2024 Program Book

Miss Delaware Board & Committees

Meet our Emcee

Meet our Anniversary Performers

Meet our Judges

Meet our Young Diamonds

Farewell from Miss Delaware's Teen 2023

Sophia’s Favorite Photos

Meet the 2024 Teen Delegates

Teen Program

Teen Delegates

Teen Scholarships and Awards

Miss Delaware's Teen Forevers

Farewell from Miss Delaware 2023

Emily’s Favorite Photos Meet

Miss

Miss Delegates

Miss

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

BOARD & COMMITTEES

-EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS-

CO-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 CHAIRPERSONS-

LEGAL 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 CREW-

PRODUCER 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)

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.

ANNIVERSARY SPOTLIGHT PERFORMERS

Linda Kurtz Risk

Miss Delaware 2004

Jacqueline Means

Miss Delaware’s Teen 2019-2020

ine is a Pre-Med major and Neuroscience t the University of Delaware. She is also the founder of the Wilmington Urban STEM e, an organization dedicated to bringing technology, engineering, and math to the ivileged girls of Wilmington. Jacqueline hosts powerment STEM Events workshops where ds hundreds of girls in fun, hands-on science ments She has received many awards for her ion to her community, as well as been featured ny national TV shows, including The Today he View, The Steve Harvey Show, The Kelly n Show, Mission Unstoppable, Access od, and many others Jacqueline served as ladelphia 2023 and placed 3rd Runner-Up in the Miss Pennsylvania competition this past year.

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.

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

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

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

Robinson

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

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.

Dr. James Klump

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

SpecialThanks

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

Laurisa Schutt

Scarlett Amelia MEET OUR Harmony

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

Elliana Daniela Piper

Pepper Alex Hayden

Alleigh Skylar Everly

Farewell from Sophia MissDelaware'sTeen

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

Sophia’s Favorites

Sophia’s Favorites

2024 TEEN DELEGATES You be the Judge

Competition Program MissDelaware'sTeen

“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

Delegate Introductions

Introduction of Emcee

Kayla Martell, Miss Delaware 2010

Onstage Conversation Competition

Spotlight Performance

Sophia Hughes, Miss Delaware's Teen 2023

Introduction of Judges

Health & Fitness Competition "Stupid Love"

Anniversary Spotlight

Jacqueline Means, Miss Delaware's Teen 2019-2020

Introduction of 2024

Miss Delaware 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

Spotlight Performance

Sophia Hughes, Miss Delaware's Teen 2023

Evening Gown Competition "Still Falling for You"

Conversation with Emily Beale, Miss Delaware 2023

Announcement of Top 4 Finalists

Farewell to Miss Delaware's Teen 2023, Sophia Hughes

Parade of 2024 Delegates "Higher Love"

Award Presentations

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

2024 TEEN DELEGATES

2024 TEEN DELEGATES

2024 TEEN DELEGATES

2024 TEEN DELEGATES

2024 TEEN DELEGATES

a's journey en 2024

abeth Lockman

Eric Morrison

Gabrielle Mark

arry Lambert

Maddie Louder

Marva King

Matt Meyer

Meghan Sinisi

chael Watkins

nci Mascarenas

aul Baumbach

cka Runner-Draper

bekah Mitchell

yna Bergstrom

Robert Wittig

y & Mike Loessner

Sherry Dorsey

hyanne Miller

nna Mascarenas

ophie Phillips

Stanley Eng

Tally Bevis

aylor Crawford

Tracey Crook

onymous Donors

Scholarships & Awards MissDelaware'sTeen

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

Scholarships & Awards MissDelaware'sTeen

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

Katelynn Mayers

Brown-O'Brien

MissDelaware'sTeen Celebrating Anniversaries

years

Miss Delaware's Teen 2009

years 10 years 5 years

Miss Delaware's Teen 2019-2020

years

years

Miss Delaware's Teen 2014

Danielle Marshall

Grace Otley

Jacqueline Means

Farewell from Emily MissDelaware

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

Emily’s Favorites

Emily’s Favorites

2024 MISS DELEGATES

Competition Program MissDelaware

“The National Anthem”

Becky Bledsoe Rappoccio, Miss Delaware 2005

Opening Number

“Crazy What Love Can Do / My Love / Let There Be Love”

Emily Beale, Miss Delaware 2023, and 2024 Delegates

Delegate Introductions

Introduction of Emcee

Kayla Martell, Miss Delaware 2010

Onstage Conversation Competition

Anniversary Spotlight

Linda Kurtz Risk, Miss Delaware 2004

Introduction of Judges

Health & Fitness Competition

"If It Ain’t Love"

Spotlight Performance

Miss Delaware's Teen 2024

Introduction of 2024

Miss Delaware's Teen Delegates

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

Talent Competition

Introduction of Forever Miss Delawares

Spotlight Performance

Emily Beale, Miss Delaware 2023

Evening Gown Competition "In the Name of Love"

Anniversary Spotlight

Heather Lehman Contant, Miss Delaware 2009

Announcement of Top 4 Finalists

Farewell to Miss Delaware 2023, Emily Beale

Parade of 2024 Delegates "Higher Love"

Award Presentations

Crowning of Miss Delaware 2024 and Announcement of Runners Up

2024 MISS DELEGATES

2024 MISS DELEGATES

2024 MISS DELEGATES

2024 MISS DELEGATES

2024 MISS DELEGATES

Scholarships & Awards MissDelaware

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

Scholarships & Awards MissDelaware

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

Forevers MissDelaware

Dorothy McGovern

Mona Crawford

Jacquelyn Vasseur*

Lorna Edwardson* 1951

Suzanne Parrott

1933

Victoria George* 1936

Lillian Shamers*

1937 Nickey Harriett*

1940 Peggy Insolo* Top 15 Finalist

1941

Verona Smith* 1957

Kathleen Ann D'Attilio

Nancy M Williams

Esther Olney

Robin Jane Whempner Non-Finalist Talent Award

Helen Blackwell*

Lois Ann Alava Top 10 Finalist Preliminary Talent Award

Barbara Woodall*

Joanne Sakowski

Janice Olson

Forevers MissDelaware

Susan Alice Levens*

Gayle Freeman

Margo Ewing

Linda Sue Hitchens

Paula Kusmer

Alice Richards Watts

Diane Beverly Isaacs*

Anita Gail Eubank

Kathleen Grandell

Mary Lee Mancini

Sandra Louise Aiken Jani erson

Jodi Meade Graham

Catherine Lawton

Jackie LaGuardia

Kathleen Attanasi

Campanelli

Deborah Rica Lipford

Congeniality Award

Talent Award

Non-Finalist Talent Award

Top 10 Finalist

Forevers MissDelaware

Anne Marie Jarka

Laura Kathleen Ludwig

Robin Lee Coutant

Lisa Marie Munzert

Beth Ann Jones

Nancy Ellen Farley

Tammy Renee Copeland

Nancy Lynne Ball

Lisa Anne Patrick

Lori Ann Scott

Alis

JunnieCross

Erin Cooper

Kathleen Ann Slavin

Jennifer Lin Kaczmarczyk

Letitia Lee Pusey

Michelle Leslie Harris

Aimée Michelle Voshell

Talent Award

Talent Award

Non-Finalist Talent Award

George J. Cavalier Talent Award

Non-Finalist Talent Award Quality of Life Finalist

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

Forevers MissDelaware

Ginn

Heather Lehman

Shoha Parekh

E. Williams

Kurtz

Lewis

Mitchell

Kayla Martell

Bledsoe

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.

Wicks

Hillary May

Sophie Phillips

Grace Otley

Miss Americas

Winner

and Justice Finalist

MissDelaware Celebrating Anniversaries

80 years

Miss Delaware 1944

Jacquelyn Vasseur 70 years

Miss Delaware 1954

Barbara Woodall 65 years

Miss Delaware 1959 Ester Olney

MissDelaware Celebrating Anniversaries

60 years

Miss Delaware 1964

Anita Gail Eubank

50 years

Miss Delaware 1974

Kathleen Attanasi

55 years

Miss Delaware 1969 Margo Ewing

45 years

Miss Delaware 1979

Ann Lorraine Harrington

MissDelaware Celebrating Anniversaries

40 years

Miss Delaware 1984

Nancy Lynn Ball

30 years

Miss Delaware 1994

Letitia Lee Pusey

35 years

Miss Delaware 1989 Robin Lee Coutant

25 years

Miss Delaware 1999 Kama Bolland

MissDelaware Celebrating Anniversaries

20 years

The 2024 Miss Delaware Forevers Scholarship

$8000

Since 1991 this scholarship has been funded by Miss Delaware Forevers and special family members. This year 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

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

Levels of Giving MissDelaware &MissDelaware'sTeen

DIAMOND DONOR - $5,000 Minimum Donation

Beth Ann Jones

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

SILVER DONOR - $500 Minimum Donation

Ali Watts Stark

Blue Palm Tanning

Bridal Suite of Johnstown

Christine Rich Consulting

Claires Fashions

Crown Choreography

Eskew Studios

Evan Hineman

Eye Specialists of Delaware

Gayle Brandt

George Lee

Laura Kurtz

Nouveau Cosmetic Center

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

BRONZE DONOR - Up to $249 Donation

Alyssa Murray

Becky Rappoccio

Brittany Lewis

Brooke Mitchell

Carol & Larry Stevens

Christine Milea

Connie Cairns

Debbie Guilloz

Dee Marie Joyce

Elaine Santo

Florina & Rebecca Gasperetti

Ignite Fitness

Jacks Country Maid Deli

Joanna Lynn Designs

Century Club Members

Jodi Graham Parker

Jody Kelly Dallas

Joanna Wicks Talmo

Karen Pride

Linda Bledsoe

Lisa Bonacquisti

Margo Woodacre

Mary & Joseph Debus

Michelle Anderson

Nancy Farley Brennan

Sherms Catering

Pats Pizza

Sophie Phillips

Suzanne Parrott

Sybaritic Bags & Clothing

The Sash Company

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)

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