The stage of the Renaissance Theatre shined bright on Wednesday night, launching the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program competition towards the 2014 crown.
Twenty-five contests from all corners of Ohio strutted across the stage in the first preliminary night of competition, showing off brains, beauty and ability. The 12 women of the Buckeye Flight brought their talents as well as their brains on Wednesday night for the talent portion and the on-stage question. The remaining 13 women of the Cardinal Flight modeled both swimwear and evening wear on Wednesday. Each group will compete in their remaining competitions on Thursday evening.
Hosted by Miss Ohio 1979 Tana Carli Dimino, who was also first runner-up to Miss America, the 25 girls opened with a group dance and introductions. For the first time, reigning Miss Ohio 2013 Heather Wells choreographed all dances for the competition.
The women of the Cardinal Flight spoke of their healthy habits and workout routines while striding across the stage during the swimwear competition. Later, the Cardinal Flight donned long, formal gowns for the evening wear portion. Before walking their route across the stage, each woman was escorted by members of the Mansfield 179th Airlift Wing.
A wide range of talents was on display thanks to the women of the Buckeye Flight. Of the 12 acts that performed Wednesday night, six were dancers, three were singers, two were pianists and one was a banjo player. Each woman explained their choice of song and talent to perform, citing ties to family and inspirations to overcome personal struggles.
Tana Carli Dimino interviewed each contestant of the Buckeye Flight for the on-stage question, many questions drawn from the contestant’s own personal platform. Some spoke of adoption and overcoming sexual assault, while others talked of encouraging youth and overcoming bullying.
The first night of competition concluded with the awarding of two preliminary competition awards. Miss Northwestern Ohio Kara Mitchell won the swimsuit competition, and Miss Capital City Alexis Richter won for her talent of playing piano.
The judges to impress for Miss Ohio this year include Jack Joseph from Zanesville; Miss Ohio 1996 Robyn Hancock Wenzke from Dublin; Susan Root Moore from Plymouth; Michael Maher from Austin, Texas; Mark Ellis from Lexington; and Kelly Holdren Pillow from Chillicothe.
Thursday, June 19 marks the second night of preliminary competition for Miss Ohio 2014; the women of the Buckeye Flight will model swimwear and evening wear, and the women of the Cardinal Flight will show off their talents and answer an on-stage question. The final night of competition and the ultimate crowning of Miss Ohio 2014 is Saturday, June 21 at the Renaissance Theatre.
