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I first became involved in
the competition as a contestant in 1992. I was recovering from
Breast Cancer and happened to see Mrs. Iowa on Television. Although
I had competed in pageants in college, this time it was different.
This was personal, could I get back on stage in a swimsuit after
having a mastectomy?
I had 3 weeks to prepare and told my husband on Tuesday that we were
headed to the Mrs. Iowa pageant on Thursday. I managed to place
first runner-up and had the time of my life. Mrs. America 1991
Kristianna Nichols attended as a guest and to this day we are great
friends. I re-entered in 1993 and didn't even place! I was
devastated but even more determined. Back for year number three and
I was again selected as first runner-up. I was beginning to feel
like “first runner-up was tattooed on my forehead” but I vowed to
give it another shot in 1995 and won! A dream come to fruition after
many years of self-improvement and growth.
The day I was to crown my successor, my director asked me to become
her partner for the Mrs. Iowa pageant. I jumped at the opportunity
to stay involved with a system that had helped me grow so much as a
person. In 2000, we were asked to direct the state of Kansas. We
were thrilled to offer the women of Kansas this fabulous experience.
November of 2002 was a month of many changes. Michele, my partner
for the last eight years, was offered a fantastic job in Washington
DC and unfortunately she would be retiring from the pageant world in
June, 2003. This same month the Marmel's, owners of Mrs. America
called and offered me Mrs. Texas. They called again in 2007 to offer
me Mrs. Oklahoma and the rest is history.
As for me personally, in 2004 I was honored to receive the national
“Seymour Seitz Award” as “Director of the Year” and am now
celebrating my 13th year as a state director with the Mrs. America
program.
Most of all, this is a
program that celebrates America's married women. Call today to
receive your free entry information and join the fun of competition
and self-discovery.
Tracy Crist
Executive Director
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