By Darcy Delaney, staff writer
The Sunday Sun
June 30, 2008 10:02 am
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Three women will represent Oklahoma July 5 in Dallas as part of the National Miss Plus America Pageant.
Giselle Alexander, Alysse DeSelle and Joyce Lewis were crowned Mrs. Oklahoma Plus America, Miss Oklahoma Plus America and Ms. Oklahoma Plus America, respectively, at the 2008 Miss Oklahoma Plus America Pageant, the first exclusive full-figured pageant in Oklahoma. The women will now travel to Texas to compete in the national competition.
Ms. Oklahoma Plus America Joyce Lewis said this was her first pageant but was ready for the experience.
“First of all, you don’t have to be a size three to compete, to go out and promote community service, and that’s why I chose to do it,” she said.
This pageant was also the first for Miss Oklahoma Plus America Alysse DeSelle.
“I just wanted to be a part of celebrating full-figured women,” she said.
While DeSelle and Mrs. Oklahoma Plus America Giselle Alexander each spent two months preparing for the Oklahoma pageant (Lewis said she had about five months to prepare), the women have now received coaching and training from executive state producer Virginia Thomas, executive state director Franchesca Thomas, publicist and former make-up artist Evonne Winkenwerder, state co-director La Tisha Thomas, assistant producer and choreographer Michael Bailey and interview and modeling coordinator Carrie Ford-Burks.
“The program actually assists you in your endeavor,” Franchesca Thomas said.
Winkenwerder said the support the women receive from the Miss Oklahoma Plus America staff helps the contestants prepare for the pageant.
“[The women] don’t just have to walk into the program cold turkey,” she said.
However, the women said they would not have been able to compete in the Oklahoma pageant or the national competition without sponsorships and support from friends, family and their employers.
“It’s just overwhelming how people step up to the plate,” said Franchesca Thomas. “Sometimes it’s not always just money but motivation and family support.” Lewis agreed.
“A lot of help comes from our employers,” she said.
While the women admit it took a lot of thought before signing on to compete in the pageant, each said the pageant has given them more confidence and self love.
Mrs. Oklahoma Plus America Giselle Alexander said many people go through life trying to please others instead of pleasing themselves.
“When a person accepts themselves, they become so much better,” she said. “Going in front of [the crowd at the pageant] — it’s life-changing,” she said.
Alexander, DeSelle and Lewis will walk the stage July 5 at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas. DeSelle and Lewis could each eventually have a second opportunity to enter the pageant in the Mrs. division. However, this will be the last time Alexander will be allowed to compete in the plus pageant.
“Yeah, because I am not getting divorced,” Alexander said while laughing.
Early registrants for the 2009 pageant will pay a $250 registration fee and a $100 application fee. After Aug. 1, the price will increase to a $450 registration fee. The application fee will remain $100.
For more information or to become a pageant contestant, visit http://missplusamerica.com/Oklahoma.asp.
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