Winning Your State Mrs. United States Pageant

It’s that time of year when Mrs. contestants are getting ready for their pageants. Join Valerie as she talks with John Vannatta, President and Executive Director of VanBros and Associates, the holders of six state licenses for Mrs. Pageants, Angie Neal the current Mrs. Texas and Stephanie Lynch the current Mrs. Tennessee. They’ll be sharing their secrets, tips and ideas for getting a winning score at your pageant! You’re going to want to tune in!”

Episode Segments:

Pageant Talk Radio: John Vannatta John Vannatta talks about his experience in MISS USA® & MISS TEEN USA® State Pageants and offers a bonanza of advice for potential contestants. He talks about the importance of attitude when you're going for the win!
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Pageant Talk Radio: Stephanie Lynch Stephanie Lynch, the current Mrs. Tennessee United States, shares the story of her last-minute entry into the Tennessee pageant. Stephanie also explains what separates the Mrs. United States pageant from other pageants.
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Pageant Talk Radio: Angie Neal Angie is the reigning Mrs. Texas, United States and she explains why she became a contestant in a state Mrs. United States pageant. She offers advice to contestants who are concerned about being ready for swimsuit competitions. Photo by Will Patterson
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Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode

John Vannatta John M. Vannatta Jr. is President of VANBROS and Associates, Inc., which holds the State Licenses for the MISS USA® & MISS TEEN USA® State Pageants in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. He serves as the Executive Director of the Pageants. During the 2001 MISS USA pageant the Miss Universe Organization recognized John as the Outstanding Director of the Year. VANBROS and Associates, Inc., acquired the license for Kansas in 1992, Missouri in 1993, Oklahoma in 1997, and Nebraska in 2002. During this time, he has written and produced 4 live telecasts in Kansas, including the pre-recorded prize package, contestant activities, and host city special segments. Under his direction, these four states have produced two national MISS TEEN USA winners, one MISS USA winner, a 1st runner-up to MISS UNIVERSE, two national 1st runners-up, four national 2nd runners-up, four national 3rd runners-up, two national 4th runners-up, one national 5th runner-up, fifteen national semifinalists, and twelve national honorable mentions (11th-15th place, prior to 2003). Of 79 young women who have competed at nationals as a VANBROS girl, 43 have finished somewhere among the top 15. VANBROS titleholders have also brought home national awards for, Teen with Style, Miss Photogenic, Miss Congeniality, Most Beautiful Eyes, and Best State Costume. John has enormous pride in the 80 young women who have been VANBROS titleholders, and he attempts to not only serve as director for his titleholders, but a mentor and a friend. His goal for the state pageants is that they provide a forum in which young women can gain more self confidence, improve themselves as individuals, and make an impact in their community. He believes that it's important for young women who compete in pageants to be able to feel as though they are better individuals the day after the pageant, than they were the day they decided to enter. John uses the pageant to encourage his titleholders, as well as all the contestants, to become socially aware and active. After it is all said and done, he feels that all of the contestants are winners by virtue of their preparation for, and participation in the pageant competition. John is a graduate of Jersey Village High School in Houston, Texas, where he was a member of the Varsity and All-District Swim Teams. Following High School, he attended Houston Community College, and Johnson County Community College as an honor student before finishing his undergraduate work at the University of Kansas. He holds Bachelor's Degrees in both Political Science and Sociology, with a minor concentration in History. Prior to his founding of VANBROS & Associates, Inc., he worked in Real Estate Management. He enjoys reading, swimming, attending baseball and hockey games, and is a huge KU basketball fan. He resides in Overland Park, Kansas. VANBROS and Associates Inc. Website

Stephanie Lynch Stephanie Lynch, teacher, embodies love of home and community. A Cum Laude graduate from Western Kentucky University, she instills her love of learning and life into her students. With eight years in the classroom, Stephanie’s students win both county and state awards in various competitions. She and her husband of 8 years, Brian, adopted Isabella, now sixteen-months old, after struggling with infertility. Helping others, Stephanie holds several causes close to her which include work with Juvenile Diabetes Foundation after her sister’s struggle since she was 5, the American Heart Association in honor of an eleven-year-old cousin who passed with heart complications, and Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital “Queen for a Day” program where volunteers treat little girls to lipstick, nail polish, and tiaras to lift spirits. Recently, she assisted in Flood Recovery after Nashville was inundated. Stephanie also appeared on “Deal or No Deal” then assisted the show in coaching and casting. Mrs. Tennessee United States Website

Angie Neal Angie Neal is a magna cum laude graduate from the University of Houston with a degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management. She is currently the Corporate Trainer for Hospitality USA, a successful restaurant management group based in Houston. Passionate about education, Angie is working toward establishing an endowment scholarship through her university. She also volunteers with the City Wide Club of Houston to provide assistances to families in need. Married to her high school sweetheart, Rob, they enjoy traveling, gardening, rooting on the University of Houston athletics programs, working out, and enjoying time with family and friends. Angie also holds the honor of being a former Houston Texans Cheerleader. She became one of forty women to be selected on the Inaugural Squad and remained a cheerleader for a total of three seasons. She is still connected with the Texans and helps the Cheerleaders on the sidelines during home games. Mrs. Texas United States Website