“Work hard to achieve your dreams. When you achieve your dreams, work hard to remain grateful.”
Catherine Muldoon currently holds two degrees of higher education. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University in 2007 and in 2011 she was awarded a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania. Presently, Catherine works as a Cosmetic Dentist at Konikoff Dentistry in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Catherine has worked diligently with Operation Smile, an international organization that provides surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate, and other facial deformities for children around the world. She has also volunteered for humanitarian dental missions, which took her to both Nicaragua and Costa Rica. There, she was able to deliver dental treatment to those in need as well as practice her Spanish.
When Catherine is not treating patients, she enjoys playing water sports, socializing with both new and old friends, and spending time with her Maltese dog, Winnie. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)
“To ascend a peak takes courage and passion, but the true testament is found in what you do once on the summit.”
Holly Allen attended California State University Chico on a four-year scholarship. There, she graduated with honors and earned a degree in business and marketing. Born and raised in Lander, Holly refers to herself as a ‘true Wyoming country girl’. Her family owns and operates a guest ranch in the remote Wind River Mountains. Every summer, Holly has guided guests through the mountains, teaching them how to ride horses and fish. She was also the ranch chef, where she says she perfected her creative culinary skills.
Holly was on the executive board of her sorority and was involved in several activities and fundraisers, most prominently for the American Heart Association. During college, she spent a semester abroad studying in Australia, in which she extended her trip for a month-long solo-backpacking excursion around the country.
After graduation, Holly’s desire for a challenge led her to dive into the world of IT. She currently works with Fortune 500 companies nationwide, staffing their tech departments. She says she thrives on the interaction with people of various backgrounds, cultures, and expertise. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)
“Be bold, take risks, dare to dream; but above all else, serve others, lead with your values, and always remain authentic.”
Jessica Renee Martin is a native of Las Cruces, New Mexico where she is a senior at New Mexico State University majoring in both business and marketing, and also minoring in sports marketing. Her future plans include obtaining a master’s degree and pursuing a career as a marketing director for ESPN.
Jessica says her life has always revolved around sports. She began playing sports at the age five, and throughout the years has participated in gymnastics, softball, volleyball, basketball, and track, where she was once ranked the third fastest in the State of New Mexico in the 400 meter dash. She is also a 2007 Girls 5A State Basketball Champion. Jessica is a self-confessed pogo stick enthusiast and once jumped 1,042 times non-stop.
Jessica donates much of her time and energy to causes that are dear to her heart, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the American Cancer Society’s “Relay For Life.” Her volunteerism continues as she travels to local schools throughout New Mexico, addressing the serious issue of bullying; she discusses her experiences of being bullied for over eight years and how she was able to overcome it.
When she is not on the basketball court or in the classroom, Jessica can be found whitewater rafting, jet skiing, hiking, and eating anything and everything with hot green chile. Jessica is of Spanish, Mexican, French, German, and Polish descent, and says she is blessed and honored to represent her home state of New Mexico. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)
Placing Top 16 at Miss USA and being named “Fan Favorite” for the Miss USA 2011 title was one of my top 10 highlights as Miss New Mexico USA 2011. There is something so humbling about millions of people believing in an individual and taking the time to claim their voice. Sometimes I am overwhelmed [...]
In Erika’s own words: “We are all only human. Live by faith and compassion. Walk with the knowledge that you have a divine purpose and mission in life to change the world.” In 2006, Erika Lane Frantzve founded a 501(c)(3) charitable organization named Everyday Heroes Like You, which is a group that assists other nonprofits [...]
In Katherine’s own words: “Many girls prepare their whole lives for this one moment. For me, I see Miss USA as an opportunity to reach new and greater heights in the future.” Katherine Webb was born in Montgomery, Alabama. She attended middle school and high school in Columbus, Georgia and graduated from Northside High School [...]
In Sydney’s own words: “I’m determined, fun loving, and an optimist; I never let anything get in the way of a goal I have set. I accomplish my ambitions by staying positive and enjoying the ride getting there. I’m determined to become the next Miss USA and am loving this journey! “ Sydney Marie Perry [...]
“Hero” by Mariah Carey, sung by Erika Powell: “And then a hero comes along, with the strength to carry on And you cast your fears aside, and you know you can survive So when you feel like hope is gone, look inside you and be strong And you’ll finally see the truth, that a hero [...]
Erin Edmiston on competing for Miss USA 2012: “I’m going to give it 110%. I’m so excited, I actually went to Miss USA this past summer just to watch. That’s really when I envisioned myself being on that stage and I’m about to make it a reality!” I had the great pleasure to interview Erin, [...]
The words of Alyssa Campanella: “…one of the best colors for a redhead to wear is surprisingly green! Although many would associate red and green as Christmas colors, the two actually work well together. Any shade of green tends to work well except for neon green. Green is not a popular evening gown color; however, [...]
Last month, I had the unique opportunity to attend the Miss Nevada USA 2012 pageant at the Palms Casino and Resort in Las Vegas. With 5 former Miss USA’s, MUO president – Paula Shugart, and Miss USA 2011 – Alyssa Campanella all in attendance, it certainly was an exciting way to conclude the Miss USA [...]
Each year, pageant contestants and titleholders reach the point of competition retirement. Whether one ages out or simply moves forward, a common question arises: “How can I sell my old gown?” Take a quick look on Facebook and you’ll easily find in a former contestant’s Photo Album or Wall Post…gowns and dresses for sale. On [...]
Welcome to the guest blog we’re cleverly calling “A Bit of Clarity” by Claire Buffie. [Not so] Quick intro: In addition to being Miss New York 2010, one of Will’s video interviews featuring Miss America contestants [video], I am a photographer and graphic designer—visual communicator, if you will. I grew up in Indianapolis, IN where [...]
Returning back for another appearance on thePageantGuy.com is guest blogger and Miss Oklahoma USA 2010, Morgan Woolard. Based on her own experience competing in pageants, Morgan again offers her personal insight in a video series addressing pageantry’s tough issues. In this video — drawing on her experience preparing to compete at Miss USA — Morgan [...]
In October, I had the unique opportunity to attend and capture some rare moments of the Miss Louisiana USA and Miss Louisiana Teen USA 2012 pageant. Thank you to Paula Miles and the entire RPM Productions team for the exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of the pageant! Special thanks to Zac Grimaldo for also capturing great footage [...]