Miss Deaf Virginia Pageant
Last updated July 29, 2007
Year |
Miss Deaf Virginia |
| 1979-81 | Janis (Collier) Tester |
| 1981-83 | Cathy (Pike) Calhoun |
| 1983-85 | Kim (Slater) Johnson |
| 1985-87 | Belinda McCleese |
| 1987-89 | Charity (Reedy) Hines |
| 1989-91 | Beth (Snyder) Keller |
| 1991-93 | Colleen (Conway) Danielson |
| 1993-95 | Jennifer Yost / Kelly Mankin * |
| 1995-97 | LaShawn Lewis |
| 1997-99 | Marie Shook |
| 1999-2001 | Brianna Ebeling |
| 2001-03 | Torii Deaner |
| 2003-05 | Amy Tussing |
| 2005-07 | Kathryn Jane McGhee |
| 2007-09 | Christy Bowers |
*
Jennifer Yost had to relinquish her throne when she became Miss Deaf America in 1994.
Kelly Mankin, the first runner-up, replaced Jennifer Yost as Miss Deaf Virginia.
What is the Miss Deaf Virginia Pageant?
The Miss Deaf Virginia Pageant is not just a beauty contest. Rather, the Pageant is an event in which young deaf women of Virginia can display their intelligence, talent, personality, poise, and self-confidence in their quest for the Miss Deaf Virginia title. Above all, the Pageant is a fine, dignified, and beautiful way to encourage young deaf women to become leaders of tomorrow! There is an opportunity to win cash prize.
When is the Pageant held?
The Miss Deaf Virginia Pageant is held during the biennial Virginia Association of the Deaf Convention on odd-numbered years.
Who can participate in the Pageant?
The Pageant is open to deaf and hard-of-hearing women who are residents of Virginia. They must be between ages 17 and 27. Certain pageant rules apply, so please contact the Pageant Director.
How are the contestants judged?
The contestants are judged in five areas:
Who sponsors the Pageant?
The Miss Deaf Virginia Pageant is sponsored by the Virginia Association of the Deaf as a worthwhile program to promote success and self-esteem among young deaf ladies. The Pageant is organized, produced, and executed by deaf and hard-of-hearing volunteers who give their time and energy to provide an enjoyable and memorable experience for all contestants and the audience.
Who sponsor the Pageant contestants?
A Pageant contestant usually represents one of the five Chapters, a club, or an organization (deaf or hearing). A sponsor also may be a school or college that has a deaf program, a business, a private club (Lions, Quota, Frat Divisions, etc.), parents, friends, etc. The sponsor is responsible for the contestant's entry fee.
What will the Pageant winner do?
The Pageant winner will be crowned the Miss Deaf Virginia. She will represent the Virginia Association of the Deaf at public events, ceremonies, presentations, etc., for two years. She will be a role model for young deaf people in Virginia. She also will participate in the Miss Deaf America Pageant during the biennial National Association of the Deaf Convention held on even-numbered years.
The winner of the Miss Deaf America Pageant will represent the National Association of the Deaf for two years.
Where can I get more information?
For more information or application form, please contact VAD President Rachel Bavister.
Dear Friends of Miss Deaf Virginia Pageant:
The Miss Deaf Virginia Pageant are held at the biennial Virginia Association of the Deaf Convention in Hampton, Virginia, on odd-numbered years.
Packages containing information on the Pageant have been prepared for distribution to schools or colleges with deaf programs, businesses, private clubs (Lions, Quota, Frat Division, etc.), etc.
Enclosed in the package are:
Mission Statement which includes the goals and purpose of Miss Deaf Virginia Pageant
Pageant Eligibility Rules which is on the back of the Mission Statement sheet
Official Entry Form for those who are interested in competing in the Miss Deaf Virginia Pageant.
Miss Deaf Virginia Pageant Flyer which you can distribute and post
The Miss Deaf Virginia Pageant is always seeking donations to help with the expenses involved in hosting the Pageant and sending the winner to the Miss Deaf America Pageant. Please contact VAD President Rachel Bavister if you want to make a donation.