2024 Program Book

June 21-22, 2024 MissDE.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Letter

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Miss Delaware Board & Committees

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Meet our Emcee

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Meet our Anniversary Performers

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Meet our Judges

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Meet our Young Diamonds

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Farewell from Miss Delaware's Teen 2023

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Sophia’s Favorite Photos

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Meet the 2024 Teen Delegates

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Teen Program

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Teen Delegates

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Teen Scholarships and Awards

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Miss Delaware's Teen Forevers

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Farewell from Miss Delaware 2023

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Emily’s Favorite Photos

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Meet the 2024 Miss Delegates

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Miss Program

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Miss Delegates

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Miss Scholarships and Awards

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Miss Delaware Forevers

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Forevers Scholarship Fund

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Levels of Giving

53

Advertising

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COVER IMAGES: CARLOS VALEZ HAIR AND MAKE-UP: VICTORIA DUKE BEAUTY GOWNS: JOVANI / CECILE BOUTIQUE (EMILY) DESIGN: COOL PAGEANT CREATIONS & JOANNA LYNN DESIGNS

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Welcome to the 2024 Miss Delaware & Miss Delaware's Teen Competitions!

On behalf of the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization Board of Directors, we are excited to welcome you to our newest home in Newark, the Independence School, for our historic 83rd Miss Delaware and 19th Miss Delaware’s Teen Competitions.

This year, 21 driven young women will compete for the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Sophia Hughes, Miss Delaware's Teen 2023, and Emily Beale, Miss Delaware 2023. These contestants are bright, talented, community-service driven, and ready to take on the role of a brand ambassador for the Miss America Opportunity.

To Sophia and Emily, congratulations on an absolutely amazing year! You both went above and beyond to serve our state. Your dedication to your community service initiatives was unmatched. We hope this year was everything you dreamed of and more. We are confident that wherever your future takes you, you will do great things!

Thank you for taking us along on your journey this year! Sophia, best of luck as you begin college at the University of Delaware. Emily, we are looking forward to hearing about your adventures with de-extinction in Texas. Thank you for spending this past year with us. We are so excited to follow along as you begin this next chapter.

Thank you to the families and friends of our 2024 delegates. Your support of these young women means the world. Thank you to all of our clothing, food, prize, and scholarship sponsors, as well as the backstage staff, entertainers, emcees, judges, and volunteers. This weekend would not have been possible without you. We are so grateful for your dedication to our organization!

AMANDA KUHL & SUE KUHLING CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

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BOARD & COMMITTEES -EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERSCO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS: AMANDA KUHL and SUE KUHLING (President) FIELD DIRECTOR: HOWARD GORDON BUSINESS MANAGER: JOANNA TALMO SECRETARY: LINDA WELLER TRACEY ENG BRITTANY LEWIS BETH ANN JONES CHERYL CROWE

-COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONSLEGAL ADVISOR: BETH ANN JONES, ESQ. (Miss DE ‘91) SOCIAL MEDIA and WEBSITE: AMANDA KUHL (Miss DE ‘16 & MDEOTeen ‘08) DIVERSITY, EQUITY and INCLUSION: JOANNA TALMO (Miss DE ‘18) JUDGE’S CHAIR: BRITTANY LEWIS (Miss DE ‘14) SCHOLARSHIP ADMINISTRATOR: TRACEY ENG SCHOLARSHIP OUTREACH TEAM: DAWN ALEXANDER & LAURA KURTZ

YOUNG DIAMONDS: AIMEE STRING (Miss DE ‘96) FOREVERS ADVISORY BOARD LEADER: BECKY RAPPOCCIO (Miss DE ‘05)

-PRODUCTION & STAGE CREWPRODUCER and CHOREOGRAPHER: BROOKE MITCHELL (Miss DE '15) STAGE MANAGER: TREY GREGG MUSIC EDITING: FIRST CLASS SOUND PRODUCTION BOOTH: LOGAN LYNCH

Special Thanks We want to give special thanks to the Miss Delaware Forevers Advisory Board for its dedication and support of the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization.

The 2024 Forevers Advisory Board members are: BECKY RAPPOCCIO (Miss DE ‘05, Leader), BETH ANN JONES (Miss DE ‘91), MICHELLE HARRIS ANDERSON (Miss DE ‘95), LINDA KURTZ RISK (Miss DE ‘04), BRITTANY LEWIS (Miss DE ‘14), AMANDA KUHL (Miss DE ‘16 & Miss DE's Teen ‘08), JOANNA TALMO (Miss DE '18)

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MEET OUR EMCEE Kayla Martell Miss Delaware 2010

Kayla Martell was crowned Miss Delaware 2010 and proudly represented her home state at the Miss America 2011 Pageant where she placed as a Top 10 Finalist during the live telecast on ABC. During the pageant, Kayla was voted “America’s Choice” to become the next Miss America. She is most proud of her work related to the autoimmune condition, Alopecia Areata, and for sharing her story on television shows such as 20/20, The Wendy Williams Show, The Doctors, and many more.

For her service work, Kayla was recognized by the US Junior Chamber as one of Ten Outstanding Young Americans and with the WBOC Jefferson Award.

In the years following her reign, Kayla led a National Women’s Hair Loss Seminar Tour throughout over 25 states and served on the National 4-H Board of Trustees where she traveled as an advocate to Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia.

Kayla currently resides in Wilmington, Delaware with her husband, Kevin and their three feisty and adorable children.

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ANNIVERSARY SPOTLIGHT PERFORMERS Jacqueline Means

Miss Delaware’s Teen 2019-2020 Jacqueline is a Pre-Med major and Neuroscience minor at the University of Delaware. She is also the proud founder of the Wilmington Urban STEM Initiative, an organization dedicated to bringing science, technology, engineering, and math to the underprivileged girls of Wilmington. Jacqueline hosts Girls Empowerment STEM Events — workshops where she leads hundreds of girls in fun, hands-on science experiments. She has received many awards for her dedication to her community, as well as been featured on many national TV shows, including The Today Show, The View, The Steve Harvey Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Mission Unstoppable, Access Hollywood, and many others. Jacqueline served as Miss Philadelphia 2023 and placed 3rd Runner-Up in the Miss Pennsylvania competition this past year.

Linda Kurtz Risk Miss Delaware 2004

Linda is the Chief Operating Officer of YMCA Delaware. Prior to joining the YMCA team in 2013, she worked in the non-profit sector, leading marketing, public relations, and development for the Delaware Multiple Sclerosis Society and Kent County Tourism.

Linda also has a background in television news as an anchor, reporter, host, and producer for CN8, The Comcast Network, and WMDT- 47, a local ABC News affiliate.

Linda graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Leadership & Consumer Economics and received her Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing Management from Goldey Beacom College. She currently resides in the Pike Creek area with her husband, Dennis, daughter, Morgan, and son, Evan.

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ANNIVERSARY SPOTLIGHT PERFORMERS Heather Lehman Contant Miss Delaware 2009

Heather Lehman Contant is the Director of Government & Community Relations for the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation (DEMEC). She has been with DEMEC for over seven years, previously working for the Delaware Public Service Commission and Delaware State Senate. Passionate about community service, Heather volunteers with the American Heart Association, the Food Bank of Delaware, and more.

She holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Delaware and was proudly Miss Delaware 2009. Heather earned the 2019 and 2022 APPA Excellence in Public Power Communications Award and the 2020 and 2022 American Municipal Power Public Power Promotion Award. She was also one of the top three nominees for Delaware’s 2020 Young Professional of the Year.

MEET OUR JUDGES

Jill Ojserkis

Jason Robinson

Dr. James Klump

Jill is a shareholder in the law firm of Cooper Levenson, P.A. and serves on its executive committee, chairs the firm’s Health Law Practice Group, and is a member of its Business and Cannabis Law Practice Groups. Earlier in her career, Jill served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Miss America Foundation and on the Board of Directors of the Miss America Organization.

Jason was born in Brooklyn, NY, and grew up in Orangeburg, SC. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the University of Michigan, a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching from Hampton University, and a Master of Education Degree in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University.

He currently works as an assistant principal and previously received many awards for innovative teaching strategies.

Jim is a native and lifelong resident of New Mexico. He graduated from New Mexico State University with a BS in Biology and Chemistry and went on to graduate from Creighton University Dental School, and has had a 40-year solo practice in Alamogordo, NM.

Jill is a recipient of a number of professional awards, as well as various community service awards.

Long active in several community organizations, Jill currently serves as an elected member of the Board of Education of Mainland Regional High School, where she is president, and on the board of the South Jersey AIDS Alliance. She and her husband live in Linwood, New Jersey, and they have two sons.

Jason is a published author, actor, singer, and musician who has performed at the Lincoln Center in New York.

Jason began his career as a Miss America volunteer in 2009 as the executive director of a local pageant in Virginia. Since then, he has judged local pageants in 14 states and five state pageants.

He is also the host of The Pageant Podcast, on which he has interviewed many Miss America titleholders.

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Jim is a 45-year member of the Alamogordo Noon Lions Club, and a 20-year member of the New Mexico Amigos, the official Goodwill Ambassadors for the State of New Mexico.

Jim is also a member of the Choctaw Indian Nation of Oklahoma and is currently the chairman of MainGate United, the branch of the local Chamber of Commerce that bridges the communities of Alamogordo and Holloman Air Force Base. He is an Honorary Commander to the 635th Material Maintenance Squadron, and is a civic leader to Air Education and Training Command. Jim is also on

the board for Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center.

Jim has worked with the Miss New Mexico board since 2004, previously serving as the Co-Executive Director, and is currently the Judges Chair. He has judged several state pages, Having been raised in the outdoors, Jim has enjoyed a lifetime of hunting, fishing, hiking, and playing golf.

Before moving to Delaware, Laurisa worked in Hong Kong for a Fortune 500 company and founded and led an international accessories business. She has a BA from Harvard University in East Asian Studies and an MPhil in Chinese from the University of Cambridge. She is working towards an ML at the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Carey Law. Laurisa also spends time with her husband Porter, their three daughters, and six dogs.

Gari's passion for design extends beyond the runway. She leverages her skills to empower underprivileged women, helping them earn income by creating and selling handmade items she has designed. Her philanthropic efforts have taken her to Wanda, Bolivia, and Guatemala, where she has made a tangible difference in the lives of many.

Gari and her husband, Dr. Donald Lewis DDS, our new residence in the Bethany Beach area after living in Sanibel Island, Florida, due to the massive devastation caused by Hurricane Ian. She has one son, Elliot.

Laurisa Schutt Laurisa founded and led First State Educate, First State Action Fund, and the Act Together For Kids PAC, three entities devoted to creating conditions that enable excellent teaching and learning. Prior to First State, Laurisa led Teach For America Delaware for six years.

Laurisa is transitioning to the field of animal welfare through policy and advocacy. She currently serves on the boards of the National Humane Society Legislative Fund, the Delaware Coalition Against Gun Violence, and the advisory boards of the University of Delaware’s College of Education and Leadership Delaware.

was even fortunate enough to be crowned Mrs. Maine and win a costume competition at a national pageant event in Las Vegas.

Gari Lewis Gari is a professional fashion consultant with a BFA in fashion design and an MS in educational media. She taught apparel technology at the University of Connecticut.

She was also a producer/host for 20 years of a local cable television show, "In Style With Gari," in West Hartford, CT. Presently, she can be seen demonstrating fashion trends for Delaware WRDC's "Coast Life" television series.

Her involvement in the pageant system has been a significant part of her life for the past 40 years. She

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Special Thanks We want to extend our appreciateion to our Judges Chair, Brittany Lewis, and our auditing team, Krista-Anne Fleetwood & Lynn Wells

We also want to thank our Forever Miss Delawares that served on the judging panel for our 2024 specialty award scholarships

MEET OUR

Scarlett

Morgan

Emily

Amelia

Cambri

Harmony

Young Diamonds is a proud state chapter of the Miss America’s Little Sisters Program

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Elliana

Daniela

Piper

Pepper

Alex

Hayden

Alleigh

Skylar

Everly

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Miss Delaware's Teen Farewell from Sophia

The night I became Miss Delaware’s Teen was one of the greatest nights of my life.

In an instant, I was embraced by my fellow sisters and I felt sisterhood for the first time in the Miss America Organization. The Miss America Opportunity is a chance to share what you are passionate about, make connections, and show the world that there are young women who are smart, talented, and beautiful.

I want to thank God for giving me the gift of having a platform to inspire young women in Delaware to chase their dreams and ambitions without any limitations. Being able to share my story as a survivor of youth homelessness on the Miss America stage and raise awareness was a dream come true. Through this opportunity, I have made connections and memories of a lifetime.

I want to thank my entire family my Mom, Dad, Sarah, and Nana for their constant support, believing in me, and encouraging me. I would not be the person I am without any of you. Thank you to my big sister Sophie Philips for the love and support you have given to my family, for being the best big sister, and for the hard work you have done in our community as the Representative of the 18th district.

Thank you to the entire Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization for their support. To my big sister Emily! You are so beautiful inside and out. Your spunky personality has made me laugh so many times. Your passion for serving Delaware has inspired me countless times. I am so excited to see you continue to soar and grow. I want to give special thanks to our sponsors, Christine Rich Consulting, Cecile’s Boutique, Eskew Consulting, Avelo Airlines, and Capturing Your Bliss Photography. Thank you to my wonderful coaches who pushed me to be my best and to be confident.

To the next Miss Delaware’s Teen, serve with your heart and cherish the memories that will be made. Make this journey your own and make it impactful. Remember to be an advocate for the voiceless and a change-maker for the world.

With love and gratitude,

Sophia Hughes MISS DELAWARE'S TEEN 2023

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Sophia’s Favorites

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Sophia’s Favorites

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2024 TEEN DELEGATES You be the Judge

Adria Windish On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

Cadence Hostetler On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

Charlotte Scalora On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

Carly Favoroso

Natalie Scott

Bryanna Rowe

On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

Evie Hogan On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

Gabrielle Morgan On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

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Jessie Mason On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

Miss Delaware's Teen Competition Program

“The National Anthem” Michelle Ley, Miss Delaware's Teen 2015 Opening Number “Came Here for Love" Sophia Hughes, Miss Delaware's Teen 2023, and 2024 Delegates

Young Diamonds Production Number "Love You Forever" Sophia Hughes, Miss Delaware's Teen 2023, Emily Beale, Miss Delaware 2023, and the 2024 Miss Delaware Young Diamonds Talent Competition Introduction of Forever Miss Delaware's Teens

Delegate Introductions

Spotlight Performance Sophia Hughes, Miss Delaware's Teen 2023

Introduction of Emcee Kayla Martell, Miss Delaware 2010

Evening Gown Competition "Still Falling for You"

Onstage Conversation Competition Conversation with Emily Beale, Miss Delaware 2023

Spotlight Performance Sophia Hughes, Miss Delaware's Teen 2023

Announcement of Top 4 Finalists Introduction of Judges Farewell to Miss Delaware's Teen 2023, Sophia Hughes

Health & Fitness Competition "Stupid Love"

Parade of 2024 Delegates "Higher Love"

Anniversary Spotlight Jacqueline Means, Miss Delaware's Teen 2019-2020

Award Presentations

Introduction of 2024 Miss Delaware Delegates

Crowning of Miss Delaware's Teen 2024 and Announcement of Runners Up 17

2024 TEEN DELEGATES

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2024 TEEN DELEGATES

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2024 TEEN DELEGATES

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2024 TEEN DELEGATES

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2024 TEEN DELEGATES

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Thank you

for sponsoring Sophia's journey to Miss Americaś Teen 2024 Amanda Smith

Elizabeth Lockman

Anne Shetz

Eric Morrison

Ashley Marsh

Gabrielle Mark

Becky Rappoccio

Larry Lambert

Brittany Lewis

Maddie Louder

Bryan Boyle

Marva King

Bryan Townsend

Matt Meyer

Dawn Alexander

Meghan Sinisi

Deborah Phillips

Michael Watkins

Elaine Santo

Nanci Mascarenas Paul Baumbach Rebecka Runner-Draper Rebekah Mitchell Reyna Bergstrom Robert Wittig Sally & Mike Loessner Sherry Dorsey Shyanne Miller Sienna Mascarenas Sophie Phillips Stanley Eng Tally Bevis Taylor Crawford Tracey Crook Anonymous Donors

Miss Delaware's Teen Scholarships & Awards Excellence in Academic Life Award $250 Scholarship Community Service Award $250 Scholarship Overall Interview Award $250 Scholarship Non-Finalist Interview Award $200 Scholarship Overall Talent/HERStory Award $250 Scholarship Non-Finalist Talent/HERStory Award $200 Scholarship Congeniality Award $300 Scholarship

1st Runner-Up to Miss Delaware’s Teen 2024 $750 Scholarship 2nd Runner-Up to Miss Delaware’s Teen 2024 $600 Scholarship 3rd Runner-Up to Miss Delaware’s Teen 2024 $450 Scholarship

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Miss Delaware's Teen Scholarships & Awards Miss Delaware’s Teen 2024 $2,000 Scholarship Gifts Official State Crown by KA Concepts Official State Sash by The Sash Company Crown Box Official Crown Pin Flowers Wardrobe Allowance for Nationals Gift Certificate to Cecile Boutique Gift Certificate to The Bridal Suite of Johnstown Gift Certificate to Claire's Fashions Gift Certificate to Sybaritic Bags and Clothing Nationals Consulting by Christine Rich Pageant Consulting Consulting Package by Eskew Studios Talent Consulting by Crown Choreography Social Media Strategies & Coaching by Jen Manly Sunless Tanning Package by Blue Palm Tanning Custom Artwork by Joanna Lynn Designs Transportation to Nationals Magnetic Car Signs Photo Pads

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Miss Delaware's Teen Forevers

2005

Carly Economos

2010

Katelynn Mayers

2006

Lauren Gagliardino

2011

Tori Brown-O'Brien

2007

2008

Chelsea Betts

Amanda Debus

Non-Finalist Talent Award Preliminary Talent Award

Miss Delaware 2016

2012

Morgan Burris

2013

Tanee De Costa Spirit of America Winner

2009

Danielle Marshall

2014

Grace Otlley Miss Delaware 2022 Random Acts of Kindness Winner

2015

Michelle Ley

2016

Ashley Swanson

2017

Nicole Hannah

Outstanding Achievement in Academic Life Winner

2018

Sky Knox

2019-2020

Jacqueline Means Teens in Action Winner (Tie)

Who will be

Miss Delaware's Teen 2024?

2021

Haley Alexander

2022

Brynn String

2023

Sophia Hughes 26

Miss Delaware's Teen Celebrating Anniversaries

10 years

15 years

Miss Delaware's Teen 2009

Miss Delaware's Teen 2014

Danielle Marshall

Grace Otley

5 10 years 5 years years

Miss Delaware's Teen 2019-2020

Jacqueline Means 27

Miss Delaware Farewell from Emily

As my year as Miss Delaware comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on so much more than just the last 12 months. My dream to be Miss Delaware began over a decade ago when I competed as Miss Wilmington 2014. These last ten years of my life have been nothing short of extraordinary thanks to the Miss Delaware Organization. Due to the role models and support that this program provides, I was able to grow into a more confident and more passionate woman. My interest in my platform led to me changing my major and led to the career that I have and love today. My friends I met my first year competing are still my lifelong best friends (and roommates, and bridesmaids, and just true sisters). The scholarship money I received contributed to my ability to graduate debt-free, and use extra scholarships from the University of Delaware to travel the world, seeing all seven continents. I am who I am today because of Miss Delaware, and I have the utmost gratitude that I’m able to write this letter and be closing my experience in this organization as Miss Delaware 2023.

To the sisters I’ve made since being Miss Delaware—I love you all so much!!! Miss America wouldn’t be what it was without you all. Brooke, Juliette, Veronica, Madison, Gina, Jude, Brandee, Hannah, and even Miss Ohio’s mom, will always be family to me.

To the judges who saw me as Miss Delaware—I will always be grateful for you. I remember crying even being called into the top 5, and just being thankful for one more year of being considered. Your decision that night changed my life and brought a dream I’ve had for years to fruition, and I hope I’ve made you proud.

I know that I didn’t get here alone and that I would not be who I am today without the support that so many people provided. Your unwavering encouragement and belief in me has meant the world. To my forever Miss Delaware sisters, you are the reason I came back to compete one final year. While the glamour of being Miss Delaware was alluring, the one thing that stuck in my mind that I couldn’t shake was that I wanted to be included in such an impeccable group of women. I thought of Jody Dallas, who has always been a role model to me, and I knew I wanted to be that for someone else one day. I thought of Galen Giaccone and Linda Kurtz, who always provided so much support. I thought of Alyssa Murray and Brittany Lewis who were my first Miss Delawares I met and were SO incredible and glamorous, but down to earth and relatable at the same time. I, of course, thought of Brooke Mitchell who will always be my shining example of what Miss Delaware really is about. Thank you all for being the reason I came back, and for collectively being an inspiration to me and to our state. Brooke, thank you for being the best friend/roommate/choreographer/support system/now SISTER that I could ever ask for. You and Michelle will always be my Little Miss Chicken Nuggets.

Part of what makes Delaware so special is the close-knit community we have. Volunteers in this program become trusted confidantes—Bob and Sue Kuhling, Linda Weller, Tracey Eng, and Joanna Wicks have kept me sane this year, and every year in the last decade. My local directors have turned into my family—Dineen and Tom Bejger basically helped raise me in college. I owe so much gratitude to them. I can remember sitting in Dineen’s living room on the night of my 21st birthday reviewing my paperwork and doing mock interviews, because one thing is for certain— Dineen will NOT let me skate by and not live up to my potential. She pushed me constantly to be a better person day by day, and I can pretty much guarantee that any earrings you see me in have come from her! Thank you for being you, and for helping me be who I am today.

To my family, thank you for always encouraging me to chase every crazy dream I have had. I wish I could print out a picture of my dad’s face the first and last times I told him I was competing to be Miss Delaware because they were absolutely priceless—but he always said he would support my decisions. I never feared chasing big things and shooting for the stars, because if I fell, I knew my parents were there to catch me. When I reflect on my experience, I think of the long nights where my mom would say, “what can I do, just tell me how I can help with anything,” and I think of the days in college where I would stop by my dad’s office to vent or cry about not being sure I could be the person I wanted to be. They always showed me who they thought I could be and helped me get to the point where I truly believed I could accomplish anything I set out to do (with their help, love, and support). My older sister, Megan, who absolutely could have won Miss America in a second, has always demonstrated for me that you can and should push yourself to do more and be more, and I will forever look up to her. Ches, I am so lucky I get to choose a life with you, thank you for holding down the fort and supporting me chasing my dreams.

As I pass on my crown to our next Miss Delaware sister, I do so with a heart of gratitude and memories that I will treasure forever. Thank you for believing in me, cheering me on, and being a part of this incredible journey. I have found a family in such an unexpected place, and I will love you all forever.

With love and thanks,

Emily Beale 28

Emily’s Favorites

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Emily’s Favorites

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2024 MISS DELEGATES You be the Judge

Samantha Mason On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

Sabrina Shultz

Alyssa Blake On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

Kaylynn Pride On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

Scarlett Wyrick

On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

Mia Jones On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

Morgan Brown

Autumn Keller

On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

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Nova Gaffney On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

Rebecca Bristow On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

McKenzie Hegarty On Stage Conversation Fitness Talent Evening Gown

Miss Delaware Competition Program

“The National Anthem” Becky Bledsoe Rappoccio, Miss Delaware 2005

Young Diamonds Production Number "Love You Forever" Emily Beale, Miss Delaware 2023, Sophia Hughes, Miss Delaware's Teen 2023, and the 2024 Miss Delaware Young Diamonds

Opening Number “Crazy What Love Can Do / My Love / Let There Be Love” Emily Beale, Miss Delaware 2023, and 2024 Delegates

Talent Competition Introduction of Forever Miss Delawares

Delegate Introductions

Spotlight Performance Emily Beale, Miss Delaware 2023

Introduction of Emcee Kayla Martell, Miss Delaware 2010

Evening Gown Competition "In the Name of Love"

Onstage Conversation Competition Anniversary Spotlight Heather Lehman Contant, Miss Delaware 2009

Anniversary Spotlight Linda Kurtz Risk, Miss Delaware 2004

Announcement of Top 4 Finalists Introduction of Judges Farewell to Miss Delaware 2023, Emily Beale

Health & Fitness Competition "If It Ain’t Love"

Parade of 2024 Delegates "Higher Love"

Spotlight Performance Miss Delaware's Teen 2024

Award Presentations Introduction of 2024 Miss Delaware's Teen Delegates

Crowning of Miss Delaware 2024 and Announcement of Runners Up 33

2024 MISS DELEGATES

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2024 MISS DELEGATES

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2024 MISS DELEGATES

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2024 MISS DELEGATES

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2024 MISS DELEGATES

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2024 MISS DELEGATES

REHOBOTH BEACH, DE | 302.645.9355 39

Miss Delaware

Scholarships & Awards Debi Wilson Community Service Award $300 Scholarship Carol Maclary Excellence in Education Award Winner $1,000 1st Runner Up $750 2nd Runner Up $500 Overall Interview Award $500 Scholarship Non-Finalist Interview Award $300 Scholarship Overall Talent/HERStory Award $500 Scholarship Non-Finalist Talent/HERStory Award $300 Scholarship Congeniality Award $300 Scholarship

1st Runner-Up to Miss Delaware 2024 $3000 Scholarship 2nd Runner-Up to Miss Delaware 2024 $2500 Scholarship 3rd Runner-Up to Miss Delaware 2024 $2000 Scholarship 40

Miss Delaware

Scholarships & Awards Miss Delaware 2024 $10,000 Scholarship Provided in part by The Miss Delaware Forevers Scholarship Fund $500 Cash Gift provided by Anne Marie Jarka-Hajjar, Miss Delaware 1987

In-Kind Scholarships Goldy-Beacom College - $2,000 Undergraduate or Graduate Tuition Wilmington University - Full tuition and fees for Undergraduate Degree Gifts Official State Crown by KA Concepts Official State Sash by The Sash Company Crown Box Official Crown Pin Flowers Wardrobe Allowance for Nationals Miss America Gown Design Services by Cecile Boutique Gift Certificate to The Bridal Suite of Johnstown Gift Certificate to Claire's Fashions Gift Certificate to Sybaritic Bags and Clothing Nationals Consulting by Christine Rich Pageant Consulting Consulting Package by Eskew Studios Talent Consulting by Crown Choreography Social Media Strategies & Coaching by Jen Manly Sunless Tanning Package by Blue Palm Tanning Custom Artwork by Joanna Lynn Designs Transportation to Nationals Magnetic Car Signs Photo Pads 41

Miss Delaware Forevers

1933

Victoria George*

1936

Lillian Shamers*

1937

Nickey Harriett*

1940

Peggy Insolo*

1941

Verona Smith*

Top 15 Finalist

1942

Dorothy McGovern

1952

Helen Blackwell*

1943

Mona Crawford

1953

Lois Ann Alava

1944

Jacquelyn Vasseur*

1954

Barbara Woodall*

Top 10 Finalist Preliminary Talent Award

1957

Kathleen Ann D'Attilio

1958

Nancy M. Williams

1959

Esther Olney

1950

Lorna Edwardson*

1955

Joanne Sakowski

1960

Deborah Dunkenfield Benoit

1951

Suzanne Parrott

1956

Janice Olson

1961

Robin Jane Whempner Non-Finalist Talent Award

*Deceased

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Miss Delaware Forevers

1962

Alice Richards Watts

1967

Susan Alice Levens*

1963

Diane Beverly Isaacs*

1968

Gayle Freeman

1964

Anita Gail Eubank

1969

Margo Ewing

1965

Kathleen Grandell

1970

Linda Sue Hitchens

1966

Mary Lee Mancini

1971

Paula Kusmer Congeniality Award

1972

Catherine Lawton

1973

Jackie LaGuardia

1974

Kathleen Attanasi

Top 10 Finalist Preliminary Talent Award

1977

1978

Sandra Louise Aiken

Janice Anne Albro

Non-Finalist Talent Award

Preliminary Swimsuit Award

1979

Ann Lorraine Harrington 43

1975

1976

Elaine Campanelli

Day Deborah Rica Lipford

Non-Finalist Talent Award

Top 10 Finalist

1980

Andra Lee Dickerson

1981

Jodi Meade Graham

Miss Delaware Forevers

1982

Nancy Ellen Farley

1987

Anne Marie Jarka

1983

Tammy Renee Copeland

1988

Laura Kathleen Ludwig

1984

Nancy Lynne Ball

1989

Robin Lee Coutant

George J. Cavalier Talent Award

1992

Kathleen Ann Slavin

1997

Lori Ann Scott

1990

1991

Beth Ann Jones

Lisa Marie Munzert Non-Finalist Talent Award Quality of Life Finalist

1993

Jennifer Lin Kaczmarczyk

1994

Letitia Lee Pusey

Non-Finalist Talent Award

Alison Catherine White

1986

1985

Lisa Anne Patrick

1998

Jody Michelle Kelly

1995

Michelle Leslie Harris

1996

Aimée Michelle Voshell

Non-Finalist Talent Award

1999

Kama Boland

Non-Finalist Talent Award 44

2000

Junnie Cross

Preliminary Talent Award, Bert Parks Talent Award, Bernie Wayne Performing Arts Award, Quality of Life Finalist

2001

Erin Cooper

Miss Delaware Forevers

2002

Shoha Parekh

2003

2004

Linda Kurtz

Erin E. Williams

2005

Becky Bledsoe Non-Finalist Talent Award

2006

Jamie Ginn

2007

2008

Brittany Dempsey

Galen Giaccone

2009

Heather Lehman

Top 15 Finalist Preliminary Talent Award

2010

2011

2012

2013

Kayla Martell

Maria Cahill

Alyssa Murray

Top 10 Finalist Quality of Life 1st Runner Up

Becca Jackson

Non-Finalist Talent Award

Non-finalist Interview Award Quality of Life Award Finalist

Non-Finalist Talent Award

2014

Brittany Lewis Quality of Life 1st Runner Up

2015

2016

Brooke Mitchell

Amanda Debus

Non-Finalist Talent Award 45

2017

Chelsea Bruce

Miss Delaware Forevers

2018

Joanna Wicks

2019-2020

2021

Hillary May

2022

Sophie Phillips

Grace Otley

Equity and Justice Finalist

Forever Miss Americas Scholarship Winner

Who will be Miss Delaware 2024?

2023

Emily Beale

Special Thanks The Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization wants to share our gratitude to Avelo Airlines for flying our 2023 titleholders to Orlando this past January for the national competition. The staff at the Wilmington Airport kicked off their journey in the most spectacular fashion. We are especially grateful for their partnership this past year.

46

Miss Delaware

Celebrating Anniversaries

80 years

Miss Delaware 1944

Jacquelyn Vasseur

70 years

65 years

Miss Delaware 1954

Miss Delaware 1959

Barbara Woodall

Ester Olney 47

Miss Delaware

Celebrating Anniversaries

60 years

55 years

Miss Delaware 1964

Miss Delaware 1969

Anita Gail Eubank

Margo Ewing

50 years

45 years

Miss Delaware 1974

Miss Delaware 1979

Kathleen Attanasi

Ann Lorraine Harrington 48

Miss Delaware

Celebrating Anniversaries

40 years

35 years

Miss Delaware 1984

Miss Delaware 1989

Nancy Lynn Ball

Robin Lee Coutant

30 years

25 years

Miss Delaware 1994

Miss Delaware 1999

Letitia Lee Pusey

Kama Bolland 49

Miss Delaware

Celebrating Anniversaries

20 years

15 years

Miss Delaware 2004

Miss Delaware 2009

Linda Kurtz

Heather Lehman

10 years

5 years

Miss Delaware 2014

Miss Delaware 2019-2020

Brittany Lewis

Hillary May 50

The 2024 Miss Delaware Forevers Scholarship Since 1991 this scholarship has been funded by Miss Delaware Forevers and special family members. This year $8000 was given to the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization, showcasing the unity of our Miss Delaware sisterhood and the shared belief of “paying it forward.”

We extend a heartfelt thank you to those who gave so generously: Dee Marie Joyce, In memory of my dear mother, “Nickey”, Miss Delaware 1937 Mona Crawford, Miss Delaware 1943, In memory of my darling daughter, Linda Gandolfo The Barbara Woodall (1954) Hineman Miss Delaware Scholarship Award, given by the Hineman family Linda Bledsoe, In honor of my daughter, Becky Bledsoe Rappoccio, Miss Delaware 2005

Suzanne Parrott, Miss Delaware 1951 Deborah Benoit Guilloz, Miss Delaware 1960 Alice Watts Stark, Miss Delaware 1962 Mary Lee Mancini Kleinkauf, Miss Delaware 1966 Gayle Freeman Brandt, Miss Delaware 1968 Margo Ewing Bane Woodacre, Miss Delaware 1969 Paula Kusmer Schneider, Miss Delaware 1971 Elaine Campanelli Santo, Miss Delaware 1975 Jodi Graham Parker, Miss Delaware 1981 Nancy Farley Brennan, Miss Delaware 1982 Anne Marie Jarka-Hajjar, Miss Delaware 1987 Lisa Munzert Bonacquisti, Miss Delaware 1990 Beth Ann Jones, Miss Delaware 1991 Michelle Harris Anderson, Miss Delaware 1995 Jody Kelly Dallas, Miss Delaware 1998 Junnie Cross, Miss Delaware 2000 Erin Cooper Barrett, Miss Delaware 2001 Linda Kurtz Risk, Miss Delaware 2004 Becky Bledsoe Rappoccio, Miss Delaware 2005 Galen Giaccone Cullen, Miss Delaware 2008 Alyssa Murray, Miss Delaware 2012 Brittany Lee Lewis, Miss Delaware 2014 Brooke Mitchell, Miss Delaware 2015 Amanda Debus Kuhl, Miss Delaware 2016 Joanna Wicks Talmo, Miss Delaware 2018 Sophie Phillips, Miss Delaware 2021 51

Thank you

for sponsoring Emily’s journey to Miss America 2024

Allure Aesthetic Becky Rappoccio Crowning Choreography Dineen Bejger Elisa Ley Eye Specialists of Delaware Joan Robertson Junnie Cross Kathleen Bishop Michelle Ley Miller Eye Care Noveau MediSpa Todd Nelson Anonymous Donors

Miss Delaware & Miss Delaware's Teen Levels of Giving

DIAMOND DONOR - $5,000 Minimum Donation Beth Ann Jones

EMERALD DONOR - $250 Minimum Donation 1776 Allure Aesthetics Anthony’s Coal Fire Pizza El Diablo Erin Cooper Barrett Galen Giaccone Cullen Howard Gordon Jean Toman Jen Manly Junnie Cross Kim Provo Mary Lee Kleinkauf Paula Kusmer Schneider

Hangsterfer’s Laboratories, Inc. Ken Maclary The 2024 Miss Delaware Forevers Scholarship Fund Goldy-Beacom College University of Alabama Wilmington University PLATINUM DONOR - $2,500 Minimum Donation Cecile Boutique GOLD DONOR - $1,000 Minimum Donation Amanda Debus Kuhl Anne Marie Jarka-Hajjar Linda Lee M. Weller Linda Kurtz Risk Mona Crawford Sue Kuhling Tracey Eng

BRONZE DONOR - Up to $249 Donation

Jodi Graham Parker Jody Kelly Dallas Becky Rappoccio Joanna Wicks Talmo Brittany Lewis Karen Pride Brooke Mitchell Linda Bledsoe Carol & Larry Stevens Lisa Bonacquisti Christine Milea Margo Woodacre Mary & Joseph Debus Connie Cairns Michelle Anderson Debbie Guilloz Alyssa Murray

SILVER DONOR - $500 Minimum Donation Ali Watts Stark Blue Palm Tanning Bridal Suite of Johnstown

Eskew Studios Evan Hineman

Dee Marie Joyce

Eye Specialists of Delaware

Elaine Santo

Gayle Brandt Christine Rich Consulting

Florina & Rebecca Gasperetti

George Lee

Claires Fashions

Laura Kurtz

Crown Choreography

Nouveau Cosmetic Center

Ignite Fitness

Nancy Farley Brennan

Sherms Catering Pats Pizza Sophie Phillips Suzanne Parrott

Jacks Country Maid Deli Sybaritic Bags & Clothing

Joanna Lynn Designs

The Sash Company

Century Club Members Special Thanks to the 2024 Miss Delaware Century Club Members: SUE KUHLING, HOWARD GORDON, LINDA LEE M. WELLER, MARY & JOSEPH DEBUS, ALI STARK (MISS DE 1962), MARY LEE KLEINKAUF (MISS DE 1966), GAYLE BRANDT (MISS DE 1968) ANNE MARIE JARKA-HAJJAR (MISS DE 1987), BETH ANN JONES (MISS DE 1991), AMANDA KUHL (MISS DE’S TEEN 2008 & MISS DE 2016) 53

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Selling DREAMS, Not Dresses Proud sponsor of the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization The Shoppes of Louviers Newark, DE | www.mycecileboutique.com | 302.266.9900

Thank you Hangsterfer's for your many years of support!

20976 S Dupont Hwy, Harrington, DE 19952 (302) 398-3702

To our Beautiful~ McKenzie Leigh Hegarty, Miss Rehoboth Beach 2024, We are so proud of you and wish you the best of luck at the 2024 Miss Delaware Competition!

We love you & are so proud of you!

Aunt Denise, Uncle David, Dale, Joanne, Alyssa, David, Kelly and Hailey

The official 2024 Hotel Partner of the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization

Ignite Kickboxing

Dover | Middletown | Rehoboth joinignitefitness.com

Newark | Rehoboth 302.355.1123 | 302.355.0005

Dover | Seaford | Millville | Milford

eyesde.com

King of Prussia, PA (610) 393 1253

Vote for People's Choice Voting closes at 7:30 on the night of each final competition

Teen

Miss