Winning Talent at Miss America

The talent competition can be one of the most entertaining aspects of any pageant. But what does it take to prepare a winning talent presentation? Join Valerie as she talks with Miss America 2009 Talent Award winners Miss Delaware, Galen Giaccone , Miss Vermont, Ashley Wheeler , and Miss Georgia, Chasity Hardman about what it takes to get a big score during the talent competition. Well talk about balancing your talent technique with audience appeal and the difference between a local competition and winning at the national level. Youll learn everything you need to know to wow the judges during your next talent competition!

Episode Segments:

Miss Deleware Galen Giaccone Galen Giaccone, Miss Deleware, joins the show. She and Valerie discuss the beauty pageant process and Galens interest in music. In addition, Galen offers advice for young women who may be entering a competition in the future.
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Miss Vermont Ashley Wheeler Ashley Wheeler, Miss Vermont, is Valeries guest during this segment. Ashley explains her path to the Miss Vermont crown. She talks about the opportunity to sing at Fenway Park as well her preparation routine for talent competitions.
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Miss Georgia Chasity Hardman Valerie speaks with Chasity Hardman, Miss Georgia, during this segment. Chasity talks about her reasons for getting involved in pageants and her inspiration, her Mother. She also talks about her singing career and her new album.
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Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode

Galen Giaccone Galen promotes her Dental Outreach program by teaching children, parents, educators, and caregivers about the importance of proper dental hygiene. She is delighted to partner the Miss America organization and the Children’s Miracle Network to further advocate for child health issues. In addition, she promotes character education in Delaware through Character Counts, a program that helps youth develop the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness caring and citizenship. Galen will also promote Right Decisions Right Now, a program which focuses on teaching children to make healthy decisions.

Chasity Hardman Chasity is Miss Georgia. She has a strong interest in music. She is aspiring to obtain a doctorate in music education.

Ashley Wheeler Ashley is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Saint Michael’s College in Burlington Vermont. She has spent the last 12 months raising awareness of being politically involved. Other than winning a preliminary talent competition at Miss America this year, she has also made successful singing appearances in front of thousands at venues such as Fenway Park and the Boston Garden.