Sam Haskell & Taylor Fitch, Miss Americas Outstanding Teen

Sam Haskell, Chairman of the Miss America Organization is touring the country talking about his fabulous new book,Promises I Made My Mother. Join Valerie as she talks with Sam about his amazing career in Hollywood and the advice and inspiration he shares in his book. Then, Valerie will be joined by Miss America's Outstanding Teen, Taylor Fitch to talk about her year of service and this year's exciting pageant.

Episode Segments:

Pageant Talk Radio: Chairman Sam Haskell Sam Haskell, Chairman of the Miss America Organization talks about the inspirations behind his new book Promises I Made My Mother. He also talks about his role in turning around the Miss America organization, some of the changes that were made, and what the future holds for the pageant.
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PTR: Miss America's Outstanding Teen Taylor Fitch Taylor Fitch, in her own words, is living the best of both worlds! Learn about what was going through her mind as she was crowned Miss Americas Outstanding Teen, and some of the highlights of her reign, including her favorite activities and work with the Childrens Miracle Network.
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Pageant Talk Radio: Taylor Fitch Part Two For this year's group of competitors, Taylor shares how she got ready to compete in the national pageant, along with some of the advice she received when she competed. She also talks about whats next after she hands off the crown.
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Links to Related Websites:

Order Promises I Made My Mother At Amazon.com Haskell has achieved success through self-respect, and from his story we learn how we, too, can maintain our dignity when faced with life’s challenges. This stirring memoir is a testament to mothers everywhere who instill in their sons the lasting values they need to become good men and devoted fathers.

Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode

Taylor Fitch Hometown Anderson, South Carolina Scholastic Ambition I will be attending Wofford College in the fall of 2009 majoring in Biology, with plans to attend Duke University for my Medical Degree. Career Ambition To become a Forensic Pathologist. I hope to use the newest genetic discoveries to further understand the mindset and motives of a criminal. Platform issue Overcoming Physical Challenges: Heart, Mind and Hands Scholastic Honors National Honor Society, Presidential Achievement in Poetry, The United States Army Outstanding Achievement in Science and Engineering, 4th Place in the 2008 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Accomplishments Elected Secretary of State at Palmetto Girls State, Recipient of the Presidential Achievement Award from the Miss America Organization. Favorite TV Show I never miss an episode of House, I even have the first few seasons on DVD. Favorite Food Almost every night, I enjoy eating Oreo’s dipped in peanut butter! Favorite Wardrobe Accessory I love flip flops and pearls. They are practical in most every situation. Pets I have three dogs: Cocoa, Sugar, and Lacy; One Cat: Sassy; and a fish named Sushi. Secret Dream To dance on Broadway. The one thing I can’t live without My ipod is permanently attached to me. Music keeps me focused and relaxed. If I could change anything about myself I would most definitely be an amazing singer. I am known for singing constantly, and I know my friends and family would appreciate it if I was actually good. Miss America's Outstanding Teen Website

Sam Haskell Sam Haskell, former Executive VP and Worldwide Head of Television for the venerable William Morris Agency, was named in 2007 by TV Week as one of the 25 Most Innovative and Influential People in Television over the last quarter century. His clients included, among many others, Bill Cosby, Ray Romano, Dolly Parton, Whoopi Goldberg and George Clooney. Mr. Haskell moved from Mississippi to LA in 1978, fought his way into the renowned William Morris Agency Mailroom, became an agent in 1980, Senior VP by 1990 and Executive VP, member of the Board and Worldwide Head of Television all by 1999. He served as President of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society and Chairman of the TV Academy Hall of Fame. After a fabled 26-year career, he retired in 2004 to pursue wide-ranging philanthropic endeavors including executive producing "Mississippi Rising," a three hour MSNBC special hosted by Morgan Freeman, benefiting the victims of Hurricane Katrina in his home state. "Promises I Made My Mother," Mr. Haskell's autobiographical memoir with life lessons, is an incisive, compelling, deeply personal and spiritually enriching story about living a principled life in unprincipled times. He is widely recognized for rising to the top of a turbulent and often time conscienceless business with his character, integrity and valuesystem in tact. He resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Ole Miss college sweetheart and former Miss Mississippi, Mary Donnelly Haskell and their two children Sam IV and Mary Lane. Click here to visit his website