I grew up in pageants, and currently work as a dance teacher, pageant coach and choreographer. Truthfully, I was very hesitant to enter MPA at first, as the idea of competing in a pageant at my age and my size was very daunting to me. But with the inspiration of Jenna Vaught, Miss Plus America Elite 2007, and the encouragement of my parents, husband, and many of my students, I reluctantly entered my state pageant. Even after I was crowned Mrs. Louisiana Plus America, I was still very cautious about being a “pageant girl” again. Ten weeks before MPA, my best friend helped me realize that having the Mrs. Plus America crown could open some incredible doors to share my platform of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness on a grander scale, and I could really make a difference in the lives of people that have MS, and their families. At that point, I was all in and ready to compete!

Travel time was pretty quick, as the pageant was held less than a mile from my house. While my husband Chris, was building an eight foot tall and 12 foot long iron hanging rack our hotel room, my parents and I were loading clothes, 37 pairs of shoes, makeup, and all the pageant “necessities” into three vehicles to move in to the hotel. I kept thinking, I’m so glad this pageant is less than 5 minutes away from my house.

I loved the onstage competition! After coaching pageant contestants for years, it was so much fun to be on that stage and “put on a show” myself.  The energy during the pant wear competition was amazing, and I truly felt like a queen in my evening gown. Looking out into the crowd, and seeing the love and support of my family, friends, and fellow contestants was a phenomenal experience.

Having the opportunity to spend the week with 41 amazing, successful, confident, and beautiful contestants, plus the reigning queens and incredible staff, was truly an inspiration. Everyone was wonderfully supportive. The incredible encouragement of my state directors, Bobbie Watts and Peggy Mires (and Uncle Mike, of course) truly made this a fabulous week.

Walking in high heels! I competed with a broken foot, and spent most of the week in a walking cast. I would take the cast off long enough to be onstage for competition, then put it right back on again.

The incredible energy of the contestants and pageant staff was amazing! The excitement was completely infectious!

What was the first thing that went through your mind when you heard your name called?

Tonya

I was so excited! My first thought was to make eye contact with my mom, my husband, and my father in the audience, and blow them a kiss of gratitude for their incredible support and love. As the lovely (and very petite) Monique Bruner, Mrs. Plus America 2009, walked over to crown me, my second thought was, “Can we find her a step ladder?” I’m 6’1” barefoot, and was wearing five inch heels, so I wasn’t sure my broken foot was going to let me bend down enough for her to pin the crown on my head.

As a newlywed and the newly-crowned Mrs. Plus America, this will be a huge year of change and growth for me. I plan to use the crown to promote my platform of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness, as well as being a role model to married women by showing them it’s possible to successfully balance a family, career, and service to their community.

The best pageant experiences happen for those contestants who understand the journey is far more valuable than the crown. Remember, this is a week of competition where the outcome is determined by the opinions of a small panel of judges. Whatever you do, be true to yourself, and focus on celebrating you, and the cause you believe in.