This past Sunday I was invited to sing, along with 2 other contestants from last year's Miss Ohio, Erica Gelhaus (2nd RU) and Jenna Wilson (4th RU) for our Miss Ohio's Send-Off party. Each year Miss Ohio has an official send-off for Miss America where she models her wardrobe and performs her talent for her guests. Karissa's was held in New Philidelphia, OH at Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts. The venue was a lovely art gallery including numerous sculptures and walls filled with artwork. The guests were treated to a dessert buffet with fantastic mini cheesecakes, my favorite! It was great to see my friend Roberta Camp, Miss Ohio 2007, and her fiance Steve. Roberta acted as the emcee of the program and introduced the performers and each of Karissa's wardrobe peices as she modeled them. Erica sang "I Could Have Danced All Night", Jenna sang "At Last", and I thought it was only appropriate to sing "Gold" as a good luck wish for Karissa on her journey to Miss America!
Karissa looked great and she and her family were in good spirits and excited for their trip to Vegas! Mrs. Martin said they were very excited and too busy to be nervous. They aren't getting hung up on nerves and all are looking forward to the upcoming weeks! During her 'on stage questions' from Roberta, Mrs. Martin said she is looking most forward to seeing her daughter be crowned Miss America!
The Miss Ohio Board also attended, including the newest addition, Teri's daughter, Kaitlin. Many of Karissa's family members were there, and the Miss Clayland team (Karissa's local title when she was crowned Miss Ohio 2008).
Good Luck Karissa, even though we cannot be in Vegas, we'll be having a Miss America party for you back here in the snow! Enjoy every minute and we look forward to hearing all about it!
