year to educate her
community on the symptoms of Thyroid Cancer and how important it is to
take care of it early on. While this is charity that she has chosen to
dedicate her year to, she has also worked with a wide range of other
charities which include: Special Olympics, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation,
Fight for Life - Donate a Life, Kitchen on the Street and Crisis
Nursery.
Ashley is a mother of three beautiful children: Mason -
6 years old, Audrina - 3 years old and Lyla - 11 months old. She and
Ryan, her "other half" of over thirteen years enjoy spending their time
hanging out with the kids or working on their home.
Having a great week in Washington, DC! Here are some behind the scenes shots!
With Ashley Smith at our final on stage rehearsal before evening gown preliminaries.
Kyle Haggerty and Katie Turner lead the contestants during stage rehearsal.
Olivia Caputo and I arrive to the evening gown preliminaries!
All 2011 queens join in our nation's capital for the July 4th celebration and the upcoming crowning!
The 2012 Ms. United States delegates ride the bus to the 4th of July Parade on Capitol Hill. Here are Ms. Idaho, Ms. Michigan, Ms. Georgia and Ms. Virginia!
The 2012 Ms. United States delegates ride the bus to orientation. Here are Ms. Georgia, Ms. District of Columbia and Ms. Texas!
Stopping for a photo on the 4th of July with Ms. Kansas!
Welcoming Ms. Michigan to our nation's capital.
Leading the July 4th Parade on Capitol Hill with the 2012 Ms. United States delegates!
Our final night together as queens! Congratulations Ashley, Ashley and Olivia!
As we prepare for the 2012 crowning of Ms. United States, it's so thrilling to think back of the anticipation I was feeling this time last year. What will I wear? How can I shape my platform? Will I get along with my roommate? What if I WIN?
Right now I am reaching out to all of the 2012 Ms. United States candidates to offer a friendly hello and support before and during the July pageant. One of the best things national contestants can do is watch the videos of the 2011 pageant to observe the women who have walked before you. Videos of the Miss Junior Teen, Miss Teen, Miss and Ms. United States pageant stage shows and on-stage questions are available at the Miss United States Youtube page. It humbles me to watch these videos and be reminded of the talent and sincerity in each of the contestants. There can be only one national titleholder, but what an achievement to represent your state in the nation's capital! I cannot wait to breathe in the opportunity to meet each 2012 delegate, learn about her hometown and life, realize her motivation and goals, and be there to support her during that emotional week before the crowning. Delegates, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at msunitedstates2011@gmail.com or at www.facebook.com/msunitedstates2011.
I had the pleasure of selecting the 2011 national video song, "Waiting Outside the Lines" by Greyson Chance. The lyrics are so indicative of what it means to be a United States titleholder. How are YOU going to reach the top? That question will be in the minds of all of the 2012 Ms. United States contestants in the coming month. Best wishes to you all, and we will see you in Washington, DC!
On Thursday, May 10, 2012, the four United States titleholders will reunite to walk the runway for Art in Heels in Charlottesville, Virginia. The 2011 titleholders include Miss Junior Teen United States Olivia Caputo, Miss Teen United States Ashley Greenfield, Miss United States Ashley Smith and Ms. United States Laura Eilers.
Art in Heels, produced by the University of Virginia Art Museum, will feature
fashions by celebrity designers Johnathan Kayne and Heidi Elnora of
the popular TV show Project Runway, and Cate Lyon,
whose designs have been produced for Victoria's Secret and Henri Bendel.
The event will be hosted at Main Street Arena, 230 West Main Street, Charlottesville, Virginia, on Thursday, May 10, 2012 beginning at 6:00pm. Tickets may be purchased for the show and additional events held throughout the evening.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
6pm The VIP Pre-Party for Fashion Icon, Haute Couture & Fashion Muse with Celebrity Designers. Music by Olivarez Trio
7pm The Party with Art in Heels Silent Auction featuring items hot off the runway and artwork from local favorites
8pm The Art in Heels Fashion Show
9pm The After-Party Music by DJ XSV
