Miss America 2002 Katie Harman
Posted on 09/21/2002 4:05:03 PM PDT by BigWaveBetty
History of Miss America
"Miss America represents the highest ideals. She is a real combination of beauty, grace, and intelligence, artistic and refined. She is a type which the American Girl might well emulate."
Those words were spoken by Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce President Frederick Hickman more than 75 years ago, and they still ring true today. Miss America is a role model to young and old alike, and a spokesperson, using her title to educate millions of Americans on an issue of importance to herself and society at large.
Over the years, Miss America has been intent on making a difference in people's lives through her charitable and community endeavors. Jean Bartel, Miss America 1943, went so far as to use her celebrity in the war effort. She was credited with selling more Series E war bonds than anyone else in the United States - $2.5 million worth of them. While Kate Shindle, Miss America 1998, spent her year of service addressing groups and meeting with federal, state and local public officials on behalf of the HIV/AIDS cause. She even presided over sessions regarding women and AIDS at the 12th World AIDS Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
Today, Miss America travels approximately 20,000 miles a month, changing her location every 24 to 48 hours. She tours the nation reaching out to support her ideals, committed to helping others. Miss America is more than just a title. She is a woman who reflects a tradition of style, sophistication and service.
A few of the contestants
Miss Tennessee, Stephanie Culberson, during the Lifestyle and Fitness competition on the stage of the Boardwalk hall in Atlantic City, Thursday 9/20/01. Photo by Vernon Ogrodnek
Abbie Lynne Rabine, Miss Massachusetts wins the Lifestlye and Fitness in Swimsuit preliminary competition, Wednesday, Sep. 19, 2001, as part of the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City. Photo by Michael Ein
Miss New York, Andrea Plummer, reacts to making the top 20 during the Miss American Pageant from the Boardwalk Hall, Saturday 9/22/01. Photo by Edward Lea
The Official Guild Live Thread for Miss America!
Come join in the fun and see if your winner will be Miss America!
Everyone is welcome to participate. Have fun!
Starts at 8pm ET.
Miss America contestants pose for a picture on the beach in Ocean City, N.J., Monday, Sept. 9, 2002. The contestants will compete in the Miss America pagent in Atlantic City, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2002. (AP Photo/Brian Branch-Price) 
Miss America contestants, including, Miss New York Tiffany Walker, right, and Miss New Hampshire Mary Catherine Morin, second from right, are greeted by some of the Philadelphia Mummers outside of Saks Fifth Avenue in Philadelphia, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2002. (AP Photo/Annie McCormick)
Miss Texas, Lisa Dalzell, shows her boots during the Miss America Pageant Parade on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey, September 20, 2002. In keeping with the tradition of the pageant, contestants show their decorative shoes upon requests from parade spectators. REUTERS/Tim Shaffer
Owe my success to the "little" people!LOL!!
Good evening, BWB! I'm gonna be looking in on the thread during the pageant.
Wayne Brady hosts his syndicated talk show, "The Wayne Brady Show," in this undated publicity photo. Brady will also host the 2002 "Miss America Pageant," airing on ABC this Saturday at 8 p.m., EDT. (AP Photo/Buena Vista Television) (I don't like him much, hope he does a good job for the ladies tonight.)
Holy Cow! I love my cigar too but I take it out every once in a while!!
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